No internet? No problem. Unity FSM offline mode now available

As a field technician in renewable energy, you’re often working in remote areas with no Wi-Fi or patchy cell service. This makes it difficult to access or update important information about the plant or the task you’re there to complete.  

That’s where Unity Field Service Management (FSM) offline mode comes in. Offline mode is a new feature that is now available to all Unity FSM users. It allows you to access and update critical site and work order information — no matter where the day takes you. 

What is offline mode?

With offline mode, you can view site and work order information and complete tasks and inspections even when you’re disconnected from the internet. Just input data into the FSM app as usual. That data is stored locally on your device and synced to the server when your internet connection is restored. 

Access and update the following with Offline Mode — even when you’re not online:  

• Site information: View and update site instructions and documentation 
• Work order information: View and update priority, problem, initial estimated hours, job status, completion notes, and FCA Codes; upload images while offline 
• Work task information: View and update percent complete, due date, and instructions 

• Work assignment information: Log start and end time, work type, and add comments 
• Inspection information: View inspection step and capture results 

How does data storage and syncing work when I’m offline? 

Wondering how offline data storage and syncing works? When you’re connected to the internet, FSM records automatically sync with your mobile device every ten minutes. If your device goes offline, any updates you make in the app during the time you’re offline will be saved to the device and the record will be designated with a provisional number. For example, a temporary Work Order record would appear as WO-TMP001 on the device while offline. 

Once the device reconnects with the internet, your changes will automatically be synced to the servers and the temporary record number will be replaced by a permanent WO record number. And you’ll be able to verify that all changes you have made to records while offline have been propagated to the FSM org by clicking on the Data Sync button at the bottom of the screen. 

Conclusion

Need the ability to access and update critical site and work order information even when you don’t have service? FSM offline mode is for you.

Interested in learning more about FSM offline mode?

• If you’re an FSM customer, you can access the user guide here (login required) or reach out to your CSM for more information on how to get started.
• Not an FSM customer yet? Request a demo.