Working Offline with RRM

The RUFUS Race Manager (RRM) is designed to work seamlessly both online and offline, providing flexibility to timers and event organizers. However, there are specific limitations and capabilities that users need to understand when operating in offline mode.

Getting Started Offline

To use RRM offline, the user must first sign in with an active internet connection. This initial login allows the software to synchronize with the Cloud Account, ensuring that all event, participant, and device information is downloaded and available for offline use. Once this synchronization is complete, users can continue working even if the internet connection is lost.

Note: Offline mode is available for the Windows and Mac apps (Mac version coming soon).

Capabilities in Offline Mode

When working offline, users can perform all essential functions, such as:

• Creating New Events: Users can create new events, define races, checkpoints, and segments.

• Collecting Timing Data: Local timing devices connected via Ethernet, WiFi, or other physical connections will continue to collect and send passings to the RRM system.

• Managing Participants: Users can add or edit participant information and manage the passings data without needing an internet connection.

• Editing Timing Data: Users can delete passings or mark them as VALIDATED or INVALIDATED based on manual review.

• Viewing Results: Users can access and analyze race results, including participant rankings, in the offline mode.

Limitations in Offline Mode

While RRM offers robust offline capabilities, there are certain features that require an active internet connection:

• Cloud Device Integration: Cloud devices, those connected via the RUFUS Cloud, require an active connection to transmit passings data. Without internet, these devices will not be able to send data to RRM.

• Initial Device Synchronization: Adding or removing a cloud devices within an event and synchronizing them requires an internet connection.

Synchronizing Back Online

Once the internet connection is restored, RRM will automatically synchronize any changes made during offline mode with the Cloud Account. This includes updating participant information, passings, and any timing adjustments made while offline. Users do not need to take additional steps to synchronize manually, as the system manages this process. If any conflicts arise between the cloud data and offline data, RRM will resolve these issues automatically without user intervention.

Recommendations for Offline Use

• Plan Ahead: Before going offline, ensure that all necessary information and participants are updated to avoid any issues during the event.

• Use Local Devices: Offline functionality is most efficient when using local timing devices connected physically to the timing PC (via Ethernet, WiFi, or other physical connections using TCP sockets), as these do not require cloud connectivity.

By understanding how RRM handles both online and offline modes, users can make informed decisions on how to manage timing data effectively, regardless of internet availability.