Electronic Forms Processing - FAQ

The iMarkup Server eForms component provides you with everything needed to easily design, deploy and process electronic forms (eForms) across your organization or within a single department. The following are commonly asked questions regarding electronic forms processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is electronic forms (eForms) processing?
Electronic forms processing enables the automation of business processes that deal with filling out and routing forms. Unlike manual paper-based forms processing, which is labor-intensive, error prone, and insecure, electronic forms processing provides a very reliable, cost efficient, and secure way to collect data.

What is the difference between Automated Forms Processing vs. eForms?
There are two main types of form processing with the fundamental difference being how the data is obtained. In the first approach, sometimes referred to as "automated forms processing", the user fills in a paper form which is then later scanned and converted to a digital format. In the second approach, called eForm processing, the user fills out a form "online" in an electronic format (e.g. html, PDF). Products such as the iMarkup Server support both types of forms processing; however, the eForms component is optimized for the second approach: eForms processing.

Is my company or group too small to benefit from an eForms solution?
No! A good eForms solution can automate large and small tasks. The iMarkup Server provides the quickest ROI for any company size, and is the first affordable, complete eForms solution. If your company is dealing with forms, the question that should be asked is, can you afford NOT to implement an eForms solutions that can expedite, track, secure, and simply my forms handling?

Who can benefit from electronic forms processing?
There are many groups and processes that can benefit with electronic forms processing. These include:
   Internal Company Requests or Work Orders
   Purchase Order Submission
   Employee and Human Resources (hiring, salary, vacation, leave requests, expense reports)
   Accounts Payable and Invoice Processing
   Procurement and Requisition Processes
   Web Based Form Submissions (customer service, help desk, etc.)

Does an eForms solution need workflow?
Absolutely. Integrated workflow is critical to an eForms solution. This enables you to automate the routing and collection of form data. It ensures that your form based information is processed according to your business requirements -- enabling you to track and report on status. The iMarkup Server contains an embedded workflow engine that makes routing eForms available to the business user with little or no training and no need for development or IT resources.

What are the end-user benefits of electronic forms?
From the end-users perspective, electronic forms work just like paper forms, except that they are much easier and more convenient. Presenting users with eForms that appear like their paper-based predecessors eases participation in the form completion process and improves the quality of the information collected. Integrated form help, field pre-population and instant validation improve the end user experience and reduce expensive support calls.

What are the benefits of electronic forms processing?
An eForm solution can unite users and systems, improving the overall business process. It enables you to speed the collection of high quality information and deliver it to the right place at the right time. With business forms costing an average of $75K to manage throughout their lifecycle, a primary benefit of an eForms solution is cost savings (GISTICS, KMWorld June 2004). Additional benefits include reduced errors, increased security, accelerated delivery of information, process awareness and end-user satisfaction.

What is the eForms lifecycle?
Electronic forms have a management lifecycle that consists of six stages. Different users are involved at each stage in this lifecycle. The eForms lifecycle is Create -> Manage -> Deploy -> Collect -> Process -> Archive. The iMarkup Server manages the entire electronic forms (eForm) lifecycle. The iMarkup Server has geared the entire lifecycle for the business user -- it does not require developers or IT. The eForm Builder and the workflow processing are easy to use and accomplished with no programming. For more information on how the iMarkup Server addresses the unique requirements of each stage of the eForm lifecycle click here.

What other products are required if I use the iMarkup Server?
None. Unlike other vendors, the iMarkup Server supports the entire eForms lifecycle in a single integrated offering.

How does the iMarkup Server eForms solution work?
eForm definitions are created using a form builder plug-in to MS Word and are securely stored in the iMarkup Server database. The eForm definition identifies the workflow process(es) to start when the end-user fills in the data the submits the form. The form is then routed according to your workflow process, notifying users by email when an action against the form (e.g. approval) is taken. eForms are stored, secured, versioned and processed just like any other type of content stored in the iMarkup Server database (e.g. documents).

What about the competition?
The iMarkup Server is simply the easiest, fastest, most cost effective way to implement an automated electronic forms system! It includes everything necessary to manage the entire eForms lifecycle, in a single integrated solution. The product is designed for the business user, eliminating the need for costly programming or IT resources to implement and maintain.