The Settings menu, represented by a gear icon, remains accessible to the User throughout the User Interface. The Settings menu offers the User quick-access links to some of the most popular Job Connect tools and features.
This article discusses the following tools available via the Settings menu.
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Accessing the Settings Menu
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In either UI mode, maintenance or construction, the Settings menu is represented by a prominently displayed gear icon, as illustrated below.
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Sync Data
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The Job Connect application displays records downloaded from the associated IMMS server. A mobile User must routinely synchronize the mobile application with the associated IMMS Instance (i.e., web client) to ensure current records are being viewed and updates performed from the mobile device are uploaded to the Instance server.
The Settings menu offers a Sync Data link, which allows Users to sync Job Connect data while still logged in. Additionally, the Settings menu will also display the time lapsed since the mobile application's last refresh (i.e., data sync).
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Construction Mode Sync Options
In Construction Mode, clicking the Sync Data link will present the User with a number of data sync options. These will vary depending on the number of Projects/Systems presently downloaded to the device.
Sync Option | Description |
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| All | Synchronize the data records for all Projects/Systems downloaded to the device. |
| Select Projects | Synchronize the data records for only the selected Projects/Systems. |
Once the synchronization has occurred, the Synchronization Summary window will appear. This summary displays how many Cases, System Elements and/or Tasks were updated, as well as the newly available or updated drawings.
The Settings window also contains a Last Sync Summary option. This option is only available if a User has completed a Sync Data action at least once, and it identifies the data updated during the latest synchronization.
Maintenance Mode Sync Options
In Maintenance Mode, tapping Sync Data will present the User with three data sync options:
Sync Option | Description |
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| All | This option synchronizes all data, including Locations, static data, Assets, etc. This is the largest data synchronization, and it may take a considerable amount of time to complete. |
| Corrective Maintenance | This option synchronizes only the corrective maintenance Cases and Work Tickets, as well as any associated System Elements and Locations. Downloading only this defined segment of data reduces synchronization time. |
| Preventative Maintenance | This option synchronizes only the preventative maintenance (PM) Cases and Work Tickets, as well as any associated System Elements and Locations. Downloading only this defined segment of data reduces synchronization time. |
Upon making a data sync selection, the application will present the following warning message: "Warning! Syncing can be a long running operation. Do not close the application or lock the iPad until sync completes."
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Users should Sync Data at the beginning and end of each work day. This helps ensure that work assigned to the User is up to date and any local updates are pushed to the IMMS server. Daily data synchronization is also key to avoiding most sync errors and data loss. |
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Users should allow adequate time to synchronize data on the mobile device prior to the start of work activities. Work sites vary by Project/Contract, and network connectivity is not always available or allowed in field locations. Job Connect allows Users to load data to their mobile devices, perform work and log updates via the device, and then upload those changes to the IMMS server once network connectivity is available. It is important for Users to have on-line and off-line strategies for work performance. The routine and timely synchronization of data, between the mobile app and IMMS server, is essential for the integrity of information available to the entire team. |
Common Sync Errors and Warnings
The most common data synchronization errors experienced by Users are described below.
Updates not Accepted - This common sync error occurs when a User attempts to sync record updates after another User has updated the same item(s). In the example shown below, a User attempted to Acknowledge a Case that was already transitioned to the Acknowledged status by a different User. This occurs when a mobile client User accesses and works in outdated records. It is a good practice to synchronize a record before working on it and avoid this common sync error.
See Updating a Case and Updating a Work Ticket for guidance on refreshing individual records.
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Outdated Work Procedures - This error occurs when a PM Group, Work Form, and/or Work Package Template has been updated since the User's last data sync. When this occurs, the User may access an outdated list of Tasks or Work Forms.
Outdated User Permissions - In some scenarios, a User's granted Permissions may have changed since the last data sync. Whether intentional or accidental, User Permission changes can cause errors on subsequent sync attempts, as intended updates may no longer be permitted with current Permissions.
Logout and Sync Reminders - Each time the User logs out of the application, a data sync will be initiated upon the next successful login. When a User opens and closes the application without performing a logout, no data sync is initiated. However, when the application is reopened, a message will advise the User of the time lapsed since the last data synchronization.
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The above scenarios are the most common causes for sync errors. Analysis of these errors has shown that the majority could be avoided if Users consistently synchronize data at the beginning and end of each work day. |
Scan Barcode
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IMMS supports the barcode labeling and scanning of all trackable physical Assets. When a barcode is physically affixed to an Asset via a printed label, the mobile application's Scan Barcode option allows technicians to quickly scan that label and access records related to the identified Asset. This includes all records (e.g., Cases, Work Tickets, etc.) associated with the paired System Element, which the Asset is installed against.
- Select the Scan Barcode link from the Settings menu.
- The app will request access to the mobile device's camera. Click OK to open the barcode scanner.
- Using the camera, position the printed barcode in the center of the device screen.
- Upon scanning the barcode:
- If the barcode is recognized, Job Connect will automatically list all records which match the scanned barcode.
- If the barcode is not recognized, Job Connect will present the following error message: "No System Element Found - No system element matched the barcode: <scanned barcode number> within the system."
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The Scan Barcode option is offered in the Settings menu in Maintenance Mode only. While the Scan Barcode option is not offered within the Settings menu in Construction Mode, the functionality is still supported from various views. See Job Connect Construction (JCC) Mode User Interface for additional information and guidance. |
Timeline
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Construction Mode Settings Menu Only
The Timeline link in the Settings menu opens a calendar window automatically set to the current date and time. This allows Users to review any Work Tickets or Activities assigned to them for the day, week, and month. See
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Timeline View for more information about features and functionality available.
Add Activity
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When an Instance is configured to support this, the Add Activity link within the Settings menu allows Users to quickly log labor hours against a Contract, without a Case or Work Ticket association. See Managing Activities
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for more information and guidance.
Create Case
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All work performed on a Project/Contract is tracked in Case records. Cases can be manually created to track issues and service requests. The Create Case link within the Settings menu is one of the quickest ways to access the Create Case form within Job Connect. Once you have accessed the Create Case form, see Managing Cases
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for more information and guidance on creating a Case record.
What's New
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The What's New link under the Settings menu offers the User helpful information about the Job Connect app version updates and new tools and features.
Technical Support
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The Technical Support link under the Settings menu offers Users a quick and easy way to report problems experienced while using the app. The tool offers a text field to enter a description of the problem, and the Attach screenshots or videos link allows the User to capture visual representations of the problem experienced.
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Log Out
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Selecting Log Out from the Settings drop-down menu will end the User's active session and terminate access to the app. To regain access to Job Connect, the User must log in with username and password, and a data synchronization will be required.
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Scrolling below the Logout option, the Settings Menu displays information about the active User and software/application version. |
User
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This field displays the name of the User currently logged into the application. This aids Users who may share a mobile device in ensuring the correct User is signed in to identify and complete their work.
Mobile Version
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This field displays the currently installed version of the mobile application.
Server Version
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This field displays the current IMMS web application version that the mobile application is communicating against.
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Data Collection
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By default, the mobile application collects anonymous data on use, features, performance measurements and online/offline operation. This data is collected to improve design and reliability and is subject to the posted Privacy Policy at https://www.mcdean.com/imms/privacy_policy.html.
The User can enable/disable data collection using the Data Collection link from the Settings menu.
Instance URL
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The URL for the active Instance is listed at the bottom of the Settings menu.
Related Topics
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The following pages offer information and guidance on related topics.