Using Forms Offline

1 Overview

When data is stored in bxp software (bxp), NOTHING is stored on the device. This provides instant data protection compliance for the device. The con to that pro, is that it needs to be in coverage.

When agents need to save a form but are not in Internet coverage, the form can be opened on a device and even saved. The form will contain encryption capabilities and generate an encrypted file on the device storing all the data entered into the form. When the user returns to coverage, the created file can be opened and it will repopulate all the fields, allowing an outcome to be chosen and processing will continue as normal.

There are a lot of considerations to offline record creation and processing.

2 Device Considerations

There could be an option for storing data locally, but can introduce numerous headaches doing so:

1. The agents will need formal data protection handling training for offline devices.
2. The devices will need to store locally a script which is capable of creating a “data record file”
3. That file will be stored on the device until the agent is back in coverage
4. When back in coverage the agent will need to upload the file back into BE
5. The agent will then need to delete the file from the device

As you can see from this, there are numerous challenges with an “offline” solution:

• Users not uploading files. We can’t force the agents to upload their records
• The device being stolen / forgotten with records on it. We can’t stand over the security or secure use of the device
• bxp can help with the human element of “interference”, i.e. users modifying the generated files to change creation dates and times. There still is a chance a tech savy agent will learn to circumvent the hindrances.
• bxp does work on dialup and most places will have GSM coverage which will be fast enough.
• The device MUST have the capability to store documents. i.e. iPads and iPhones do not allow for storage of documents or files.

3 Operation

The time and date and the file name are system generated and not to be altered by the user. You perform the saving of the data in bxp in 3 steps.

1. Step 1. To gather and encrypt the data.
2. Step 2. Save the file to your device.
3. Step 3. Blank all the fields and start again.

4 Operation Notes

1. Outcomes can’t work offline. You can’t have a record work offline because with no Internet connectivity there is no ability to do work. This why when the file is reloaded into BE then an outcome can be chosen. Also between using the outcomes in the field and the outcomes when they’re back online, can change. So it is impossible to state which outcome to use when the user is offline.
2. The fields you cannot edit when using the offline engine are system based fields.