ADempiere and iDempiere – Save Button Will Not Go Away

Hi Everyone,

Here is a common question:

Why won't the save button go away? I cannot close the record because the system says "Please save changes before closing", but there is nothing to save - nothing changed.

The issue typically is cause by the Salesrep field and its ‘Reference Key’ vs ‘Dynamic Validation’ settings. To solve the problem:

1. Log in as System -> System Administrator
2. Open the Table & Column window.
3. Choose the table that supports with window with the save issue.
4. Choose the Salesrep_ID column.
5. Change the Reference Key field from “AD_User – Internal” to “AD_User”.
6. Change the Dynamic Validation field from null to “AD_User – Internal”.

Another common question is:

What is the difference between 'Reference Key' vs 'Dynamic Validation' in ADempiere and iDempiere?

The answer is: they are amazingly similar in how they function. They both limit the options available to the user in a drop down or search field. They both use context to achieve the filter. The difference is that the Dynamic Validation field is only used by the user interface. Reference Key is used by both the user interface and the model; therefore, the Reference Key is much stronger in scope.

Here is an example to better explain the difference:

If you set the Dynamic Validation, a user visiting a window will be limited by the Dynamic Validation; however, if the system creates a record behind the scenes, the system is not limited by Dynamic Validation. If the system puts a value outside of the Dynamic Validation, the user will be able to see the system value the next time he/she views the field.

If you set the Reference Key, a user and the system is limited by the Reference Key. When the system tries to save a record whose field violates a Reference Key, the save will fail.

The above explanation does not completely explain why ADempiere and iDempiere show the record as not saved; however, it does explain how to fix the situation. And, it helps you better understand the difference.

I hope this helps!!!

Please note that ADempiere, iDempiere and Openbravo are forks or copies from Compiere. Therefore, they have similar abilities mentioned above. The biggest difference is that ADempiere and iDempiere are pure open source. There are no features held behind a commercial or paid license.