Formulus Features

Complete user guide for the Formulus mobile application features and capabilities.

Overview

Formulus is an offline-first mobile data collection application that enables field workers to collect structured data in environments with limited or no connectivity. The app works seamlessly with custom applications and provides comprehensive data collection capabilities.

Core Features

Offline-First Architecture

Formulus is designed to work completely offline:

• Local Storage: All data is stored locally on your device using WatermelonDB
• Offline Forms: Fill out forms without internet connection
• Automatic Sync: Data syncs automatically when connectivity is restored
• No Data Loss: Observations are saved locally even if sync fails

Custom Application Support

Formulus can host custom web applications:

• Custom Interfaces: Run specialized workflows and user interfaces
• Branded Experience: Display your organization's branding and styling
• Flexible Navigation: Custom menus and navigation structures
• Integrated Forms: Seamless integration with the form system

Rich Data Collection

Support for various data types:

• Text Input: Single and multi-line text fields
• Numbers: Integer and decimal numeric values
• Dates and Times: Date pickers, time selectors, and datetime fields
• Selections: Single choice dropdowns and multi-select checkboxes
• Media Capture: Photos, audio recordings, and video
• Location: GPS coordinates with accuracy information
• Signatures: Digital signature capture
• Files: File attachments and document uploads
• Barcodes: QR code and barcode scanning

Synchronization

Bidirectional data synchronization:

• Automatic Sync: Syncs when network becomes available
• Manual Sync: Trigger sync on demand
• Incremental Updates: Only syncs changed data
• Conflict Resolution: Automatically handles sync conflicts
• Attachment Handling: Separate sync for binary files

App Navigation

Main Screens

Screen	Description	Access
Home/Dashboard	Overview and quick actions	Default screen after login
Forms	List of available forms	Bottom tab or menu
Observations	Saved data records	Bottom tab or menu
Sync	Sync status and actions	Bottom tab or menu
Settings	App configuration	Menu or gear icon

Navigation Elements

• Bottom Tabs: Quick access to main sections
• Menu Drawer: Swipe from left or tap hamburger icon (☰)
• Back Button: Return to previous screen
• Floating Action Button: Quick actions (+ button)

Working with Forms

Viewing Available Forms

1. Navigate to the Forms screen
2. View the list of available forms from the current app bundle
3. Each form displays:
   • Form name/title
   • Description (if available)
   • Icon (if configured)

Starting a New Form

1. Tap on a form from the list
2. Form opens in the form player
3. Fill in fields as required
4. Navigate through form sections using Next/Previous buttons or swiping

Form Field Types

Field Type	Description	Input Method
Text	Single/multi-line text	Keyboard input
Number	Numeric values	Number keyboard
Date	Date selection	Date picker
Time	Time selection	Time picker
Select	Single choice	Dropdown/radio buttons
Multi-select	Multiple choices	Checkboxes
Photo	Camera capture	Camera interface
GPS	Location capture	GPS sensor
Signature	Digital signature	Touch drawing
Audio	Voice recording	Microphone
Video	Video recording	Camera
File	File attachment	File picker
QR Code	Scan QR/barcode	Camera scanner

Form Navigation

• Swipe Left/Right: Navigate between form sections
• Next/Previous Buttons: Move through form step by step
• Progress Bar: Shows completion status
• Section Tabs: Jump to specific sections (if enabled)

Saving Forms

Save as Draft

1. Tap "Save Draft" at any time while filling the form
2. Form is saved locally with current data
3. Resume later from the Observations screen
4. Draft status is shown in the observation list

Submit/Finalize

1. Complete all required fields
2. Tap "Submit" or "Finalize"
3. Validation runs automatically - errors shown if any
4. Observation saved as pending upload
5. Will sync when connection is available

Form Validation

Forms may include validation rules:

• Required Fields: Must be filled before submission
• Format Validation: Email, phone number, and other format checks
• Range Validation: Minimum and maximum values
• Conditional Logic: Fields shown based on other answers

Validation Errors:

• Red highlight on invalid fields
• Error messages displayed below fields
• Cannot submit until all errors are resolved

Managing Observations

Viewing Observations

1. Navigate to the Observations screen
2. View list of all saved observations
3. Each entry shows:
   • Form name
   • Date/time created
   • Status (draft, pending, synced)
   • Key data fields

Observation Status

Status	Description
Draft	Incomplete, can be edited
Pending	Complete, awaiting sync
Syncing	Currently uploading to server
Synced	Successfully uploaded to server
Error	Sync failed, retry needed

Editing Observations

Edit Draft

1. Tap on a draft observation
2. Form opens with saved data
3. Make changes as needed
4. Save or Submit

Edit Pending (if allowed)

1. Tap on a pending observation
2. May need to "Unlock" for editing
3. Make changes
4. Re-submit

Deleting Observations

1. Long-press on observation or tap menu (⋮)
2. Select "Delete"
3. Confirm deletion

Note: Synced observations may not be deletable locally depending on configuration.

Synchronization

Automatic Sync

The app automatically syncs when:

• Network connection becomes available
• App is opened (background sync)
• Periodically (if configured in settings)

Manual Sync

1. Navigate to Sync screen
2. Tap "Sync Now"
3. Watch progress - upload count and status
4. Check results - success/failure messages

Sync Process

1. Pull: Download new forms and server data
2. Push: Upload pending observations
3. Attachments: Upload photos, audio, and other files
4. Confirmation: Server acknowledges receipt

Sync Indicators

• Sync Icon: Appears in status bar when syncing
• Badge on Sync Tab: Shows pending upload count
• Last Sync Time: Displayed on sync screen
• Individual Status: Each observation shows its sync status

Offline Mode

When offline, you can:

• ✅ Fill out forms
• ✅ Save observations locally
• ✅ View previously synced data
• ❌ Cannot upload new data
• ❌ Cannot download new forms

Data syncs automatically when connection returns.

Attachments

Capturing Photos

1. Tap photo field in form
2. Camera opens automatically
3. Take photo or select from gallery
4. Review and confirm
5. Photo is attached to observation

Capturing GPS Location

1. Tap GPS field in form
2. Location permission requested (first time only)
3. Wait for GPS fix
4. Coordinates captured (latitude, longitude, accuracy)
5. May show map preview

Recording Audio

1. Tap audio field in form
2. Microphone permission requested (first time only)
3. Tap record to start
4. Speak clearly
5. Tap stop when done
6. Review and confirm

Capturing Signatures

1. Tap signature field in form
2. Signature pad opens
3. Sign with finger on screen
4. Tap "Done" to save
5. Tap "Clear" to retry

Recording Video

1. Tap video field in form
2. Camera opens in video mode
3. Tap record to start
4. Tap stop when done
5. Review and confirm

Scanning QR Codes

1. Tap QR code field in form
2. Camera opens in scanner mode
3. Point camera at QR code
4. Code is automatically scanned
5. Data is populated in the field

Settings

Server Settings

• Server URL: Synkronus server address
• Test Connection: Verify connectivity to server
• Auto-login: Automatically log in on app start

User Settings

• Username: Current logged-in user
• Change Password: Update account password
• Logout: Clear session and return to login

Sync Settings

• Auto-sync: Enable/disable automatic synchronization
• Sync on WiFi Only: Save mobile data by syncing only on WiFi
• Sync Interval: How often to check for sync (if auto-sync enabled)

App Settings

• Notifications: Enable/disable push notifications
• Theme: Light or dark mode
• Language: App language selection
• Clear Cache: Free up storage space
• Storage Info: View storage usage

Best Practices

Data Collection

1. Sync Before Fieldwork: Get latest forms and updates
2. Check Battery: Ensure sufficient charge for field work
3. Test GPS Outdoors: Better accuracy in open areas
4. Save Frequently: Avoid data loss from app crashes
5. Sync When Possible: Don't wait too long between syncs

Offline Work

1. Sync Before Going Offline: Download latest forms and data
2. Save Observations as You Go: Don't wait until the end
3. Check Pending Count: Verify all data before leaving field
4. Sync Immediately: When back online, sync right away

Data Quality

1. Fill All Required Fields: Complete forms fully
2. Double-Check Entries: Verify accuracy before submitting
3. Take Clear Photos: Ensure photos are in focus and well-lit
4. Verify GPS Accuracy: Check location accuracy before submitting
5. Review Before Submitting: Review all data before final submission

Troubleshooting

Forms Not Loading

• Check internet connection
• Verify server is accessible
• Try manual sync: Settings → Sync → Sync Now
• Clear app cache: Settings → Storage → Clear Cache

Sync Failures

• Check internet connection
• Verify server URL is correct
• Check server status
• Try manual sync
• Review error messages in Sync screen

App Crashes

• Restart the app
• Clear app cache
• Update to latest version
• Reinstall if issues persist

Related Documentation

• Installing Formulus - Installation guide
• Your First Form - Getting started with forms
• Synchronization - Detailed sync information
• Working Offline - Offline capabilities
• App Bundles - Understanding app bundles