Offline-first sounds simple until the first sync conflict appears. The truth is that offline capability is a product and engineering decision, not just a feature toggle.
The mistake: treating offline as a cache
Caching is useful, but offline-first requires the app to behave predictably without a connection. That means the app must be the source of truth until it syncs.
Model the data flow
Every offline-first system needs a plan for:
- Local storage strategy
- Conflict resolution rules
- Sync retries and failure handling
Design for the field, not the office
Field teams work with limited connectivity, short attention spans, and small screens. The UI must be fast and forgiving.
Invest in observability
Offline bugs are harder to reproduce. Build in logging and sync status visibility so teams can trust the system.
When to prioritize it
Offline-first is essential when your workflow depends on inventory, inspections, logistics, or remote sites. It's optional for dashboards or lightweight reporting.
If your product must work without internet, we can architect the offline strategy from day one.