SFM - Support mass field updates in related item rows

[dawn_plaskon]

Currently when multiple rows of data exist on an SFM, the process for updating some but not all rows to a new value (such as picklists or dates) requires that each line be updated individually or that checkboxes be used to trigger a change through workflows.

Propose that the SFM Delivery Engine support the capacity to execute transactions similarly to SFDC inline editing.  That is, provide checkboxes to identify the rows to be updated, then provide a mass update menu to the identify configured fields and associated field values to apply to the selected rows.

This functionality should be available on server and mobile solutions

[doug_vankirk]

We have a roadmap item to add this functionality to the Windows and Online versions of the client. It's not a recommended approach for tablets or phones because the screen is too small to see a decent-sized table and because the interaction pattern is unfamiliar to mobile users.

As an aside, we need to drill into these use cases. We've heard anecdotally that some customers have up to 30 columns (and 50 or more rows) of data on a work order. Obviously, this is more information than any tech can consume or validate. The goal of any mobile app is to surface just what's needed when it's needed. We need to provide better tools so that just the information that needs to be consumed is shown.

Here's an example of how this might look on Windows.

[ted_gordon]

In the Browser, Interactive and predefined updates would be great.  In Mobile Concepts, to start with, it would be very handy to have a capability within the "Standalone for the Purpose of Editing" as a mapping section inline with the "Value Map for New Records" against a section and its expression defined.   This would allow for strategic actions to be placed within the wizard flow after debrief and against a series of child records. 

Often in projects the customer would like the Technician set a status update against Debrief lines, or Time Entries.  This is often painful and tedious as Dawn had pointed out.

Hope this helps. 

[doug_vankirk]

Ted: I have to be honest: I have no idea what you're asking for. Can you add more details and explain what it is you'd like. What is a value map? What is a mapping section? What does "field update for existing records" mean. I've never heard of these feature before.

Is the ultimate goal to perform programatic updates of line items so the technician doesn't need to manually enter data? If so, I'm all for it. From what I've observed, our customers are constantly overloading their field techs with too much information and forms that have too many fields.

[ted_gordon]

Hi Doug,

In short,  the ask would be to define what child or related records would need an update and upon that query output, Update them with a defined mapping. (Set a Picklist to particular value or set a date field to TODAY)  If this was done with an Edit SFM, the UPDATE would be part of a user's flow via Wizard Actions.   Some of these things can be done with SFM formula but an SFM would streamline a bulk operation.   I am happy to have a call to discuss in more detail.

Sorry for the picture above, I had some play in an image editor to add the "Field Update for Existing record".    It would be nice to add in the mapping sections of an Edit SFM,(Standalone for the Purpose of Editing) the ability to use a Value Map. (A mapping that is not from Source to Target but a Static Mapping where you select values to be entered. It would be exactly like "Value Map for New Records" but for the lines that already existed.)

If when the query is ran against the expression defined in your "Qualifying Criteria" section meets a series of records related to the Header defined in the SFM, it will update the lines.  Any lines created in the SFM, Existing mappings will insert values required.

[ted_gordon]

Was just speaking to an associate and a great use case came up for this.  I am on Parent Work Order or Case and I want to be able to close or cancel it and within this transaction, have an ability to also close all of the Child Work Orders.  In my above request, this would possible defining an "Edit Existing Records" map for all Child Work Orders in the SFM transaction.

[jasonsauer]

@dawn_plaskon 

Just a heads up. Bulk updating of child lines is a new feature in the 1.4 release of ServiceMax Go. I can share a demo video fairly soon, but it does pretty much everything you requested above, I believe. Better late than never