Understanding AEM Forms: The Unsung Hero of Digital Business Processes
How much do you know about AEM Forms? The entire purpose of SO MANY websites boils down to a successful form experience, and yet all too often it's only the visual impact of the site that gets all the attention, not the core experience and plumbing that constitutes the business case for the site's whole existence. This episode dives DEEP into AEM Forms, and what you should know about architecture of a great Forms experience.
Also available on Apple Podcasts and as an audio or video podcast on Spotify.
AEM Forms, often overlooked in favor of flashier technologies, plays a crucial role in business operations by streamlining data capture and enhancing user experiences. This blog post explores the importance of forms in digital strategies, their evolution, and how organizations can leverage them for better efficiency and customer satisfaction.
In the digital landscape, where flashy technologies like generative AI often steal the spotlight, AEM Forms remains a vital yet underappreciated component of business operations. In this blog post, we will delve into the significance of AEM Forms, its evolution, and how organizations can harness its capabilities to enhance their digital strategies.
The Importance of Forms in Business
Forms are the backbone of many business processes, facilitating data capture and user interactions. Despite their critical role, forms often lack the attention they deserve. As Ted Reeves, principal architect at Arbory Digital, and Eric Stevens, vice president of strategic engagement at Forpoint, discussed in a recent podcast episode, forms are essential for converting leads into customers and ensuring smooth operational workflows.
A Historical Perspective on AEM Forms
Eric Stevens has a rich history in the forms industry, having started in 1992 with a Canadian company called Delrina. Over the years, he has witnessed the evolution of forms technology, culminating in the development of AEM Forms after Adobe acquired JetForm in 2002. This acquisition integrated various technologies, paving the way for the sophisticated forms solutions we see today.
The Role of AEM Forms in Digital Strategies
AEM Forms is not just about creating simple input fields; it is about building robust business applications that integrate seamlessly with other systems. For instance, General Motors utilized AEM Forms to enhance their customer interaction by linking contact forms to user profiles, allowing for personalized experiences based on user behavior and preferences.
Key Features of AEM Forms
1. Data Integration
One of the standout features of AEM Forms is its ability to integrate with various data sources. This allows organizations to prepopulate forms with existing customer data, reducing redundancy and improving user experience. For example, if a customer has already provided their address, there is no need to ask for it again.
2. Dynamic Content
AEM Forms can dynamically adjust based on user input. This means that if a user selects a specific option, additional relevant fields can appear, streamlining the data entry process. This capability is particularly useful in complex applications, such as loan applications, where the number of required fields can vary significantly.
3. Compliance and Security
In industries where compliance is critical, AEM Forms provides the necessary tools to ensure that all data is handled securely and in accordance with regulations. The ability to generate documents with digital signatures further enhances compliance efforts.
4. Workflow Integration
AEM Forms can be integrated with various workflow systems, allowing for efficient processing of submitted forms. This integration ensures that data flows smoothly through the organization, from initial capture to final processing.
Challenges and Misconceptions
Despite its capabilities, many organizations still use forms in outdated ways, often relying on legacy systems that do not leverage the full potential of AEM Forms. For instance, some companies continue to use static PDF forms that require manual data entry, leading to inefficiencies and increased error rates.
The Need for Rethinking Forms
Organizations must recognize that forms are not just a necessary evil but a critical component of their digital strategy. By rethinking how forms are designed and integrated into business processes, companies can significantly improve user experiences and operational efficiency.
Moving Towards Next-Generation Forms
As discussed in the podcast, the future of forms lies in their ability to adapt and integrate with other technologies. Organizations should focus on creating next-generation forms that are dynamic, user-friendly, and capable of integrating with various data sources and workflows.
Building a Roadmap for Improvement
To successfully transition to next-generation forms, organizations should develop a roadmap that outlines their current state, desired outcomes, and the steps needed to achieve those goals. This roadmap should include considerations for data integration, user experience, and compliance requirements.
Conclusion
AEM Forms may not be the flashiest technology in the digital landscape, but its importance cannot be overstated. By understanding its capabilities and rethinking how forms are utilized, organizations can enhance their digital strategies, improve customer experiences, and streamline operations. As we move forward, embracing the potential of AEM Forms will be crucial for businesses looking to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Podcast Speakers
Tad Reeves
Principal Architect at Arbory Digital
Tad has been working with Adobe products since 2010 and has extensive experience in website infrastructure. Starting in 1996, he has worn nearly every hat in website delivery from solution architecture to product management, and has over two decades of experience. He loves that Arbory gives him the opportunity to provide honest and effective solutions, even if it means challenging prevailing sales perspectives. When Tad isn’t working, he enjoys mountain biking and exploring nature with his wife & 3 kids.
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