Purpose Statement

The New Table feature in the Fire Investigation Form Builder allows users to organize and automatically populate structured investigation data within a form.

Tables provide a clear, organized way to display information such as addresses, people, evidence, and scene details in the printed investigation report. Users can customize tables by adding columns, rows, headings, and data fields to meet their reporting needs.

Background Information

The New Table feature is available within the Fire Investigation module's Form Builder.

Users can add tables to newly created forms or edit existing forms to include tables. These tables help organize information collected during an investigation and improve the readability of printed reports.

Key Features:

• Automatic Data Population: Add data fields that populate information from the investigation report.
• Customizable Layout: Add or remove rows and columns to organize information.
• Optional Headings: Display tables with or without headings.
• Flexible Table Management: Move, modify, or delete tables within a form.
• Improved Report Organization: Present investigation information in a structured format for printed reports.

Required Permissions

Users must have appropriate access to the Fire Investigation module and its Form Builder functionality to create or modify forms.

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Navigate to the Fire Investigation Form Builder

1. From the main navigation menu, locate the Fire Investigation module in the module stack.
2. Select Form Builder to access the list of available forms.
3. Choose one of the following options:
   • Create a New Form to build a form from scratch.
   • Edit an Existing Form to add a table to a previously created form.
     
     
     
      

Step 2: Create or Open a Form

1. If creating a new form, enter a Form Name.
2. Locate the area within the form where you want to insert the table.
3. Select the Add (+) button to view the available form elements.
   
   
   
    

Step 3: Add a New Table

1. Scroll through the list of available elements.
2. Locate and select New Table.

3. A new table will appear within the form.

    

   

   
    

Step 4: Configure the Table Settings

1. Select the six-dot menu to view the available table options.
2. Configure the table using the available actions:
   • With Headings: Display headings within the table.
   • Without Headings: Remove the heading display.
   • Convert: Convert the table to another available form element.
   • Add Data Fields: Configure the information displayed in the table.
   • Move Up: Reposition the table higher within the form.
   • Move Down: Reposition the table lower within the form.
   • Delete: Remove the table from the form.
     
     
     
      

Step 5: Add Data Fields to the Table

1. Locate the Add Data Fields option within the table configuration.
2. Select the data fields you want to include in the table.
3. For example, when creating an address-related table, select the appropriate address information from the available investigation data fields.
4. Continue adding the desired fields to organize the information that should automatically populate from the investigation report.
5. Select Save to apply your data field selections.
   
   
   
    

Step 6: Add and Manage Columns

1. Locate the Plus (+) button associated with the table's columns.
2. Select the button to add another column.
3. Alternatively, select the four-dot menu above a column to access additional options:
   • Add Column Left: Insert a new column to the left of the selected column.
   • Add Column Right: Insert a new column to the right of the selected column.
   • Delete Column: Remove the selected column.
4. Continue adding or modifying columns until the desired table structure is complete.
   
   

Step 7: Add and Manage Rows

1. Locate the row controls along the left side of the table.
2. Select the Plus (+) button to add a new row.
3. Use the row's menu to access the following options:
   • Add Row Above: Insert a row above the selected row.
   • Add Row Below: Insert a row below the selected row.
   • Delete Row: Remove the selected row.
4. Repeat as needed to organize the table.
   
   
   
    

Step 8: Adjust Table Headings

1. Open the table's six-dot menu.
2. Select the option to display the table With Headings or Without Headings.
3. Review the table layout to determine which option best presents the information.
4. Use headings when additional labels will help identify the information displayed in each column.
   
   

Step 9: Save the Form

1. Review the table to confirm that all necessary data fields, rows, and columns have been added.
2. Verify that the table is positioned correctly within the form.
3. Select Save to save the completed form.
4. The new or updated form is now saved within the Fire Investigation Form Builder.
   
   
   
    

Best Practices

• Organize Related Information: Group similar investigation data, such as addresses, people, evidence, or scene details, within dedicated tables.
• Use Descriptive Headings: Enable headings when they improve the clarity of the table.
• Select Appropriate Data Fields: Confirm that the selected fields correspond to the information you want to populate from the investigation report.
• Keep Tables Easy to Read: Avoid adding unnecessary rows or columns that make printed reports difficult to interpret.
• Review Table Placement: Position tables logically within the form to maintain a consistent reporting structure.
• Verify the Final Layout: Review the table configuration before saving to confirm that the intended information is included.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Why is the New Table option not available?

Confirm that you are accessing the Form Builder within the Fire Investigation module. If the option is unavailable, verify that your user role has the appropriate access to manage forms.

How do I automatically populate investigation information into a table?

Open the table configuration, select Add Data Fields, choose the desired investigation data fields, and save your selections.

Can I add additional columns after creating a table?

Yes. Use the Plus (+) button or the column's four-dot menu to add columns to the left or right of an existing column.

How do I add or remove rows?

Use the row controls on the left side of the table. You can add rows above or below an existing row or delete a row.

Can I remove the headings from a table?

Yes. Open the table's six-dot menu and select the option to display the table Without Headings.

Can I change the position of a table within the form?

Yes. Open the table's six-dot menu and use Move Up or Move Down to reposition the table.

Can I add a table to an existing form?

Yes. Open an existing form in the Fire Investigation Form Builder, select the Add (+) button, and choose New Table.

How do I save my completed table?

After configuring the table and its data fields, select Save to save the completed form.