COUNTBENCH GUIDE
Offline counting and backups.
Stores and warehouses often have poor signal. CountBench can be prepared to work without a connection, and every count can be backed up to a file you control.
Prepare for offline counting
Open CountBench while connected and choose Prepare for offline counting. The tool downloads everything it needs, including the example files, help essentials and the code that reads and writes files, then checks each part. When it reports Ready for offline use, with the build it prepared, you can reload the tool and count, import and download without a connection.
Prepare before you go offline: the very first visit always needs a connection. These web pages, links to other tools, emailing results and support requests remain online activities. CountBench does not hold an email or support request to send later.
Where a count is kept
When you start a count, choose one of two options:
- Save on this device keeps the count in this browser between visits. Anyone who uses the same browser profile can open it.
- Temporary session keeps the count only while this tab is open. Closing or reloading the tab loses it, so download a backup before you leave. It suits shared computers.
A saved count is local to this browser. It is not a cloud backup or an account, and clearing the browser's site data deletes it. Browsers can also limit or clear storage when a device is short of space. If a save fails, capture pauses, the last saved state stays on screen and you can download the project before carrying on. CountBench never claims an entry was saved when it was not.
Back up and restore
Choose Keep a backup to download the complete project at any point. Restore it from the start screen on the same or another device. A backup contains every observation and correction, so treat it as operational data.
Two tabs, one count
One tab controls a saved count at a time. If you open the same count in another tab, it opens read-only and offers to take over. Taking over stops the first tab from saving any further changes, so nothing is written twice.
Updates
When a new version of CountBench is available, it waits while you have a count in progress. Choose Update available when you are ready, and the tool saves, pauses and reloads. It never reloads in the middle of a count.
Shared computers
Use a temporary session, or delete saved counts when you finish. The start screen can delete one count or all CountBench counts in this browser. That does not change your analytics choice or affect other SmartFACT tools.
