One of the biggest benefits of using mobile forms is the time savings. So naturally, once you’ve made the switch from paper, you’ll want to get your field teams up and running as quickly as possible. In this post, we’ll show you an easy way to get your employees trained on Fulcrum and collecting field data in no time.
There’s no need to waste hours (or even days) teaching every field employee how to do mobile data collection. In 30 minutes or less, you can create a training video that walks users through your app. That way, each field worker that joins your project can access the video remotely (directly through the app) to learn how to use it.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Set up screen recording
On iOS: From your device’s home screen, go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls. Tap the green + button next to Screen Recording to include it in the Control Center.
Then swipe up from the bottom of your phone screen. Force-touch (hold down) the screen recording icon, make sure Microphone Audio is on, and press Start Recording.
On Android: Since screen recording is not native to the operating system, you will need to download a screen recorder, such as AZ Screen Recorder, Mobizen Screen Recorder, or any other screen-recording app that records audio and has no time limit or watermark.
Step 2: Run a test
Once you’ve started your screen recording, open the Fulcrum app to the form you’ll be demonstrating. Practice taking a tour through your app, narrating as you go, to make sure your phone is recording audio and capturing the screen correctly. Do this a few times so when you record the final version, it goes smoothly and sounds professional.
Step 3: Record your video
As you record yourself going through your app, make sure you speak clearly and stay on screens longer than you think you need to. This will help users orient themselves to the app. Remember that even though you are very familiar with the app, your audience is seeing it for the first time.
Note: If you’re demonstrating multiple apps, create a separate video for each.
Step 4: Upload your video to YouTube
Once you have completed the recording of your app, upload your video to YouTube. You will want to make the video category Unlisted, which means it won’t be searchable or discoverable by others — only people with the link will be able to see it. We recommend downloading the YouTube app or uploading the video from your phone or tablet directly to YouTube.
Make sure to give the video a name and description. You may even want to include your name and email address for questions.
Step 5: Add video link to your app
When your video is finished uploading, go to your YouTube account on your desktop computer (or wherever you build your apps), find the video you just created and copy the URL.
In another tab, log on to your Fulcrum account and open the app you created the video for in the app designer. Add a Hyperlink field to the top, label it “Training Video” or something similar, and copy the YouTube URL into the field.
We recommend leaving a note in the description field that tells users to watch the video several times until they feel comfortable using the app.
Now, instead of spending hours in training, new field workers can get up to speed quickly by simply opening up the app and watching your video — wherever they are!
Fulcrum is a data collection platform that enables businesses to reduce costs, access critical data in real time, and improve decision making at every level. With Fulcrum, you can create custom apps using our simple drag-and-drop builder to turn your paper documents into digital forms that your field teams can quickly complete on mobile devices.