The field types you fill in on a report
An inspection report is built from individual questions, and each one uses the input that fits its answer. The most common are simple entry fields: a text box for a short answer, a multi-line box for longer notes, and a number box for figures.
Text and notes fields offer a Suggest text link that drafts wording for you, which you can replace into the field. A date question opens a calendar so you pick the day rather than typing it.
A dropdown lets you choose one option from a list; some dropdowns also let you search and type a new value if the option you need isn't already there. A multi-select dropdown lets you pick every option that applies: each pick shows as a chip in the field, and you tap a chip's × to remove it. On the printed report the picks appear together, separated by commas. A required multi-select needs at least one pick. A multi-select question inside an asset list may be linked to the asset's multi-select attribute. It then offers the attribute's options, opens with the asset's saved picks, and when the report is published its picks are saved back to the asset (see Pick several options on an asset (multi-select attributes)). Yes/No and Pass/Fail questions show two buttons side by side, green for the positive answer (Yes or Pass) and red for the negative (No or Fail).
When a Yes/No or Pass/Fail question includes a Next due date for a completion-based schedule, editing the date updates its preview even if it is earlier than the imported history would suggest. You can pick the date before or after answering the question. The schedule's rounding still applies: if it rounds to the start of the month, choosing September 24 displays September 1.
Some dropdowns and multi-selects offer different options depending on another answer on the report, such as a Sub-area list that changes with the Building type you picked, or a per-asset Issue list that changes with that asset's Pass/Fail result. Change the earlier answer and the list updates: picks that the new list doesn't offer are cleared, and you choose again from the values that now apply (a pick the new list still offers stays). These option rules are set up on the report template by Essential as part of report setup; see Contact Essential for setup changes to add or change one.
On Android, dropdown options open upward above the question label when there is room. For searchable dropdowns, the search box sits at the bottom of the list, with options above it. Scroll the list to reach more options.
Many of these also include an N/A button when an answer doesn't apply. Tapping a chosen answer again clears it. A photo question lets you drag and drop or browse for an image, which is compressed automatically, and you can replace or remove it afterward. A photo question inside an asset list may be linked to the asset's photo attribute; it then opens with the asset's saved photos, and when the report is published its pictures (up to the attribute's limit) are saved back to the asset (see Link a report photo question to an asset photo attribute).
On the web, click a photo question's image to open it full size. From there, choose Download to save the file, Print to print it, or Edit to mark it up. Anyone with the View Inspection Report permission can open, download, and print report photos; Edit, Replace, and Remove also need Edit Inspection Report. A video in a photo question plays in place instead.
On the web, photo questions and Add Photos/Videos accept JPEG/JPG, PNG, WEBP, BMP, and HEIC/HEIF images. Essential recognizes these images from their contents even if the filename has a missing or incorrect extension. BMP and HEIC/HEIF images are converted to PNG for viewing and report PDFs. Wait for image preparation to finish, then choose Upload. MP4, MOV, M4V, and WEBM videos are also supported. If a file cannot be read or has an unsupported format, the upload window names it; other supported files in the selection are still added. Upload images themselves, not a ZIP archive. This also applies to photos added to a report deficiency.
A Yes/No question in Report Information can show or hide asset questions in a later step, and can save the choice to the asset group’s Report Config setting.
A signature question opens a signing pad where you draw a signature, then update or remove it. Required questions are marked with a red asterisk.
A Parts, Labor, and Items field lets you select pricebook items or add custom entries and enter quantities. See Record parts, labor, and items.
These are the fields you fill in while completing a report. If your business needs a field added, removed, renamed, reordered, or changed in the report template, open the Essential Assistant and choose the Talk to a human tab.
Where to find it: Open an inspection report and start answering questions. Each question on the report is one of a handful of field types, and the input you see changes to match.
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