Data Input

The Data Input activity allows users to enter or update data as part of the workflow process.

Purpose

Use the Data Input activity when you need users to:

• Enter data into dashboards
• Update application information
• Provide data that the workflow needs to continue

Configuration

Name

• Activity Name: Unique identifier for this data input in the workflow
• Used to reference the activity in workflow design and execution logs

User Instructions

• Instructions Field: Large text area for detailed instructions
• Provide clear, step-by-step guidance for the assigned user
• Supports multi-line text for comprehensive task descriptions

Files & Links

Add supporting materials to help users complete the data input:

• New File: Attach files from the application for reference
• New Url: Add links to external resources, documents, or systems
• Files and links appear in the data input view for easy access

Due Date Type

Configure when the data input should be completed:

• None: No deadline specified
• Fixed Date: Set a specific due date
• Relative: Set deadline relative to workflow start or previous activity

Owner

• User or Security Group: Assign the data input to a specific user or group
• The owner is responsible for making sure the data has been entered correctly
• Only one owner can be assigned per data input
• Click the icon to browse and select from available users and groups

Contributors

• Add Multiple Contributors: Users who can assist with the data input
• Contributors can view and work on the task alongside the owner
• Click + New Contributor to add users or groups
• Useful for collaborative data entry tasks

Supervisors

• Add Multiple Supervisors: Users who oversee the data input
• Supervisors can monitor progress and completion
• Click + New Supervisor to add users or groups

Advance Rule

Determines when this activity is triggered based on predecessor activities:

• When All: Activity starts only after all predecessor activities complete (default)
• When Any: Activity starts when any predecessor activity completes
• When First: Activity starts the first time any predecessor completes, then ignores others

Usage Notes

• Built on the Action activity
• Intended for scenarios where users actively input data rather than just reviewing
• Currently implemented identically to Report, but semantically indicates data entry intent
• The distinction from Report is conceptual: Report is read-only, Data Input expects user contributions
• Can be used to capture data that will be used later in the workflow
• Use clear, actionable instructions to ensure accurate data entry
• Attach relevant files and links to provide context

Best Practices

• Clear Instructions: Write detailed, step-by-step instructions in the User Instructions field
• Appropriate Assignment: Assign to users who have the knowledge and access to provide the data
• Include Context: Add files and links that provide necessary background information
• Set Deadlines: Use Due Date Type when timely data entry is important
• Use Contributors: Add contributors for data entry that benefits from collaboration
• Add Supervisors: Include supervisors when oversight or data validation tracking is needed

JSON Reference

{
  "discriminator": "DataInputWorkflowActivity",
  "activityId": "<uuid>",
  "name": "Data Input",
  "positionX": 0,
  "positionY": 0,
  "advanceRule": 2,
  "ownerGroupOrUser": { "username": "user@example.com" },
  "contributorGroupsOrUsers": [],
  "supervisorGroupsOrUsers": [],
  "dueDate": null,
  "dueDateCalculationMode": 0,
  "htmlDescription": "<p>Please enter the required data.</p>",
  "items": []
}

Property	Type	Description
ownerGroupOrUser	object | null	Corresponds to the Owner field. An object { "username": string } identifying the user responsible for data entry.
contributorGroupsOrUsers	array	Corresponds to the Contributors list. Array of { "username": string } objects.
supervisorGroupsOrUsers	array	Corresponds to the Supervisors list. Array of { "username": string } objects.
dueDate	string | null	Due date duration (ISO 8601). null means no due date.
dueDateCalculationMode	integer	0 = None, 1 = AbsoluteDate, 2 = FromWorkflowStartCalendarDays, 3 = FromWorkflowStartBusinessDays, 4 = FromWorkflowEndCalendarDays, 5 = FromWorkflowEndBusinessDays, 6 = FromActivityStartCalendarDays, 7 = FromActivityStartBusinessDays.
htmlDescription	string	Corresponds to the User Instructions field. HTML instructions shown to the user. Supports {variable} interpolation.
items	array	Form items for data entry. Pass [] for a plain task.