In this article
1: Using SmartHub Custom Data Tables for Offline Lookups in CAPI Surveys
SmartHub Custom Data Tables make it easy to manage and reuse long lists of values, such as postal codes, drug names, or location directories, across multiple surveys and dashboards. These tables can be used for offline lookups within the CAPI app, enabling fast, centralized access to large datasets without needing a live connection.
2: Adding a Custom Data Table to a Survey
To include a data table in your survey, add a Table Lookup/Hierarchy question.
If you don’t want participants or interviewers to see the question (as with a scripted lookup), set the Table Lookup/Hierarchy question to hidden.
To perform scripted lookups without displaying the data table in the survey, use the GetHubCustomTableColumnValues function. Scripted lookups allow you to reference large datasets, such as postal codes, drug lists, or address directories, without displaying the full table to users.
3: Limits and Considerations
For best performance, keep Table Lookup/Hierarchy tables under 100,000 rows.
To download or update custom data tables, tap the Sync button to perform a full sync
4: FAQs
Q: What is the maximum supported table size?
Although the custom data table AUP (Acceptable Use Policy) allows up to 1 million rows, we recommend keeping lookup tables under 100,000 rows for best performance.
Q: If a custom table is used in multiple surveys for the same CAPI user, will it download multiple times?
No, a single copy of the table is downloaded and stored. It can be referenced by more than one survey.
Q: How long does it take to download a large table?
The initial download is relatively fast, especially compared to the full CAPI sync process.
Q: Can I change the table schema after the survey is live?
Yes. If a schema change is detected (such as adding a new column), the app will redownload the entire table.
Q: What happens if I update or remove rows in the table?
If the number of changes is small, only the updated records are downloaded. If many rows are changed, the entire table is redownloaded, similar to when a schema change is detected.
Q: When are custom data tables downloaded or updated?
Custom data tables are only downloaded or updated during a full sync. Tap the Sync button to start the process.