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FR: Offline mode

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Evan_Smith
5 - Automation Enthusiast
5 - Automation Enthusiast

This would show the last known table schema and data that was shown, but would allow to make records and sync when the mobile device comes back online. Issues would be resolved via the web to validate issues.

224 Comments
Alexandre_Tschi
4 - Data Explorer
4 - Data Explorer

Come on Airtable guys, adding a “CRM sales” template without offering offline functionality is just unthinkable.
Could you at least keep us updated on this ?

George_Baker
4 - Data Explorer
4 - Data Explorer

Continuing the discussion from FR: Offline mode:

Next to being able to link records across Bases/Restrict some collabortor’s views to certain fields, offline mode is my second biggest issue with this great program.

How would you want to use Airtable offline?
Inputting data into pre-built bases. No real structural changes to the base.

Do you use Airtable alone, or with collaborators?
With collaborators, but only for the purpose data input. The bases rarely change once the creator has finished and published it.

For how long do you need to be able to use Airtable offline?
Varying - mostly when travelling so anywhere from 1hour in a data black spot to 12 hours on a long haul flight.

How much do you need to be able to do in Airtable while offline?
Mostly just the input to pre-built bases while travelling. For me, it’s essentially just pulling technical specifics from various documents into the base.
Certainly I need to access info stored when offline - for example contacts information.

How tolerant would you be of having to resolve merge conflicts manually?
I have no major issue with this. For me it would draw attention to any changes made while I was offline anyway.

Would you primarily be using offline mode on a desktop or mobile?
Almost exclusively on desktop.

Stefan_Haas
4 - Data Explorer
4 - Data Explorer

Any Updates on this? Why is is so difficult for Airtable to make a clear commitment to an offline feature?

Austin_Hodges
4 - Data Explorer
4 - Data Explorer

The lack of this feature is the only thing holding us back from rolling airtable out company wide for building assessments. I hope airtable listens and gives us this feature soon.

How would you want to use Airtable offline?
For adding records to a preformatted base. Specifically uploading photos and notes about maintenance issues in the field alongside several specialists uploading their own records. People would not be sharing records or editing others records in the field but would just need the ability to cache the created records until reconnecting to cell service or wifi. With the current structure if connection is lost often the photo of the issue is lost.

Do you use Airtable alone, or with collaborators?
With collaborators

For how long do you need to be able to use Airtable offline?
Mostly for 5-10 minute increments when cell service is bad, but could be upwards of a few hours if the whole site has bad service

How much do you need to be able to do in Airtable while offline?
Just need to be able to add new records to a base

How tolerant would you be of having to resolve merge conflicts manually?
Ideally this would be rolled out with the ability to add records and read only access to existing records therefore conflicts would be reduced.

Would you primarily be using offline mode on a desktop or mobile?
Mobile

harshal
5 - Automation Enthusiast
5 - Automation Enthusiast

Hey @Austin_Hodges (and everyone else on this post),

I am currently building a solution (almost there :slightly_smiling_face: ) to avail offline availability in Airtable. would you be interested ?

Austin_Hodges
4 - Data Explorer
4 - Data Explorer

@harshal of course I would be interested in trying that out! Would your solution work with the mobile app?

harshal
5 - Automation Enthusiast
5 - Automation Enthusiast

Yeah @Austin_Hodges , that’s exactly what I am building :slightly_smiling_face: . since most of the users have demanded a mobile app here, I am building a native mobile app for it.

Rolando_Guerrie
6 - Interface Innovator
6 - Interface Innovator

As long as you price it intelligently (meaning don’t forget you’re pricing an add-on, not a stand-alone product, to an app that has MANY free users already), you could have something great until Airtable does its own (which could be never from the looks of it) !!
Clearly following !

harshal
5 - Automation Enthusiast
5 - Automation Enthusiast

Hey @Rolando_Guerrieri,

Will make sure to keep the product price reasonable. I am an indie developer so no reason for me to charge too aggressively :slightly_smiling_face:

Rolando_Guerrie
6 - Interface Innovator
6 - Interface Innovator

Cool !

Moreover, I don’t know what you plan on building but be aware that it should be different than exporting to a spreadsheet. Meaning what’s cool with airtable is using the filters and the views with the data. Even if it’s offline, which would mean we cannot enter new data, but work in a flexible manner with the one we have. Just like in a regular base. Otherwise, it’s a spreadsheet if you know what I mean.