Feature: Offline Mode
This feature empowers drivers to complete jobs without requiring a data connection, with the ability to sync data later. It proves invaluable when delivering to areas with no cellular signal or in case of server issues preventing immediate data transmission. Business operations remain uninterrupted despite unexpected challenges.
Key Points for this Feature:
- Automatic activation based on connection status
- Manual control for on/off as needed
- Auto-download of routes upon driver login
- Debug mode for enhanced data security
This feature stands as one of the most critical and frequently utilized functions within the mobile app, demanding significant development effort.
"At its core, the offline mode enables job progress to be saved locally, with subsequent data synchronization."
Key Issues Addressed by this Feature:
- Logic for activating/deactivating offline mode
- Local data storage mechanism
- Data synchronization process
- Error handling
Multiple Modes in the Mobile App:
- Offline mode (no cellular data usage)
- Low-data mode (optimized cellular data usage)
- Regular mode (full data update)
A notable distinction between offline mode and low-data mode lies in image updates. The bulk of data usage pertains to images like POD or signatures. In low-data mode, these images are resized for reduced data consumption, with transmission of full-sized images occurring over Wi-Fi.
Key Workflow Takeaways:
- System frequently checks data connection and auto-activates offline mode when none is detected. Returns to normal mode upon reconnection.
- Offline mode can be manually activated via the sidebar menu, allowing data tasks without cellular data usage.
- A daily route copy is downloaded upon initial login, which is modified during offline mode to preserve job progress.
- Unsynced offline data auto-syncs with the database upon connection restoration.
- An error data object holds failed syncing tasks, retried or debugged in debug mode.
- Data loss is prevented even for error tasks, unless a driver switches phones with unsynced data on the previous device.
Offline Auto-Detection and Data Syncing
Forced Offline Mode Activation
Debug Mode for Persistent Errors
🤔 Retrospective
Among the most intricate mobile app features, this stands out as profoundly significant. It was not an overnight development; we began with core functions, gradually refining and resolving edge cases. Building this demanded considerable team effort, but the retrospect unveils its immense worth.
This journey enriched my understanding of constructing complex yet vital functionalities. Always commence with core concepts and functions, progressively integrating details while systematically addressing exceptions.