Rove
Mobile App · Field services
Rove
Offline-first inspection capture for field engineers, with photos, forms and signatures that sync when a connection is available.
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Mobile app development for field and enterprise teams
iOS and Android apps from a single codebase, designed to work offline, with data synchronisation and app store submission managed end to end.
- iOS + Android
- Offline-first
- Push & sync
- Store submission
The challenge
Common challenges.
Many mobile users work in environments with limited or no connectivity, such as warehouses, remote sites, hospitals and vehicles. Apps that assume a constant connection risk losing user data, which quickly undermines adoption.
Reliable offline support requires careful design. When several people edit the same record on different devices, or a device reconnects after several days, the app needs clear conflict-resolution rules agreed with the business.
App store submission also requires planning. Apple and Google each have specific review requirements for sign-in, permissions and privacy, and Android devices vary in how they manage background processes and battery optimisation.
What we deliver
Deliverables.
Everything listed below is handed over to you at the end of the engagement.
One codebase, two platforms
React Native with native modules where required, combining shared logic with platform-appropriate interface conventions.
Offline-first data layer
A local database on the device with a sync engine that queues, retries and resolves changes, so the app works fully offline.
Defined conflict-resolution rules
Last-write-wins, field-level merge or manual resolution, selected for each data type with your team and documented.
Push notifications and background sync
Notifications on both platforms, and background sync that works reliably with each platform’s power management.
App store submission
Store listings, privacy declarations, permission descriptions, review responses and resubmissions, with automated signing and release.
Process
Project timeline.
Typical timelines. Exact durations are confirmed during the Discover stage.
- 01
Field research
1–2 weeks
We observe how your team works in its real environment to identify the key design requirements.
- 02
Sync and conflict design
1–2 weeks
The local data model, sync protocol and conflict rules, agreed with your team before development begins.
- 03
Build
8–16 weeks
Two-week sprints tested on physical devices, with builds distributed to your team through TestFlight and Google Play internal testing from the first sprint.
- 04
Device and field testing
2–3 weeks
Testing across the devices your users carry, including extended offline testing to confirm no data is lost on reconnection.
- 05
Store submission
1–3 weeks
Submission and review, with time allowed in the schedule for a possible resubmission.
Technology
Technology stack.
Application
- React Native
- TypeScript
- Expo where it fits
- Swift and SwiftUI
- Kotlin and Jetpack Compose
React Native with Expo is our default. Fully native development in Swift or Kotlin is used where an app depends heavily on the camera, background processing or intensive graphics.
Local data
- SQLite
- WatermelonDB or Drizzle
- MMKV
A local database on the device ensures the app performs the same online and offline.
Backend and delivery
- Supabase or a custom API
- Firebase Cloud Messaging
- APNs
- Fastlane
Automated build and release pipelines are in place from the first sprint.
What offline-first development requires
Offline support is often described as a feature, but it is an architectural decision with a significant effect on cost and reliability.
A basic approach caches recent data so previously viewed screens still display without a connection. This does not support creating or editing data offline. An offline-first approach uses a local database as the primary data source. All reads and writes go to the device first, and a sync engine reconciles changes with the server when a connection is available.
This approach has three requirements. Records need identifiers that can be generated on the device. Write operations must be idempotent, so retried requests do not create duplicates. Each data type needs a defined conflict-resolution rule for when the same record is edited on multiple devices.
These requirements need to be designed before development begins. Adding offline support to an app built for constant connectivity typically means replacing the data layer.
Engagement models
Flexible ways to work with us.
Pricing depends on scope and is provided after an initial consultation.
Fixed-scope project
A defined app for a known workflow, with a target launch date.
Considerations
App store review times are outside anyone’s control, so the plan includes a buffer.
Dedicated team
An app that will grow alongside your operations.
Considerations
Mobile releases follow app store review cycles, which planning must take into account.
Retainer
A live app that needs OS updates, device support and new features.
Considerations
Covers the recurring work created by annual iOS and Android releases.
Questions
Frequently asked questions.
- React Native or fully native?
- React Native suits most business applications, offering one codebase, one team and a user experience comparable to native. Fully native development is recommended for apps that rely heavily on the camera, intensive graphics, deep platform integration or maximum performance. We confirm the right approach during the Discover stage.
- Do we really need offline support?
- It depends on where your users work. For office-based users with reliable connectivity, offline support is usually unnecessary. For users in vehicles, warehouses, remote sites or hospitals, it is essential and should be part of the design from the start.
- How do you handle two people editing the same record offline?
- We agree a conflict-resolution rule for each data type with your team. Inspection records may need manual resolution, a status field may use last-write-wins, and shared documents may use field-level merging with a visible history. Every rule is documented.
- What happens if Apple rejects the app?
- We plan for at least one review cycle. Most rejections relate to metadata, permission descriptions, account deletion or sign-in requirements and are resolved within a day or two. Responding to reviewers and resubmitting is included in the engagement.
- Can it work with our existing backend?
- Usually, yes. Offline-first apps require stable record identifiers, a change feed or updated-at timestamps, and idempotent writes. Where your API lacks these, we can add a lightweight sync layer. We review your API at the start of the project.
- Who owns the App Store and Play listings?
- You do. The developer accounts are registered to your company, and we work within them using delegated access. This ensures you retain full control of your apps.
Let’s discuss your project.
Book a free 30-minute scoping call to discuss feasibility, budget and timeline.