Forms are the unsung heroes of data collection, from credit card applications to insurance claims. But what if forms could do more than just collect data? What if they could anticipate a user’s needs, adapt to their preferences, and make the entire process smoother and faster? That's the magic of intelligent forms.

This article will explain what intelligent forms are and how they work. We’ll also explore their multiple benefits, from reducing abandonment rates to improving data accuracy.

Traditional forms, whether paper-based or digital, have several limitations:

1. Not interactive: Traditional static forms follow a straightforward question-and-answer process without personalization or feedback.
2. Limited customization: They can't be easily adjusted to meet specific requirements or branding.
3. Inflexible: Static forms can't adapt to user input or adjust based on responses.
4. High abandonment rates: They often take too long to fill out, leading users to give up.
5. Incomplete data: They may collect incomplete data since they aren’t able to prompt users for more information.
6. Inaccurate data: They don't verify the information provided, potentially leading to errors. Paper-based static forms produce unstructured data, necessitating manual data extraction.
7. Friction-filled user experience: Static forms can frustrate users, creating unnecessary obstacles. This frustration can deter potential customers and impact their engagement.

Intelligent forms are a powerful tool for capturing data and understanding your audience. Unlike traditional static forms, they’re dynamic and highly customizable. They use advanced algorithms and machine learning (ML) to guide users through the form.

Intelligent forms adapt to users' needs. They ask tailored questions based on answers to previous questions and provide real-time feedback. It's like having a friendly conversation, not just filling out a form. They also automate document and data processing in real time.

Intelligent forms are customizable, allowing you to tailor the form to your needs and requirements. You can determine which questions to ask and how to phrase them, ensuring you get the data you need to make informed decisions.

In short, intelligent forms offer a smarter and more efficient way to collect data and engage your audience. They are the future of data collection and processing. They don't just save time; they transform the user experience.

Intelligent forms use conditional logic to provide a personalized experience for each user. Conditional logic is a set of rules that determine what happens next based on the user's response to a question or set of questions. This means that the form changes dynamically to present the next relevant question or set of questions. 

For example, if a user indicates they are self-employed while applying for a credit card, an intelligent form might ask them to enter information about their business. If the user indicates that a company employs them, the form might ask for their employer's information instead. 

You can use conditional logic to validate user input and ensure the collected data is accurate and complete. For example, if a user enters an incorrect email address, the form displays an error message prompting them to fix it before continuing.

Overall, conditional logic enables intelligent forms to adapt to each user's unique situation and provide a more efficient and personalized experience. Conditional logic ensures the data collected is accurate, complete, and useful.

Intelligent forms offer a wide range of business benefits, including:

1.     Time savings

One of the primary benefits of intelligent forms is their ability to save time. Traditional forms, whether paper or digital, require manual data entry and processing, which can be time-consuming.

With intelligent forms, known data is pre-populated, so the user doesn’t have to re-enter it. Data is automatically processed through form submissions, eliminating the need for human intervention. Your time is precious, and intelligent forms respect that. 

2.     Reduce form abandonment rates and deliver a better customer experience

Intelligent forms excel at keeping users engaged. Their user-friendly interface and dynamic nature make form-filling a breeze. More completed submissions mean a higher chance of turning prospects into customers. 

3.     Streamline business processes

Intelligent forms simplify data capture and management, ensuring the correct data is collected and easily accessible. This enhances productivity and decision-making. 

4.     Minimize human error

Manual data increases the likelihood of errors. Intelligent forms are designed to significantly reduce the risk of human error.

Intelligent forms validate user input as they progress. If an error is detected, the form highlights it and offers suggestions for correction. When users encounter difficulties, these forms provide contextual assistance, such as hints and explanations.

5.     Mobile forms for on-the-go operations

Business moves fast, and intelligent forms move with it. These forms are accessible on mobile devices. Faster data collection means quicker decisions. 

6.     Customizable forms for diverse needs

Intelligent forms offer the flexibility to create custom forms tailored to specific business requirements. You can design these forms to fit your unique needs, whether for customer feedback, order forms, or employee onboarding.

7.     Reduced labor costs

Intelligent forms are a cost-effective solution as they eliminate the need for extensive manual data processing. By automating data handling, intelligent forms significantly reduce labor costs related to manual processing. It frees your team to focus on more valuable tasks and strategic initiatives. 

8.     Elevate the total experience

Intelligent forms streamline both the employee and customer experience. By simplifying data collection and management, intelligent forms ensure every touchpoint in your business is well-organized. This, in turn, leaves a positive impression on your prospects and customers.

Consider the following questions to assess the effectiveness of your forms strategy: 

1. Are you confident that customers are using the correct version of the form?
2. Are complex forms causing high error and abandonment rates?
3. Are you investing extra resources to verify data accuracy?
4. Can your customers initiate a form on one device and seamlessly complete it on another?
5. Are human error and manual processes impacting data accuracy?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it's time to level up your forms strategy.

Quadient Inspire iForms is a cloud-based forms automation and digital processes software to build forms that efficiently collect, validate, route, and process data for better customer and employee experiences. 

Quadient Inspire iForms offers effortless document mapping, form field validation, and responsive design. It also ensures security and compliance, never storing customer data.

By incorporating forms automation and intelligent forms processing with Quadient Inspire iForms, businesses can create forms to streamline their data collection process, reduce form abandonment rates, minimize human error, and elevate the experience for their customers and employees. 

Inspire iForms use cases:

• Regulated state forms
• Benefits open enrollment
• Bank and wealth account transfers
• Forms modernization
• Change of beneficiary

Intelligent forms are your business's secret weapon. Embrace them to pave the way to a more efficient, customer-centric future. Your business processes will become streamlined, error-free, and uber-productive. It's time to switch to intelligent forms and watch your business soar.