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Offline Mode

crisisIQ’s offline capabilities allow you to continue learning even when internet connectivity is limited or unavailable.

How Offline Mode Works

crisisIQ uses Progressive Web App (PWA) technology to cache content locally on your device.

Automatic Caching

Content saved as you use the app

Smart Storage

Priority given to recent and important content

Background Sync

Updates sync when connection returns

Seamless Transition

Automatic switch between online/offline

What Works Offline

Available Features

Access Cached Data:
  • Dashboard (last loaded state)
  • Training history
  • Completed scenario reports
  • Downloaded certificates
  • Cached resources/documents
  • Your profile information

Limited or Unavailable Offline

Requires Internet Connection:
  • Login/Logout: Authentication needs server
  • Start New Simulations: Loading scenarios requires connection
  • Submit Decisions: Scoring and branching need server
  • Real-Time Features: Chat, live events, team collaboration
  • Synchronization: Upload progress, download new content
  • Administration: User management, scenario creation

Enabling Offline Mode

Automatic Setup

When you install crisisIQ as a PWA:
1

Install PWA

Follow installation guide for your device
2

Use Online First

Navigate through the app while connected
3

Content Caches Automatically

Pages and resources save as you use them
4

Offline Access Enabled

Cached content available offline

Manual Cache Management

Ensure important content is cached: Before Going Offline:
  1. Open Key Pages: Visit dashboard, training history, scenarios
  2. Load Documents: Open resources you might need
  3. Download Certificates: Save any certificates
  4. Review Scenarios: Open scenarios you’re working on
This ensures they’re cached for offline access.

Offline Indicators

Connection Status

crisisIQ shows your connection state:
Connected
  • Green indicator or checkmark
  • All features available
  • Auto-sync active

Feature Availability

When offline, disabled features show:
  • Grayed out buttons
  • “Requires connection” tooltips
  • Explanatory messages
  • Alternative offline actions suggested

Syncing After Reconnection

Automatic Sync

When you reconnect:
1

Connection Detected

App recognizes internet is back
2

Queued Actions Upload

Offline changes send to server
3

New Content Downloads

Updates and new data fetch
4

Status Updates

Progress syncs, scores update
5

Sync Complete

Indicator shows online status

Manual Sync

Force synchronization:
  1. Pull down to refresh on dashboard
  2. Or: Settings > Sync Now
  3. Wait for completion
  4. Verify data is current

Storage Management

How Much Storage Used?

Check storage usage:
  • Android: Settings > Apps > crisisIQ > Storage
  • iOS: Settings > General > iPhone Storage > crisisIQ
  • In-App: Profile > Settings > Storage
Typical Usage:
  • Base app: 10-20MB
  • Cached content: 30-80MB
  • Offline scenarios: 5-10MB each
  • Media/documents: Varies by content

Clearing Cache

Free up space if needed:
Clearing cache removes offline content. You’ll need to re-cache it by using the app online.
Steps:
  1. Profile > Settings > Storage
  2. Tap “Clear Cache”
  3. Confirm action
  4. Next online use will re-cache

Offline Scenario Behavior

Solo Scenarios

Starting Offline:
  • Can’t start new scenarios
  • Can resume if already loaded
During Offline:
  • View events and information
  • Read resources
  • Cannot submit decisions
  • Progress not saved until online
Reconnecting:
  • Resume where you left off
  • Submit queued decisions
  • Sync progress

Group Simulations

Group simulations require active connection for real-time collaboration. Offline use is very limited.
Offline Limitations:
  • Cannot join or participate actively
  • Can view briefing if cached
  • Chat unavailable
  • Events don’t update
  • Decisions cannot be submitted

Best Practices

  • Open and cache pages you’ll need
  • Download important documents
  • Start scenarios while online
  • Check certificate downloads complete
  • Plan activities that don’t require connection
  • Review materials, study past reports
  • Don’t rely on offline for real-time features
  • Schedule decision-heavy work for online time
  • Keep device storage above 10% free
  • Periodically clear unused cache
  • Remove downloaded content you no longer need
  • Manage media downloads
  • Connect to WiFi daily if possible
  • Open app to trigger sync
  • Verify changes uploaded successfully
  • Check for app updates

Use Cases for Offline Mode

When Offline Mode Helps

Travel

Review training during flights or commutes

Remote Locations

Access content in areas with poor connectivity

Data Limits

Conserve mobile data by using cached content

Network Outages

Continue studying if internet goes down

Troubleshooting Offline Mode

Cause: Not cached before going offlineSolution:
  • Reconnect and open the content
  • It will cache for next offline use
  • Ensure sufficient storage available
Causes:
  • Still offline
  • Connection too slow
  • Storage full
Solutions:
  • Verify you’re online (check indicator)
  • Wait for stable connection
  • Free up storage space
  • Force sync via refresh
Causes:
  • Not installed as PWA
  • Browser not supported
  • Feature disabled
Solutions:
  • Install as PWA (see installation guides)
  • Use Chrome, Edge, or Safari
  • Check settings for offline mode toggle
Solutions:
  • Close and reopen app
  • Pull down to refresh
  • Toggle airplane mode off/on
  • Restart device

Data Safety

Offline Data Security

  • Local Storage: Encrypted on device
  • No Unsaved Changes Lost: Queued for sync
  • Authentication Timeout: May need to re-login after extended offline period
  • Automatic Logout: After configured timeout (e.g., 7 days offline)

Privacy Considerations

  • Offline data stored only on your device
  • Clearing app data removes all cached content
  • Uninstalling app deletes local cache
  • Server data remains intact

Next Steps