Why Do This? -

I am creating this ovewview to give webmasters another tool for their disposal. The reasons to implement this syetm are many, but namely:

• Have computerized records of all applications that can be accessed anywhere with internet access
• Make applications legible!
• Entice users to sign up for encampment by making the entire process as simple as possible
• Update the user online as to the status of their application

The Encampment Application System developed specifically for the 2008 Georgia Wing Encampment is a specially modified program based on numerous freely available scripts. The system is run on a Windows Server 2003 system with Apache 2.0 with a MySQL backend.

The system is divided into 3 main components:

• A login/user registration system provided by iQuest Studios Advanced Login System
• A heavily modified version of DaDaBIK to manage entires into the database
• FPDF/FPDI to take those database entires and fill any type of PDF document imaginable (in this case GAWG F31)

These components have been adjusted so that they interface with each other with few problems. Here are the steps the system takes from start to finish:

1. A new user is created using the iQuest Login Script and the user is added to the specified MySQL database with the following fields: ID, username, password (MD5 hash), user_type (admin/normal), email, validkey (for resetting password), validated (if you choose to use email validation), PIN (for pass reset), lastip
2. After this has been created, the user is redirected to the login page where the login is processed by DaDaBIK itself looking at the users table to provide authentication.
3. Once logged in, the user will see only the entires made by his user name. The session variable is saved and the select from the MySQL query only picks out his entries so there is no cause for security concerns.
4. The user will add a new application and fill out the form that has been specified in the DaDaBIK admin interface.
5. Upon hitting SUBMIT APPLICATION, the app will be saved into the database and will automatically start up the PDF creation script which will take the fields and layer them ontop of the PDF file in exactly specified locations.
6. After this is complete the PDF script will spit out a filled out PDF file which the user has access to. Additionally, the user can return to update, remove, or reprint his application to get the necessary signatures.

Source Code -

Click Here to download a Zip file of the source code to the web application system. It must be customized for your particular setup. Here are bare-bones recommended steps:

1. Extract folder to web directory. Make sure you have php enabled, you have MySQL installed, and you know the credentials to access the database.
2. Go into /config.php and fill out the necessary parameters
3. Open install.php to install DaDaBIK tables into your database
4. Go into /security/config.php and fill in database parameters and program options
5. point browser to /security/login.php and follow the onscreen instructions
6. Next to configure the PDF options, go into /include/pdf/test.php and specify the coordinates and fields of the data you would like to put on the form. This is best accomplished by using trial and error as no two PDF forms are alike.
7. Create detailed insturctions so your users know what they are doing.

When I find more time, I will try to expand these directions. There is alot to configure, so I recommend you have some web/php/mysql experience if you intent to undertake this project on your own.

Optional Extras -

• One can include another instance of DaDaBIK in another protected folder that allows for full access to all the inputted applications. This is esentially administrator access through the web interface rather than having to battle the database at the backend. You can include additional fields such as "paperwork receieved" or "paperwork in order" and have the admin officer update these fields to keep the user informed.
  

• All PDF applications are outputted to the same folder. You can create a subdirectory on your webserver that points to this folder and is set up with directory browsing with a password. This allows the authenticated user to view and print all applications that have been submitted to date.

I am always available via email to help. You can email me directly at gorlinj@gmail.com or fill out this form.
I do have available space on my server to provide hosting for your Wing's Encampment. Time permitting, I am willing to work with anyone to get their system setup and running. Please email me if you would like to partake in this opportunity.