Tag : prevent form update

InfoPath – Preventing updates to the form when the workflow is updating

This applies to lists that are linked to workflows. Since the workflow and InfoPath form are separate processes, it is possible that users can update the form while the workflow is processing data. This ability to update the form gives the user the impression that the updated data is considered and while this is true in some cases, it can be an issue if the workflow is only initiated when items are added to the list, as the workflow may be running based on previous values

To prevent this from occurring, I use a promoted field called ‘Updating’ in the form to test whether the workflow is in the process of updating. When the workflow is updating information, this value is set to ‘true’. When the user opens the form during this stage, the forms checks this value and if it is set to ‘true’, the updating buttons (such as ‘Approve’ or ‘Reject’) are disabled, thus preventing the user from making any adjustments. Additionally, a message can be displayed to inform the user that an update is happening. I normally set this value in the form itself since I am aware than an update is about to occur. This is necessary as the workflows take time to start, and the user could open and update the form prior to the workflow setting this value

In my workflows whenever an update is required from the user, the promoted field ‘Outcome’ is set to 0 and the field ‘Completed’ is set to ‘false’. When the user selects a button to approve or reject the data, the system sets this value to 1 or 2 and sets another field ‘Completed’ to ‘true’. This indicates that an update has been made (based on the workflow action ‘Wait for Field Change in Current Item’) and the workflow can resume and make decisions using the chosen selection.