# Data Entry

An electronic medical records system has many advantages compared to a traditional paper-based system. Data is collected using electronic forms, and a standard template means that each user sees the same structure, simplifying the representation of the underlying information structure and complexity. Electronic forms also allow for basic data validation.

An administrator must design the form templates that data clerks will use. There are three forms modules in OpenMRS. An OpenMRS installation may use more than one style, but for simplicity, it's recommended you begin with one. They are compared below.

Form Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
HTML Forms	Easy to use Ongoing development of new features Supports complex logic operations Extendable Allows review of forms after submission	Requires HTML knowledge Not supported on mobile devices
XForms	Open source Easy to use Works well on mobile devices	Does not support some complex logic operations
InfoPath	Original approach to data entry via forms Others may already be familiar with the technology	Not open source Runs only on Windows Requires payment of license fees No new development by the OpenMRS team

The next chapters describe HTML Form Entry and XForms in more detail.

InfoPath forms, created with the FormEntry module and Microsoft InfoPath, are not recommended. Microsoft InfoPath is proprietary software, and the forms are difficult to troubleshoot. InfoPath forms will continue to work, but there will be no new development.