Guide Data Entry With Dynamic Field Properties (DFPs)
Dynamic Field Properties (DFPs) modify and manipulate the look and behavior of form fields in response to changing field values
These dynamic features empower form creators to improve the accuracy and thoroughness of entered data while guiding user data entry. Using DFPs, specific form fields can be made Required, change their color, or even be made visible, based on data entered into a corresponding field.
For example, imagine an HVAC inspector is tasked with assessing damage resulting from a flawed pipe. If our inspector were to select a Checkbox signifying a safety hazard, the inspection form could then dynamically display an additional Text field, for further information. This Text field could also be made Required, ensuring it is filled out before the form is completed.
This use case perfectly demonstrates the power of Dynamic Field Properties. Without entering this critical hazard information, our inspector would likely return to the back-office with an incomplete form and need to return to the job site. By making the Signature field Required in response to the selection of the ‘Hazards Detected’ Checkbox, the inspector would be unable to submit their form until further details were added.
By making fields Required using Dynamic Field Properties, incomplete forms are no longer an issue, saving significant time, improving professionalism, and elevating your operation’s data quality.
So how do Dynamic Field Properties work?
Dynamic Field Properties are configured by adding calculations to the appropriate properties of your form fields so that they change in response to changing field values. These properties can be found on the righthand side of the Template Editor, in the Properties Panel. These calculations can be added to the Visible, Background, and Required properties of your form fields.
Here’s an example:
Let’s say you are in charge of gathering event registration forms for a 5K charity race. Most importantly, you need to find a way to ensure any registration forms completed for a minor are submitted with a parent or guardian signature. Using mobile forms equipped with Dynamic Field Properties, this can be easily accomplished using the following steps:
First, we’ll add the following fields to our Event Registration form:
A Checkbox field – with the name ‘Registration for Minor’
A Signature field – with the name ‘Parent/Guardian Signature’
A Text field – with the name ‘Parent/Guardian Name’
Next, we’ll configure our fields’ properties to make them dynamic:
For our Checkbox, we do not need to change any properties
For the Signature field, we’ll add a calculation instructing our ‘Parent/Guardian Signature’ field to be made Required if our ‘Registration for Minor’ Checkbox is selected
(Your calculation may look something like this =IF([Registration for Minor]="true","true","false") please contact your account manager or our support team for more information on calculations)For our Text field, we’ll add a calculation instructing our ‘Parent/Guardian Name’ Text field to be made Required if our ‘Registration for Minor’ Checkbox is selected
(Your calculation may look something like this =IF([Registration for Minor]="true","true","false") please contact your account manager or our support team for more information on calculations)
Now, with the magic of Dynamic Field Properties, if an event registrant were to select the ‘Registration for Minor’ Checkbox, the parent/guardian Signature and Name fields will be made Required, ensuring critical information is entered prior to form submission.
What are the benefits of using Dynamic Field Properties?
There are countless ways DFPs can be utilized to customize and optimize your mobile forms. Dynamic Field Properties allow form admins to easily and flexibly guide users through critical data entry processes. By making additional fields visible, or changing their background color in response to entered data, important form fields can be clearly highlighted – providing a more intuitive data entry experience. By making fields Required, form admins can effortlessly ensure data critical to their operation is gathered before forms can be completed and processed.
Who can help me configure Dynamic Field Properties for my form fields?
We can! Our amazing Professional Services team would love to help you add Dynamic Field Properties to your mobile forms. Simply send the Professional Services team an email or contact your account manager.
Looking for more ways to take full advantage of your GoFormz account? Check out this blog to learn more ways to improve your mobile forms.
