Purpose Statement

Offline Inspections allow inspectors to continue conducting inspections when internet connectivity is unavailable or unreliable. This feature ensures inspection workflows can continue uninterrupted in the field, whether due to planned offline work or unexpected connectivity issues.

The Offline Inspections feature helps agencies maintain operational efficiency by allowing users to download inspections to a device, complete inspections while offline, and synchronize completed work once connectivity is restored.

Background Information

Offline mode is designed for inspectors who may work in areas with poor cellular service, large structures with connectivity interference, or remote locations where internet access is unavailable.

Users can synchronize inspections to a device before leaving for the field, complete the inspections offline, and automatically or manually sync completed inspections once internet access returns.

Key functionality includes:

• Downloading inspections in Scheduled or In Progress statuses
• Completing inspection checklists while offline
• Capturing signatures during offline inspections
• Scheduling reinspections while offline
• Synchronizing completed inspections once connectivity returns

Limitations while offline include:

• Inspection reports cannot be emailed while offline
• Pre-planning and permits are unavailable
• Inspection logs are unavailable
• Violation history cannot be viewed
• New invoices cannot be created

Required Permissions

Users should have permissions related to:

• Inspections Module Access
• View Inspections
• Edit Inspections
• Complete Inspections
• Schedule Reinspections
• Sync Offline Inspections
• Send Inspection Reports

Administrators should verify the user’s role includes mobile inspection functionality and offline synchronization capabilities.

Video

Step-by-Step Guide
 

Download Inspections for Offline Use

1. Open the Inspections module on the device being used in the field.
2. Navigate to either:
   • Inspections List
   • My Inspections
3. Locate inspections with a status of:
   • Scheduled
   • In Progress
4. Select the inspections that will need offline access.
5. Use the cloud sync icon to download the selected inspections to the device in bulk or individually on in the Actions area.
6. Verify the inspections appear in the offline cache before leaving for the field.

Access Inspections While Offline

1. Once internet connectivity is lost, the system will display an offline indicator.
2. Open My Inspections to view downloaded inspections.
3. Use available filters such as:
   • Address
   • Business Name
   • Inspection Type
4. Select an inspection to begin working.
5. Optionally remove inspections from the cache if they are no longer needed.

Complete an Inspection Offline

1. Open the inspection.
2. Complete checklist items as normal.
3. Review violations entered during the inspection.
4. Capture signatures from occupants or select Unable to Sign if necessary.
5. Complete the inspection.
6. Schedule a reinspection if required.

Understand Offline Limitations

While offline, users cannot:

• Access pre-planning information
• Access permits
• View inspection logs or add
• View historical violations
• Create new invoices
• Send inspection reports via email

Users can still:

• Update occupancy information
• Add or edit contacts
• Complete checklists
• Capture signatures
• Schedule reinspections

Sync Inspections After Connectivity Returns

1. Reconnect the device to the internet.
2. Completed inspections may automatically synchronize.
3. If manual syncing is needed:
   • Open the inspections list
   • Select the inspection(s)

   • Use the cloud sync icon

     

4. If synchronization errors occur:
   • Filter by Sync Status
   • Locate inspections with upload issues
   • Reopen and review the inspection if necessary

Send Inspection Reports After Syncing

1. Once online, locate completed inspections.
2. Use filters such as:
   • Inspection Type
   • Completed Status
   • Failed or Citation Status
   • Inspection Emailed = No
   • Inspection Date
3. Select one or multiple inspections.
4. Use the bulk action menu.
5. Send inspection reports via email.

Inspection Sync Icons:

Best Practices

• Download inspections before leaving for field work.
• Verify inspections are successfully synced to the device.
• Only Scheduled and In Progress inspections can be downloaded for offline use.
• Ensure devices are fully charged before conducting offline inspections.
• Synchronize completed inspections as soon as internet connectivity returns.
• Review inspections with sync errors immediately to prevent data loss.
• Send inspection reports promptly after reconnecting online.
• Use bulk actions to improve efficiency when managing multiple inspections.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Why are no inspections visible while offline?

Only inspections downloaded to the device before losing connectivity will appear offline. Verify inspections were synced prior to field work.

Which inspections can be downloaded for offline use?

Only inspections with Scheduled or In Progress statuses can be downloaded.

Can I email inspection reports while offline?

No. Inspection reports must be emailed after internet connectivity is restored.

Why can’t I view previous violation history offline?

Violation history requires an active internet connection and is unavailable in offline mode.

Can I create invoices while offline?

No. Users can view invoices but cannot create new invoices while offline.

What should I do if an inspection will not sync?

Use the Sync Status filter to identify inspections with upload issues. Reopen the inspection, verify required fields are completed, and attempt synchronization again.

Can I still schedule reinspections while offline?

Yes. Reinspections can be scheduled during offline inspections.