What is the Forms Module?

The creation and maintenance of interactive forms becomes a straightforward process using the tools within this module - even for non-technical people.

The module simplifies the creation of forms that can automatically send emails, write records to databases and integrate with other systems.

How does it fit into the Contensis Environment?

The Forms module is built around the use of Contensis templates and therefore the creation of form pages requires very little additional knowledge for Contensis users. Because the Forms module utilises Contensis templates, a single form can be used time and time again in many different pages.

In addition, the module can be used to allow users to add content into the CMS repository from a published website (i.e. outside the standard CMS interface). The content that is added is like any other in Contensis; it is therefore controlled by workflow rules, and is protected against undesirable content.

The Forms module integrates with the Contensis DataView module; this enables the creation of complex search pages.

Who can use it?

The use of the Forms module follows the same process as the creation of any content within Contensis. Therefore non-technical users can be given training in the Forms module and be empowered to produce form input pages with great ease.

Customisation is straightforward, with individual elements easily positioned and formatted as required.

In the event that advanced customisation is needed, developers can use the Forms modules and write server side code to process the form input to any specification. Even non-technical users can try their hand at coding since pages are built in a staging environment. This means that mistakes can be made without bringing down the production site).

 What are the benefits?

Contensis Forms module supports many different control types such as those listed here by way of example.

• Text Box
• Linked Drop Downs (useful for categories and sub category selection)
• Check box and Check box lists
• File uploads (used for email attachments and document uploads into databases)
• Validation controls (Force required inputs, check email formats)
• Navigation (next and previous sections in multi section forms)

The creation of the form input pages is controlled by a workflow process in common with all content within Contensis. As with the Dataview module, this means that full testing can be carried out in the staging environment, before committing the page to the production site.

What makes it so useful?

The Forms Module comes with built in validation controls. These enable users to create forms and add simple elements that ensure that information is gathered exactly as required.

Multiple section forms can be created as standard. Contensis provides built in navigation controls to allow the creation of complex forms to be produced by non-technical users without the need for any coding.