EpochField 5.2 Release

What's New in EpochField 5.2

EpochField 5.2 introduces new features for data management and administration along with an enhanced user interface, including support for phone format devices. In addition, it migrates the mobile application to the .Net Maui framework to follow some recent Apple App Store compliance issues related to iOS 17 support with the Xamarin framework. A number of bug fixes and performance improvements have also been implemented in both the EpochField Web Suite and EpochField Server components.

The following highlights some of the new features available at 5.2.

Product Highlights

  • Work Management Enhancements: As part of our support for vegetation management workflows, we have made some significant improvements to the work management tool:
    • Streamlined Workflows: Enhanced data collection capabilities simplify processes, reducing administrative time by simplifying data entry and facilitating efficient editing, bulk creation, and deletion of features.
    • Improved Data Accuracy: Enhanced features ensure precise data entry, minimizing errors in records. Personalized work feature filters help tailor data management to specific needs.
    • Enhanced Field Worker Efficiency: Tools like auto-populating form categories and customizable work order filters optimize field worker productivity. Optimized user experience on Toughbooks with stylus support enhances usability in the field.
  • Redesigned Mobile UI/UX
    • Mobile Interface Redesign: Modern and intuitive design for enhanced usability.
    • Engaging Experience: Improved interface boosts productivity and simplifies interactions.
    • Intuitive Navigation: Easy-to-use design for seamless navigation and understanding.
    • Increased Efficiency: Streamlined workflows promote faster task completion.
    • Simplified Interactions: Reduced complexity for improved usability.
  • WMS Inbound Queue Optimization
    • Improved Performance and Stability: Enhancements boost system efficiency and stability.
    • Streamlined Operations: Optimized processes ensure smoother workflow execution for enhanced productivity.
    • Minimized Disruptions: Identified and resolved bottlenecks in the WMS Inbound Queue to minimize work management disruptions.
  • Self-Managed Work Order Process Improvements
    • Work Order Task Upload: A large part of utility field work involves workers planning their own work in the absence of enterprise-driven work order creation. Field workers can initiate ad-hoc work orders and upload CSV lists of assets for completing assignments, such as routine inspections, within EpochField Mobile.
  • Work Order Status Visibility Enhancement
    • Enhanced Visibility: Provides unified visibility into work order statuses for improved operational oversight.
    • Shared View: Ensures all stakeholders have a common, near real-time view of work order statuses.
    • Configurable Status Flow: Provides ability to define statuses and allowed status transitions between statuses on work orders to promote controlled workflows and align with outside systems.
  • Esri ArcGIS Enterprise 11.1 Support
    • Compliance with Esri ArcGIS Enterprise 11.1 software, aligning the platform with industry standards and providing users access to the latest geospatial capabilities.
  • .NET Maui Migration
    • Future-Proof Development: Establishes a solid foundation for future cross-platform mobile development.
    • iOS 17 Support: Migration to .NET Maui addresses recent Apple App Store compliance issues related to iOS 17 support.

Bug Fixes

ID Title
30727 Workflow Form: Navigation button enabled even though there is nowhere to navigate
30823 Omni-present Identify Tool does not reactivate once deactivated
30892 Map Markup: Editing a map markup feature comment appears buggy on iOS
30897 Login button remains active on a fresh install when the application is offline
31069 Inconsistency with the required indicator on the workflow UI
31706 Address search routing needs improvement in UI
31777 Map Markup Attachment view is too large
31926 Support for Composite Locators needed
32249 Rename the title of the Sort Work order filter to: "Choose and order fields to sort by:" from "Choose up to 3 fields to sort by"
32329 When a work order filter is enabled and group visibility is managed, the filter shows as active but is not
32360 Work order filters not functioning consistently
32399 Mobile: Map markup attachments with long names cover the delete button
32407 Work Calendar: Scheduled equipment doesn't display unit number in the resource name
32413 Opening a Work Order without editing causes users to become "stuck"
32414 Print Options: "Map Only" and "Header and Footer" produce the same result
32415 Worker calendar: "Add title" text defaults for an unnamed resource at a specific time
32435 Asset Query Screen: Filtering on date fields fails to generate a workable query
32440 Unable to enlarge Gantt chart in version 5.1
32455 PDF attachment doesn't work when added from Mobile and opened in Work Scheduler
32460 Adding attachment to a work order in Work Scheduler results in inability to open attachment on mobile
32508 Scroll Bar covers buttons
32567 Groups/Roles Currently Assigned are not populating
32570 Assets tab not visible when clicking to View an SDS Work Order
32658 Work Order Dialog: Input validation on existing WO throws a message
32672 Fixing file already exist error
32673 Table EPOCHFIELDUSER creates a new user record every time it goes to the portal
32674 Selecting address suggestions fails to actually select the suggestion
32683 Issues with Sync Fusion controls for iOS and Android
32888 Mobile: Version 5.2 crashes in EFRelationship in models
33042 Omni present tool bug on Google Street View and tracing tools
33072 Unable to create a new worker in Resource Management
33137 Caching Base Workspace Names takes over an hour
33140 Several functions in WMS take several minutes to run or more
33142 Running WMS generates a bunch of empty log files for each tool
33146 Log file purges delete everything in the log folder, not just old logs
33380 enable_archiving_attachments.py script is broken
33526 Remove portal maintenance from WMS
33578 Database after running Archiving/Attachments is missing some views
33581 Work Order List/Filtering Gantt: Issues with colors
33623 EF Data Class doesn't default schema to configured value
33833 Saving color in Schedule Item type saves an "ff" at the end of the hex
33892 Weird and intermittent messages related to out of memory exception while downloading a package more than 200 MB
34087 Gantt Filter doesn't change colors as expected when filtering
34091 Creating child work order from Gantt is inconsistent
34455 Work Scheduler freezes when map configuration to ESRI is not correct
34486 Work management views loading bug
34917 State model processes take a long time to load
34918 Errant character "<" in Processes page
34919 Save Process button
34921 Not able to add states with a hyphen
34923 Should not be able to save a process without transitions
34924 Left align the Process cards
34926 Validation of transitions is too much
34963 Large space between tabs and Event log grid
35014 Data Prep has incorrect scripts for EPOCHFIELDLOG and does not contain EPOCHFIELDSCHEDULEITEMVIEW
35064 Should not be allowed to copy a Schedule Item Process type
35065 Clicking copy on process card creates 2 copies
35067 States are not copied correctly when copying a process
35088 Word Order ID overlaps buttons when adding User History in ad-hoc work order
35091 Duplicate process name validation does not clear
35092 Can't tell which states are duplicate
35093 Copying processes naming is weird
35094 Certain states are required so different products can function
35095 Sort Process cards by name
35096 Editing a state model process should allow for adding transitions and states
35097 Edited process names not showing correctly in process cards
35098 Performance issue when refreshing process cards
35104 State model audit tracking not inserting nulls for nullable IDs
35107 Sort State model dropdown
35109 Each update to WO causes a state audit record to be saved
35112 Deleting all scheduled items does not set the audit tracking correctly
35113 Scheduled item changes are not being audited
35526 Work Order Filter Form freezes when tapping reset to default
35535 Fix known issue with layer toggle colors
35558 System has issues after it has 2000 active work orders
35674 Database Lock
35718 Logs are not uploading to WebApi
35742 Leading or trailing spaces should be trimmed off when updating in Resource Management
35787 Relationship attributes information does not display when the key fields used in the relationship joins are included in the attribute exclusion tags
35822 When closing a work order form, it throws a null reference exception
36416 Blank Dialog When Typing in Workflow Fields
36671 Sync closes the download-only geodatabase in UWP causing null reference errors
36761 Error with null reference on addControl for EventLogs component
36779 Add button not working for Configure state for schedule item types
36789 Saving, Save and completing work flow form throwing object reference error.
36830 Sometimes General Settings adds additional records
37005 Broken Access Control Leading to Privilege Escalation
37007 Non-Standardized Queries: SQL Injection In a Stacked Query Context
39369 WMS/InboundQueue/Maint. not functioning as intended

EpochField 5.1.4 Release for Mobile

We are thrilled to unveil the latest version of our mobile app, EpochField Mobile 5.1.4. Our developers have been dedicated to optimizing the field user experience and have implemented numerous improvements to enhance the app’s performance and efficiency. We take pride in providing our clients with a reliable product, and EpochField Mobile 5.1.4 is no exception. Discover the exciting changes we’ve made by reading below.

The products team at Epoch Solutions Group has been busy working on a few new enhancements and updates to EpochField for iOS, Android, and Windows. EpochField 5.1.4 can be found in the Apple App Store, Google Play, and Microsoft App Store today.

Ease of Use

Previously, the app would switch to Pan mode once a tool was closed; now, users can close the tool menu and still make edits on the map, freeing up screen space. Users can now save Operation Layers visibility settings. Map Markup has been improved to allow users to better see and understand the tool’s interface. With this update, users can download multiple files within each region, as well as delete all downloaded data files without encountering any error messages. EpochField Mobile now notifies users when the offline geodatabase syncs successfully.

 

Routing and Geofencing

Our latest updates have made asset management more streamlined and efficient for users. The Identify tool now includes routing functionality, enabling users to quickly locate the desired asset and access directions. Search results are now displayed in order of relevance, and accurately rendered on the map. Geofencing and GPS location updates have been optimized, allowing users to minimize the app without losing progress. Additionally, GPS Breadcrumbs are now limited to the selected work order, while the newly added Compass Navigation feature keeps the user’s location centered on the map during Follow Me mode. Finally, users can utilize Lat/Long results from the Address Search feature for routing purposes and can easily copy and paste the information directly from the app.

Identify and Asset Research

We’ve made several improvements to streamline our search functionality. Users can now seamlessly scroll through search results without the need to update their criteria, and toast messages are now displayed even when the Search Bar is open. We’ve also resolved the issue of objects hidden by Operation Layer options appearing when lassoing assets in Identify, and have corrected the object counts for Asset Search and Identify. To improve the user experience, we’ve added new configuration options that allow users to zoom to the map extent of search results instead of solely focusing on the first result in an Asset Search.

Tracing

Tracing has been enhanced for both performance and ease-of-use. Not only do users experience faster results, the tracing user experience has been upgraded with customizable field ordering and the ability to view multiple types of assets. Additionally, we’ve enhanced the tool’s functionality, allowing users to easily share CSVs generated by the Tracing Tool.

Phone Specific

We’ve made significant improvements to EpochField Mobile to optimize its use on phones and other mobile devices. Phone users will notice that the scale and extent buttons remain visible even when the tool menu is collapsed, and we’ve redesigned the menu to minimize interference with native phone buttons like “Back” or “Home.” The menu now opens at half the height of the phone screen, providing a more streamlined viewing experience. In addition, phone users can now easily access Print Previews, allowing for quick and easy sharing of results.

Feedback and Support

We value your feedback! If you have any questions, suggestions, or experience any issues, please contact our support team at support@epochsg.com

Thank you for your continued support and trust in EpochField mobile. We believe these enhancements will greatly improve your experience. Stay tuned for more exciting developments in the future!

EpochField 5.0.3 Release for Mobile, Work Scheduler, and Web API

The products team at Epoch Solutions Group has been busy working on a few new enhancements and updates to EpochField for iOS, Android, and Windows. EpochField 5.0.3 can be found in the Apple App Store, Google Play, and Microsoft app store today.

We are introducing a number of new features and enhancements in the EpochField Mobile 5.0.3, EpochField Work Scheduler 5.0.3 and Web API Release. Read on for the summary release notes below.

EpochField Mobile

  • Lassoing multiple assets for a bulk update fixes
  • Fix for multiple ad hoc task types with the same geometry
  • Click Integration Tool enhancements and fixes
  • Backwards compatibility fix for a vital Click Adapter
  • Fix fo group layer visibility does not honor the individual layer configurations in the APRX

Known Issues:

Android – Due to a Xamarin Essentials bug reported with Android 11, users will need to set their Android device location permissions manually. To do so, go to the “App Location Permissions” section of your device’s “Settings” app and choose “Allow Always” or “Allow Only While Using App” for the EpochField app.

Copying Text does not work with APRX documents published to ArcGIS Server 10.7.1

EpochField Work Scheduler

  • Groups should be able to be configured so that they can see all groups/content or only their group/content.
  • Groups should only be able to Delete or Disable workers, crews, and equipment which they have created in Resource Management.
  • “Managed By” drop down list should only include Groups that have the setting “Only Show Managed Work in Gantt”.
  • Expected user visibility for the work order scheduling resource dropdown list is not honored.
  • When utilizing the EF Mobile calendar view, users shouldn’t be able to edit/delete work orders – only view them
  • Actual Start and Actual Finish Dates for completed WOs are not editable
  • Service Point not showing for the Stand by Calendar fix
  • Planned work orders not showing up in Gantt Chart if no work has yet been assigned to workers.
  • Initial Dates in Work Scheduler are not being populated or displayed fix

Known Issues:

None

EpochField Web API

  • Cannot find stored procedure error when using SQLServer fix

Known Issues:

None

EpochField 5.0.2 Release for Mobile, Administrator, and Work Scheduler

It’s officially Fall 2021 and the products team here at Epoch has been busy working on a few new enhancements and updates to EpochField for iOS, Android, and Windows. EpochField 5.0.2 can be found in the Apple App Store, Google Play, and Microsoft Apps store.

We are introducing a number of new features and enhancements in the EpochField Mobile 5.0.2, EpochField Administrator 5.0.2, and EpochField Work Scheduler 5.0.2 release. Read on for the summary release notes below.

EpochField Mobile

  • Lasso tool enhancements and fixes
  • Click Integration enhancements
  • MapMarkup text box fixes
  • Click Integration Tool multiple selection fixes
  • Multiple ad hoc task type with same geometry fixes

Known Issues

Android – Due to a Xamarin Essentials bug reported with Android 11, users will need to set their Android device location permissions manually. To do so, go to the “App Location Permissions” section of your device’s “Settings” app and choose “Allow Always” or “Allow Only While Using App” for the EpochField app.

Copying text does not work with APRX documents published to ArcGIS Server 10.7.1.

EpochField Work Scheduler

  • Manage Group Visibility enhancements
  • File attachment fixes
  • Zoom to asset fixes
  • Work order grid status enhancements

Known Issues

None

EpochField Administrator

  • Work order comments in Scheduler for mobile fixes
 

Known Issues

None

Just Released: EpochField 4.3.5

Epoch Solutions Group is excited to announce that the release of EpochField 4.3.5 is now available in mobile app stores for both Android and iOS and an install package for Windows 10 (UWP). EpochField is a complete, end-to-end multi-platform workforce management solution designed for both back-office work management and field crews to strategize, plan, and execute utility workflows in a map-centric, disconnected, real-time environment.

EpochField 4.3.5 is a minor follow-on to the previous 4.3.4 EpochField release. It continues to build on and strengthen the capabilities of 4.3.x EpochField in several key areas of the software and user experience.

For 4.3.5 to work as expected, please ensure the version alignment for your EpochField Suite is as follows:

  • EpochField Mobile 4.3.5
  • EpochField Workflow Builder 4.3.2
  • EpochField Work Management Server 4.3.2
  • EpochField Work Scheduler 4.3.3
  • EpochField Data Preparation Server 4.3.1

What’s New:

Synchronization of work order tables and work order features happens bi-directionally. This includes all work tables, including attachments which can become extremely large. There is a new EpochField Mobile application configuration boolean parameter under the <WorkManagementToolSettings> tag called.  If this is omitted from the application configuration, the behavior defaults to false (current behavior, which is bi-directional attachment sync).  Set it to true, and the work management replica geodatabase is created with the option to only upload attachments set, so attachments created by others are not downloaded. The usage is as follows: 

.. 

.. 

    true 

.. 

Issues addressed in this update:

Bugfix #21493: This is a product enhancement that allows the user to save their layer visibility settings on a portal group level between application sessions. Settings are saved to the device and can be removed if the user chooses to. To save the layer visibility settings, the user can tap on a “Save” button on the Operational Layers Tool UI. These saved settings are removed from the device when the application is uninstalled.

Bugfix #24499: The animation behavior of the GPS symbol on the map can cause a spike in GPU activity, adversely affecting the usability of EpochField Mobile. To address this problem, we have added a configuration setting to the application configuration. Set the value to false to disable the animation behavior:

..

    false

..

Bugfix #24821: Prior to this fix, EpochField Mobile for UWP could not be downloaded for offline install from the Windows Store, which is a requirement for some customers who distribute the app through their own MDM.

Bugfix #25187: This fix addressed a problem with the Click Integration toowhere no matter which asset in a selection list is checked/selected for passing to ClickMobile, only the first asset in that list is sent.

Bugfix #25456: In short, electric tracing was broken. We fixed it.

Bugfix #25598: While trying to route from an asset on the map from the Identify results user interfacewhen using an external routing application, it throws an error message to the user. It would first display the error message about the Address Search not being enabled, with no additional information in the log.  A second route search on a nearby asset does not throw the error a second time.

You’ll find EpochField 4.3.5 in the App Store and Google Play today, or contact us at:
720-458-3006 or sales@epochsg.com

Just Released: EpochField 4.3.4

Epoch Solutions Group is excited to announce that the release of EpochField 4.3.4 is now available in mobile app stores for both Android and iOS and an install package for Windows 10 (UWP). EpochField is a complete, end-to-end multi-platform workforce management solution designed for both back-office work management and field crews to strategize, plan, and execute utility workflows in a map-centric, disconnected, real-time environment.

EpochField 4.3.4 is a minor follow-on to the previous 4.3 EpochField release. It continues to build on and strengthen the capabilities of 4.3.x EpochField in several key areas of the software and user experience.

For 4.3.4 to work as expected, please ensure the version alignment for your EpochField Suite is as follows:

  • EpochField Mobile 4.3.4
  • EpochField Workflow Builder 4.3.2
  • EpochField Work Management Server 4.3.2
  • EpochField Work Scheduler 4.3.3
  • EpochField Data Preparation Server 4.3.1

Issues addressed in this update:

Bugfix #24575: Category list scrolling in Workflow forms was broken. For long category lists, if you scrolled down to the bottom of the list and selected a category, then chose a value, the category list would ‘snap’ or ‘jump’ back to the top unexpectedly, causing some confusion about what the user was seeing. This has been fixed.

Bugfix #24867: While using an Android device and collecting Map Markup information, the barcode/QR scan button would crash EpochField when it was pressed. This has been fixed and the barcode/QR scan functionality now works as expected running EpochField on Android.

You’ll find EpochField 4.3.4 in the App Store and Google Play today, or contact us at 720-458-3006 or wes.clain@epochsg.com