When working in Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations, efficiency isn’t just about getting to the right page, it’s about moving through records smoothly once you’re there. If you frequently review long lists of records, closing each one and returning to the list view can quickly interrupt your workflow and slow you down.

Fortunately, D365 F&O includes a simple but powerful feature that many users overlook: the side panel list view, often referred to as the “cheeseburger” button. This feature allows you to move between records without leaving the details page you’re actively working in, helping you stay focused and productive.

Tip summary: Use the side panel to switch records without navigating back

The side panel view displays the record list on the left side of the screen while keeping you inside the selected record’s details page. When enabled, selecting a different record from the side panel automatically refreshes the main form, no need to return to the grid view.

This reduces repetitive navigation and keeps your current FastTab in focus while you work through multiple records.

Key benefits include:

• Eliminates repeated navigation in and out of list pages
• Keeps your current FastTab open while switching records
• Speeds up record review and validation
• Improves productivity when working with high-volume data
• Reduces context switching during analysis or troubleshooting

The side panel view is especially helpful when working with high-volume or sequential records, such as:

• Released products
• Planned orders
• Production orders
• Purchase orders
• BOM lines
• Job cards

If you regularly compare fields across multiple records or perform cleanup and validation tasks, this feature can significantly streamline your process.

How to use the side panel (“Cheeseburger”) view

1. Navigate to a list page (for example, Released Products or Purchase Orders).
2. Open any record from the list.
3. In the top action pane, select the ☰ (cheeseburger) icon to display the side panel list.

4. The record list will appear on the left side of the screen.

5. Select another record from the side panel.

The main record details will refresh automatically, and your currently open FastTab will remain selected. This allows you to immediately compare values or make updates without losing your place.

Continue selecting records from the side panel as needed, no back navigation required.

When this tip makes the biggest impact

You’ll see the greatest benefit when:

• Reviewing the same FastTab across multiple records
• Comparing values such as dates, quantities, costs, or statuses
• Performing updates across similar records
• Investigating issues without losing your place in the form

For users who work through dozens, or hundreds, of records in a session, this small change can result in meaningful time savings.

Why this tip matters

In high-volume environments, efficiency often comes down to eliminating small, repetitive actions. The side panel view reduces unnecessary clicks, minimizes workflow interruptions, and keeps users focused on the data that matters. Features like this may seem minor, but over time they can significantly improve productivity and user experience in D365 F&O.

If you’d like help identifying additional ways to optimize your environment, improve user efficiency, or enhance system performance, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can help you get more value from your D365 investment and be sure to check back next month for another F&O Tip of the Month.