Forms Builder 3.x

In version 3.x, the Forms Builder application has been redesigned and architecturally reengineered to take advantage of the CampusNexus object model. The new generation of Forms Builder uses OData (Open Data Protocol) to access and expose data from various data sources. The Adapter for queries from the CampusNexus CRM or CampusNexus Student databases is no longer required.

Forms Builder 3.x can be installed to connect to the CampusNexus Student database, the CampusNexus CRM database, or both giving Forms Builder access to the associated database entities and fields. Forms Builder 3.x does not have its own database; it uses the database schema that is part of the CampusNexus object model.

Forms Builder 3.x provides greater flexibility to the user and enables integration with Workflow (“Form Flow”). Each new sequence that is created and saved automatically creates a corresponding workflow definition that can be further customized/edited using the Workflow Composer.

Forms Builder 3.x uses the Staff STS for Designer logins and CMCPortalSTS/FB Contact STS for Renderer logins.

Upgrade Notes

Forms Builder 3.7

  • Installation Manager installs .NET 4.8.

Forms Builder 3.6

  • "CrmConnection" string was added to the Renderer web.config file. For more details, see Renderer Connection Strings in Forms Builder help.

  • Installation Manager configures IIS as follows:

    • Application pools for Forms Builder and CampusNexus Student: StartMode is set to AlwaysRunning
    • Site setting: Preload Enabled is set to True.

    For more details, see Application Initialization in Forms Builder help.

  • Installation Manager installs .NET 4.7.2.

Prerequisites

Note: Installation Manager checks for the prerequisites to be installed. It does not install them. For information on compatibility with operating platforms and other products, see Platform Compatibility and Product Compatibility (logon required).

Installation Manager installs the following components:

  • Forms Builder

  • Security Token Service (STS)

    alert Forms Builderversion 3.x or later requires the Staff STS component to be installed. Go to the Start screen and select Package Manager. Download the Staff STS package and install it. For more details, see Staff STS.

  • Student

  • Web Client for CampusNexus CRM if Forms Builder Designer connects to the CampusNexus CRM database

  • Forms Builder Contact STS if Forms Builder Designer connects to the CampusNexus CRM database (see Web Components)

  • Workflow Composer

    After installing Workflow Composer, download the Forms Builder Contracts 3.x.x and the CampusNexus Student and/or CampusNexus CRM Activities and Contracts using the Package Manager within Workflow Composer.

  • Workflow Tracking Database

    When you install the Workflow Tracking Database, ensure that the domain\FormsBuilderMachine$ account has db_owner permission to the Workflow Tracking Database.

Software Prerequisites

Microsoft .NET Framework 4.6.1

Postinstallation Tasks

  1. Perform the appropriate steps described in Set Up the Database Environment.

  2. When all setup steps are completed, verify the installation by accessing Forms Builder Designer and Renderer.

    • Forms Builder Designer is installed on port 9002 by default. Access your Forms Builder with this port number to view the home page of Forms Builder.

      http://<server>.<domain>:9002/

    • Forms Builder Renderer is installed on port 9003 by default. Access your Forms Builder URL with this port number and append /#/Sequencelist to view the Sequence List.

      http://<server>.<domain>:9003/#/Sequencelist

    Notes:

    • The port numbers can be customized during the Forms Builder installation.

    • Forms Builder Designer and Renderer can be installed with HTTPS.

    • Forms Builder Designer and Renderer can be installed using custom host names. An IIS binding will be added to the web sites and all the configuration files will be updated with the Custom URL.

    • The web.config file for Forms Renderer determines if the Sequence List is displayed or not. Change this setting to "true" if you do not want your users to view the Sequence List at this URL. The default is: <add key="DisableSequenceList" value="false"/>

    • An API key is installed for Anthology Inc. products released in April 2018 and later. If you are using Forms Builder 3.4 and later with earlier versions of CampusNexus CRM and/or CampusNexus Student, you may need to configure matching API keys. For more details, see API Keys.