Most people think of using forms with mobile devices, but when considering a mobile solution, it should be based on the use and requirements not on the platform. Each platform offers certain benefits, but they also have restrictions and could be more cumbersome if not chosen for the right purpose.

So what do you need to know when looking at a mobile solution?

Defining The Required Content
• What data that needs to be collected?
• What data can be pushed to the tablet/mobile device to minimize data entry?
• Are there any calculations needed?

Defining the data will help in identifying the format of the information and whether an eform, app or other method is required. Depending on the amount of information collected, it may define the need for a keyboard, pull down menus or more extensive navigation tools.

Is Connectivity Required?
If connectivity to an application is required, looking at solutions that provide offline use of data (encrypted/secured) is needed. This greatly changes the focus and type of solution.

Identify What Media Will Be Needed
Photo, maps, fields, signature(s), graphics, audio, video, etc. all have unique file formats. Many devices can capture these types of files, however not many can do it as one form or dataset. These are typically very valuable to the data collection process and should be considered both from the hardware and solution perspective.

Define The Data Collection Environment
The popularity of mobile devices has grown in part because of their “ease of use”. InQ calls these and ergonomic approach for data capture. It doesn’t make sense to have someone use the on-screen keyboard when there is a lot of typing to get done (a full keyboard allowing the use of all 10 fingers would be much faster). Considering things like; Hand print recognition, pen/finger signing, order of collection to match data entry, durability, battery life, etc all are key to the successful use of mobile technology.

InQ can help you work through your mobile forms requirements and help you head in the right direction to stay on top of today’s mobile tools.