How to add a “signature” field to a list?

Question

I have simple custom SharePoint list with 20 fields. Three of the fields are dropdown lists for three separate approvers to update the record with "approve" or "reject." I would like to implement a way to place the user's login name next to the dropdown list they update. This way we know that the approval is valid. Any guidance on this issue would be appreciated.

Here is an example:

Field A approver: [dropdown list]  (USER.1)
Field B approver: [dropdown list]  (USER.2)
Field C approver: [dropdown list]  (USER.3)

Answer 1

You probably won' be able to do this, however, You could consider a workflow to populate a field with the approval and the last person to modify it so that would give you the same kind of functionality without having to custom code something.

Answer 2

This type of functionality will require some custom coding. (or you can use @Lori's solutions if custom work is not an option)

Here are a couple of links that can get you started on creating custom web parts:

• http://blog.concurrency.com/sharepoint/create-a-custom-web-part-for-sharepoint-2010/
• http://www.dotnetmafia.com/blogs/dotnettipoftheday/archive/2010/02/15/intro-to-sharepoint-2010-development-how-to-build-and-deploy-a-web-part.aspx

Answer 3

The last time I had to do this, I created a field for each approver and used a workflow to populate them.

If Status 1 is not null and Status 1 User is null, populate the Status 1 User with the value of the modified by and modified columns to get the user and date/time that the field was updated. Repeat the process for the other two fields.

In this scenario, I'd also use some jQuery to hide the user fields from the forms so that nobody inputs anything into them except for the workflow.

Answer 4

You should really consider InfoPath 2010 Signature Line Control. Very good read below. Since you can build a InfoPath form for an existing SharePoint list in 2010, it should be easy to upgrade to InfoPath.

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/infopath-help/digital-signatures-in-infopath-2010-HA010381868.aspx