By Elad Rosanski, CEO at Xtag.
It was February 22nd, 2024 where I found myself unable to use my phone without WiFi, as the signal displayed an “SOS” message. Despite attempting every solution I could think of鈥攅ngaging flight mode, rebooting my iPhone鈥攏othing resolved the issue.
As I drove to the office, relying on Google Maps’ offline version and enjoying music downloaded from Apple Music, a realization struck me: both Google Maps and Apple Music recognize the critical importance of an Offline Mode. This is a principle we consistently emphasize to our clients: never depend solely on an internet connection at event venues, especially not for crucial functions like check-in and badge printing. These are the first touchpoints of your event and must operate quickly and flawlessly.
This incident serves as a perfect reminder of how vital Offline Mode is. Yet, it’s equally important to understand its nuances and ensure you’re asking your vendors the right questions to confirm their offline capabilities are genuinely robust:
1. 饾悜饾惃饾惍饾惌饾悶饾惈 饾悢饾惉饾悮饾悹饾悶 饾悮饾惂饾悵 饾悎饾惌饾惉 饾悎饾惁饾惄饾惀饾悽饾悳饾悮饾惌饾悽饾惃饾惂饾惉
*饾悅饾惃饾惂饾悳饾悶饾惈饾惂: Often, a router is used to create a local network, connecting printers and tablets. However, this can be a critical point of failure. A single mishap, such as the router being accidentally unplugged, could disrupt the entire check-in and badge printing process.
*饾悞饾惃饾惀饾惍饾惌饾悽饾惃饾惂: Ensure a direct connection between printers and tablets, bypassing the need for a router. This setup is not only faster but also more reliable.
2. 饾悋饾悮饾惂饾悵饾惀饾悽饾惂饾悹 饾悞饾惀饾惃饾惏 饾悎饾惂饾惌饾悶饾惈饾惂饾悶饾惌 饾悅饾惃饾惂饾惂饾悶饾悳饾惌饾悽饾惃饾惂饾惉
*饾悅饾惃饾惂饾悳饾悶饾惈饾惂: Typically, software switches to Offline Mode only when the internet is completely unavailable. A slow connection, however, can result in a sluggish check-in and badge printing process, as the system continues to rely on the inadequate internet.
*饾悞饾惃饾惀饾惍饾惌饾悽饾惃饾惂: Opt for software that operates locally for immediate tasks and uses the internet solely for syncing data, ensuring efficiency regardless of internet speed.
3. 饾悜饾悶饾惇饾惍饾悽饾惈饾悶饾惁饾悶饾惂饾惌 饾悷饾惃饾惈 饾悋饾悮饾惈饾悵饾惀饾悽饾惂饾悶 饾悎饾惂饾惌饾悶饾惈饾惂饾悶饾惌 饾悅饾惃饾惂饾惂饾悶饾悳饾惌饾悽饾惃饾惂饾惉
*饾悅饾惃饾惂饾悳饾悶饾惈饾惂: It’s common for vendors to require a hardline internet connection at the registration desk, which can be problematic. Firstly, it suggests a dependency on internet connectivity; secondly, venues often charge exorbitantly for this service.
*饾悞饾惃饾惀饾惍饾惌饾悽饾惃饾惂: Inquire about the necessity of a hardline connection. Seek out solutions (anyone said Xtag?) that eliminate this requirement and help save on costs.
Claiming support for Offline Mode is one thing; providing a truly robust and reliable offline solution is another. By asking the right questions, you can ensure the success of your event’s crucial first impressions.
