Supported Field Types¶
FieldOps provides a range of field types to support different kinds of monitoring data. Choosing the appropriate field type helps improve data quality, simplifies analysis and creates a better experience for field officers.
Text¶
Use the Text field for short responses.
Examples include:
- Facility Name
- Officer Name
- Village
- Contact Person
Best suited for information that is typically entered as a single line.
Number¶
Use the Number field when only numeric values are allowed.
Examples include:
- Number of Staff
- Number of Beneficiaries
- Classrooms Inspected
- Water Points Functional
FieldOps validates that only numbers can be entered.
Textarea¶
Use the Textarea field for longer written responses.
Examples include:
- Observations
- Findings
- Recommendations
- Comments
- Follow-up Notes
Textareas provide additional space for detailed responses.
Select (Dropdown)¶
Use a Select field when users should choose a single option from a predefined list.
Examples:
Question
Overall Facility Condition
Options
- Excellent
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
Dropdowns help standardize responses and reduce typing.
Radio Buttons¶
Radio buttons allow users to select one option from a small list of predefined choices.
Examples:
Question
Is the facility operational?
Options
- Yes
- No
Radio buttons are most suitable when there are only a few possible answers.
Multi Select¶
A Multi Select field allows users to choose multiple options.
Examples:
Question
Services Available
Options
- Outpatient
- Laboratory
- Pharmacy
- Maternity
- Emergency
Multiple selections can be made for a single response.
Checkbox List¶
Checkbox Lists also allow multiple selections but display every option directly on the page instead of using a dropdown.
Examples:
Question
Equipment Available
- Blood Pressure Machine
- Thermometer
- Weighing Scale
- Examination Bed
- Refrigerator
Checkbox lists are useful when all available options should remain visible while completing a visit.
Checkbox (Yes/No)¶
Use a Checkbox when recording a simple Yes or No response.
Examples include:
- PPE Available
- Water Available
- Electricity Connected
- Fire Extinguisher Present
Checkboxes are ideal for compliance and inspection questions.
Date¶
Use the Date field whenever users need to select a calendar date.
Examples include:
- Visit Date
- Inspection Date
- Last Service Date
- Next Review Date
Using a date picker helps ensure dates are entered in a consistent format.
Choosing the Right Field Type¶
The following table provides general guidance.
| Field Type | Best Used For |
|---|---|
| Text | Short text responses |
| Number | Numeric values |
| Textarea | Detailed comments and observations |
| Select | One choice from many options |
| Radio Buttons | One choice from a small number of options |
| Multi Select | Multiple selections using a dropdown |
| Checkbox List | Multiple visible selections |
| Checkbox | Simple Yes or No responses |
| Date | Calendar dates |
Best Practices¶
When designing monitoring templates:
- Use the simplest field type that meets your requirements.
- Prefer predefined options instead of free text where possible.
- Use checkboxes for Yes/No questions.
- Use dropdowns when many options are available.
- Use radio buttons for short lists of choices.
- Reserve textareas for detailed narrative responses.
- Use number fields for quantities and counts.
- Use date fields instead of asking users to type dates manually.
Selecting the appropriate field type improves data quality, reduces validation errors and produces more consistent reports.
Next Step¶
Continue to Required and Optional Fields to learn how FieldOps validates monitoring responses before a visit can be submitted.