Distributed Mandoforms
Distributed Mandoforms extends the use of Mandoforms, allowing Mandoforms to be run on standalone or intermittently connected PCs whether they are laptops, notebooks, tablets or kiosks. Typical applications include:
- environmental health
- housing repairs
- social services
The power of the Mandoforms user interface is combined with the convenience of a fast, local application to extend all of the benefits of Mandoforms to users wishing to use them on their local PC, whilst out of the office or simply disconnected from the network.
By sharing a common architecture and technology with the online Mandoforms product e.g. the same builder tool, multi-channel deployment, integration capabilities etc., Distributed Mandoforms allows existing Mandoforms customers to build on their previous investment in the product to extend the reach of e-services even further.
DMF includes self-updating software that automatically ensures that users are always working with the latest version of forms and their associated files.
Intelligent data capture where, when and how you want it:
Having Mandoforms running locally means that you can provide data capture solutions:
- When it is convenient
- Regardless of the vagaries of the Internet
- Regardless of the unpredictability of GPRS in trying to maintain an 'always on' connection
- Without the added expense of making devices GPRS compatible
- When you need to capture and keep data in a secure manner.
The full range of Mandoforms functionality (including saving partial forms, pre-populating forms, adding attachments, displaying PDFs, etc.) can be incorporated into Distributed Mandoforms using the standard Mandoforms Developer Kit right out of the box.
In addition to providing fully functional off-line forms, Distributed Mandoforms also allows you to provide a local website within which the Mandoforms may be placed. This gives you the opportunity to provide, for example, help information, product information, policies and procedures or technical details.
Automatic updates to respond to business change
System updates may be automatically applied remotely to the client Distributed Mandoforms software (for new releases), the Mandoforms E-Forms themselves (for changes to the forms) and to the local Web site (for changes to the Web pages).
Part of a consistent enterprise-wide solution
The common Mandoforms architecture ensures seamless integration with the Mandoforms Enterprise Server.
Develop once, run anywhere technology
A Mandoform that has been developed and tested with the standard Developer Kit can be deployed as part of a Distributed application as well as an online Mandoform. All of the training and skills acquired by creating online Mandoforms are directly transferable to developing Distributed Mandoforms.
Proven, automated distribution mechanism
Underpinning all of the benefits and features of Distributed Mandoforms is the ability to support and maintain Distributed installations while minimising costs. This balance is achievable because of the embedded distribution technology - the Mandoforms Update System.
"Mandoforms provides the Alliance & Leicester with an infrastructure that keeps our mortgage data capture application up to date on over 10,000 remote PCs. The cost of keeping this growing number of installations up to date is significantly lower than with traditional software update distribution methods."
Andy Hedges, Senior Change Manager - Process Design, Alliance & Leicester.
Current work
Equipping mobile benefits staff to assist those living in more remote parts of a rural district council. Equipped with mobile electronic office support, e.g. lap-top computers, benefits staff will be able to make more home visits to clients, thereby removing the necessity for clients to make the journey into the Council offices for assistance and advice. This is a high visibility ODPM funded project.
Equipping a food hygiene team for on-site inspections and serving of notices to food vendors. This application requires local forms processing, reference to relevant legislation on a local website and local printing of compliance/breach notices for signature vendors.
