Data loss from repeats

[PatrickKleeman]

We've had some instances of unexplained data loss from repeat sections of two different forms.  We're running Survey123 on iPhone 5c, and are usually in airplane mode while in the field to extend battery life.  The data losses have occurred while we are entering repeat records every few to several minutes apart, sometimes turning off the iPhone screen to save battery life, sometimes it goes to sleep on its own.  For example, the other day we were entering weights and measures of newts in our Apex form.  We had entered 11 repeat records and went into Survey123 to enter another repeat and only the first 7 records were there.

It has also happened with the repeats of another form (see below).  

It doesn't seem to be gross user error, and I can't figure out what in the forms' structures would cause this to happen infrequently.  Any helpful advice appreciated!

Thanks,

Patrick

[JamesTedrick]

Hi Patrick,

Can you define more clearly where the data is being lost? Is the application crashing or the data not appearing in the feature service? Do the repeats show when you review the form in the Sent box?  

[PatrickKleeman]

Hi James,

The data is being lost before we have a chance to send the survey (out in the field in airplane mode).  If we enter repeat data and Save as a Draft after each repeat record is entered, then it does not seem to occur, but that adds quite a few steps to data entry.  On the occasions that this has occurred, it appears the application has crashed -- the user wakes the phone from screen off mode and Survey123 has to be re-opened, and some of the most recently entered repeat records are completely missing.  Hope that makes sense.

[JamesTedrick]

Thanks Patrick,

That helps refine the issue somewhat.  We have an enhancement for continuous saving of the current survey to the Draft folder that should address this issue.

[PatrickKleeman]

That's great news.  Is the enhancement in 2.0 release (I just upgraded), or in an upcoming release?

Thanks,

Patrick

[JamesTedrick]

It will be a future release.  While this is coming in as a fairly high priority, we haven't targeted for a specific release yet.

[PatrickKleeman]

Sounds good.  I appreciate you and the team's efforts to continuously improve this useful app!

[PatrickKleeman]

Hi James,

Has continuous saving been implemented to solve this data loss problem with repeats?

Thanks,

Patrick

[JamesTedrick]

Hi Patrick,

We are working on continuous saving as part of the next (2.4) release.  An early beta implementation is available via the Early Adopter Community; we will be posting an updated beta soon.

[PatrickKleeman]

Thanks for the update.  I look forward to the 2.4 release so that I can dependably use those forms.

Best,

Patrick