In this post we’ll take a look at the power and ease of use of Google Apps Forms. We’ll cover creating a form, viewing the data in a spreadsheet and using that data to create graphs. But first, a quick intro video:
Forms allow Google Apps users to create custom forms for gathering information. Forms can be used for many purposes: from vacation requests or ordering lunch to complex business processes or client surveys, forms are a powerful feature of Google Apps. Below is a screenshot of creating a sample form:
Notice above the different types of questions and the simplicity of the interface. No advanced programming knowledge needed! Forms can be emailed, require sign-in to use or made public for use by anyone. Each completed form will become a row in a spreadsheet and alert notifications can be set as needed.
Here is a basic form:
Here is an example of the spreadsheet this form creates with one submission:
Once a form is created it is very simple process to create graphs from the data. As an example I’ll share data from a form I created to track my diabetic dog’s blood glucose.
Diabetic dogs require accurate tracking of blood glucose, insulin doses and food over long periods of time. Our vet was regularly asking for this information so I made a form, used the spreadsheet data to create a graph and then made the graph public and shared the link with my vet. Now the vet can get real time updates on my dog’s diabetes by visiting the chart I published online. Think about the potential for your business. How could you use this functionality? Track client responses? Gather sales inquiries? Employee feedback? Executive dashboard? Here are the examples from my spreadsheet.
The form:
The data:
The graph (click for big):
When a form is submitted the spreadsheet and graph are updated in real time! What metrics in your business could you track on a daily basis that could make a difference for you?
Since Google Apps Forms are online applications all that is needed to use these powerful tools are a Google Apps account and a web browser. In fact, most of the time I use my iPhone to fill out the form to track my dog’s diabetes. See screenshot below:
As you can see, you can use any phone with a web browser to complete Google Apps Forms. This is powerful stuff!
Creating online forms to streamline business processes used to require a team of people with complex technical backgrounds. Now just about anyone can put the power of Google Apps Forms to work for their business. To find out how we can help you put the power of Google Apps to work for your business contact us.
