Four variants for the user interface at the respondent

There are four versions of data provider – data collector (e-dp2dc) messaging solutions. Two of these solutions require linking data from information systems to the questionnaires (the so called Excel-variant and the standard software link variant). The other two solutions are electronic forms to be filled manually (the DFM form to be downloaded and filled off line and the HTML form to be filled on line on the Web).

All questionnaires are built using the same XML structure made with the SC workbench. So, in all the questionnaires the same rules and code systems could be applied.

The ofline form

Ofline forms will be used when questionnaires are long and complex. Our standard for this kind of form is called: The SuperForm.  A disadvantage of the SuperForm is that no data from administrative sources can be filled in automatically. The advantage is that all kind of checks and controls can be added to help the data provider filling the form in the best way. The advantage of the ofline form is also that the data provider can store the form and fill it on the moment that is convenient for him. Different people at the data provider can fill in different parts of the questionnaires. The handling of the ofline form means that software has to be installed at the data provider. The SuperForm can be made available to the data providers and the results after filling the questionnaires can be sent using any kind of official certificate (PKI), to be “plugged” in the SuperCollect software.

The online form

Web (or HTML) forms can be used when questionnaires are small and simple. A disadvantage of the Web form is that no data from administrative sources can be filled in automatically. Also the possibilities to use all kind of checks and controls are poor and dependent on the browser. Other disadvantages of using HTML forms are well known: poor functionality, low usability, weak performance and a huge use of Internet connections and servers. However, the big advantage of using HTML is that it is not necessary to install software on the computer of the data provider.

As we want to avoid security and technical problems we decided not to implement the solution to have an encrypted and digitally signed solution for the HTML variant. The alternative to implement a Plug-in, Java Applet or ActiveX control does not offer additional value. It would only cause more problems and burden for the data providers. Of course a secure connection will used in the HTML variant.

The Excel form

The excel form is suitable for long and complex questionnaires in which complex controls are needed. The (SuperCollect) excel form also adds the possibility to link data from other sources to the questions in the questionnaire, so that answers on the questions can be given automatically if they can be derived from other administrative sources. Filing the excel form is off line, with the same advantages as the off line form. The handling of the excel form means that software has to be installed at the data provider. In the E-Core pilot this so called Formloader has been installed on two laptops, which were connected with Internet by the network of the company or by a dial up connection. The excel form can be made available to the data providers and the results after filling the questionnaires can be sent using any kind of official certificate (PKI), to be “plugged” in the SuperCollect software. 

The respondent needs excel (version ’97 and higher) to be able to use this possibility.

The software link

The software link can be used when the questions from the questionnaire can be derived from data stored in software packages of suppliers of standard software. The main advantage of this solution is that the supplier of the standard software creates the rules to derive the answers on the questions from the data stored in the software package. So, the respondent is not obliged to create the linking rules once. Two conditions for this solution are:

• All data needed for answering the questions should be available in the software package of the software supplier.
• The respondent should use the standard software according to the specifications defined by the software supplier.

By SuperCollect a library of software components (SCOOL) has been developed by which suppliers of standard software could make the link between the questions and the data item from their standard (e.g. ERP or HRM) software.  SCOOL contains all functions needed to fill, send and receive the data secure over Internet. Software components to include the certificates are part of SCOOL. The software suppliers include SCOOL in their software, using any kind of official certificate (PKI), to be “plugged” in the SuperCollect software.