Idea split from:
Use case from original post by
Additionally, not having a “min” and “max” number of repeats is VERY limiting. We frequently have too many or not enough repeat sections added, defeating the purpose of them except in rare cases when the number will vary. By controlling if the user should add a certain number of them (at least and/or no more than), we ensure they fully understand the inspection purpose and have completed it properly.
I would still want the user to click + for each one, so they can answer the set for the repeat they are on at the moment and not get confused. We often use repeat sections for things that happen over time and work within an inspection throughout the shift/day, so they click + to add one at the time they are about to do that set of questions. But with a Min/Max option, you get a ton of flexibility:
- Leave min and max empty = do not have to add any and have no restrictions (functions like today)
- Set a min and leave max empty = have to add at least that many but no upper restriction
- Set a max and leave min empty = do not have to add any but have an upper restriction
- Set a different min and a max = have to add at least that many but have an upper restriction
- Set the same min and max = have to add that exact number before it’s considered complete
There are times an inspection might have repetitive questions for static items such as fire extinguishers or doors, and using a repeat section avoids the template owner from having to maintain dozens of sets of the same questions. Other times, a repeat section is useful when the number of items is unknown, such as the number of times a quality check is conducted, adding the series of questions for every safety device on new equipment being inspected during runoff (which will vary by equipment), or adding punchlist items. And at times, a repeat section is used when the number of items should be static but could possibly have variation or you may want to ensure the inspector truly took the time to add each one at the time it was done and not pencil whip them all at once (which we can track by the time field answers, signature times, and total inspection time).
In all of these cases, having a min, max, or min and max number of repeats ensures it will be conducted the way you expect.