AppSheet with MySQL - slow sync times

Daisy_Ramirez · 05-23-2023 09:42 AM

We have a process where field operators complete site inspections and upon entering the site they're at (parent table) and pressing save, the system will automatically insert 47 tasks (inspections) into the related child table for confirmation by the operator.

The tasks are inserted with an action that inserts the 1st 10 tasks to get the operator visibility immediately and then adds the remaining tasks with an automation.

As the field operator confirms the tasks with an ok button on a Quick Edit screen, there is significant delay on the screen with response time (single button press) due to the 37 tasks being inserted and synced in the background (is my guess). The most recent report from the client is as follows: " One attendant noted it took an hour to sync 47 items."

Automatic updates is turned on
Delayed Sync is turned on
There are minimal calculations on the record
Only 2 or 3 of the 47 tasks inserted require an image

In a normal browser scenario, the OK button press seems to operate as expected so should we suspect the issue is with field connectivity? Should server caching be turned on?

Any help on how to improve the speed and/or redesign the functionality in order to make the tasks available for immediate access by the operator would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a ton!

Ryan_Wagner

I was hoping for a big speed/reliability boost when we switched to BigQuery. I have two very large tables and a pretty involved app, I admit, but I haven't seen a big difference in sync times. I use security filters, also. The big payoff has been in the volume of data it can handle.

I was hoping "Quick Sync" would be usable in an SQL/security filter environment, but I don't know if that's on the horizon or even possible.

Rafael_ANEIC-PY

Have you tried adding all of the records at once using only actions? syncing won't slow down your app I believe.

Also, I don't know how exactly the user interacts with the app, but have you considered adding each record after the user has confirmed the previous one?

Daisy_Ramirez

Thanks Rafael. All actions was just about the same on the sync time and an action on save of the previous task caused a delay as well. The challenge is the user needs to see the next task almost immediately and if the screen moves to the next task before it's available they receive a blank screen.

AleksiAlkio

Daisy, I would prefer to create those tasks with the AppSheet API/webhook. It will probably take 10..15 secs to create those records and sync it back to user's device. Though it depends how quick/slow your app is in general. Though the app user needs to wait for that time, but then you don't need to worry if the user closes the app before all these 47 rows are synced.

KON_TROLL

And you can have a SHOW column saying: Please wait a few seconds for records to load....

Daisy_Ramirez

Thanks Aleksi it's been some time since I've used webhooks but this may be a good solution for sure. Thanks so much!

AleksiAlkio

Daisy, if you need help with it, I probably have a sample. Just let me know.

Daisy_Ramirez

Yes please send over the reference. Thanks so much!

AleksiAlkio

Hi Daisy, Sorry I totally forgot this. Would you please send me a pm so I would know your email address to share.

KON_TROLL

Big apps both save changes and sync slowly. Even in SQL a series of datachanges takes 4-10 seconds each. Multiply that with 50 new records and you will have to wait a while before turning of the screen on a mobile device. (It will stop saving records if you put your device in your pocket). On desktop it is better.... An Appsheet limitation in my mind.....