A rugged, offline-capable tablet application and management system for canine search handlers operating at international border crossings.
What we did
- Full-cycle mobile application design and information architecture
- Custom iOS tablet development for industrial field use
- Offline-first data synchronisation engine
- Integration of a secure ExpressionEngine CMS for back-office management
- Automated reporting and data aggregation tools
- Digital transformation of paper-based shift and find reports
- Long-term maintenance and iterative feature advancement
About the project
Wagtail UK provides highly specialised search dog services, operating in some of the most demanding environments, including the busy ferry ports between the UK and France. Their handlers work in rugged conditions where precision is paramount, yet for years, they relied on manual, paper-based processes for logging shifts, tracking dog health, and recording find reports. Tinderhouse was commissioned to lead a digital transformation project that would replace these antiquated methods with a robust, reliable mobile solution.
Because the handlers operate in areas with sporadic internet connectivity, such as the holds of ships or remote port perimeters, a standard web app was insufficient. We adopted a focused MVP development strategy, prioritising the core "shift plotter" and "find report" features to ensure the app delivered immediate value in the field. This minimum viable product strategy allowed us to test the hardware and software durability in real-world port conditions before expanding the system to include comprehensive medical and training records for the canine teams.
The resulting system is a bespoke ecosystem where mobile app engineering meets enterprise data management. By pairing a high-performance iOS application with a centralised ExpressionEngine hub, we provided Wagtail with a single source of truth for all operational data. Our partnership with Wagtail has spanned nearly a decade, during which we have continued to advance the app to meet evolving security and operational requirements.
The Challenge
The primary obstacle was the environment itself. Handlers work in all weather conditions, often at night, and frequently in locations where 4G or Wi-Fi signals are non-existent. The existing paper-based workflow was fraught with issues that compromised operational efficiency:
- Data Lag: Reports often took days to reach management, delaying critical security intelligence.
- Human Error: Illegible handwriting and manual data entry led to inconsistencies in find locations and shift records.
- Incomplete Histories: Tracking the medical history and weight of a large fleet of working dogs was difficult to manage via paper files.
- Sync Issues: Information was siloed between different handlers, making it impossible for management to get a real-time overview of port activity.
- Ruggedness: Any digital solution had to be simple enough to use while wearing gloves and robust enough to handle the frantic pace of a border crossing.
Our Solution
Tinderhouse developed a tailored solution designed specifically for the unique workflow of canine search teams. We focused on reliability, offline functionality, and intuitive design.
Offline-First Architecture
The heart of the Wagtail app is its sophisticated data sync engine. Recognising that handlers cannot depend on a live connection, we built the app to save all data locally to the iPad. Whether a handler is logging a shift plotter update or a detailed find report, the information is stored securely on the device. Once the device detects a stable Wi-Fi connection, it automatically syncs the data to the central database, providing the user with clear visual feedback that their records are safe.
Bespoke Information Architecture
We conducted a thorough audit of the existing paper forms to recreate them digitally. The app features a "Find/Open Report" tool that allows handlers to select vehicle types and mark the exact find location on a visual grid. This ios app development services project involved creating a high-contrast UI that remains legible in low-light conditions and an onboarding tour that ensures new handlers can master the system in minutes.
Centralised Management Hub
Behind the scenes, we implemented a secure ExpressionEngine CMS to act as the administrative brain of the operation. Management uses this portal to set up handler accounts, manage dog profiles, and monitor the medical history and weight tracking of the canine teams. This centralised hub aggregates data synced from all devices, providing real-time onscreen summaries and the ability to export detailed CSV reports for external stakeholders.
Canine Welfare Tracking
A critical component of the system is the dog record management. Beyond just security data, the platform tracks the health and wellbeing of every animal. This includes comprehensive medical history, condition checks, and training logs. By digitising these records, Wagtail ensures that every dog is fit for duty and that their operational performance is tracked with scientific precision, a standard essential for high-level government and public sector projects.
The Results
Since its deployment, the Wagtail app has fundamentally changed how the organisation operates at French and UK ports. The move from paper to digital has not only saved time but has significantly increased the quality of the data collected.
- 100% Digital Adoption: Successfully moved all port handlers from paper logs to the iPad application.
- Real-Time Intelligence: Management now receives sync notifications as soon as handlers reach a Wi-Fi zone, dramatically reducing reporting lag.
- Enhanced Accuracy: Standardised dropdowns and location pickers have eliminated the ambiguity of handwritten reports and reduced human error.
- Comprehensive Audit Trail: The system provides a permanent, searchable history of all searches and finds, essential for legal and security compliance.
- Improved Welfare: Management can now proactively monitor dog health through the centralised weight and medical tracking dashboard.
- Scalable Operations: The robust architecture allowed Wagtail to easily add new ports, handlers, and dogs to the system as the business grew.
Technical Highlights
The Wagtail system was engineered to withstand the rigours of field work while maintaining enterprise-level security.
Platform: Native-standard iOS application optimised specifically for iPad devices.
OS Support: Built with backwards compatibility for legacy iOS versions to ensure hardware longevity.
Data Storage: SQLite local storage for reliable offline data persistence.
Back-end: Secure administrative control and user management.
Synchronisation: Custom-built REST API for automated bi-directional data syncing between the field and the office.
Reporting Engine: Aggregated data reporting with high-speed CSV export functionality.
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