Web & Mobile4 min read

Question Types Reference

Comprehensive guide to all 24 question types, advanced controls, linking, formatting, calculations, and resource reading integrations in Algus.

Overview of Question Types

Algus provides 24 specialized question types (form elements) organized into logical categories to support any inspection, audit, safety check, or data collection workflow.

1. Choice-Based Question Types

Choice-based questions provide standardized responses for fast data entry in the field.

  • Multiple Choice: Choice buttons displayed as tiles or radio options. Supports single selection or multi-selection modes.
  • Checkbox: Multi-select options where inspectors can select multiple choices.
  • DropDown: Compact single-select dropdown list, ideal for long option lists.
  • Picture Choice: Visual choice selection where inspectors tap image tiles (250 x 250 px square images).
  • Emoji Choice: Quick visual sentiment/condition rating using emojis (e.g. 😃 😐 🙁).

Advanced Choice Features, Linking & Triggers

  • Single vs. Multiple Selection: Configure whether a choice question allows selecting only 1 option or multiple options.
  • Link Question: Unlike standard logic rules (which render follow-ups directly under the trigger question), Link Question allows linking a question's visibility to another choice question based on conditions (using grouped AND / OR rules) and placing the dependent question anywhere in the template (across different pages or sections).
  • Link Response: Links a multiple-response question to another question. When the parent question is answered during an inspection, the linked question's answer is automatically set and rendered as read-only (inspectors cannot edit it manually).
  • Scoring & Pass/Fail: Assign point values to choice options for percentage scoring and audit grades.
  • Automated Response Triggers: Configure choice options to automatically trigger actions when selected:
    • Require Task: Automatically prompts or requires creating a corrective task.
    • Require Evidence: Forces photo or file attachment before form submission.
    • Require Issue: Automatically logs a reported issue.
    • Notify: Sends real-time notifications to designated managers.

2. Text & Contact Input Types (with Format Validation)

  • Short Text: Single-line text field for short answers (e.g., badge ID, serial number).
  • Long Text: Multi-line text box for detailed notes, observations, or descriptions.
  • Phone Number: Formatted telephone number input with Format Masking & Validation upon submission.
  • Email: Email address input with Format Validation to ensure valid syntax (name@domain.com) upon submission.
  • Website: URL link input field with web address validation.
  • Currency: Monetary amount input field with customizable currency symbol selection.

3. Numeric, Temperature & Calculation Types

  • Number: Numeric input supporting custom units (kg, psi, bar, meters, litres) and specialized modes:
    • Standard Units vs. Resource Reading Units: Select standard physical units or Resource Reading Units. When a Resource Reading unit is selected, the recorded numerical value is automatically saved into the selected resource's reading history.
    • Temperature Mode: Set expected temperature ranges (e.g., Between X and Y, Greater than, etc.) with °C or °F units.
    • Calculation Mode: Create dynamic mathematical formulas combining multiple numeric questions. Calculates real-time equations, totals, or averages directly on the form.
  • Slider: Touch-friendly range slider control with configurable minimum, maximum, and step values.
  • Rating: Star rating input (1 to 5 stars) for quality or condition assessment.

4. Media, Location & Verification Types

  • Media: Capture photos using device camera or upload files. Includes photo drawing and annotation tools.
  • Signature: Digital signature canvas for inspector or supervisor sign-off.
  • Location: Captures exact GPS coordinates and physical address. Includes options to Auto-capture GPS location and Disable Search (address lookup). Can also be set to Read-Only.
  • Date & Time: Date picker and time selector for timestamps. Includes an option to default to Today's Date and can be set to Read-Only.

5. Linked Entity & System Types

  • Resource: Select equipment, machinery, or assets registered in Algus Resource Management.
    • Sitewise Filtering: Option to filter and show only resources assigned to the inspection site.
    • Resource Type Restriction: Restrict selection to a specific resource type (e.g., Forklifts, Generators).
    • Can be set to Read-Only.
  • Document Number: Auto-generated tracking and reference number for completed reports. Supports Custom Prefix & Number Formats (e.g., AA-{number...}).
  • Site: Selects the operational site associated with the inspection. Can be set to Read-Only.
  • User: Selects assigned inspectors or team members. Includes Sitewise Filtering (shows users assigned to the site) and can be set to Read-Only.
  • Site Plan: Interactive site plan map with pin-drop pinpoints for marking exact hazard or inspection locations.

6. Information & Guidance Types

  • Instruction: Read-only rich text banner, SOP guide, or safety warning shown to inspectors during audits (does not require an answer or score).

Summary of Read-Only Controls

The following entity and system question types support a Read-Only option to lock values and prevent manual changes during inspections:

  • Site
  • User
  • Resource
  • Date & Time
  • Location
  • Link Response Questions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Link Question and Link Response?

Link Question controls the visibility of a question based on another question's answers (conditional logic branching). Link Response automatically populates the answer of a question based on another question's response, locking it as read-only.

Can calculation question types combine text values?

No. Calculation mode only supports mathematical formulas combining numeric inputs (e.g., adding scores or multiplying ranges). To join text fields, use standard report layouts.