The first step is to create a report template using Microsoft Word, which is later merged with the specific responses of a Phase I ESA to create a final report. The template is a generic form of the final report, containing keywords where specific answers to the questionnaire are to be merged into the report. These keywords are highlighted in the report template using a unique style created for the Pocket ESA program. The answers to be merged into the report are not necessarily the direct answers to the questions, but are the text responses associated with the answer.
Step 2 Create a Questionnaire
The next step is to create a questionnaire that is used to collect the Phase I ESA data. After a questionnaire has been created it can be downloaded to the Pocket PC or used directly on the desktop. Questionnaires are divided into sections and subsections that can contain any number of questions. For every question a question type is selected, which determines the format of the question and allowable answers that are used to collect the data. The text associated with each allowable response is then entered. This is the text that will actually be merged into the final report.
Step 3 Enter Phase I ESA Data
The data for a Phase I ESA is then collected in the field by answering each of the questions in the questionnaire. The form used and allowable answers for the question are specified when the questionnaire is created. All of the data is automatically saved as it is entered.
Step 4 Merge the Phase I ESA Data with the Report Template
The final step is to create a final report by merging the data collected on the Pocket PC or desktop with the report template. During the merging process the keywords in the report template are replaced by the text associated with each of the answers to the questions. After the Phase I ESA data has been merged a final report will be created in Microsoft Word format. This report can then be edited in Word.