Advice for using InfoEx with weak internet connectivity

InfoEx works best with a reliable internet connection. Many functions can be performed offline too. Working with a weak, intermittent or overstretched internet connection can be a frustrating experience. The following work methods are recommended in these circumstances.

Functionality that requires an internet connection

The list below are things that should be done online either in the front-country with a strong internet connection or at a time you have the strongest internet connection you can get in your remote location. Consider other users of your network e.g. when guests are not using the network, or when fellow workers are in the field rather than online, and plan your online work when there is the least competition for your limited bandwidth.

• Sign in whilst online to ensure your location catalog and other essential information is cached.
• Creating a new operation PWL via the Operation PWL menu. You cannot create a PWL when executing an offline workflow.

Overview of a recommended workflow submission process

1. If you need to create a PWL this must be done online prior to starting the workflow. (Assessments for previously created PWLs can be made in an offline workflow execution).
2. If workflow submissions for your operation may have been made from a different computer since you last submitted on your current computer and you may have a strong enough internet connection then start the workflow whilst online. This will pre-fill your workflow with the latest information. If the pre-filling fails you will be informed, and given the option to proceed despite the failure, or abort the workflow (if you choose to abort go to step 3). Once pre-filling has completed go offline by disconnecting from your network or by clicking on Click to Work Offline in the top right corner of the InfoEx window, then complete all the modules and go to step 5.
3. Go offline by disconnecting from your network or by clicking on Click to Work Offline in the top right corner of the InfoEx window.
4. Start a new workflow and complete all its modules.
5. At the workflow summary screen if you believe you have a strong internet connection go back online and submit. The green checks will confirm successful submission. Otherwise, click submit whilst still offline.
6. If you submitted whilst offline, the next time you (or a co-worker with submission moderator or operation administrator privileges) are signed in to InfoEx for your operation and there is an internet connection (this will be your current session if you go back online before closing InfoEx down) the workflow will be automatically submitted. A message will inform you of this. WARNING: If the internet connection is lost whilst this is being done, the workflow will not be submitted and you may lose the data. So you will want to manage this scenario carefully. CAA staff recognise this weakness and hope to implement improved uploading functionality as soon as possible - unfortunately, this is a highly complex situation to handle.