X-Web Form Manager is an XML-based, single-server centralised solution for managing electronic forms and their handling processes. X-Web Form Manager can be used to digitise demanding customer interaction and service chains which transcend organisational boundaries and where security plays an important role.

Electronic process management

Current electronic processes used by organisations can roughly be divided into two types: applications built for a specific purpose, and various document management systems which operate on application-specific platforms. As customers have become more aware of the opportunities awarded by the use of electronic forms, their demands with regard to the systems have increased.

With a view to these demands, Avain Technologies Oy has developed an XML-based electronic form system, whose diverse web forms can be used to securely implement various business processes independently of the application.

A Visual Form Design tool

X-Web Form Manager is supplied with X-Visual Form Designer (X-VFD in short), an XML form editor utilizing a graphical user interface designed specially for X-Web Form Manager. X-VFD contains all standard HTML form elements such as textboxes, radio buttons as well as all other controls needed to create X-Web Form Manager forms. Using X-VFD you can create and publish Forms customized for your organization conveniently in just minutes.

CDA Support

Other than standard XML, X-Web Form Manager also supports CDA (Clinical Data Arhitecture) structures for healthcare applications.

Application-independent architecture

X-Web Form Manager includes the tools for creating and managing electronic forms and processes. Multilingual forms are quick and easy to create at the work station and are managed centrally on the server. The product’s rule-based authorization system guarantees that people only have access to information which they are authorised by the organisation or by legislation to access. The integrity and authenticity of data can be ensured with digital signatures, while the services implemented with the product fulfil the requirements of various authorities.

In technical terms, the X-Web Form Manager is based on open standards and platforms. It is programmed as a Java Servlet and can be located on any platform that supports Java 1.4. Database components are modular, so the X-Web Form Manager can be installed in any relational database system based on ANSI SQL.

X-WFM includes several interfaces that can be integrated with external systems making it suitable for creating for example Web Services among other possibilities through X-WFM. The XML format makes it easy to share data with external systems. It is also easy to create connections between X-WFM and other systems, as X-WFM supports standard interfaces for SOAP, SQL, LDAP and HTTP connections. The structure allows for other kinds of connections to be created easily when necessary.

An X-Web Form Manager form is represented as an XML-based form description, which defines the form's semantics and structure, and gives hints on formatting. The use of XML means that X-WFM is suitable for multichannel use (e.g. PDF printing). If necessary, other presentation interfaces (e.g. handheld computers) can be linked to the system. X-WFM forms are functionally varied. As their work flow model is based on specific XML descriptions, internal modifications are easy to carry out and processing channels can be tailored to work in an existing application environment.

Total solution on a form

The XML schema used in X-WFM makes it possible to present information structures in semantically specific ways. In addition, it allows for efficient, two-way changes between states and formats. Digital security measures based on PKI cryptography, such as digital signatures, ensure the integrity and non-repudiation of signed documents.

By combining these characteristics, X-WFM allows its users to create shared information networks, and to manage workflows and processes across organisational boundaries over unprotected networks – such as the Internet – without compromising the security of the transferred materials. The benefits reaped from the product can be compounded by combining it with a broader service solution. One example is the partnership between Avain Technologies and the leading provider of Finnish electronic case management solutions, Documenta Oy.