When we prioritized the requirement for Record Creation via Archer Engage, our plans were simple. Our goal was to extend the existing record publishing mechanism. The work seemed relatively minor, and we were confident about a quick turnaround. We could have delivered a significant ask in a short period. It would have been perfect!
And it couldn't be any further from fulfilling your needs. So, it was a non-starter.
The new design
As we solicited your input on how this feature would help your business goals, we received many responses. Using your replies, we narrowed all your immediate and future needs for Engage Record Creation into the following four scenarios:
- Only logged-in users can create new records
- Anonymous users can create new records
- Only anonymous users within the organization's trusted boundary can create new records
- Only a few identified users within the organization can create new records
We returned to the drawing board to create a new design that seamlessly supported these scenarios. And we also planned for incremental releases for a quicker delivery and feedback cycle.
And now, we are happy to deliver the first scenario: Logged-in users can create new records.
How are record creation and record publishing different?
There are three fundamental differences in their characteristics.
- Record creation would not have any pre-existing record to publish.
- The access requirements are much broader (see the list of the scenarios above).
- Engage must retain the application details after a user submits a new record (so that users can create more records subsequently).
While these issues require our focus on design and implementation, your interest is more straightforward.
Configuration needs three data points to publish an application template:
- The Application Layout id,
- The Engage Agent URL, and
- The User Id of the user who would receive the confirmation email. It is the id of an Archer User from the User profile (Administration -> Access Control-> Users).
Publishing a template to create records via Engage requires you to initiate a new record in Archer but not save it. Instead, all you need to do is begin the record creation from Archer and select the action "Publish Template." However, you need not enter any information on the record page or create a record.
The user selected in the User ID field then receives the confirmation email with the URL in the email.
The user can share the URL with others or make it available on your intranet sites to create records via Engage.
Since users must log in to create records, they must log in first if they have not.
Once they log in, they will see an empty form for record creation.
Where to find help?
These new features require Archer Engage and Archer Engage Agent v1.1.0+.
The Engage User guide can guide you through a step-by-step process of configuring the application and publishing it to Engage for record creation. And after that, if there are questions, our support teams are always there to help you provide additional help.
Mobile Experience
The Archer Engage user interface is Mobile Responsive. Once an application template is published, Engage users can use their mobile devices or computers to report incidences, violations, or other vital records using a simple and intuitive Engage User Interface.
What is next?
Based on all the input we have received so far, the next highest priority for your business needs is the second scenario: Anonymous users can create new records. Hence, we are now focusing our efforts there, and we plan to provide it soon.
We are very interested in hearing your feedback on Record Creation, your business needs for other new record creation scenarios, or any other capabilities that would help you leverage Archer Engage. So please comment on this blog, and we will reach out to discuss your requirements. Or, if you love this new capability, we'd like to hear this feedback as well!
