Many of you have asked for this so I'm finally taking it on.  I'm building a new module to handle custom forms.  The base is coming from the Custom Forms in SigmaPro.  The data is stored in tables.  Not XML.  It's also serializable so that you can download the form and upload to any portal also using the same module.

Anyone have any requests for features or needs for API support for your own modules?

I was also thinking about integrating this directly into the OnyakTech Reports module so that a PDF can be instantly generated based on the input of the custom form.  Anyone have a use for this functionality?

Chris,   It sounds interesting.    Not being a developer myself, I have been looking at, and have worked with various forms modules, trying to get to some solutions.   Some modules are difficult (for me) to build with. Though very flexible and powerful, they require a level of developer skills I struggle with.   Some forms modules are very good for basic forms, submit and forget, but would like more.

Having a form that writes to tables is a big plus, but I can understand that this might be a struggle if the forms tool it to also have plenty of options for setting up fields, to enable a broad range of uses. Having a form create a document such as a .pdf that can be stored or even sent to someone is nice too!

I am looking for a forms tool that would allow me to build "request forms" of various types, and have it send notices of being submitted, but also allow the user to see their requests, the status, and even possibly update or cancel their own pending request, based on status. 

The flow and function is similar to the help desk process, but with capabilities for more data fields and field types.   In the business I work with, we have many types of requests from users (internal and external customers) to have services performed, such as to have work performed on equipment, to expedite a shipment, to research an issue, file a complaint, to request security access to an application, and more.   Each request is sent to a group or category for viewing and action by assigned teams, and some users may be notified by mail (group or specific users), but forms would have a work-flow process, awaiting for follow-up and finally closure. 

The key is in allowing for views and updates of a form until a final status closes it (view my requests, or those in my group).  I have worked with a few help desk modules already, but need more options for adding fields, field types, etc, and some ability to adjust form layout.  Even possibly attach requests to a task list or calendar...   Ok, I am dreaming.......

With a broad, but user friendly forms module that can also have some type of work-flow capabilities, and be set up to support various requests, actions, tracking, and reply,  I could see countless uses for this in a services site or intranet type environment.

If your module is aiming for something like this, I would be happy to give more input and test as needed. 

Thank you!

all the features of xmod

with

1.  data in tables (allow to specify table and column).. maybe even generate a script to create the db table

2.  ability to modify form after creation

3.  custom layout creation

I would love to see this kind of functionality.  My top request would be that your modules "live, work and play nicely" with the current and upcoming modules from ByDesign.  We use both of your products extensively, focusing on ByDesign (especially PortalStore) for the ecommerce / accounting side of things. 

The way your products integrate with the desktop is great, it would be fabulous if you would please continue building on that functionality.

The reports generation is great but  I would love to have the ability to send reports in scheduled, automated emails.

You build great modules!

Shane

Your not really dreaming.  SigmaPro (www.SigmaProDraconis) is well on it's way to what your asking.  With SigmaPr you can have custom forms now and assign them to the Project/Help Desk Level or the Task Level.  Groups come into play with SigmaPro by using the Teams feature. You can assign individuals or entire DNN Roles to Teams.  A Team can be assigned to multiple projects.  You can even download projects and load them on different server or save as a backup. 

These features are available in SigmaPro now.  The only features missing are more advanced work flow processes.  For example, a new feature being added is the ability to automatically change the assigned Team of a project once the Phase of the project is changed.  Or, to automatically changed the assigned tech for a ticket once the Status is changed,  allowing the project/help desk administrator to assign individuals to specific custom status codes and/or priorities. 

I could go on and on and on.  There are massive amounts of work flow changes going in as well as even more customizations by allowing you to change displayed field names based on the project loaded into view.  This will aid CRM and make it even easier to use SigmaPro for both Projects and Help Desks.  Or...inventory, configurations, etc.

With that being said, SigmaPro is the tool you should take a look at.  I don't really want to rebuild what I have provided already in SigmaPro.  But there is a need for custom forms outside of CRM, Projects, Help Desk, etc.

You could use a forms module as a Help Desk, Projects or for CRM.  But you will be limited if your needs grow beyond the basics of data collection and reporting.  That's when you'll need to move to a more robust module.  A module that automatically handles email notifications at specific points, risk analysis, availability analysis, reliability analysis, cost, personal data views, etc.  All of this is in SigmaPro.  To add that to a forms module would be the same as rebuilding SigmaPro and at some point you would no longer be able to use it as a custom forms module.  But to add custom forms to SigmaPro is a great thing and I've done that with v4.0.  Now I'm being asked to take that custom forms functionality and provide it external to SigmaPro for additional purposes.

With that being said, I plan on adding work flow into this new module.  But what other reasons would you need it if not for projects or support systems?  This will give me a better idea of how to implement the work flow.

I'm using the same classes I developed for SigmaPro's custom forms.  These use a set of tables designed to allow you to download the form for use on other sites.  The design doesn't need new tables to function and doesn't have any limitations on the number of fields in the form.  I can provide an ERD if you are interested to see it.

The ability to modify the form after creation already exist.  This is a must.

With the custom layout, I'm not sure where to go with this.  My first choice is XML.  But not everyone knows XSL.  So, I'm thinking about taking some features from my DNN Reporting module that allows custom layout using RTF.  You can create the layout in Microsoft Word, save as RTF, open the file in notepad and then just copy and paste.  Easy and it get's the job done.

Call Centers 24x7 wrote:

I would love to see this kind of functionality.  My top request would be that your modules "live, work and play nicely" with the current and upcoming modules from ByDesign.  We use both of your products extensively, focusing on ByDesign (especially PortalStore) for the ecommerce / accounting side of things. 

The way your products integrate with the desktop is great, it would be fabulous if you would please continue building on that functionality.

The reports generation is great but  I would love to have the ability to send reports in scheduled, automated emails.

You build great modules!

Shane

Thanks Shane.  I'm have a lot of plans for more Windows integration into DNN including the Mobile operating systems (like currently available for SigmaPro), more Microsoft Office add-ins and coming soon... QuickBooks integration. 

Integration with other modules is something I've looked at in the past and have delayed it.  The reason being that the integration should be through DNN, not directly with other modules. 

If I integrated my modules directly with other modules, then there will be compatibility issues on new releases.  In order for this to really work, we'll need to code for compatibility and keep strong communications.  Or, use DNN as the proxy.  But then if DNN is the proxy then you'll have problems with not all developers providing visibility to the proxy.  Like localization.  Not all developers use it.

So, I'm working on my own proxy that will handle these issues.  Once complete, I'll be integrating with many modules.

Sounds great, Chris!  I'm looking forward to it --- but also am enjoying the functionality currently in your modules. 

They have really taken some huge strides forward in the past few months.

Shane

Call Centers 24x7 wrote:

Sounds great, Chris!  I'm looking forward to it --- but also am enjoying the functionality currently in your modules. 

They have really taken some huge strides forward in the past few months.

Shane

bty, I added new features to the new "Email IT" module and released a new SigmaPro.  Download them from the Members Area and let me know how the changes work out for you.

Call Centers 24x7 wrote:

Got 'em.  We have been able to test them thoroughly, they are great, thanks!! 

Shane, I was drawing up the design of this "Custom Forms" module and its turning out to be a 80% re-write of SigmaPro.  So... I'm going to just add more funcationality to SigmaPro.

In SigmaPro you have the primary view that displays all items entered for a group (or project).  In the item (or ticket) you first have static fields (category, priority, milestone, status, etc).  At the bottom of the item is the item control panel with (history, comments, escalation, files, etc).

What if... the static fields could be replaced with a custom form? So in the Group Details (project details) you can specify to use the default form or use a custom form for the item header fields?

By setting the option in the Group details, the primary view will also be effected as well as work flow. If the Group is setup to use a custom form in the Item Header then the primary view will display all fields from the custom form in a data grid, otherwise it would display the default primary view.

Same with Work Flow, if the Group Details specify a custom form in the item header then it would use the Work Flow setup in the custom form instead of the default processing of SigmaPro.

What do you think?  Any additional ideas or needs you have for this?

It won't be ready until the end of next week.  I took everyones input and finally came up with a solid design that is far beyond the original idea.  I'll go into more details when the beta is released.   But the basics are...

• Table based
• Template Driven
• Lot's of Work Flow features
• Full administrative and owner management features at a form group level and individual form level that includes approval and colaboration tracking
• Ability to assign attributes and manage a collection of forms as one entity
• custom menu builder
• email notifications

I would be happy to help in testing.   I can put up portal dedicated to it if desired (DNN3 and/or DNN4).

Just say when.