How to Save as Draft (using collections)?

[jesushernandez]

Hi All, 

I am building a lengthy app that relies heavily on collections, the user submits a lot of data through text inputs and dropdown selections that are stored in collections and then analyzed to provide the user with specific business recommendations based on that data. We would like for the user to save some of the data (stored in collections) to be used at another session. 

I believe this is not possible in the web browser but my main questions are: 

1. Is this impossible to achieve in the web browser? 

2. If impossible, what is the best approach to achieve this? Should we have the user fill the information through the mobile app of the program or is there a way to save the data to the data source (in our case Excel) and then use this Load the data back into the form? 

We currently use Excel for a couple dropdown lists and then capture most of the other data through created Text Inputs and Dropdowns. Can share any more information if needed. 

Thanks in advance. Cheers! 

[rsaikrishna · Accepted solution]

@jesushernandez 

You can check complete information about offline apps development and support by visiting the link: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powerapps/maker/canvas-apps/offline-apps

Unfortunately, this is supported only when you use Power App mobile app.

If you are going to store huge data while using mobile device, the app may crash as the storage space depends on the mobile device. 

In your scenario, storing the session information in a datasource such as excel seems to be reasonable with user details. When the same user starts app either from browser or mobile device, on app start, you can check the datasource if the user has information from previous session. If there is information, then retrieve it from the data source and show the app based on it. Otherwise, show the home or landing screen.

I hope this reply is helpful.

Regards

Krishna Rachakonda

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[jesushernandez]

Hi Krishna, 

Thank you for getting back to me on my questions! If I use the mobile approach, I would just have to include a Save Data and Load Data in order to save the data on local storage and then load it when the user opens the app again correct? Want to make sure the data from the collection is saved safely for the user to continue the form. 

Thanks for the help.