Methods To Collect Offline Data:
There are several ways to collect data while you are offline. Here we've listed some examples:
- Paper forms: This is the most traditional means of offline data collection. Using paper forms to collect data required printing the questions on paper sheets of paper and distributing them.
- Conversational SMS forms: With this methodology, the information is collected using SMS and responses come in like a chat.
- Offline data collection apps: These apps include forms that are created online and can be filled without internet access. When you return to areas with internet access, the forms sync with the online database.
- Paper forms are accessible to all people and they are simple to complete but this methodology also has disadvantages. For example, all the information needs to be written or typed, send over to the central office and upload to server or database. Gathering data manually tend to increase the number of mistakes so the result must not as accurate as we wish.
- SMS forms are an effective way to gather data while you are offline but the type of information you can include is limited. You cannot add files, images and videos or GPS location. That is why you can only use SMS forms on certain occasions.
Thanks to the development of new technologies, mobile apps have become very popular and a great way to collect information. However, a mobile app that just can work in online mode mobile isn’t good enough. Many industries require mobile apps that can work without internet connection to avoid losing any data when the connection goes off. Offline data collection apps are the most way of gathering offline data collection.
Characteristics Of Offline Data Collection Apps:
Offline data collection apps will benefit your company in improving overall efficiency and solve daily problems. Offline data storage and access offline apps can often need to store data directly on the user’s device. This allows the application to work effectively even once there's no connection. There are several different methods or levels of an offline data storage that make an app run offline.
Data Synchronization In Offline Mode:
One of the essential features of offline data collection apps is that users are able to perform some actions in offline mode and then synchronize it with the database. Data synchronization is the second of two core capabilities that mobile apps. It is fundamental to a wide variety of applications, including mobile device synchronization.
Benefits Of Offline Data Collection Apps:
Here we have listed some of the benefits of using apps to form working offline more efficient.
- Poor Connectivity Won’t Affect Your Work: Offline data collection apps are more likely to be used in areas of poor connectivity. These apps are essential for industries or tasks carried out in areas with limited WIFI or data connectivity.
- Data Security: When stored locally, the data has little to no chance of getting breached.
- Save Time And Resources: Offline data collection apps require very little loading time and are less likely to drain your battery.
Conclusion:
At present, offline support is a a part of these expectations and should no longer be ignored. Users want an app that works instantly and without any delays or difficulties. By implementing support of the majority of offline scenarios you will dramatically improve the mobile app user’s experience and boost your team’s productivity. Of all the reasons listed on why you should use offline data collection methods, the most relevant one is that information isn't easily ‘lost’ with offline forms. Problems like bad internet connection might affect result syncing for online forms while paper forms will get thrown out and may cause the loss of some data. This is not the case with offline forms and this is more than enough reason for you to choose them over paper forms.
When selecting a mobile data collection app, remember that the ability to operate offline or disconnected should be on the top of the list of priorities. Data scope mobile kind app is fully functional and editable without an internet connection. Are you ready to start collecting data offline? Data scope forms have robust features and can work both online and offline.