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Discussion

Customizable Loading Message During "Auto-Load Next Task" Flow with Smart Fields

posted two days ago

We are using Laserfiche Cloud Forms, Smart Fields, and Workflow to create a streamlined “upload → extract → populate” process. The technical flow works as intended, but there’s a clear user experience gap: the inability to display a custom message during the loading transition between task submission and the auto-loaded next task.

Use Case:

Our starting form is intentionally minimal. The user:

  • Uploads a single document

  • Clicks Submit

Behind the scenes, the following happens:

  • A Save to Repository service task saves the uploaded file and applies a Smart Fields-enabled template with auto-extraction enabled.

  • A Workflow is triggered that:

    • Receives the document’s Entry ID

    • Uses a Wait for Entry Change activity to pause until Smart Fields extraction completes

    • Retrieves extracted field values

    • Returns these values to the form process as output parameters, which are stored in form variables

  • A second form is then automatically assigned to the same user, using the “Automatically load the next task if the same person is assigned to it” feature. This next form displays the Smart Fields values in prefilled fields.

The UX Gap:

This all functions properly, but it introduces a 30–40 second delay between submission and task load. During this time, the user sees a generic message stating "Form successfully submitted. Redirecting...". There is currently no way to:

  • Customize that loading screen

  • Provide helpful context to the user

  • Reassure them that the process is continuing as expected

As a result, users may think the system is unresponsive, refresh the page, or attempt to re-submit.

Feature Request:

Allow a configurable message (such as rich text or plain text) to be displayed during the loading transition when “Automatically load the next task…” is selected.

This would significantly improve user experience, especially as adoption of Smart Fields increases.

Smart Fields Extraction Redirecting Message.png
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replied one day ago

Reminder that Workflow is not and has never been synchronous. The call queues a request for Workflow, it does not immediately start one. While it may look instant in proof-of-concept setups, there could be lengthy waits under load.

"Load next task" has always been meant for going from user task to user task. Anything that adds extra processing is likely to affect the user experience. Even with custom load screens, keeping the user waiting for 40+ seconds is still going to create anxiety over whether the process is working. 

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replied one day ago

Thank you for the feedback about smart fields in forms. We're working on expanding the functionality to support more in-process use cases, which would eliminate the need to use workflow for running smart fields.

Your request aligns with a concept I've been exploring regarding visibility of active automation and processing. I envision displaying task names between form submissions. For instance, in a process flow of "Submit Form → Send Email → Run Workflow → Approval Task," users who select "Automatically load the next task" would see a progress bar showing both the current task and total steps remaining. This would help users track progress and anticipate when their next task becomes available. Eventually, if it is requested enough, we could even display estimated completion times based on historical task timing data.

Would this solution address your needs? Or would you prefer having a rich text editor with the feedback features you mentioned? ...or perhaps both haha?

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