Offline use of the GESTIS-ILV on mobile devices: Instructions for iOS

The application "GESTIS-ILV" is a progressive web app and can therefore also be used offline.

A high-performance, browser-based database is used for data storage. Smart synchronisation allows efficient access to the required information on mobile devices, even in flight or with weak or no internet connection.

Offline access requires a one-time synchronisation of all application content via an Internet connection. When returning to online access, only the data that has changed since the last online access is downloaded. This ensures that the database content is up to date in offline mode, while minimising the amount of data transferred in online mode.

Two screenshots of an iPhone. The first shows the terms of use of the application, which can be accepted or rejected using the 'Accept' or 'Decline' fields. The 'share icon' can be seen in the menu bar at the bottom of the screen. The second screenshot of the iPhone shows the 'share menu'. The third from last item is the option 'Add to Home Screen'

Figure 1: Add to Home Screen
 Source: IFA

To fully use GESTIS-ILV in offline mode, the application should first be added as a 'short cut' on the mobile device.

  • To do this, open the application in Safari or Chrome.
  • Tap on the 'Share' icon in the bottom centre and then on 'Add to Home Screen' (see Fig. 1).

A window will be displayed. Here you can give the application any name you like (see Figure 2). Once you have entered the name, tap 'Add' in the top right corner.


Screenshot of an iPhone showing the keyboard that can be used to assign a name for the app. The 'Add' command is in the top right corner.

Figure 2: 'Install application' intermediate screen
 Source: IFA

As mentioned earlier, the application must be synchronised with the GESTIS-ILV once via an internet connection before the first offline use. Ensure a good internet connection and start the app you have just installed. After that, the application can be used at any time in offline mode.

When starting the application via the 'short cut', a pop-up will ask whether the Airplane Mode should be switched off or Wi-Fi should be used for data access (see Fig. 3). Here, except for the first synchronisation, you must tap on 'OK' if you want the application to work offline.


Screenshot of an iPhone displaying the message 'Turn Off Airplane Mode or Use Wi-Fi to Access Data'. Below that are the options 'Settings' and 'OK'

Figure 3: Display 'Airplane Mode'
 Source: IFA

Important: When using the app offline, you should always ensure that

  • there is no connection to the internet (whether via Wi-Fi or mobile data) or
  • Airplane Mode is activated on the mobile device.

Reason: If the internet connection is unstable or slow, the web app will try to access the online version, which can lead to loading issues.


Contact

Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA)
Chemical and biological hazards department

Alte Heerstrasse 111
53757 Sankt Augustin
Germany

Birgit Heinrich
Tel: +49 30 13001-3250

Ronja Schneck
Tel: +49 30 13001-3265

Katrin Pitzke
Tel: +49 30 13001-3200

We welcome your questions and suggestions: