Changeset - e3c4e7ced733
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Bradley Kuhn (bkuhn) - 8 years ago 2016-08-30 18:24:34
bkuhn@ebb.org
Ensure user freedom for Javascript.

The fundamental point here probably goes without saying given who the
project leader is. ;)

The LibreJS thing may end up to be nice-to-have. LibreJS has some
serious problems -- I've had difficulty getting websites to work with
the plugin because the LibreJS plugin makes overly simplistic
assumptions about how Javascript is often deployed on a website.

But, we should try to be compatible if it's possible.
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Reimbursements/Requirements.mdwn
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@@ -95,91 +95,93 @@ approved in advance).  Once the request is submitted, it moves to the
 
Submitted state.
 

	
 
### Bookkeeper workflow
 

	
 
Bookkeepers can log into the system and see all requests.
 

	
 
When bookkeepers review a Submitted report, they can change the report's
 
state, and include a note explaining why the report was moved to that state
 
(e.g., moved back to In Progress because a specific receipt was insufficient
 
documentation).  When they do this, the system sends email to the requestor
 
letting them know about the change, including the rationale provided by the
 
bookkeeper.
 

	
 
The bookkeeper can export any request to the books.  The first release of the
 
software will simply provide an archive that includes all of the request's
 
supporting documentation, plus a `.ledger` file with entries for each
 
expense.  However, note that when building this feature in the code and UI,
 
it should be relatively generic.  Exporting should remain abstract enough
 
that integration with other accounting systems remains simple and
 
straightforward.  Note that even the mechanics could be different; for
 
example, an SQLedger exporter may add entries to the system directly, rather
 
than providing the bookkeeper with a file download.
 

	
 
## Requirements potentially for first release
 

	
 
These are features that we would like the system to have, and it may make
 
sense to make them requirements of the first release depending on how it's
 
built.
 

	
 
* CiviCRM integration: Many NPOs are already using CiviCRM.  CiviCRM
 
  integration would provide a familiar interface to users, and simplify
 
  system administration for the organization.  It may be possible to build
 
  the system as a CiviCRM extension.  If so, we would get this feature for
 
  "free."
 
  
 
* Usable without JavaScript: For consistent mission advocacy, it's important
 
  that some organizations not require requestor to use JavaScript.  (e.g., Tor
 
  browsers typically have JavaScript disabled because it can undermine Tor's
 
  anonymity guarantees.)  It should be possible to submit payment
 
  requests without JavaScript.  The interface can be enhanced when JavaScript
 
  is available.
 
  
 
  Whether or not we do this in the first release probably depends on what
 
  framework we decide to build on.  If the framework itself requires
 
  JavaScript out of the box, it may make sense to have the first release go
 
  with the flow, then work to add JavaScript-free functionality in a later
 
  release.
 
  
 
  In any case, Javascript used will respect software freedom of users and, *if
 
  possible*, will adhere to LibreJS protocols.
 

	
 
## Requirements for later releases
 

	
 
These are features that we would ultimately like the system to have, but we
 
know aren't necessary for the first version.  It's good to keep them in mind
 
when architecting, but also to know that they've been considered and aren't
 
immediately necessary.
 

	
 
* Allow optional questions: With this, question conditions probably need to
 
be extended to address the case of "other question isn't answered"
 

	
 
* Additional exporters:
 
  * Export to SQLedger
 
  * [Certainly many more, feel free to add them here]
 

	
 
* Richer lifecycle management: A leader may need to approve a request before
 
  it's added to the books, like an employee's manager or a program director
 

	
 
* Various currency improvements:
 
   * Automatic currency conversion for validation (e.g., validate that an amount
 
     in an aribtrary currency is within a limit in USD)
 

	
 
   * Validate currency amounts from outside data sources: The main case for
 
     this is per diem, where many organizations use rates that are determined
 
     by another party (e.g., US GSA) and updated periodically.
 

	
 
   * Handle totaling the request based on currency (e.g., expenses can are in
 
     USD, EUR, CHR but the traveler may want payment in INR.)  Unclear what
 
     interface for this would look like, but real-time data about past
 
     currency rates might be available via an API somewhere, and we can use
 
     that to have the requestor give us "preferred currency for payment" so
 
     all changes happen in real time in the interface (even allowing the
 
     requestor to be able to decide *while filling out the report*: "ugh,
 
     these exchange rates to INR are horrible; I'll have them pay my USD
 
     account instead").
 
  
 
* Data import: Apps like [Tricky Tripper](http://trickytripper.blogspot.de/)
 
  let users track expenses for a trip as they go.  The system could import
 
  this data to prepopulate answers to questions about the request and
 
  expenses in it.  Probably there would be an import API that can map
 
  different import formats to a common format, and then administrators can
 
  define how questions in their system can be answered based on imported
 
  data.
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