New in RecordsManager 2.0

Version 2.0 of Altova RecordsManager was announced on January 25, 2023. Learn about all the new features below and update to the latest version.

Major scripting extensions

For building no-code database apps, RecordsManager supports scripting in data entry forms to perform actions based on entered data. In the latest version, scripting functionality has been extended significantly.

To allow scripts to react based on data that app users enter, new script branches (if / then / else) have been introduced. With this implementation, complex conditions can be configured easily using a completely visual scripting editor.

New functionality includes:

  • Script branches (if / then / else conditions). In each branch, the app administrator defines a set of conditions. For each case (true and false), the script will carry out, as appropriate, any of the actions available for that type of script (see the screenshot below).
  • Scripts can be executed when a record is saved. The script is used to modify other field values of the record and/or to send emails.
  • Scripts can send emails using email forms defined by the admin.
  • Scripts can save records.
  • Scripting can be used to trigger creation, modification, or deletion of child records.
  • A new $CurrentUser variable can be used in script branches or User field assignments.
  • Buttons can be created to execute scripts (e.g., Send Email, Save and Continue, etc.). When a button is clicked, its script can modify field values of the record, create or delete records, send emails, or display messages.
  • Changes made via automated scripts can be highlighted for end users.
  • New conditions are available for scripting actions: Is Record Valid, Is Record New, Has Field Changed.
  • Scripting can be used to show messages (standard, warning, error).

All scripting is configured via a straightforward visual scripting interface, as shown below.

Scripting in database apps using RecordsManager

The new, extended scripting functionality in RecordsManager 2.0 gives administrators even more tools for defining sophisticated functionality to react to user input in real-time and implement intelligent automation.

New field type: User

A new type of field called User makes it possible to document who is responsible for different functions concerning a record. For instance, the user field type can be used to note who created or modified a record, or who is responsible for reviewing the record after it is changed.

This field can then further be used to filter data, to send emails to the user and/or the user’s group leader, and so on, when conditions are triggered.

Hierarchical user groups

RecordsManager allows for granular roles and permissions assignments. In many organizations, users belong to multiple groups (e.g., office location, department, management team, etc.). Hierarchical user groups help make group assignments more efficient by removing the need to assign each user individually to all their groups.

Hierarchical user groups

Defining user roles this way in turn allows for finely targeted reminder emails, for example, to group leads across different teams.

RecordsManager is a great no-code solution for building large database apps. A new search function for navigating the database configuration itself makes it even easier.

The Database Search functionality lets you search across all Fields, Filters, and Forms at once, either by keyword or by type.

Admin search across the database

Home page alert forms

RecordsManager allows for the creation of several types of forms for presenting users with information and guiding data entry. The form for designing the app home screen has been extended with flexible new options for displaying important data to users using filters. By default, home page alerts show date-based reminders. Now, developers have full flexibility to display any information – such as records with a certain status – using filters. Different forms can be designed for different user roles for the ultimate personalization and flexibility.

Home page alert forms in RecordsManager

Extended List Form sorting options

List forms allow the app administrator to specify how data is presented to users. Flexible options make it easy to define multiple lists forms to offer useful views into the app data.

In this latest release, list sorting options have been extended to allow the app administrator to specify up to three columns for initial sorting in list forms. For instance, in an app with company information, it may be useful to offer users a list of companies grouped by state. The groupings can be further sorted by city and finally by company name.

Sorting list forms

Share Record button

A new Share Record button makes it easier for users of apps created in RecordsManager to share records with other authorized users. When a user shares a record, they get the option to compose an email with a link to the record using their default email application or simply copy a link to the record to the clipboard for sharing.

Share Record button

Browser button for fields

A new browser button enables app users to open hyperlinks directly from fields in the app.

Browser button to open links

Try RecordsManager 2.0

RecordsManager is a free, pre-built MobileTogether solution that is available for you to start using when you install MobileTogether Designer. Use the link below to download and install the latest version of the free Altova MobileTogether Designer.