Overview
Introduction
This guide will walk you through forming your team and submitting your project proposal for the Infor Community Hackathon 2024. A well-crafted proposal is crucial for advancing to Stage 2 of the hackathon, where you'll have the opportunity to build your solution using Infor cloud tenants.
Submission Timeline
- Proposal submission opens: October 8, 2024
- Proposal submission deadline: October 15, 2024, 11:59 PM EDT
Preparation Tips
- Brainstorm with your team to develop a clear and innovative idea.
- Research Infor OS Platform capabilities to ensure your idea is feasible.
- Consider how your solution addresses real-world problems or improves existing processes.
- Prepare a concise yet comprehensive description of your project.
- Identify the specific Infor products and features you plan to use.
Submission Process
- Access the proposal submission form via the link provided to your group (see instructions below on how to create a group).
- Fill out all required fields in the proposal submission form.
- Review your submission carefully before submitting it.
- Click "Submit" to finalize your entry.
After Submission
- You will receive an email confirmation of your submission.
- The Infor Hackathon team will review proposals.
- Teams selected for Stage 2 will be notified by October 18, 2024.
- If selected, your team will receive further instructions on how to access your Infor cloud tenant and the next steps.
How to find and form your group
Whether you're looking to form a team, have already assembled a group, or are participating solo, this guide will help you make the most of your hackathon experience. Teamwork is often key to unlocking innovative solutions, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
For Teams That Have Already Formed: What to Do Next
If your team is already assembled, here are the next steps to get set up for the hackathon:
Create Your Team Group
Designate a team leader to manage group setup and member invitations.
The team leader should:
- Log into the community account and navigate to the Groups page via the navigation bar or the Hackathon page's slider menu.
- Choose a unique team name and add a description.
- Optional: Create or select a banner or logo for your team.
- Important: Select PRIVATE as the group type.
- Click Save.
Invite Team Members
The team leader can invite members by adding their community username (preferred method) or using member’s emails if necessary:
Team Members Joining the Group
Members can request to join by: Going to the Groups page after logging into their community accounts, searching for the team name, and clicking "Ask to Join".
The team leader must approve join requests.
Collaborate with Your Team
Use your group space to:
- Set internal events and deadlines.
- Create discussions, polls, and announcements.
- Engage in active discussions about your project.
For Participants Without a Team
Set Up Your Profile
- Ensure your community profile contains information about your skills and background. Follow the instructions below to access the profile fields or use this direct link.
Reach Out to Your Network
- Check if anyone you know has already joined and is looking for team members.
Visit the Introduction Thread
- Go to the Introduction Thread on the hackathon page.
- Introduce yourself, mention your skills, and express your willingness to join a team.
Identify Potential Team Members
- Look for participants with complementary skills or similar interests.
- Engage with them to see if there's a potential fit.
Network and Connect
- Don't hesitate to reach out and talk to people!
- Share your ideas and be open to collaboration.
Once You Have a Team
- Follow the steps above to create your team space.
No Team by October 10?
If you haven't found a team by October 10, fill-out this form and we'll match you with a compatible team.
Proposal Submission Form
The following are screen captures of the team proposal submission form, which must be submitted by the end of Stage 1. The final deadline for submission is October 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM EDT.
Successfully submitting proposals requires each team to be considered for acceptance to participate in Stage 2.
The Proposal Submission Form is submitted as a team. After the form is submitted, each individual team member will receive a confirmation that a proposal naming them as a team member has been submitted.
We believe that the form is self-explanatory. If you have any questions, please contact hackathon@infor.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Proposal Submission
Q: When is the deadline for submitting proposals?
A: The proposal submission deadline is October 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM EDT.
Q: How do I submit a proposal?
A: Access the proposal submission form via the link provided on your team's community group.
Q: Can I submit more than one proposal?
A: No, each team should submit only one proposal form.
Q: Can I be part of multiple teams or submit proposals for different projects?
A: No, participants are not allowed to be part of multiple teams or submit proposals for different projects. You should choose one team and collaborate on a single project proposal.
Q: How detailed should my project description be?
A: Your brief project description should be 50-100 words, while the problem statement, proposed solution, innovation factor, and potential impact should each be 100-200 words.
Q: Can we save our progress and return to complete the form later?
A: Yes, you can save your progress and return to complete the form later.
Q: Is there a template we should follow for the proposal?
A: The proposal submission form provides the structure you should follow. Make sure to fill out all required fields and adhere to the word limits specified for each section.
Q: Can we include diagrams or mockups in our proposal?
A: Focus on providing clear, concise written descriptions. If you feel visuals are crucial, mention in your proposal that you have additional materials and ask how to submit them.
Q: Can we update our proposal after submission but before the deadline?
A: Please contact hackathon@infor.com if you need to make changes after submission but before the deadline.
Q: Will we receive confirmation that our proposal has been successfully submitted?
A: You should receive an email confirmation within 24 hours of submitting your proposal.
Q: What happens if we miss the proposal submission deadline?
A: Late submissions are typically not accepted. If you have extenuating circumstances, contact the organizers immediately, but be aware that exceptions are rarely made to ensure fairness to all participants.
Q: When will we know if our proposal has been selected?
A: Teams selected for Stage 2 will be notified by October 18, 2024.
Q: What happens after our proposal is selected?
A: If selected, your team will receive further instructions on accessing your Infor cloud tenant and the next steps for the development phase.
Team Formation and Management
Q: How many team members can participate in a project?
A: Teams should have 2-5 members each.
Q: Do all team members need to be registered before submitting the proposal?
A: Yes, all team members should be registered for the hackathon before submitting the proposal.
Q: What information do I need to provide about my team members?
A: Please provide each team member's full name and email address, as well as a brief description of their role and relevant skills.
Q: How do I create a team group on the community platform?
A: The team leader should log into the community account, navigate to the Groups page, click "Start a New Group", choose a team name, and select PRIVATE as the group type.
Q: How can team members join the group?
A: The team leader can invite team members using their community profiles or email addresses. Alternatively, members can request to join by searching for the team on the Groups page and clicking "Ask to Join."
Q: What if I don't have a team yet?
A: You can visit the Introduction Forum on the hackathon page to introduce yourself and connect with potential team members. If you haven't found a team by October 10, we'll assign you to a group based on your skill set and preferred challenge category.
Technical Requirements
Q: What Infor OS Platform components can we use in our project?
A: You can choose from components such as ION, API Gateway, Backend as a Service (BaaS), Infor AI, Birst, Data Fabric, RPA, Infor Document Processor (IDP), Mongoose, and OS App Designer. Other components may be available subject to approval.
Q: Can we use additional Infor products beyond the OS Platform?
A: Yes, you can request additional Infor products such as Infor LN, M3, SX.e, or Syteline. Other products may be available subject to approval.
Q: What if I'm unsure about which components to select for my project?
A: If you're unsure or have questions about component selection, contact the organizers at hackathon@infor.com before submitting your proposal.
Q: What if we don't know all the technical details of our implementation yet?
A: Provide as much information as you can about your planned approach. It's understood that your implementation may evolve during the development phase.
General Questions
Q: Is there a cost to participate in the hackathon or submit a proposal?
A: No, the Infor Community Hackathon 2024, including the proposal submission process, is free.
Q: What if we encounter technical issues with the submission form or community platform?
A: If you encounter any technical issues, please contact hackathon@infor.com for assistance.
Q: Do we need to agree to any terms and conditions when submitting a proposal?
A: Yes, by submitting a proposal, you acknowledge that every team member has read, understood, and agreed to the hackathon's terms and conditions.
Q: Can we submit a proposal for a project we've already started working on?
A: Your proposal should be for a new project developed specifically for this hackathon. However, you can build upon previous ideas or concepts as long as the implementation is new and original work to be done during the hackathon period.
Q: How can we collaborate with our team during the hackathon?
A: Once your team group is set up on the community platform, you can use it to set internal events, create discussions, polls, and announcements, and engage in active discussions about your project goals.
If you have any additional questions not covered here, please contact us at hackathon@infor.com.