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How can I troubleshoot and resolve issues with editing reports in Spectora?

Written by Shannon Lewis

How to Troubleshoot and Resolve Issues with Editing Reports in Spectora

Editing reports in Spectora can sometimes present challenges, ranging from browser compatibility issues to difficulties with specific report features. This guide provides comprehensive troubleshooting steps and solutions to common problems.

General Troubleshooting Steps

If you encounter issues while editing reports, try the following:

  1. Refresh the Page: Sometimes, a simple page refresh can resolve minor glitches.

  2. Clear Browser Cache: - In Chrome, click the three dots at the top right, select "Clear browsing data," choose "All time," check "Cached images and files," and click "Clear data." - In Safari, go to Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data, and select "Remove All Website Data."

  3. Use an Incognito Window: This can help rule out issues caused by browser extensions.

  4. Switch to Google Chrome: Spectora reports tend to work better on Chrome compared to other browsers.

  5. Ensure Browser Compatibility: Confirm you are using an up-to-date, supported browser.

  6. Restart Your Computer: This can reset the local browser or operating system state.

Browser-Specific Issues

Safari

If you experience difficulties editing reports in Safari:

  • Clear Safari’s website data as described above.

  • Close and reopen Safari, then log back into Spectora and try again.

Blank Screen Issues

If you encounter a blank screen while editing:

  • Clear your browser cache.

  • Perform a full sync or a force payload rebuild in Spectora to synchronize data effectively.

Editing Reports Post-Publication

You can edit reports even after they have been published. Follow these steps:

  1. Click the Edit button below the report.

  2. Make necessary adjustments in the Report Editor. Changes will automatically save to the client’s view. Ensure you hit the Save button if in Report Viewer mode.

  3. Refresh the PDF if changes are not reflected. Learn how to refresh your PDF.

Managing Photos in Reports

Moving Missing Photos

To ensure missing photos display correctly:

  1. Go to the Media Center in Spectora.

  2. Locate the photo and click the gear icon.

  3. Select the Move option to assign the photo to the appropriate section.

Adding Reinspection Photos

If reinspection photos are stored in the cloud, save them to your desktop before dragging them into the report. If issues persist, try clearing your browser cache, using an incognito window, or switching browsers.

Handling Report Templates and Sections

Editing Specific Sections

To edit text within a specific section or statement:

  1. Navigate to the report or template.

  2. Locate the section and use the search feature to find the text.

  3. Click the pencil/edit icon to update the statement.

Deleted Sections

Deleted sections cannot be restored if they were removed before copying the report or template. Only existing content at the time of copying will appear in the new report.

Compliance and Locked Forms

Certain state-regulated forms, such as WDO or TREC, have locked structures to maintain compliance. Section, item, or comment names in these forms cannot be edited to ensure proper formatting and compliance.

Additional Tips

Mobile App Troubleshooting

iPad App Opens to Web View

If the app opens to the web view on your iPad, follow these steps:

  1. Click 'Done' in the upper left-hand corner of the iPad view.

  2. This action will return you to the mobile app interface.

  3. If prompted with the sign-in screen, log back in to access the app.

App Redirects to Web When Accessing Reports

To ensure you are using the in-app report editor:

  1. Navigate to the main app home screen (calendar view).

  2. Tap the calendar icon in the top right corner.

  3. Select the inspection date and choose the Report tab at the bottom.

  4. This will open the in-app report editor instead of the web version.

Beta App Issues

If the app behaves like a linked website or is slow, this may occur if you are using the Beta version of the app. To resolve this:

  1. Delete the Beta app from your device.

  2. Download the official Spectora app directly from the App Store.

  3. The proper app operates independently and is not accessed through TestFlight.

Edits Disappearing on iPad

If you edited a report in the mobile web editor (app.spectora.com in a browser), changes may be lost due to the web editor's limitations. To avoid this:

  • Always use the native in-app report editor for reliable saving of your work.

  • The mobile web editor is not designed for constant on-the-go use and may lose data if the internet connection is interrupted or browser tabs are switched.

  • Ensure your inspector account is active to access all features. Staff/admin accounts do not have access to the Spectora mobile app and must use the web version of the report writer.

  • Free reports are editable through the Spectora web interface as long as they are associated with your account.

  • v10 reports can only be edited in the v10 app or on the web, not in the v9 app. Always use the native in-app report editor (not the mobile web editor at app.spectora.com) to avoid data loss, particularly on iPads.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve most issues related to editing reports in Spectora.

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