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Progressive Web App (PWA)

Installable, offline and multi-platform

What is a PWA?

A Progressive Web App is a web application that combines the best of websites and native apps. Work Sampling is a complete PWA that offers:

  • ✅ Installable: Added to the home screen like an app
  • ✅ Offline: Works without internet connection
  • ✅ Fast: Instant loading thanks to caching
  • ✅ Updatable: You always have the latest version automatically
  • ✅ Secure: Encrypted HTTPS connection

No App Store or Play Store

Install directly from the browser. No waiting, no approvals, no heavy downloads.

🚀

How to Install the App

On Android (Chrome)

  1. 1
    Open the app in Chrome

    Navigate to the application URL

  2. 2
    Tap the install banner

    Or the menu ⋮ → "Install app"

  3. 3
    Confirm "Install"

    The app will be added to your home screen

On iPhone/iPad (Safari)

  1. 1
    Open the app in Safari

    It's important to use Safari, not Chrome or another browser

  2. 2
    Tap the share button

    The square with an up arrow

  3. 3
    Select "Add to Home Screen"

    You may need to scroll to find it

  4. 4
    Confirm "Add"

    The app will appear on your home screen

On Windows/Mac (Chrome/Edge)

  1. 1
    Open the app in the browser

    Chrome, Edge or any compatible browser

  2. 2
    Look for the install icon

    A + or monitor icon will appear in the address bar

  3. 3
    Click "Install"

    The app will install as a desktop application

Offline Operation

One of the most important features for industrial use is offline operation. In production plants, warehouses or remote areas, WiFi connectivity can be limited.

What works offline?

✅ Works without connection

  • • View existing studies
  • • Register new observations
  • • View the observation plan
  • • Check cached reports
  • • Edit observations
  • • Receive scheduled notifications

⚠️ Requires connection

  • • Create new studies
  • • Sync with the cloud
  • • Sign in for the first time
  • • Download app updates

Automatic Sync

When you work offline, data is saved locally on your device. When connection is restored:

  1. The app automatically detects the connection
  2. Local data syncs with Firebase
  3. Changes from other devices are downloaded
  4. Everything stays synced and backed up

🔄 Data persistence

Data is stored in IndexedDB, a browser database that persists even if you close the app or turn off the device. Your observations are not lost even if you are offline for days.

PWA Advantages

vs. Native App

Feature PWA Native App
Installation ✅ One click, no App Store Wait for store approval
Size ✅ ~5 MB 50-200 MB typical
Updates ✅ Automatic and instant Requires manual download
Development ✅ One code for all platforms Separate iOS/Android code
Cost ✅ Lower maintenance cost Higher cost per platform

vs. Regular Web

Feature PWA Regular Web
Offline ✅ Works without internet ❌ Requires connection
Installable ✅ Home screen icon ❌ Only in browser
Notifications ✅ Native push ❌ Not available
Performance ✅ Aggressive cache, fast loading Depends on the network

Technical Requirements

  • Compatible browser: Chrome 90+, Firefox 88+, Safari 14+, Edge 90+
  • HTTPS: The app only works on a secure connection
  • JavaScript: Must be enabled
  • Storage: ~50 MB available for local data

Multi-Device Support

By using Firebase as the backend, your data is synced across all your devices:

  • Sign in on your phone and on your computer
  • Observations registered on one appear on the other
  • Work on whichever device is most convenient at any moment

💡 Pro tip

Install the app on your phone for plant observations, and use the desktop version to configure studies, review reports and export data.