Optimizing Offline Functionality: Streamlining Field Operations

Today, it seems nearly everyone has a smartphone in hand, from professional meetings to hunting in a deer stand. Mobile technology has become ubiquitous, a constant companion in our daily lives.

Approximately 91% of adults in North America own a smartphone. (Source: Pew Research Center, 2023)

Brandt's mobile apps offer hunters invaluable tools for quick and convenient access to essential hunting resources. With just a few taps, they can purchase or renew hunting licenses, check regulations for specific game, and even digitally tag a deer harvest, eliminating the need for paper tags. This streamlined the hunting process but ensures hunters remain compliant with local laws while out in the field.

Field Mode and Offline Syncing: A Better Offline App Experience

When operating in areas with poor or no cellular connectivity, Field Mode and Offline Syncing provide a smooth, uninterrupted experience. When the system detects a weak connection, customers are automatically prompted to enter Field Mode, where data is saved locally on the device. Once reconnected to a stable network, customers are asked to exit Field Mode, and all offline data is automatically uploaded to ensure nothing is lost. For added convenience, users receive reminders if they forget to exit Field Mode and can manually toggle the mode on or off via the app menu.

Similarly, automatic offline syncing allows users to maintain functionality without service, enabling access to synced licenses and continued submission of reports and e-tags. Once a connection is restored, all submitted reports are automatically uploaded, keeping users compliant without disruption. This seamless functionality is vital for those relying on outdoor apps in remote regions.

Harvest Reporting and E-Tagging: Keeping Data Accurate, Even When Offline

With offline sync features, customers can still complete the critical tasks of harvest reporting and e-tagging (also known as e-notching) while offline. The mobile app will provide a temporary Harvest Report ID. As soon as the phone regains connectivity (Wi-Fi or mobile data connection), the app will attempt to sync the information back to the system. If the initial attempt fails, it will continue to run syncing functionality until successful. This ensures compliance with regulations and keeps accurate data for conservation efforts.

Harvest data is beneficial to biologists to gather information on species trends throughout the season, adjust season dates if necessary, and plan for where to focus conservation resources. Law Enforcement officers leverage the temporary Harvest Report ID to validate in the field as well as pattern harvest data by customer, county, and species characteristics for potential concerns.

Access to this customer data provides critical information for Officers to validate the customer's offline mobile app information and reduce the opportunity for hunters to evade the law. Officers can quickly check customer data directly in their enforcement app be searching for the customer via name or ID, or scanning the QR codes displayed on the customer's mobile app screen. The dual authentication of the public customer's phone and the law enforcement app ensures the integrity of the conservation regulations are maintained.

In an increasingly digital world, the integration of mobile technology is a game-changer for both hunters and law enforcement. Brandt's suite of mobile apps enhances the hunting experience by simplifying essential tasks like licensing, regulation checks, and harvest reporting, while also ensuring data accuracy and compliance in even the most remote areas. With offline syncing, Field Mode, and specialized law enforcement tools, Brandt empowers both hunters and conservation officers to stay connected and informed. As the outdoors becomes more accessible through these innovations, hunters can focus on their passion while contributing to conservation efforts with ease.

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