Introduction to Custom Forms
Custom Forms allow you to create forms to capture data that doesn’t fit into Arlo’s standard modules. They’re ideal for audits, quality checklists, special inspections, and any process requiring structured documentation.
When to Use Custom Forms?
Section titled “When to Use Custom Forms?”Typical use cases
Section titled “Typical use cases”| Case | Example |
|---|---|
| Internal audits | Good agricultural practices checklist |
| Certifications | Organic or GlobalGAP certification inspection |
| Safety | PPE and working conditions review |
| Quality | Fruit evaluation at packing house |
| Maintenance | Equipment and machinery review checklist |
| Special inventory | Asset count not included in Supplies |
Custom Forms vs. Sanitation?
Section titled “Custom Forms vs. Sanitation?”| Feature | Sanitation | Custom Forms |
|---|---|---|
| Linked to routes and lots | ✓ | ✗ |
| GPS and tracking | ✓ | ✗ |
| Automatic alerts | ✓ | ✗ |
| Spatial analysis | ✓ | ✗ |
| General use (any topic) | ✗ | ✓ |
| No monitor required | ✗ | ✓ |
| Independent responses | ✗ | ✓ |
Simple rule: If it’s pest/disease monitoring in the field, use Sanitation. For everything else, use Custom Forms.
Form Structure
Section titled “Form Structure”A custom form has:
Metadata
Section titled “Metadata”- Name: Form identifier
- Description: Explanation of its purpose
- Status: Active or inactive
Fields
Section titled “Fields”Fields are the questions or data to capture. Each field has:
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Label | Question or field name |
| Type | Text, number, selection, date, photo, etc. |
| Required | Must be completed or is optional |
| Options | For selection fields, available choices |
Dependencies (conditionals)
Section titled “Dependencies (conditionals)”You can configure fields that only appear if another field has a certain value.
Available Field Types
Section titled “Available Field Types”| Type | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Short text | Brief answers | Inspector name |
| Long text | Descriptions | Detailed observations |
| Number | Quantities | Temperature, counts |
| Single selection | One option | Status: Good/Fair/Poor |
| Multiple selection | Several options | Problems detected |
| Date | Dates | Last review date |
| Time | Times | Start time |
| Photo | Images | Photographic evidence |
| Signature | Digital signatures | Responsible approval |
| Location | GPS coordinates | Inspection point |
Drafts vs. Completed Responses
Section titled “Drafts vs. Completed Responses”- Response saved but not finalized
- Can be edited and completed later
- Doesn’t appear in exports by default
- Useful for inspections taking multiple sessions
Completed response
Section titled “Completed response”- Finalized and validated response
- Cannot be modified (data integrity)
- Included in exports and reports
- Completion timestamp recorded
Next Steps
Section titled “Next Steps”- Create a form - Design your first form
- Fill forms - Capture responses
- Export data - Get data in Excel