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      Using Real-Time Data Sets

      How to use real time data sets

      Data sets typically "pull" data once when you sync a form. For example, a data set of pay codes seldom changes but if a change is made, when a sync is performed the form "pulls" the new data. Whereas real time data sets update in "real-time," meaning data is processed immediately. So, when a user provides data to "trigger" a real-time data set (via a lookup, select, radio, or segmented button) a call is made in the API to communicate with the other data source.

      For example, you're using a real-time data set to access your furnace parts inventory. When the form is opened, the data set pulls the current inventory data. If another technician takes a part from inventory, the change is recorded in the external system. Then, when you trigger the same data set, it reflects the updated inventory count—because the data is fetched in real time.

      Real-time data sets are helpful because you can make changes to data once a form has started. It is recommended to use real time data sets on forms that use data sets that change frequently (like inventory or pricing).

      An app user has to be online to use real-time data sets.

      When the form is submitted, all real time/cached data that was saved is deleted from the device.
      This procedure only covers fields applicable to real-time data sets. See Creating Data Sets for details about the other fields in the Data Set Designer.
      1. From the Reusable Components menu, select Data Sets. Click New Data Set. The Data Set Designer opens.
      2. Toggle the Real Time Data Set option on. 
      3. Click Add Parameter Placeholders to define how your data will be filtered. A parameter is a value that helps target a specific row or result (such as PartID, CustomerName). You must define at least one parameter to avoid pulling large or unnecessary datasets.
      4. Click Generate Data Set. The Parameter Values window opens. Enter the values for each parameter used in the query to build the data set.
      5. Click (Save) to save the data set.
      6. This data set can now be applied to a form.