Troubleshooting Overview
This guide helps you diagnose and resolve common issues with the F4E AppSheet system. The troubleshooting section is organized by issue type and includes step-by-step solutions.
Common Issue Categories
1. Data Sync Issues
- Symptoms: Data not appearing, outdated information, sync errors
- Causes: Network connectivity, server issues, data conflicts
- Impact: Users see incorrect or missing data
2. Performance Issues
- Symptoms: Slow loading, timeouts, app freezing
- Causes: Large datasets, network latency, server load
- Impact: Reduced productivity, user frustration
3. Permission Issues
- Symptoms: Access denied, missing features, restricted data
- Causes: Incorrect user roles, permission changes, system errors
- Impact: Users cannot perform required tasks
4. Data Entry Issues
- Symptoms: Validation errors, data not saving, incorrect calculations
- Causes: Invalid data format, business rule violations, system bugs
- Impact: Data quality issues, workflow disruptions
5. System Integration Issues
- Symptoms: External system sync failures, missing data from other systems
- Causes: API failures, configuration changes, data format issues
- Impact: Incomplete data, manual data entry required
Diagnostic Process
Step 1: Identify the Issue
- Describe the problem clearly and specifically
- Note when it started and any recent changes
- Identify affected users and their roles
- Check error messages and codes
Step 2: Gather Information
- User details: Role, permissions, device type
- System state: App version, last sync time, network status
- Data context: Specific records, dates, operations
- Error details: Screenshots, error codes, logs
Step 3: Apply Solutions
- Try basic solutions first (restart, sync, clear cache)
- Apply specific fixes based on issue type
- Test the solution to ensure it works
- Document the resolution for future reference
Quick Fixes
Basic Troubleshooting Steps
-
Restart the App
- Close the app completely
- Reopen and try the operation again
- Check if the issue persists
-
Force Sync
- Pull down on the main screen to refresh
- Wait for sync to complete
- Check if data is updated
-
Clear Cache
- Go to app settings
- Clear cache and temporary data
- Restart the app
-
Check Network
- Ensure stable internet connection
- Try switching between WiFi and mobile data
- Check if other apps work normally
-
Update App
- Check for app updates
- Install latest version if available
- Restart after update
Device-Specific Issues
Android Devices
- Storage: Ensure sufficient storage space
- Permissions: Check app permissions in settings
- Battery: Disable battery optimization for the app
- Memory: Close other apps to free up memory
iOS Devices
- Storage: Check available storage space
- Background App Refresh: Enable for the app
- Notifications: Ensure notifications are enabled
- Privacy: Check location and data permissions
Network Issues
Connectivity Problems
- Check signal strength: Ensure strong network signal
- Try different networks: Switch between WiFi and mobile data
- Restart network: Turn off/on WiFi or mobile data
- Check firewall: Ensure app can access required servers
Sync Issues
- Force sync: Pull down to refresh data
- Check sync status: Look for sync indicators
- Wait for completion: Don't interrupt sync process
- Retry later: Some syncs may take time
Permission Issues
Access Denied
- Check user role: Verify correct role assignment
- Contact administrator: Request permission changes
- Log out/in: Try logging out and back in
- Check system status: Verify system is operational
Missing Features
- Role verification: Ensure role has required permissions
- App version: Check if feature requires newer version
- Configuration: Verify feature is enabled in system
- Training: Ensure user knows how to access feature
Data Issues
Data Not Appearing
- Sync status: Check if data is synced
- Filters: Verify no filters are hiding data
- Permissions: Ensure user can see the data
- Date range: Check if data is within visible range
Incorrect Data
- Source verification: Check where data originated
- Calculation errors: Verify formulas and calculations
- Input validation: Check for data entry errors
- System bugs: Report potential system issues
Data Not Saving
- Validation errors: Check for required fields
- Network issues: Ensure stable connection
- Permission errors: Verify user can modify data
- System errors: Check for server issues
⚡ Performance Issues
Slow Loading
- Data volume: Check if large datasets are causing delays
- Network speed: Verify connection speed
- Device performance: Check device memory and processing
- Server load: System may be experiencing high load
App Freezing
- Memory issues: Close other apps
- Data corruption: Clear cache and restart
- System bugs: Report to support team
- Device issues: Check device health
Timeouts
- Network timeout: Check connection stability
- Server timeout: System may be overloaded
- Operation timeout: Large operations may take time
- Retry: Try the operation again
Advanced Troubleshooting
Database Issues
- Connection problems: Check database connectivity
- Query performance: Verify query optimization
- Data integrity: Check for data corruption
- Backup issues: Verify backup processes
Integration Issues
- API failures: Check external system status
- Configuration changes: Verify integration settings
- Data format: Check data format compatibility
- Authentication: Verify API credentials
System Maintenance
- Scheduled maintenance: Check maintenance windows
- Updates: Verify system updates
- Configuration changes: Check recent changes
- Monitoring: Review system monitoring data
Escalation Process
Level 1: Self-Service
- Use this guide: Try solutions in this documentation
- Check FAQ: Look for similar issues in FAQ
- Basic troubleshooting: Apply quick fixes
- Document issues: Note what you tried
Level 2: Support Team
- Contact support: Email [email protected]
- Provide details: Include issue description and steps taken
- Attach logs: Include any error messages or screenshots
- Follow up: Check for responses and updates
Level 3: Technical Team
- Escalate complex issues: Forward to technical team
- Provide full context: Include all relevant information
- Coordinate resolution: Work with technical team
- Test solutions: Verify fixes work correctly
Issue Reporting Template
When reporting issues, include:
Issue Title: [Brief description]
Date/Time: [When issue occurred]
User Role: [Your role in the system]
Device: [Device type and OS version]
App Version: [Current app version]
Network: [WiFi/Mobile data, connection quality]
Description:
[Detailed description of the issue]
Steps to Reproduce:
1. [Step 1]
2. [Step 2]
3. [Step 3]
Expected Result:
[What should happen]
Actual Result:
[What actually happened]
Error Messages:
[Any error messages or codes]
Screenshots:
[Attach relevant screenshots]
Troubleshooting Attempted:
[What you tried to fix the issue]
Prevention
Regular Maintenance
- Keep app updated: Install updates promptly
- Clear cache regularly: Prevent data buildup
- Monitor storage: Ensure sufficient space
- Check permissions: Verify app permissions
Best Practices
- Stable connection: Use reliable network connections
- Regular sync: Sync data frequently
- Data validation: Check data before saving
- Error reporting: Report issues promptly
Training
- Stay updated: Attend training sessions
- Read documentation: Keep up with changes
- Ask questions: Don't hesitate to ask for help
- Share knowledge: Help other users
Need more help? Check the FAQ section for specific solutions, or contact [email protected] for personalized assistance.