Application Types in Infor Public Sector (IPS) / Hansen 8 define separate application processes. They exist in CDR modules, although in some modules they carry a different name (for example, in Code Enforcement / Cases they are Case Types). Some examples of separate application types might include Electrical, New Construction, or Plumbing in the Building module, Public Way Use or Event Permits in the Use module, and General Contractors or Electricians in the Trade License module, along with many other varieties. Each of these examples probably has its own set of requirements within your organization, and different users may be responsible for their own parts of each of these processes.
Application Types within IPS provide the basis for defining each of these as separate workflows. Each workflow can have its own questions, reviews, fees, inspections, etc. Sometimes determining when to create a new AP Type vs. modify an existing AP Type is easy, other times it may be less clear.
How do I determine how many Application Types I need?
Here are some questions to consider when determining whether application processes should be a single AP Type or multiple AP Types:
- Are the permits dealing with logically similar processes? For example, are these applications both dealing with different types of restaurant permits, or is one a permit for moving van parking and the other a dog-friendly restaurant? If they are both dealing with the same high-level process or type of project it might make sense to combine them.
- Are both permit applications completed at the same time? If there are two application processes that are always (or very frequently) applied for together, consider combining them.
- Are the requirements for being able to apply for each type of permit the same (required trade license(s), insurance, bonds / letters of credit, certifications, etc.)?
- Are the required applicant types the same (owner, general contractor, excavator, etc.)?
- Are the same reviews required, and by the same user(s) / department(s)?
- Are inspections required and are they the same?
- Are both application processes managed by the same user(s) / department(s)?
- Are the fees that are charged for both the same?
- Are the restrictions and other business rules the same between the two permits (hours of operation, distance from nearest school, etc.)?
- Is the intended output the same (a PDF of a permit with the same text / formatting, for example)?
Note that these are just some of the questions that should be taken into consideration when making this decision. If your answers to several of these questions included differences between the two processes, then you should strongly consider creating separate application types.
Still having a hard time drawing the line? Use “Work Type” to your advantage.
In some scenarios, combining two similar application processes into a single AP Type makes perfect sense, and this is a good time to point out that you can use “Work Type” to differentiate between two similar but slightly different processes. “Work Type” is one of IPS / Hansen’s standard questions (aka Constraints) that is available for use.
As an example, perhaps your organization has very similar application, review, and inspection processes for New Construction and Renovation permits. You could consider creating a single “Construction” AP Type with Work Type selections of “New Construction” and “Renovation.”
Where to now?
Read our Introduction to Infor Public Sector / Hansen CDR Configurations
