PDFs rendering as XDPs

Question

We're using version 9 SP2 with a version 8.2 process.
We have forms that are rendered and submitted as PDFs in workspace.  Occasionally, when a form is proceeding through the process steps, it is somehow becoming an XDP only, so when the the next approver logs into workspace to view the form, the only data they are presented with is XDP XML.
I can replay an example of this occurring.  A form is rendered and submitted at step 1 as a PDF. Following this step, I can view the form in the process recording, and it is in fact a PDF.   However, when the approver logs in at step 2 though, the only data that appears in the workspace is the XDP XML.
Has anyone seen this issue before?

Answer 1

It is not so easy to locate your issue without looking at the activity settings & variables.
However, I'm guessing what might gone wrong with your process design:
-> In the Import Updated form data activity, you are supplying the XDP URL + the XML data to be imported
-> The output of the Import Updated form data is saved into a Document variable (say  myImportedDoc)
-> You are assigning the document variable "myImportedDoc" to the next activity "Center Director Approval"
If all the steps mentioned above are true from your side, the third step causing the issue.
To resolve it, place an RenderPDF activity just before the AssignTask (Center Director Approval) and supply the myImportedDoc variable as input and save the output in the same variable (myImportedDoc).
Let me know what happens!
Nith