CommCare FAQs

If the CommCare mobile application login expires within 24hrs, how can users login again if they are offline?

As long as you login the first time to the mobile device with internet access, logins in the future will not require internet.

Integrations

Can CommCare integrate with other systems.

Yes. We have extensive APIs, and customers have connected to all kinds of systems, however we can't support 3rd party systems directly so we maintain and offer our APIs so our technically inclined clients can connect however they like.  We also have data export tools as well, so you can export your data in automated fashion to a number of formats. This is often a good intermediate steps to a direct connection.

Support

How do I get help?

Instructions here.

Local Hosting

Can I setup my own CommCare server? What are the costs?

Yes, you can setup your own server: information here. However we do not recommend this for organizations or persons without significant technical resources, like a software engineer with Python programming experience.  The CommCare server is a complex software solution and requires expertise to ensure security and smooth operation.  There is no cost to setup your own server, however it is likely that the overall costs incurred from engaging a software engineer plus the cost of setting up a secure data center will far exceed the cost of our cloud-hosted solution.

Is there a limit to the number of surveys I can submit?

There is no limit to the number of surveys you can submit at any plan level. 

How does 2-way SMS work?

Two way SMS works through our server, we have existing gateways in the US and UK that send messages and these will work immediately. If you want your users to be able to reply to a local number, rather than international, you can setup your own local number using these instructions. This will require an Advanced Plan.

What are the user limits? Also what is a "user"?

A user is a CommCare installation on a device like a tablet or phone.  A web user, meaning someone who logs in to view CommCare to administer, view reports, or submit data via Web Apps does not count towards the user limit. The user limits are defined here.

Can multiple projects use the same license, assuming they can see each others data?

We don't recommend sharing subscriptions for projects, it can create complications with data sharing and application configuration.   If you are planning to have multiple projects working with the same users (e.g. nutrition and health apps for the same group of people) that would be an exception.

Does Dimagi offer services in addition to the included support? How much does it cost?

We have implementation services offered here.  These are onsite services and need to be scheduled in advance.  We also offer onboarding services. These are remote services, please email sales@dimagi.com to inquire for more information. 

How can I assign mobile workers and web users to each group so that they can’t access the other side’s data? E.g. the third party evaluation firm can export evaluation data but not project monitoring data.

Here are instructions for Location-Based Data Access and User Editing Restrictions.

Does CommCare work offline?

  • Continue to use your phone as you would normally, your phone will save completed forms until you reach a data connection. If you never have data connection you can connect your phone to a computer and transfer the collected files (via a USB cable or an microSD card) to a computer directly. 

What kind of phone can deploy CommCare?

  • CommCare can be deployed on a Android or Java Enabled device. 

  • You can find out more here: Recommended Devices.