The iFormBuilder 3rd Party widget is one of the NEWEST widgets added to the platform. This widget allows the iForm App to make a call (connect) to another app that is installed on the same device. This call can be made to any other application installed on the device that supports URL Scheme (iOS) or any app on an Android device. This functionality allows for the device side APIs to be used.  To use the 3rd Party Widget in your form, add the widget to the form and define your call to another application in the Input Properties.

[fancy_header3]5 examples of using the 3rd Party widget[/fancy_header3]

[dropcap4]1[/dropcap4] Make a Phone Call

There may be some scenarios where the need to make a phone call is a necessary part of the workflow.  For instance, you may have a form that if an inspection fails you can have a 3rd party widget appear that dials a specific phone number. Try not to configure it to call 911 🙂  Keep in mind, by using the 3rd Party widget to make a phone call, the user never has to leave the iForm app!

[dropcap4]2[/dropcap4] Send a Text Message

In many scenarios a text message should be sent to a specific individual(s)  based on a specific criteria. When tapping on the 3rd Party widget in the form,  it will create a new text message to the specified individuals.

[dropcap4]3[/dropcap4] Build a Custom App

If none of the built in apps satisfy you need with the 3rd Party widget, a new app can be built that allows data to be passed into the 3rd party app and then data will be sent back to the iForm app. For example if you an app that scans barcodes, you can use the 3rd Party widget to call that application scan the barcode then return the data from the barcode within the widget.

[dropcap4]4[/dropcap4] FaceTime

If an issue arises in the field and immediate assistance is needed, the 3rd Party widget can be used to FaceTime a specific phone number to debug the question in the field. This will give you the real contact with a person either just for a friendly hello or to more importantly show whats happening live in the field.

[dropcap4]5[/dropcap4] Open Maps

There may be a need to call Apple Maps or iOS maps if you want to quickly find directions to your next inspection location or finding your way to the closest Chipotle.

The 3rd Party widget opens up the capabilities of the Mobile Devices by allowing apps to communicate by passing data to and from applications. This communication between apps is where mobile is moving towards as there is no more need to imbed heavy SDKs into apps. As more apps begin to open up their interfaces to Device side APIs the possibilities will be endless.

For more information on the 3rd Party widget check out the Customer Success Center Article>>>

Thanks,

Ben

About the Author

Ben Ray is a Solutions Engineer at iFormBuilder and a Black Belt FormBuilder.  He is an outdoorsman, sports enthusiast, wanna-be car mechanic and can build forms blindfolded. If you would like wisdom from a Black Belt form builder, he would love to hear form you! Email: bray@zerionsoftware.com

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