App that converts a checklist to a text

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the idea of an application that converts checklists into text for the purpose of generating professional reports efficiently. The scope includes practical applications in report writing and the potential advantages of automating this process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes an app that allows users to select variables from a checklist, which would then be automatically inserted into a report, streamlining the report writing process.
  • Another participant suggests that a simple tool like Excel could achieve similar results, asking for examples of checklists and reports to better understand the requirements.
  • A later reply provides a sample text from a home survey report, illustrating how variables could be highlighted and inserted based on checklist selections.
  • One participant cautions against creating an application that replaces the professional judgment of surveyors, arguing that a boilerplate Word document may be a more practical and cost-effective solution unless there is a need for mass report generation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility and necessity of such an application. While some see potential benefits in automation, others raise concerns about the implications of replacing professional expertise with software solutions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the technical feasibility of the proposed app or the effectiveness of alternative solutions like Excel or Word documents. There are also assumptions about the specific needs of users and the context in which such an application would be used.

Adel Makram
Messages
632
Reaction score
15
TL;DR
Looking for app that convert a list of checkboxes to a text in a professional report.
Hi,
I am looking for an app that converts a checklist to text.

The advantage of this app is to save time in writing professional reports.
For example, suppose a professional uses a list of 10 possible variables to examine a case but finds only 4 variables match a pre-set quality criteria. In that case, he will only tick the checkboxes of those variables and the app will draft a text that inserts those 4 variables in the blank spaces of a final report. The report may also mention the other 6 variables are not present. The wording of the report can be determined by the user beforehand. The user only needs to tick the box and the app executes the final report.

Any idea of known software of that kind?
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
You could probably do it with something as simple as Excel. Can you attach a couple examples of such checklists and final reports? (Use the "Attach files" link below the Edit window)
 
berkeman said:
You could probably do it with something as simple as Excel. Can you attach a couple examples of such checklists and final reports? (Use the "Attach files" link below the Edit window)
Thanks for the reply.

Here is a sample from a home survey report.;

"The flat roof covering to the side extension could not be seen from ground level or from a 3m surveyor's ladder. It was not raining at the time of inspection, so it is not possible to confirm that all roof coverings and rainwater joints are completely sound. "

The words in red are variable.

The surveyor only needs to tick the checklist below and the app will insert them automatically in the body of the report. because he does not tick any one, all variables are negative.

1672603342597.png
 
  • Informative
Likes   Reactions: berkeman
Creating an application to replace the professional opinion of a surveyor is a huge can of worms that I would recommend staying well clear of. The alternative (a boilerplate Word document with paragraphs that can be deleted as appropriate) is almost always a better solution, and unless you need to produce thousands of reports to an identical specification will certainly be cheaper and easier to create, deploy and maintain.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
10K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K