PowerTrack
iOS Mobile Client
Installation and
Quick Guide
Compsee, a Business Unit of Control Solutions
Copyright 2015
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PowerTrack iOS Mobile Client Installation
PowerTrack installation on the iPhone and iPad begins with loading of the application on to the target device. Search
for PowerTrack Mobile (Compsee, a Business Unit of Control Solutions, Inc.) in the Apple App Store and download the
application.
There are three steps to complete the PowerTrack application settings on the iPhone or iPad:
1. Point the PowerTrack iOS software at a valid PowerTrack server.
2. Once we’re pointing to the server, register the device with the server.
3. Once the device is registered, load the PowerTrack database to the device which has your company’s current
data.
Let’s begin with launching the software and editing the server address. When you first launch PowerTrack, you will see
the following display.
Click on the Settings button in the lower-left corner of the display and you will be taken to the following display:
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First, we need to put in the address of the PowerTrack server. To do so, click on the Settings button and you will be
taken to the following display:
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Enter the address of the PowerTrack server that is running the mobile device web services. Note, it will accept the
address with or without http://.
The purpose for both a LAN and WAN address is for situations where the device can be used internally (on a LAN/Wi-Fi)
or externally (on a WAN) and the WAN address is not accessible from the LAN. For most scenarios, specifying one or
the other should suffice. The WAN/LAN selector just tells PowerTrack which server it should be using and allows one
to toggle for the aforementioned scenario where the WAN address is not accessible by the LAN.
The Report Server address should only be specified if you are using PowerTrack’s Server Reporting service.
Click the Done button to save the settings and return to the previous display.
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Now that we have specified the server address, we need to register the device with the PowerTrack server. To do so,
click the Register button and you will be taken to the following display:
Enter a set of valid PowerTrack credentials (user ID and password) to register with the server and click the Register
button.
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If you successfully register, you will see the following pop-up:
If it does not register, you will not see the above message and you will see a message indicating that the device was
not registered. If that happens, please verify the server address that you entered as well as the credentials. If, after
doing so, you still cannot register, contact your supervisor for additional assistance.
If you have successfully registered, click the OK button to return to the previous display.
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We have now specified the server settings and registered the device. The final step is to load a database to the
device. Click the Get DB button to load the database. After the database has loaded, you will see the following
display:
Click the OK button and then the Done button to return to the Login display.
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You are now ready to login and use the PowerTrack software. Enter your credentials and click the Login button to
begin. Note, selecting the Remember Password switch will auto-fill your User ID and Password so that you only need to
click the Login button to login.
After logging in, you will proceed to the main display that has your default Type loaded.
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PowerTrack iOS Client Quick Guide
The PowerTrack iOS client is a native iOS application providing a data entry function that is similar to the PowerTrack
Android client and web client. The primary difference is that the iOS client uses different User Interface controls and
design conventions that conform to Apple design guidelines. Just like the Android client, the iOS client can operate in a
store and forward mode while disconnected from the network.
Apple Guidelines
To leverage the look and feel of the iOS experience, and to facilitate learning for experienced iOS users, the PowerTrack
application utilizes common iOS conventions, including use of the iOS device’s home button (hard key) for exiting the
application.
The application and new program updates are downloaded from the Apple App store, under the name PowerTrack
Mobile. Subsequently, the day to day data exchanges and even screen design/configuration changes are transmitted to
the iOS users without requiring program updates from the App store.
Navigation throughout the application follows the Apple guidelines of using meaningful icons or blue text rather than
buttons.
PowerTrack Mode of Operation - Batch vs. Real Time
Depending on the global setting in the PowerTrack configurator, the iOS client will either operate in a batch or real time
mode.
When in batch mode, all posted records can be viewed and edited on the iOS device prior to submittal. The posted
records will remain in the local iOS device storage until the user presses the submit button, at which time the records will
be transmitted to the server and submitted to the approval application.
When in real time mode, records will be transmitted to the server immediately upon posting. Any editing of records must
subsequently take place in the approval application.
Login Screen
The initial screen presented when entering the application is the login screen.
The user must type in a valid PowerTrack ID and password, then press the Login
button.
The user may also exit the application from this screen using the iOS device’s
Home (hard key) button. The user will need to re-login when returning to the
login screen.
Settings – if the user presses the Settings icon from the Login screen, the user
will be taken to a communications log screen with options for Settings, Get
Database and Register. These functions will be covered later in this document.
Login Screen
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Main Entry Screen
Data entry and posting are done within the Main Entry screen.
The description in blue text at the top of the form is the name of
the PowerTrack Type. Touch the description to see a list of other
PowerTrack Types for selection. Upon selecting the desired
PowerTrack Type, the user will be presented with a series of
button descriptions and corresponding combo boxes. Data is
entered by pressing the blue arrow button on the right side of the
combo box, which will display a selection list of items.
Alternatively, if a selection list is not available for a button, data
can be entered by direct entry into the combo box via a pop-up
keypad.
Note the additional navigation icons at the bottom of the screen.
Data Entry is the default when the main entry screen is first
loaded. View Data, Reports and Tag-List Edit will be covered
later. Touching the PowerTrack Home icon will return operation to
the Login screen where the user will need to re-enter their
password to regain access.
Selection Lists
Selection lists that are configured for single select will cause the
user to return immediately back to the main entry screen after
selection. Selection lists that are configured for multi-select will
allow the user to make multiple selections, with the item
description turning gray and presenting a checkmark for each
selection. Press Done when the final item has been selected.
Operation will then return to the main entry screen with <Multiple>
entered into the corresponding combo box.
Main Entry Screen - iPad
The search box directly above the selection list can be used to
narrow the list based on entered search criteria. To activate the
search, touch inside the search box. This is leading character
search. All items that have the search criteria in its leading
characters will be displayed. The user can make an embedded
string search by placing the % character in front of the search
criteria. Note that the matching is done on two fields – the display
field and data field as configured in the PowerTrack administrator.
To clear the search criteria, press the “x” or “Cancel” on the right
side of the search box.
Tag Lists
If the user has established a tag list for the button, the user may
slide the Tag-List toggle on (green color), which will filter the
selection list to include only the user’s tag list items. When the
Tag-List toggle is off, all items on the selection list will be
displayed. Note, if the Tag-List toggle is on, and the user has not
yet established a tag list for this button, then no items will appear
on the selection list.
Tag lists are established in the Edit Tag-Lists screen, which is
accessible by pressing the Tag-List Edit icon at the bottom of the
Main Entry screen.
Selection List - iPad
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Scanning
Scanning can be accomplished from the Main Entry screen using the iOS device integrated camera or an external
Bluetooth connected scanner. For scanning using the integrated camera, the user should touch inside the combo box to
bring up the display keypad. Then press the <<Read Barcode with Camera>> text on the top of the keypad. A live
camera window will appear. Position the barcode within the window until the barcode is read. The decoded data will be
entered into the corresponding combo box.
External Bluetooth scanners will appear to the iOS device as if the data was entered via the keyboard. The combo box
must have focus (the curser is in the combo box). The decoded data will be entered into the corresponding combo box.
Validation
During system set up, each button position can be configured to require validation. If validation is required, all entered
data, whether typed directly on the keypad or from a scanned barcode, must match one of the values on the selection list.
If a match is not obtained, the entered data will not be accepted.
Date Entry
The date displayed below the combo boxes indicates the date for which the record will be
posted. The date can be changed by pressing the date (blue text). A calendar control will be
presented for the user to select a different date.
Date Entry
If the date tracking checkmark (superimposed on the calendar icon to the right of the date) is
shown, then the date will always be today’s date. Once the date is changed to a different date,
the date tracking checkmark will disappear, and any subsequent posts will default to this new
date until the user changes the Type selection. Today’s date can be conveniently re-selected by
touching the calendar icon.
Time Entry
Time entry will differ between Types using Duration Time Logic, Start Time Logic or Time Allocation.
Duration Time Logic
With Duration time logic, the user is entering an amount of hours and minutes. The hours and
minutes spinner is used to change hours and minutes from the default set for this Type. The
hours and minutes spinner will display only the minute choices as pre-established for time
rounding.
Start Time Logic
Duration Time Entry
With Start time logic, the user is entering a specific time of day. By moving the hours and
minutes spinners, the time can be changed from the default start time. The user will select
AM or PM by pressing the AM or PM designator.
The hours and minutes spinner will display only the minute choices as pre-established for
time rounding. If the time tracking checkmark (superimposed on the clock icon to the right
of the time spinners) is shown, then the time will always be current time. Once the time is
changed to a different time, the time tracking checkmark will disappear, and any
subsequent posts will default to this new time until the user changes the Type selection.
Time tracking can be re-initiated by touching the clock icon.
Start Time Entry
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Time Allocation
Time Allocation combines the two time entry methods
above. A Clock-In and Clock- Out Type will be used to
enter the clock-in and clock-out times for a specific
employee using the start time logic method. A Time
Allocation Type (using Duration logic) will then be used to
allocate the duration (hours and minutes) to each job/work
activity.
When using Time Allocation, the user will be presented with
Time Allocation – on iPad
the Clock-in, Clock-out and Total calculated time (between
Clock-in and Clock-out) for the selected employee. The time
already allocated to jobs and the time remaining to be
allocated are also shown. If the user wants to allocate all the remaining time to this posting, they can press the remaining
time for the time to be automatically entered.
Notes
Notes can be entered for each record by touching the Notes icon. When the Notes icon is selected, a pop-up window will
be displayed for entering notes. Once the note is entered, select Done and operation will return to the Main Entry screen.
The Notes icon will now have checkmark to indicate the presence of a note. With later generation iOS devices, a
microphone icon will appear on the keypad to allow for voice activated notes.
Images
Photos may be captured for each record by touching the Photos icon. When the Photos icon is selected, a live camera
window is opened for image capture. Take the picture and then select either “Use Photo” or “Retake.” Select “Use
Photo” to select the picture. Then touch Done to return to the main entry screen or the camera icon to take another
picture. The Photos icon on the Main Entry screen will include the number of photos attached to the record.
Posting/Signature Capture
Once all required entries have been made, the user will post the record by touching the Post button. Posting will not be
permitted if data has not been entered into all required fields.
Prior to posting, the user may change entries in combo boxes by re-selecting different data, or clear entries using the red
clear data buttons. If a user selects a new Type prior to posting, the non-posted data will be lost.
If the Type has been configured for signature capture, the Post button will have a signature capture (pen and paper) icon
next to it. When the record is posted, a signature capture window will be presented, where the user can sign with their
finger or stylus. Touch Done to post or Cancel to return to the Main Entry screen without posting.
Un-submitted Records
The un-submitted records indicator is shown on the top left corner of the Main Entry screen. By pressing this button, a
pop-up window will display the number of un-submitted records by Type. The user has the option to transmit the records
(pressing the Transfer to Server label), or Viewing/Editing the records (pressing the View Data label).
Within the un-submitted records view, record summaries are displayed in chronological order. To open a record for
viewing, press the
icon located to the right of the record. The record will be displayed in a similar fashion as the Main
Entry screen. If the record is edited, the Save label will be activated which will allow the user to save the edited record
and return to the un-submitted records view screen. Alternatively, return back to the view screen without making
changes by touching the Done label, or delete the record by touching the trash can icon.
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Un-submitted Records View Data – on iPad
Un-submitted Records Edit Data – on iPad
Local Record View (by Type)
The View Data button is at the bottom of the Main Entry screen. By pressing the View Data button, the locally stored
records for the currently selected Type can be viewed. All un-submitted records will be displayed as well as all submitted
records that are not yet beyond their “time to live” age. Time to live is a global setting in the PowerTrack configurator that
represents the length of time that a submitted record will remain on the iOS client.
Record summaries are displayed in chronological order. To open a record for viewing, press the
icon located to the
right of the record. The record will be displayed in a similar fashion as the Main Entry screen. It is important to note that
only un-submitted records may be edited or deleted. If an un-submitted record is edited, the Save label will be activated
which will allow the user to save the edited record and return to the View Data summary screen. Alternatively, return
back to the view screen without making changes by touching the Done label, or delete the record by touching the trash
can icon.
Reports
The View Reports button is at the bottom of the Main Entry screen. By pressing the View Reports button, two local report
alternatives are available to the user. Both reports show time duration by job. The first is sorted by Employee (select the
By Employee label) and the second is sorted by Date (select the By Date label).
Duration By Employee Report
(on iPad)
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Duration By Date Report
(on iPad)
Notice the Server Reports label at the top right hand of the screen. Touch this label to access server reports for display
on the iPad. For more information on the creation of these reports, refer to the separate document “Viewing Server-side
Reports on iOS Devices.”
Tag List Edit
The Tag-List Edit button is at the bottom of the Main Entry screen. By
pressing the Tag-List Edit button, the user will be presented with a Tag List
selection menu, showing the available tag lists for the current Type. By
touching the
icon to the right of a tag list, the record items will be
presented for tag list inclusion. A record count (number of items in the
Tag List) will be shown at the top of the screen. Items can be added or
removed from the Tag List by touching the item row. Selected items will
turn gray with a checkmark presented. Changes can be saved by pressing
Save. Touching Exit will return operation to the Tag List selection menu
without saving changes.
Note, tag lists are created at the conduit level. For example, if the
Employee button used in three different Types were linked to the same
Employee data conduit (data source), then editing the tag list for an
employee button in one Type will change it for the other two Types as well.
Default Tag
The user has an option of setting a default tag, which is a specific item
within the tag list that will be autofilled in the Main Entry combo box. By
pressing the
icon to the right of the Record count, the user can select
the default tag item.
Editing Employee Tag List (on iPad)
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Communications
The Communications indicator is shown on the top right corner of the Main Entry screen. The blue checkmark and OK
indicates that there is network connectivity. By touching the globe icon, the communications log can be viewed. The
communications log is used primarily for troubleshooting purposes.
Settings
By touching the Settings icon on the login screen, the user can also
view the communications log, but with the additional menu items of
Settings, Get DB and Register.
Settings
The communications settings screen allows a user to change the
current IP addresses for the PowerTrack server – both a public
address (used normally for incoming WAN connections) and an
internal private address (used normally for internal secure LAN/WiFi
connections) can be specified. The active address is determined by
the WAN Communications/LAN Communications toggle button – the
blue background indicates the active address.
Only the customer’s IT personnel should change the server IP
addresses.
Get DB (Database)
Settings (on iPad)
This function allows the user to download a new PowerTrack database. Caution: a database download will discard any
un-submitted records. Be sure to submit all data prior to initiating the database download.
Register
Device registration occurs at the time of software installation, or subsequently if the PowerTrack server software is moved
to a new server. The Device Registration screen provides the ability to register the iOS device with a new active server,
after first entering the new server address via the communications settings screen. The top line of the registration
screen identifies the active server address.
Only the customer’s IT personnel should change device registration.