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Structured Observations: Creating and Using Custom Forms

Learn how to create and use Structured Observations in Vision InSites, including building custom forms, assigning them to sites, and guiding security teams to submit consistent, standardized reports.

Written by Arthur Williams

Structured Observations allow administrators to create custom, form-based reports for security teams. These forms standardize data collection by guiding officers through predefined fields such as dropdowns, yes/no options, media uploads, and signatures.


What Are Structured Observations?

Structured Observations are customizable report forms designed to capture consistent and detailed information. For example, you can create a Monthly Lighting Inspection Report with specific fields that officers must complete.

Available field types include:

  • Date picker

  • Time picker

  • Dropdown selections

  • Yes/No options

  • Short and long text fields

  • Number inputs

  • Media uploads

  • Signature fields


Creating a Structured Observation (Global Level)

Global forms can be assigned to multiple or all sites.

Step 1: Navigate to Custom Forms

  1. From the Activity Dashboard, open the menu in the upper-right corner.

  2. Select Accounts.

  3. Click Custom Forms.

Step 2: Create a New Form

  1. Click Create Form.

  2. Enter a name (e.g., Personal Injury Report).

  3. Choose where the form will be assigned:

    • All sites

    • Specific sites (search or manually select)

Step 3: Build the Form

  1. Click Manage Fields.

  2. Select Add Field.

  3. Choose a field type from the dropdown.

  4. Configure the field:

    • Name the field

    • Mark as required (optional)

Example:

  • Section Header: Injured Person Information

  • Field: Full Name (Required)

Step 4: Organize Fields

  • Drag and drop fields to reorder them as needed.


Creating a Structured Observation (Site-Specific)

Site-specific forms are only available at a single location.

Steps:

  1. Navigate to the desired site (e.g., Apple Campus).

  2. Go to Form Settings.

  3. Click New Form.

  4. Follow the same process as creating a global form.


How Security Officers Use Structured Observations

  1. Tap the + (plus) button in the app.

  2. Select Observation.

  3. Choose a form from the Form Type option.

  4. Complete the required fields.

  5. Submit the observation.

Once a structured form is selected (e.g., Monthly Lighting Inspection), all required fields will dynamically appear for completion.


Best Practices

  • Use required fields to ensure critical data is captured.

  • Organize fields logically for faster completion.

  • Use dropdowns and predefined options to standardize reporting.

  • Create global forms for consistency across multiple sites.

  • Use site-specific forms for unique property requirements.


Need Help?

If you have questions about setup or customization:

  • Contact your Customer Success Manager

  • Use the in-app chat support


Structured Observations help transform reporting into consistent, actionable data—making it easier to analyze, review, and act on information across your properties.

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