Purpose Statement

The Offline Inspections feature enables fire department personnel to conduct and document fire inspections using the First Due Mobile App when internet connectivity is unreliable or unavailable. This ensures inspection workflows can continue seamlessly regardless of network conditions, with automatic synchronization once connectivity is restored.

Background Information

Offline Inspections addresses the common challenge of conducting field inspections in areas with poor cellular coverage or during planned/unplanned connectivity loss. This feature is particularly valuable for fire departments conducting inspections in remote areas, underground facilities, or during emergency situations where network infrastructure may be compromised.

The feature works by pre-downloading inspection data to the mobile device, allowing complete offline functionality for documenting occupancy details, contacts, checklists, violations, and signatures. Once internet connectivity returns, all recorded data automatically syncs to the web platform for report generation and distribution.

Key Prerequisites:

• First Due Mobile App installed on device
• Inspections scheduled in the system
• Device storage available for offline data

Required Permissions

Users must have the following permissions to utilize Offline Inspections:

• Inspections - View: Access to view inspection records
• Inspections - Edit: Ability to modify inspection data
• Inspections - Create: Permission to create new inspection entries
• Mobile App Access: Authorization to use First Due Mobile App features
  

1. Note that if you have a data connection, the Inspection will sync automatically when Inspect is selected.
   

1. Optionally, you can send or print multiple Inspection Reports using the Bulk Action "Send Email" or print to paper using Bulk Action "Print."
   

Best Practices

Pre-Inspection Planning:

• Always sync anticipated inspections for the day before heading to the field
• Verify sufficient device storage for offline data
• Check battery levels to ensure device functionality throughout inspections

During Offline Operations:

• Complete all inspection sections thoroughly while on-site
• Capture signatures immediately to avoid return visits
• Document violations clearly with specific details

Data Management:

• Only remove downloaded inspections when completed or using "Remove from Cache"
• Avoid deleting inspections that haven't synced with the server
• Use Sync Status filters to manage downloaded content effectively

Report Distribution:

• Utilize Bulk Action "Send Email" for efficient report distribution
• Send reports promptly after returning online for timely communication
• Maintain consistent documentation standards regardless of connectivity status

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: What data is not available during offline inspections? A: The following data is not synced for offline use:

• Full Occupancy Violation History
• Pre-plan data
• Permits

Q: What happens if I try to delete an unsynced inspection? A: The system will display a confirmation message warning that the inspection data hasn't been synced with the server.

Q: How do I know if my inspection data has synced successfully? A: Check the Sync Status column - successfully synced inspections will no longer show the downloaded icon and will be removed from the device cache.

Q: Can I conduct inspections that aren't pre-downloaded? A: No, only inspections with "In Progress" and "Scheduled" status can be synced to the device for offline use.

Q: What should I do if the sync process fails? A: Use the Sync Status filter to identify "Upload Issues" and attempt to sync again when connectivity is stable. Contact technical support if problems persist.