IBM Workplace Forms: Guide to Building and Integrating a Sample Workplace Forms Application

8 IBM Workplace Forms: Guide to Building and Integrating a Sample Workplace Forms Application

IBM Workplace Forms Viewer is a feature-rich desktop application used to view, fill, sign,

submit, and route eForms, and is able to function on the desktop or within a browser. It

enables full connectivity with real-time integration using Web services. The open standards

framework of IBM Workplace Forms enables Workplace Forms Viewer to operate in portal or

stand-alone environments, in online or offline modes, and as a plug-in for thin or rich-client

browsers.

IBM Workplace Forms Designer is an easy-to-use WYSIWYG eForm design environment that

supports the drag-and-drop creation of precision forms with an open and accessible,

XML-schema-derived data model. IBM Workplace Forms Designer leverages open standards

to deliver advanced forms-based business process automation solutions that integrate

seamlessly across lines of business applications and IT infrastructure.

IBM Workplace Forms Server enables the creation and delivery of XML forms applications. It

provides a common, open interface to enable integration of eForms data with server-side

applications using industry-standard XML schemas. IBM Workplace Forms Server also

delivers a true zero-footprint solution, providing eForms to external users quickly and

efficiently within a browser without requiring additional downloads or plug-ins. IBM Workplace

Forms Server provides a low administration solution for data-capture requirements while

supporting precise viewing and printing, automated validation, and the security and

compliance capabilities of XML eForms.

1.2.1 Value proposition

In this section we highlight key value points where IBM Workplace Forms can benefit your

organization.

IBM Workplace Forms allows your organization to more efficiently and effectively integrate

people, information, and processes.

Starting with the traditional paper-based forms:

򐂰 Workplace Forms

unlocks the value trapped in paper forms.

򐂰 Workplace Forms then make this information

more accessible.

򐂰 Workplace Forms helps manage the information and associated processes more

efficiently.

IBM Workplace Forms enables you to extract value from paper-based data. This ensures:

򐂰 Accurate information: Data you can rely on.

– Data and schema validation provided at the client and server levels using business

logic that understands business process, data types, and schema requirements.

• Business impact: Ensures accurate data required by all systems that touch the

data or are involved in the business process. No expensive downstream re-work.

Ensures that business can process data efficiently.

򐂰 Timeliness of data: Enabling the right data at the right time.

– On demand data capture from employees, customers, suppliers, and partners.

Captures information as required by real-time processes, and uses business rules and

Web services to get the

right data at the right time.

• Business impact: The right data at the right time — This enables straight-through

processing by capturing all necessary data as required to optimize a business

process.