I have a few questions about collecting data and automating a process with a form. I've created a sample form to illustrate my questions.
I would like to create a PDF form which could be distributed among workers at an office. I'll send the form to the office manager and won't know how many people will use it or how many times it will be distributed. I realize I could create a webpage form to accomplish the same thing but I don't to require users to go to a website, register, and then submit the form. I think a form (if feasible) may be more user-friendly considering the users.
Questions...
1. I'd like the data to be collected in a database on my server. This shouldn't be an issue in a stand alone form but how would the following criteria effect this?
2. When the data is stored into a database on my server, this triggers an automatic email to whatever company was checked under #1 (lite pink). Could a copy of the form be sent to each company sent without disclosing the other companies solicited? Only part of the form is visible? With comments, you can display but not print. Is there a way to use these capabilities for something like this?
3. I'd like capture who's using the form so info in 2, 3, and 4 (red). Its important for me to collect feedback from the user on the effectiveness of this form. Did the companies reply with a price?
4. I would like the companies to answer specific questions about their product (yellow). For example, specific price, warranty or delivery. Sometimes when asking companies for this information, they may or may not provide all this information in their response. By using this form as the platform for their response, the company would need to answer the specific information. So, can this form then be sent back to the user after completed by the company?
5. The company my want to attach a written proposal along with the information on this form (green). Can they attach to the form?
I assume other systems will need to be developed in conjunction with the PDF to accomplish this wishlist. Essentially, i want the PDF form to be the conduit for communication back and forth between the parties and I want to capture the data behind the scenes in my server. This may be outside the realm of possibilities of the PDF form and more appropriate through a website but a form with this group would be more user friendly and used more frequently. They wouldn't have to bookmark a website, register with a name and password, or seek out this website. The PDF sits on their desktop.
Any thoughts on one or more of these questions would be appreciated.
