Build reliable PWAs for field teams

Reliable field operations need an app that keeps working when networks don't. A progressive web app (PWA) approach ensures crews can capture data, take photos, and complete checklists — even offline — with seamless sync once connectivity returns.

Key reliability pillars

• Offline-first UI: Cache critical routes and data locally so lists, forms, and media work without signal.
• Resilient writes: Queue mutations with unique IDs and retry with exponential backoff; de-duplicate on the server.
• Fast install + updates: One-tap install; updates ship instantly via service workers.

Caching strategies

• Cache-First: Static assets and shell for instant load.
• Network-First: API requests to get fresh data; fall back to cache.
• Stale-While-Revalidate: Articles/content — fast response plus a background refresh.

Conflict handling

Start with last-write-wins (server timestamps). For higher integrity, add merge policies or vector clocks for specific tables (e.g., notes). Track operation IDs to avoid duplicates.

Field rollout checklist

1. Precaching critical routes (login, job list, forms).
2. Queued writes with retry logic and user feedback.
3. Photo compression + background uploads.
4. Observability: error tracking + uptime monitoring.

PWASK ships these foundations so you can focus on workflows, not plumbing.