Overview
Synchronization is the process of aligning data between the NextGen FSM Mobile application and the NextGen FSM Server. This keeps your mobile device and the server up to date.
Synchronization can occur in two primary ways:
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Automatically: Predefined events or system processes initiate the sync without you needing to do anything.
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Manually: You start the sync yourself.
In some cases, synchronization temporarily blocks user activity, while in others, it runs in the background, allowing users to continue their work without interruption.
Sync Triggers
The following sections describe common sync modes, triggers, and when they occur.
Sync modes
Synchronization operations can occur in two modes, impacting user activity:
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Blocking Synchronization: Halts the user's current activity until the sync finishes.
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Background Synchronization: Runs in the background, only for the attachments, allowing users to continue performing their tasks without interruption.
Automatic Syncs
The system automatically syncs in these situations:
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First Login (Automatic): When you first log in, the system performs a sync. This blocks your activity until it finishes.
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Specific Actions (Configurable): The app automatically syncs after certain events. These syncs occur in the background, allowing you to continue working.
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After inserting a new Work Order (WO) from the mobile app.
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After taking charge of the activity.
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After arriving at the work site.
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After starting the intervention.
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After debriefing the intervention.
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After clock insertion.
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Timed Sync for Attachments: The app automatically syncs attachments every five minutes in the background. An administrator can change this timing in the system's appconfig.json file.
Manual Syncs
Tap Syncronize in the top right corner of the app to start a sync at any time. This sync runs in the background.
Connectivity and Errors
To sync, your device must have an active internet connection, either Wi-Fi or mobile data. If you start a sync without an active internet connection, you’ll receive an Unavailable Network message. Resync when a connection becomes available.
Here’s how the system handles other common errors:
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If you try to sync when another sync is already running, you’ll receive an Another synchronization is running message. Wait until the first sync finishes, then try to sync again.
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If the sync fails due to a network issue or the server being down, the app shows a blocking error message. All data on your mobile device remains unchanged, and you can continue to collect data and use all functions except those requiring an online connection, such as searching WO history. The system will try to send it to the server during the next successful sync.
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The app marks any data from a failed sync as to be replicated. This data is resent during your next successful sync. There is no automatic policy for resending erroneous synchs after a certain time.
Mobile Sync Alerts
The app provides alerts to help you manage your syncs.
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Sync Reminder: A persistent reminder banner appears at the top of the screen when pending updates are detected.
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Banner Visibility: The banner remains visible until the device successfully syncs. After the sync finishes, the banner disappears, confirming your app is up to date.