Offline Timesheet Entry -��

One of WoPora's key features is offline-first timesheet entry. Staff can enter their hours with no internet connection required --- data syncs automatically when connection is restored.

How It Works

Entering Time Offline

1. Staff navigate to the staff portal at /staff/timesheet
2. They enter hours worked for each day (even without internet)
3. Data is saved locally in the browser
4. They can submit their timesheet offline

Automatic Sync

When the staff member reconnects to the internet:

• Data automatically uploads to the server
• A confirmation message appears ("Synced successfully")
• The timesheet appears in the admin dashboard for approval
• No manual action needed

No Data Loss

• -�� Hours entered offline are never lost
• -�� Local storage protects data even if the browser is closed
• -�� Data syncs automatically when connection returns
• -�� Staff can continue working --- no waiting for internet

Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: Field Staff on Site

Sarah works on a construction site with spotty Wi-Fi. She:

1. Opens /staff/timesheet on her phone
2. Enters 7.5 hours for Monday (no connection required)
3. Enters 8.0 hours for Tuesday
4. Submits her timesheet (still offline)
5. Drives to the café and connects to Wi-Fi
6. Data syncs automatically
7. Her manager sees the submitted timesheet in the dashboard

Scenario 2: Staff with Intermittent Connection

James uses a mobile hotspot that drops frequently. He:

1. Opens the staff portal
2. Connection drops halfway through entry
3. Can continue entering hours --- nothing is lost
4. Connection returns
5. Data syncs automatically to the server

Scenario 3: Night Shift Worker

Maya works the night shift and enters her timesheet at 6 AM before going home. She:

1. Connects via public Wi-Fi on her phone
2. Opens /staff/timesheet
3. Enters her 10-hour shift
4. Submits
5. Connection drops immediately after
6. Data is already saved --- sync happens in the background
7. Manager approves her timesheet the next day

Mobile-Optimized Portal

The staff portal is fully responsive and works on:

• �-� Mobile phones (iOS & Android)
• �-� Tablets (iPad, Android tablets)
• 💻 Desktop computers

Staff Portal Features

• My Timesheet --- Enter hours, view history, submit for approval
• My Roster --- View published shifts, see location and times
• Leave & Unavailability --- Request time off, check balances
• Notifications --- Get alerts when roster is published or timesheet is approved
• Profile --- Update personal details

Mobile Login (Recommended)

Use Google OAuth:

• Single-click login on mobile
• No password to type on small keyboard
• Fastest authentication
• Works on slow connections

Alternative --- Email & Password:

• Standard login
• Works with password managers
• Password recovery available

Kiosk Clock Offline

The kiosk clock (/clock) also works offline:

1. Punch recorded locally --- Clock in/out stored on the device
2. Syncs automatically --- When the device reconnects, punches upload
3. No loss --- Punches are queued and sent when online

This is useful if:

• The site's internet connection is temporarily down
• Multiple staff are clocking in/out at once (network congestion)
• The kiosk device has poor signal

Best Practices for Staff

• -�� Check sync status --- Look for "Synced successfully" confirmation
• -�� Submit before deadline --- Don't wait until the last minute in case sync takes time
• -�� Keep the app open --- Sync happens in the background, but letting it sit helps
• -�� Don't clear browser data --- This may remove offline entries

Best Practices for Managers

• -�� Tell staff about offline mode --- Many don't know they can enter time offline
• -�� Test offline entry --- Try entering a timesheet on your phone in airplane mode
• -�� Educate --- Send a one-pager explaining "offline = no internet required"

Troubleshooting

Data Not Showing After Sync

1. Refresh the browser --- Sometimes the dashboard doesn't update immediately
2. Check your location scope --- Are you viewing the right location filter?
3. Verify submission --- Did you see "Synced successfully"?
4. Check timestamp --- Is the entry recent enough to appear in filters?

Can't Enter Time in Offline Mode

1. Load the portal first --- Visit /staff/timesheet while online
2. Let it cache --- The browser needs to download the page first
3. Try again offline --- After caching, offline should work

Lost Data

1. Check local storage --- Offline data is stored locally in the browser
2. Don't clear cache --- Clearing browser data removes offline entries
3. Contact support --- If data was lost, support may recover from logs

Supported Browsers

Offline mode works best on:

• -�� Chrome/Edge --- Excellent offline support
• -�� Safari --- Full offline support (iOS & Mac)
• -�� Firefox --- Excellent offline support

Coming Soon

• �-� Native Mobile App (Q3 2026) --- iOS and Android apps with improved offline support
• �-� Background Sync --- Automatic sync without staff having to check
• �-� Offline Analytics --- View your timesheet stats without internet

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Offline timesheet entry is perfect for field teams, remote workers, and anyone with unreliable internet. No stress about connectivity --- your hours are always saved.