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Question

Create fillable forms for techs who use smartphones

Oct 11, 2015 1:25PM PDT

Hi,
I am employed at an HVAC company and we need to create our own fillable pdf forms, which can then be sent to our techs out in the field, so that they can input all the data from their maintenances(unit pressures, temperatures, belts checked, etc). They do 5-6 jobs a day and there are 6 techs, so they would use it often. They have either iphones or android smartphones, and I'm curious if they will be able to fill out the fillable pdf forms via their phones? What are the cheapest pdf form designers, that are still versatile? (I've looked at Adobe Pro and don't want to spend $450 on it, but it seems like it would work)

Next question, how can they send the office the saved form? Would it have to be emailed, or can they take a screenshot or convert it to a picture, so that they can attach it to the current app we use(our dispatching app lets them see all the customer info and history, but they can only attach pictures from their phone gallery, or take a new picture....they can't attach pdfs. DUMB!)

We might have to send customers the completed forms, so they need to look nice, and I think taking a screenshot will look unprofessional.

Please help with pdf designer suggestions and any other options about how to send the office specs on each job, that looks professional enough to send to a customer.

Thanks in advance!

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
First you ask about PDF then
Oct 11, 2015 1:35PM PDT

Claim you can't send PDFs. Sounds like you have to solve the PDF email issue first.

https://www.google.com/search?q=fillable+pdf+forms&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8#q=fillable+pdf+forms+on+android shows android does it and if you change the search you see Apple works too.

There are alternatives to Adobe's app so I see no need to share a google on that.

You may want to farm this out with a full specification. Filling a PDF has been kicked around since about 2010 ( https://www.androidpit.com/forum/406511/anyway-to-use-android-to-fill-in-a-pdf-form ) so it's a sure thing it can be done.

But maybe this isn't enough. You may be in search of an app specific to your needs.
Note: Corrected title.

Post was last edited on October 11, 2015 1:39 PM PDT

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PDF or whatever will work
Oct 11, 2015 5:20PM PDT

I don't need it to be a pdf, I guess. I just assumed that would make a nice clean document. And yes, I agree I have to solve the pdf issue(that I can't attach it to the current app we use). That's why I am asking about other options. I'm not current on all the apps or web forms out there, so I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction.

I like the idea of a webform, but i'm assuming they can only be used if they have wifi or ample cell service. Sometimes our guys are in basements or have no service, but maybe that will be the only downside of it.

Any suggestions on how/where to make a webform that can be turned into a document for each use?

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I've done a lot of system engineering over the years.
Oct 11, 2015 5:27PM PDT

When there is no power, no web and more we use paper forms and submit it later online.

As to the webform, your web development team takes your specs and makes it happen. There are folk new to all this and think apps, web sites can be done without a team. Maybe, but if there are questions like above it shows the team size needs more members.

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Answer
does it have to be pdf
Oct 11, 2015 1:51PM PDT

there are mobile apps, webforms, etc that also can do what you want without the hassle pdfs can caused.

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Does not need to be pdf
Oct 11, 2015 5:22PM PDT

I'm open to anything!! I just want something that works, easy to use, and on the cheaper side.

I guess our guys will have to use 2 apps. One to get all the customer info and send most of the notes about the particular job back to the office, and one to create a form that includes all their readings or maintenance checkouts for the customer.

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Re: apps
Oct 17, 2015 2:03AM PDT

You name it. Have an iOS or Android app written, that directly interacts with your database.
A webbased solution (webforms in a browser) is an alternative.

Kees

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Answer
Has the problem for the techs found a solution yet?
Oct 19, 2015 7:30PM PDT

I am pretty curious if the problem has been solved vtala. What say you?