Forms Data Entry Operations

[Patowhiz]

Overview:

This proposal outlines Climsoft data ingestion process via user-friendly data entry forms, designed to accommodate the varying operational workflows of users like National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS). It introduces a flexible forms-based data entry system to meet diverse user needs.

User Stories and Scenarios:

1. User Story 1 (Hourly Data Entry for Multiple Elements):

   • As an observer at an official station, I need to enter data for multiple elements hourly, directly from instruments or record slips.

2. User Story 2 (Daily Data Entry for a Single Element):

   • As an observer at a volunteer station, I want to enter data for a single element at a specific hour each day.

3. User Story 3 (Bulk Monthly Data Entry for Multiple Stations):

   • Responsible for data entry across 10 or more stations, I need a system that allows for the input of multiple elements from monthly sheets.

Common Data Entry Case Scenarios:

• Daily or monthly data entry for multiple elements at a specific hour.
• Daily or monthly data entry for a single element at a specific hour.
• Synoptic hour data entry for multiple elements, done daily or monthly.
• Hourly data entry for multiple elements, done daily or monthly.

Proposal for Data Entry Process:

Administrator Responsibilities:

1. Set Element Thresholds:

   • Define global and, optionally, monthly upper and lower limits for elements to assist in data validation during entry.

2. Define Data Entry Forms:

   • Create and configure forms that dynamically generate the required metadata for building the entry interface.

3. User and Station Assignment:

   • Allocate stations to users to allow access rights.

4. Station and Element Assignment:

   • Allocate elements measured to at the station to stations .

5. Station and Form Assignment:

   • Allocate forms to be used to enter data to stations.

Dynamic Form Creation:

• Administrators can craft forms that mirror the physical layout of record slips or return forms at stations by specifying the structure definitions.

User Data Entry Workflow:

1. Station Selection:

   • Users access stations based on their assigned stations.

2. Form Access:

   • Forms associated with a station are made available to the user, with form accessibility hinging on station form metadata.

3. Use of Entry Selectors:

   • Users make selections for data entry using controls defined by the form's metadata.

4. Data Entry Fields:

   • Users input data via fields that are again defined by the form's metadata.

5. Data Saving:

   • Once data entry is complete, the user can save the data, with the system validating entries against the predefined element limits and other form's validation parameters.

Rationale:

The proposed feature addresses the real-world workflows of Climsoft users, like within NMHS organizations, by creating a customizable, role-specific data entry experience that enhances data integrity and simplifies the entry process.

Request for Team Feedback:

Feedback and suggestions from the Climsoft development team are welcomed and encouraged to refine this proposal and ensure that the final implementation meets user requirements effectively.