Syncing data

Syncing data

Understanding how data sync works helps you stay confident that your information is up-to-date and your offline work is preserved.

Auto-Sync

The app automatically syncs when:

• You open the app (if connected)
• Connection is restored after being offline
• Every 5 minutes while the app is active
• When you perform a significant action

Manual Sync

Force a sync at any time:

• Pull down on any main screen (pull-to-refresh)
• Or go to Settings > Sync Now
• A progress indicator shows sync status
• "Last synced" timestamp updates on completion

What Gets Synced

Uploaded (Device → Server)

• Sign-in/out records
• New observations (text + photos)
• Safety check completions
• Toolbox Talk attendance
• Profile updates

Downloaded (Server → Device)

• Project updates and settings
• New team member data
• Observation status changes
• New notifications
• Updated documents list

Sync Priority

Items sync in priority order:

• Sign-in/out records (safety critical)
• Safety observations (time-sensitive)
• Permit acknowledgments
• Toolbox Talk attendance
• Photos and attachments (bandwidth-intensive)
• Project data updates

Conflict Resolution

When conflicts occur:

Automatic Resolution

• Server data wins for: project settings, user roles, status changes
• Local data wins for: observations in progress, draft sign-ins

Manual Resolution

When automatic resolution isn't possible:

• You'll see a "Sync Conflict" notification
• Tap to review the conflicting data
• Choose which version to keep
• The resolved version syncs to server

Troubleshooting Sync

Sync won't complete

• Check internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular)
• Ensure you have sufficient signal strength
• Try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular
• Restart the app
• Check available storage space

Large photo queue

• Photos sync after text data
• Large queues may take several minutes
• Stay on Wi-Fi for faster upload
• Don't close the app during photo sync

Data not appearing

• Pull to refresh
• Check if you're viewing the correct project
• Verify the data was submitted (check sync queue)
• Log out and back in as a last resort

Data Usage

Typical sync data usage:

• Text data: ~1-5KB per sync
• Photos: ~2-5MB per photo
• Full initial sync: ~10-20MB
• Daily usage: ~5-15MB (varies with photo count)

To minimize data:

• Sync over Wi-Fi when possible
• Reduce photo resolution in settings
• Limit background sync frequency