RedZone

Introduction

Matthew Misera saw a need for a more efficient way to manage sewer inspections and maintenance. He reached out to LowCode Agency because he wanted an app to replace their outdated, paper-based system. The app he envisioned to help in field operations had to work offline, given the frequent loss of connectivity. It also had to connect with their resource planning software, to maintain centralized and organized operations.

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Challenge

They needed an app that could support multiple types of work orders, each with its own set of forms and validation requirements. The offline functionality was another significant challenge. It is a crucial feature, as workers often lose connectivity when entering manholes or remote locations. 

Furthermore, the app had to be connected to their ERP so that field ops agents could sync their work orders in the morning, download their schedules into the app, work offline, and then sync the data back to their system when they regained internet access. Building an app with offline functionality like that requires careful handling of data synchronization to ensure that no information is lost or duplicated when connectivity is restored.

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Solution

We used FlutterFlow, a no-code platform that inherently supports offline capabilities, to develop a highly advanced and customized app for our client. Our team focused on designing multiple forms that write data directly to the client’s database through a custom API built by the client.

One of the standout features of our solution is the integration of API calls to fetch work orders and forms, which are then stored locally on the device to enable offline access. This local storage capability is crucial for workers operating in areas with limited connectivity. When they regain connectivity, the app automatically synchronizes the data with the central database, ensuring that no information is lost and that the system remains up-to-date. 

We implemented a sync mechanism that uploads work orders in the background. This frequent synchronization is quite advanced, especially considering that the app was built using a no-code tool.

Users can download work orders directly to their devices, with the app beautifully designed to indicate the current sync state through intuitive icons: a grey cloud with an upward arrow when the process is initiating, green when uploading, and red if there is no internet connection. Once the synchronization is complete, a download button appears, enabling users to retrieve data from the client’s server. We also incorporated Auth0 for user authentication, providing a secure and efficient login process.