Download - How to Give Infopath Everlasting Beauty
HOW TO GIVE INFOPATH EVERLASTING BEAUTY
Tosha Mehta | Project Delivery Manager
SoHo Dragon | www.sohodragon.nyc | [email protected]
AGENDA Introductions InfoPath introduction Why InfoPath has run out of gas How to make InfoPath mobile friendly Advantages and shortcomings SharePoint 2016 - InfoPath and SPD Why forms fail Tips to make the user form experience sparkle Which 3rd party tools work put rocket fuel the InfoPath deployment How it is contemplated to be replaced by power apps in 2016
REMINDER- THIS SLIDEDECK IS ON
@Sohodragon
WHO AM I - @ TOSHA MEHTA
{ background : “Ahmedabad, Sunnyvale, CA", employee : “SoHo Dragon", skill : “InfoPath queen", hobbies : “Bollywood movies",}
WHAT ABOUT YOU?Who’s never used InfoPath?Who’s a rockstar at it?
INTRODUCTION TO INFOPATH Forms engine for SharePoint Designing forms and rules Data connection types Usage with SharePoint- Infopath Forms Services Types of infopath forms in SharePoint Types of deployment
WHY INFOPATH HAS RUN OUT OF GAS
Can’t add Javascript, HTML to the form Chatty Good luck with a neat look, clean design, attractive controls and added features using JQuery and other libraries
Certain controls just don’t work
HOW TO MAKE INFOPATH MOBILE FRIENDLYWhy is this a challenge?
Using Infopath Form Web part and Query String(URL) Filter web part
DEMO VIEW DEMOPoints to Note:- Usage of Query filter web part
- Usage of infopath parameters
- View redirection based on parameters
Advantages
Connects to multiple data sources
Close integration with SharePoint
Browser based and client forms supported
Repeating structures, custom validation, conditional formatting and branding supported without any code
Multiple views for a single form Easy to add third party tools
Short comings
Can’t connect to process driven applications directly, except SharePoint
Office or Enterprise license needed
AJAX and Custom controls not supported
Security Not very compatible with
mobile devices
FUTURE OF INFOPATH AND SHAREPOINT DESIGNER IN SHAREPOINT 2016 No new versions for InfoPath and SharePoint designer in SharePoint 2016
Infopath Forms services and Infopath designer 2013 still supported for SharePoint server 2016 and Office 365.
SharePoint designer 2013 can be used for SharePoint 2016 Third party alternatives are K2, Nintex and Agilepoint
ALTERNATIVESAgilepoint nx Nintex K2Provides no code customizable solutions for business processesCustom Javascript and CSS supported on E-formsMultiple data source supportVarious types of controls supportedMultiple authentication providers supportedEasy integration into multiple platforms such as SharePoint and Salesforce with the help of a dashboard
Very SharePoint Similar to AgilePoint
QRULES- NO CODING POWER
Also known as the Red Bull drink for InfoPath Enabling the shortcomings of infopath forms WITHOUT having to write custom
code Provides various commands for multiple functions such as:
Uploading attachments to libraries in SharePoint Copy values from one table to another Get validation error counts on infopath forms Dynamically insert values/rows to repeating structures Encrypt data on the form Can also use:Qrules commands GetEnvironment and SetDefaultView for mobile viewing
QRULES
The form is too confusing- remember end users are not technologically sound People don’t change their ways- Still use old processes Someone doesn’t take ownership of the process and there isn’t agreement People are using it for the wrong ways. Not a shopping cart experience There’s a BIG bang approach
WHY FORMS FAIL
GOLDEN RULES- END USERS They are not technologically sound If it can be broken it will happen They are very vocal The process must add value to their day They must be guided Average user attention span on a form is
10 seconds
DO NOT TRY AND BOIL THE OCEAN
Make fields automated if possible I only see information to me Email updates of the process See who is handling this request Bold fonts and contrasting colors Screen tips and validation messages
Make them feel very special
GOLDEN RULES- MAKE IT PERSONNEL
DEMO OF A GREAT COMPLEX INFOPATH FORM Points to Note:
The side menus.. Easy to navigate Pre form screens Navigation at the top A guided process Pre filled out information Attachment icons
View Demo
POWER APPS What is PowerApps? Not entirely a replacement of infopath. Can build form like applications to connect to SharePoint online as well as 3rd party platforms
Overcomes infopath limitations May be used creating an application where infopath may have been used before
Powerapps Demo
QUESTIONS? SoHo Dragon | www.sohodragon.nyc | [email protected]
THANK YOU
SoHo Dragon | www.sohodragon.nyc | [email protected]