Form
Forms are a means of organizing and requesting information. Forms are good to use when doing the same thing, or filling out the same information more than once.
Typical Uses
Forms can be used in almost any business, organization, or company. They are useful because they serve as a template for gathering or sharing information.
Best Practices
- Identify the purpose. First decide what purpose the form will hold and, as a result, what information it should ask for.
- Title. Place a functional title identifying what the form is used for at the top of the form.
- General information. Create spaces requesting general information such as the client's name, address, and account information. This is typically the first set of information listed on a form.
- Filing system. There should also be a space near the top of the form (typically a corner) for the date and a filing number or other identifier, such that forms can be filed in an organized fashion.
- Request information. Information may be requested in several different ways. A question may be asked, followed by space for an answer. There may also be choices of answers with checkboxes. A table may be used for large amounts of data. The manner in which information is requested depends on the type of information required.
- Store and use. Distribute the finished form as desired. It is important to be organized in the storing of forms so that they are easily located and accessed. It is advisable to keep a master copy so that more can be photocopied when needed.