Inspections: Form Builder Basics

Inspections: Form Builder Basics

Purpose Statement

The Form Builder is a powerful tool that allows administrators and training officers to create customized inspection forms using modular blocks. This feature enables departments to build professional, compliant inspection documents that can capture all necessary data while maintaining consistency across different inspection types and regulatory requirements.


Background Information

The Form Builder provides an interface for creating inspection forms using pre-defined block types. Each block serves a specific function, from capturing signatures and checklists to displaying legal text and warnings. This modular approach ensures forms can be easily modified, updated, and standardized across the department while meeting specific inspection requirements and compliance standards.


Required Permissions

To access and use the Form Builder, users need the following permissions:

  • Inspection Form Management - Required to create, edit, and delete inspection forms
  • Administrator or Training Officer role - Necessary for form builder access
  • Inspection Module Access - Basic permission to access the Inspections module

Video




Warning
Warning: When deleting an Inspection Form, it will remove the bulk of the form from any associated Inspections.

Step-by-Step Guide




  1. Navigate to Inspections > Inspection Form Builder.



  2. Select Create Form or edit an existing form.





  3. Ok, before we create a form, here are some key terms (Blocks and Types) to know first:

    1. Blocks - Blocks are the modifiable sections within the form.





      Each block can be only one of the following types:

      1. Text - Add a simple text block that can contain legal jargon or other explanatory information.




        Text Example:






      2. List - Add a simple bulleted (unordered) or numerical (ordered list).




        List Example:






      3. Quote - Add a text box that places opening and closing quotes around italicized text. (Still in development).




        Quote Example:






      4. Raw HTML - Create your own block using HTML.




        Raw HTML Example:






      5. Delimiter - Add extra spacing (white space) between blocks for a cleaner looking form.




        Delimiter Example





      6. Warning - Add a row with with a warning indicator.




        Warning Example:






      7. Heading - Add a heading.




        Heading Example:






      8. Image - Add an image.




        Image Example:






      9. Table - Insert a table.




        Table Example:






      10. Checklist - Insert checklist details pulled directly from the inspection.




        Checklist Example:





      11. Header - Add a professional looking header.




        Header Example:






      12. Tag - Add tag(s) -  Fields arranged in a grid-like manner. You select the field from a dropdown.




        Tag Example:




      13. Simple Tag - Add a simple tag (one field). Enter info you wish displayed and select the field from a dropdown.




        Simple Tag Example:





      14. Signature - Add one or more signatures.




        Signature Example:





      15. Checklist Table - Insert a checklist table.




        Checklist Table Example:





      16. Addendum Table - Insert an addendum table.




        Addendum Table Example:




Best Practices

  • Plan your form structure before building to ensure logical flow
  • Use consistent heading styles throughout your forms
  • Place signature blocks at appropriate locations (typically at the end)
  • Test forms with sample data before deploying
  • Use delimiter blocks to create visual separation between sections
  • Keep text blocks concise and focused
  • Utilize warning blocks for critical safety or compliance information
  • Regularly review and update forms to maintain compliance

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: What happens when I delete an inspection form? A: Deleting an inspection form will remove the bulk of the form content from any associated inspections. Exercise caution when deleting forms that are actively in use.

Q: Can I modify forms that are already in use? A: Yes, but changes may affect existing inspections using that form template. Consider creating a new version for significant modifications.

Q: Why can't I see the Form Builder option? A: Ensure you have the proper permissions (Inspection Form Management and Administrator/Training Officer role).

Q: Can I use HTML in blocks other than Raw HTML? A: HTML should only be used in Raw HTML blocks to ensure proper form rendering and functionality.


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