1. summary
A back-end database is required for the application to be used for actual work.
However, when it comes time to prepare the database, a server is needed, and the cooperation of engineers with infrastructure construction skills is essential.
This means that a great deal of time and cost will be incurred before we can verify the effectiveness of the apps we have created, and we will not be able to conduct experimental operations such as "We want our internal members to try using the app for a while.
Therefore, we will introduce how to use Google services as a substitute for databases and a sample application. It takes about an hour to set up the Google service, and compared to the time and effort required to build a server, this is a very easy method to use, so please give it a try.
2. Data collection using Google services
We will show you how to build a data collection environment using the following services from Google.
- Google Drive
- Google Sheets
- Google Apps Script
2.1. the role of Google Drive
- Stores master information (CSV data), which are items to be entered in the application
- Saving of input data (CSV) entered by the application
2.2. the role of Google Sheets
- Listing of data entered in the application
*Takes on the role of a database.
2.3. the role of Google Apps Script
- Periodically browse Google Drive folders and post survey input/response data to Google Sheets
This is a script that is embedded in Google Sheets (almost the same as a macro in Excel). This process eliminates the need for the person reviewing the survey to manually transcribe the survey content.
2.4. procedure
You can download it from the following link.
Google Service Integration Procedure(updated 2024/06/11)
*For the spreadsheet header (page 22) and CSV import processing source (pages 24 to 26), if you have difficulty copying the text from the linkage procedure PDF, please use the following.
Spread sheet header(updated 2024/06/11)
CSV import processing source(updated 2024/06/11)
3. sample app
As an actual sample, here is a survey entry application.
3.1. survey application overview
- Download survey question information stored on Google Drive
- Automatic generation of screens according to survey questions
- Send survey responses entered in the app to Google Drive
3.2. details of cooperation with Google services
3.3. sample projects and manuals
You can download it from the following link.
Survey Application Sample(updated 2024/06/11)
Survey Application Operation Manual
Master file samples(updated 2024/06/11)
3.4. supplemental information
The survey application sample introduced in this article is the same file as the "generic input application" included in 【Unifinity 5.0】.
You can operate Google Connect and the application by following the same procedure as the manual in this article, so please refer to the manual.
If you are using Unifinity 5.0, please refer to this article and try the "Universal Input Application".