InfoPath 2010 Possibilities

Deb WaltherSenior SharePoint SpecialistCorridor Consultingdeb.walther@corridorconsulting.com

Forms Library Versus Lists

Recovering Scientisto R&D to GMP

Ski Instructoro Maine Adaptive

Tutoring Plus SharePoint since 2008

o Novartis (Strategic External Resourcing)• Contract management, Finance tools, Outsourcing project & data tracking

o Corridor Consulting • Contract management software, consulting, training, documentation.

I InfoPath!

About Me

InfoPath Capabilities Summary Keys to InfoPath Success Forms Library Benefits InfoPath With List Benefits Real World Case Studies/InfoPath Demonstration Q&A

Items To Cover

InfoPath Capabilities | Summary

Electronic Form For Data Collection

• Graphically Rich Non-Programmatic Tool For Designing Electronic Forms With Printable Views

• Large Number of Data Types Available (text, integer, people/group, currency, text, file attachment)

Conditional Logic & Varied Content Display

• Forms sections can dynamically appear on a page based upon values from other fields

• Single data and multi-data elements are supported• Multiple pages can be configured

Data Connectivity

• Can validate data against external systems (SharePoint Lists, Web/REST Services, Databases)

• InfoPath forms (XML files can be saved directly into SharePoint as form items or lists

InfoPath Capabilities | Example 1

Various Control Types

Rich Graphics & Formatting with Support For Tables & Repeating Rows

Conditional Logic Grouping which only displays when “Evergreen” is selected

Data lookup into SharePoint list or Line of Business for Master Data

InfoPath Capabilities | Example 2

Repeating Tables to collect multiple line items of data

Defined process Design of form

o Pageso Layouto Colors/fonts

Information Architectureo Fields/Controlso Sectiono Where locatedo List vs. Library

Keys to InfoPath Success

InfoPath Capabilities | Decisions

List Based Forms Based

Forms Library Benefits

Repeating Groups And Tables

Ability to provide repeating tables for multiple entries as referenced in prior slide. Only available in native InfoPath and not List based forms.

List Based Forms Based

Forms Library Benefits

Code In Forms

Form Library based forms allow for development to take place in the actual form. This provides more flexibility; however it requires the form to be an “Administrator-approved Solution” deployed by farm administrator.

Developer Ribbon is available in native InfoPath forms. This ribbon is not available, nor is the associated functionality in List based forms.

Forms Library Benefits

Form Placement

When configuring Forms based InfoPath forms, the forms can selectively be published to target destinations and with specific content types. Additionally, existing site columns can be selected.

List Based Forms Based

Forms Library Benefits

Digital Signature Usage The InfoPath namespace provides for Digital Signature support.

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/infopath-help/digital-signatures-in-infopath-2010-HA010381868.aspx

• Provides authenticity, integrity and non-repudiation• Requires incorporation of a 3rd party Digital Certificate• Once form is signed, it cannot be altered• Provides trust.

Forms Library Benefits

Pre-Defined Data Schemas

Forms Library based InfoPath Forms Can Have the Field Definitions Automatically Imported Into InfoPath From A Pre-Existing XML Schema

Opposite Form Library Based InfoPath Formso And Of Course … Simpler To Use

Customizes list intake form using “InfoPath Lite”o Use conditional logic to present only what the end-

user needs Automatic Data Connection to List Separate Forms per Content Type

o Provide a unique experience

InfoPath With List Benefits

Real World Case Studies

• List-based Form to replace paper absentee form

• Automate approval process• Metadata available on a

Dashboard

Form Highlights: People Picker Link to fill out form

Form Challenges: List-based, no repeating tables Collect data for Kpi’s Security

Real World Case Studies

• List-based Form for Help Desk• Need 2 pages: 1 for end user to

complete, 1 for staff to complete

Form Highlights: Provide static data (record of

time/place) Content type provided separate

form for each client Use versioning to provide

time/date stamp of progress

Form Challenges: List-based, no repeating tables Collect data for Kpi’s

HELP DESK DEMOInfoPath| List form

Real World Case Studies

• Client had a paper-based process.• Not all information completed

End-user confused 1 paper form for all

departments/ conditions• No KPI’s available• Approval process by hand

Form Highlights: 2 part process: end user and

project team 2 pages Pull info from page 1

Experienced users vs. inexperienced

Only see relevant questions

Form Challenges: Multiple data connections Client Change Management Form Flow Integrate Approval

Real World Case Studies

• Client had a paper-based process 3 pages

• Not all information completed End-user confused 1 paper form for all

departments/ conditions• No KPI’s available• Approval process by hand• Person-based

Form Highlights: 2 part process: end user and

project team 2 pages Pull info from page 1

Experienced users vs. inexperienced

Only see relevant questions

Form Challenges: Multiple data connections Client Change Management Form Flow Integrate Approval

CLIENT DEMOInfoPath | Library Form

KISSo Keep it simple

Use conditionso Only show required contento Permission conditions

Plan aheado Current Processo Future usage

Use retrieve data connections to auto-fill data Use Web Part for displaying form

InfoPath Do’s

Plan the form in isolationo Keep end users in the loop

Make it too complicated Set up fields without groups

o Groups organize fields Don’t create a long form

o Users hate to scrollo Use multiple pages

Don’t plan to use Managed Metadatao MM isn’t supported by InfoPath

InfoPath Don’ts

September 22, 2012Deb Walther

deb.walther@corridorconsulting.comhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/debwalther

InfoPath 2010 PossibilitiesForms Library Versus Lists

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