What are form references?

When a form reference is added to a form, it pulls specific, important information through to the main Forms tab in WorkPal. This allows you to quickly see key details right on the summary screen.

For instance, imagine a field operative completes a job report and notes that "Additional works are required." By setting up this data field as a form reference, that note will appear directly in the Forms tab. This gives office staff instant visibility that extra steps are needed for the job, saving time and ensuring no critical actions are missed.

Using form references dramatically simplifies the process of reviewing completed forms, allowing you to highlight and action important information at a glance.

How to Add a Form Reference

You add form references through the form editing screen within WorkPal's preferences. Note that only specific field types can be designated as a reference.

Locating the Reference Settings

To begin, navigate to the form configuration area:

  1. Click the WP logo in the top-right corner.

  2. Go to Preferences and then select Forms.

  3. Highlight the desired form and click the Edit button (the pencil icon) see the screen recording below.

Configuring the Reference Fields

Once you are on the form editing screen, you'll see options to designate certain fields as a "form reference." You can only use the following specific data field types for this feature:

  • Text Box

  • Date

  • Vehicle Reg

  • Email

  • Number Fields

  • Dropdown

  • Autocomplete

Selecting one of these fields as a reference ensures its data pulls through to the main Forms tab, giving you immediate visibility without needing to open the full document.

Once you have added one, you can then go to the forms tab, and you will see them as displayed in the screenshot below.