Mobile Field Best Practices
Tips to help inspectors complete TankSafe workflows confidently on tablets or rugged handhelds. The portal is an online-only experience today, so every recommendation below is geared toward keeping a stable connection and capturing evidence accurately.
Device checklist
- Screen size: 10" display (or larger) makes the continuity matrix and signature pads easier to use.
- Browser: Latest Chrome, Edge, or Safari with automatic updates enabled.
- Accessories: Stylus for signatures, rugged case, shoulder strap, and a portable battery pack.
- Network: Primary LTE/5G SIM plus a backup hotspot or Wi-Fi option.
Before leaving the depot
- Charge the device to 100% and pack the spare battery pack.
- Sign in to TankSafe to ensure your SSO session is valid before you enter low-signal zones.
- Download any supporting SOP PDFs or site maps you may need while offline. (TankSafe itself does not provide offline forms.)
- Verify camera and file-upload permissions in the browser settings.
- Test your hotspot or backup connection so it is ready if site Wi-Fi fails.
During the inspection
- Stay on the same browser tab once you begin the inspection wizard. Navigation away clears unsaved progress.
- Save at the end of each step—TankSafe writes directly to Supabase when the network is available.
- If you experience a timeout, move to an area with better signal and re-open the same step to re-enter data. See Connectivity Requirements & Draft Handling for limitations.
- Capture photos in landscape when possible so the preview within the wizard provides more context.
Handling poor connectivity
- Pause data entry when the app surfaces a network error toast; re-submit after reconnecting.
- If the browser becomes unresponsive, refresh the tab. Unsaved fields on the current step may need to be re-entered.
- For recurring failures, record critical readings on paper so you can backfill once service stabilises, then escalate to an administrator.
Battery & device care
- Close background apps before starting the shift to conserve memory and bandwidth.
- Avoid enabling system-wide battery saver until inspections are submitted; aggressive throttling can interrupt uploads.
- Keep devices shaded and dry. Extreme heat or moisture can degrade battery life and touch responsiveness.
Troubleshooting quick reference
| Symptom | Fix |
|---|---|
| Camera blocked | Browser settings → Site permissions → Allow camera & microphone. Refresh the page afterwards. |
| File upload stalls | Cancel the upload, refresh the step, and retry when connectivity improves. |
| App logs you out mid-shift | Reconnect to the network and sign in again. Unsaved data on the current step must be retyped. |
| PDF download fails | Ensure pop-ups are allowed, then use Export PDF from Admin ▸ Jobs once the inspection is submitted. |
Safety considerations
- Follow site safety rules when operating tablets around hazardous areas.
- Use intrinsically safe cases if mandated by the facility.
- Clean devices with approved solvents and let them dry fully before reuse.