Using the Desktop Client

Although most of the features in Axiom Strategy Management are available from the Web Client, if you are a system administrator or are using certain reports, you may need to use the Desktop ClientGeneral term for using either the Excel Client or the Windows Client, both of which are installed to the user's desktop. occasionally; for example, when assigning security roles to users.

All Axiom Software products, including Axiom Strategy Management, share a common interface and use many of the same features. The interface includes the following common sections.

Display area

The main area of the Desktop Client displays open files. By default, it shows the Axiom Strategy Management Dashboard. The display here is essentially identical with the one in the Web Client; the only pieces missing are the side navigation panel, replaced by the Axiom Assistant pane; and the Web Client toolbars. If you click any links in the Dashboard, they behave the same as in the Web Client—they either open a window or open the corresponding Axiom Strategy Management Web Client page. To work within the Desktop Client, use the task panes.

Task panes

A task pane provides access to commands, utilities, reports, plan files, and so on for Axiom Strategy Management, and displays on the left side of the main display area. To switch between task panes, click the tabs on the left side of the interface. To expand or collapse the task panes, click the arrow in the left-hand corner above the tabs.

Ribbon tabs

Ribbon tabs provide access to commonly used features and shortcuts to frequently accessed files. They display above the task pane and main display areas. The role assigned to you determines the ribbon tabs that display. For example, the Admin ribbon tab only displays to those users assigned the Administrator role profile.

NOTE: The role assigned to you determines the ribbon tabs that display. For example, the Admin ribbon tab only displays to those users assigned the Administrator role profile.

Some options on the ribbon tabs display grayed out unless certain types of files such as reports or plan files are currently open, or if you do not have the necessary security permissions to use the feature.

The Excel Client displays all of the same ribbon tabs included in a normal Excel file. The Windows Client only includes a subset of the same ribbon tabs located in the Home ribbon tab.

TIP: When creating reports, we recommend that you use the Excel Client.

Windows Client or Excel Client?

The following table describes each client:

NOTE: All Axiom Strategy Management web pages are configured for viewing in the Web Client. You can view the Dashboard in the Windows and Excel clients, but if you click a link to another page from a Dashboard link, you cannot navigate back.

Type	Description
Windows Client	Emulates a spreadsheet environment without requiring Excel. Provides access to some Axiom Strategy Management features. Navigation and help functions differ from the Excel Client. Communicates with the database using http or https. Administrative rights not required for local installation or updates. Users with appropriate permissions can open standard Excel files from within the Windows Client. Provides faster processing speeds and fewer technical requirements than the Excel Client. Access to features in this client depend on user access permissions
Excel Client	Provides access to all of the Axiom Software features within a Microsoft Excel interface. Communicates with the database using http or https. Administrative rights are not required for local installation or updates. Users with appropriate permissions can open and create any normal Excel file and perform Excel tasks without needing to exit the Excel Client.

NOTE: The instructions in this website, including the screenshot examples, assume that your organization is using the Windows Client. The Excel Client uses the same features, but with the added benefit of the Excel interface, including the Excel ribbon tab.