FAQs

"If connectivity from the database to my workstation becomes severed, can I still collect data in WinSPC? "

Yes, if connectivity to your database is lost, WinSPC has a setting which allows users to log into a station in an offline mode and continue to collect data. This is a valuable feature to use if your server goes down.

While it is always best to work online and maintain a direct connection between your database server and WinSPC, if configured, when the network becomes unavailable, users may log into the workstation and collect data. WinSPC will store the information in a local temp folder. The next time you log into WinSPC with an active database connection, all locally stored data will automatically sync to the database.

Follow the instructions below to configure a station to open WinSPC in offline mode should connectivity to your database be severed.

Note: In order to complete this procedure, you must be connected to your database and have WinSPC administrator permissions. Administrative functions can not be performed while offline. If you are not a WinSPC administrator, contact your local administrator to complete this procedure for you.

1. Log into WinSPC as an administrator.

2. At the Administrator screen, click on Stations.

3. Under Contents, right-click on the station name you wish to configure and select Properties. The Station Setup window appears.

4. Click the Miscellaneous tab.

5. Uncheck the Use Inherited Setting box to make the Can work offline option an active selection.

6. Check the Can work offline check box and click OK. This work station is now configured to work offline if the connection between your database and the station is lost.

Note: Each workstation must be individually configured to work offline.

Once configured, if connectivity from the database to the station is severed while you are logged into WinSPC, you will immediately receive WinSPC application error messages. Click OK to dismiss the messages.

When connectivity is lost, WinSPC will stop responding. Close the application by simultaneously pressing the Ctrl, Alt and Delete keys to open Windows Task Manager. On the Application tab, select WinSPC C/S from the list and click End Task.

When you reopen WinSPC, it will attempt to connect to your database. If the connection fails, an information box will display saying "Network connection not available. Running offline." Accept the message and log in. WinSPC will open directly to the data collection screen.

Once your IT department notifies you that the server connection is restored, to switch from offline to online mode you must log out of and completely exit WinSPC. Then, reopen the application and log back in. WinSPC will detect the database connection and automatically sync any data from the temp folder to the database.