IBM Workplace Forms: Guide to Building and Integrating a Sample Workplace Forms Application

Chapter 4. Building the base scenario: Stage 1 87

Figure 4-23 Input Items on wizard page

4.6 Applying formatting and logic

Once you have all the visible items on the form, you can apply formatting, calculations and

logic.

Unlike paper forms, XFDL forms can perform sophisticated checks and calculations while the

user fills out the form. This can prevent mistakes right at the source and provide a high level of

comfort while filling out the form.

4.6.1 Creating a field calculation

In this section we create a field calculation.

88 IBM Workplace Forms: Guide to building and integrating a sample Workplace Forms application

Calculation by decision

In our Sales Quote example we want to add a multiplication calculation to the amount field of

the item based on the quantity and item the user selected from the product list. To accomplish

this, we will use the formula wizard in the Workplace Forms designer by following these steps:

1. Open the Properties window for the first field (FIELD12) in the Total column of the Product

section of the traditional form.

2. Click the Add Formula button in the

Field Contents section on the General tab as seen in

Figure 4-24.

Figure 4-24 Properties box of the Total field

3. Select set by a calculation of two values from the drop-down.

4. In the Formula section, as seen in Figure 4-25:

a. Select value of from the first drop-down; a hand icon will appear, click it.

b. On the form page that is now visible, choose the first field in the quantity column.

c. Select multiplied by in the middle drop-down list.

d. Select value of from the second drop-down; a hand icon will appear, click it.

e. On the form page that is now visible, choose the corresponding price field.

f. Exit the Calculation window by clicking OK, then exit the Properties window by clicking

OK.

Chapter 4. Building the base scenario: Stage 1 89

Figure 4-25 Formula wizard of Field Contents property of the Total field

Sum calculation

As a second example, we want to create a sum field that calculates the total amount of the

products in the sales quote to be approved. To accomplish we follow these steps:

1. Open the Properties window for the Order Total field on the lower right end of the Products

section.

2. Click the Add Formula button in the Field Contents section on the General tab. (See

Figure 4-26.)

Figure 4-26 Properties box of the Order Total field