Maximum number of case properties and phone loads

[John Skelton]

Hi CommCarers

I'm seeking clarity on whether the amount of case properties that you have make a difference to the load that is placed on the mobile device (even if these properties are not added to case detail or case list)? I am interested, because for our app we want to overlay our basic activity information with some in-depth baseline surveys. One option is to save each of the survey questions (about 100) to case properties. This could help with analysis later, particularly when comparing changes between baseline and endline surveys as I can use case export for this. However, if it adds burden to the phones then it's probably best to not add these to case data. 

Is there a general rule of thumb about the appropriate maximum number of case properties to be attached to each case?

Thanks!

John

[Clayton Sims]

John,

Unfortunately this number is actually fairly hard for us to set a specific ceiling on. The performance implications of this depends a lot on how many cases you're supporting per device, what kinds of lookups/searches you're doing on them, etc.

In general it is true that certain operations take a performance hit when the number of case properties is extended, since we store them flexibly. In most apps the only specific place you would expect to see this would be when you view the case list, and any time you perform a search against unindexed properties, which you'd have to do with advanced expressions.

In my experience on most phones having on-the-order of 100-200 case properties has been performant for most apps, but it will definitely depend a bit on how they are being used.

-Clayton

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[John Skelton]

Hi Clayton,

Thanks for the information. I understand that it depends on many different factors, but its good to know that 100-200 case properties is not generally considered extravagant.

John. 

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John Skelton

Results, Learning and Research Manager - Prospects Program

Mercy Corps Liberia

mobile: +231 880 964 479  | Skype: john.skelton99