Help Center

When you are designing a form on the console, the fields look quite different from what your fieldworkers see on their handsets. Below are examples of how each field type will display for the fieldworker conducting the interview/data collection activities.

Instruction

Information is simply displayed to the fieldworker. No data is collected. The fieldworker can press 'Next' to continue the form after reading the instructions.  

Multiple Choice

Select One

You can select a single response from a list of available options.

Select Many

You can select one or more responses from a list of available options.

Advanced Multiselect

As per the above you would select the appropriate options but the following variations may apply:

Number

You can only enter numbers. Some number fields allow decimals and others only allow integers.

Text

You can enter anything - letters, numbers and symbols.

Fixed format

Date

You can enter a date in the format DD-MM-YYYY.  

Time

You can enter a time in the format HH:MM.

Phone number

This creates a number field type that allows responses of 10 digits or more.

GS1 identifier

Ensures the number entered conforms to the "GS1" standard - a commonly used format for barcodes. The standard uses a "check digit" to improve input error detection. Only use this field type if you are using the GS1 standard.

Password

Allows letters and numbers to be entered but hides the characters as you type.

PIN

Allows a numeric PIN code to be entered but hides the numbers as you type.

Email address

Allows an email format (letters, numbers and characters) to be entered.

Numeric identifier

Allows for longer strings of numbers to assist in validating formats such as ID numbers.

Multimedia

Photo capture

Select 'Options' in the bottom left corner of the handset's screen. Select 'Take Photo'. On the next screen, if the handset has a flash, you can change the flash options. When ready, select 'TAKE PHOTO'.

Signature capture

If enabled, it is possible to capture signatures. Select 'Options' in the bottom left corner of the handset's screen. Select 'Capture Signature'. Run your finger or a stylus over the screen to capture.

Advanced

GPS

This captures your current location. Complete as follows:

1. Ensure GPS is enabled on the handset.
2. Ensure your handset's date and time are correct.
3. On the main menu, wait for a globe to appear at the top-right.
4. You may need to be outside in clear view of the sky and wait for a few minutes.
5. Once the globe appears you can conduct the form.

When you get to the Location field in the form, select 'Options' in the bottom left corner of the handset's screen. Select 'Get location' and wait until the GPS location has been recorded.

Variable

Not displayed on the fieldworker's handset.

Barcode

An option may be made available to scan a barcode or QR code. Select 'Options' in the bottom left corner of the handset's screen. Select 'Scan Barcode'.

Hierarchy

You may be prompted to select from a Hierarchy. Select 'Options' in the bottom left corner of the handset's screen. Select 'Open Options List'.