Online mode vs. Offline mode

An explanation of the difference between TSM remote online and offline

The difference between online and offline mode in TSM Remote is that online mode requires a constant connection to the TSM Remote server. Offline only needs a connection to the server when synchronizing data. This connection could be in the form of WiFi or a mobile data connection (e.g. 3G).

When first opening TSM remote in offline mode it will require a connection to the server to do the initial sync. This sync will retrieve the data from TSM (e.g. jobs, assignments, parts, time sheets etc) and store it locally on the tablet. Any changes/additions/deletions within TSM remote offline will not be seen in TSM itself, or by other TSM remote users, until another sync occurs and vice versa.

The decision to use online or offline mode comes down to speed vs. up-to-date data. Online mode is slower as it is constantly contacting the TSM server to download the data (e.g. job details, part details, time details, etc). The up-side to online mode, however, is that the data is up-to-date. This means that any new jobs, assignments, parts, time etc added in TSM or other remotes will be seen by the remote user straight away. When using offline mode changes made in TSM or by other remote users will only be seen once a sync is performed. The advantage of offline mode is that, because it pre-downloads all data, it is quicker to open, browse and add details to jobs, moreover, you can still access to job details even you are working in an area without network coverage.