Data Submission & Storage
This page provides an overview of how data is submitted and stored within CommCare.
Data Submissions
As described on https://dimagi.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/commcarepublic/pages/2143954165 , there are several different types of data that are collected in CommCare. This describes how this data, notably form and case data, is submitted through CommCare.
Types of Data Submissions
Mobile Submissions
When a mobile device is connected to the internet, completed forms are submitted directly to CommCareHQ, ensuring data is securely transmitted with encryption for confidentiality and integrity.
If the device is offline, forms are stored locally and automatically synced once an internet connection is available. Until a form is successfully submitted, it remains on the device. If automatic submission fails, mobile workers can manually retry by selecting “Sync with Server” from the home screen.
Once a form is submitted, it is erased from the device. However, essential case data needed for follow-ups is retained until the case is closed, at which point it is also removed.
You can read more about this here: https://dimagi.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/commcarepublic/pages/2143947406
Web Submissions
Web users can submit data through CommCare in two ways: by entering new data via https://dimagi.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/commcarepublic/pages/2143955161 or if you are submitting data online as a https://dimagi.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/commcarepublic/pages/2143958279/CommCareHQ+Web+Users . All submissions require an active internet connection and are securely transmitted to CommCareHQ using encryption.
If a network issue occurs, users will see an error message and can retry once the connection is restored. Unlike mobile submissions, web forms are not stored locally and must be submitted online in real time. Once submitted, data is available for reporting, case management, and follow-ups.
API Submissions
In addition to mobile and web submissions, external systems can submit form data programmatically via CommCare’s APIs for integration with other platforms. Fore more information on Submission APIs, please visit this page: https://dimagi.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/commcarepublic/pages/2143950677
Accessing and Managing Submitted Data
Submitted forms can be monitored, retrieved and managed through different methods, including through https://dimagi.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/commcarepublic/pages/2143955322. You can also access your data through the https://dimagi.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/commcarepublic/pages/2143950715.
All data is structured for efficient retrieval and analysis outside of CommCare, using tools such ashttps://dimagi.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/commcarepublic/pages/2143954661 or https://dimagi.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/commcarepublic/pages/2231009468 .
Data Submission Limits
CommCare does not impose a limit on the number of forms or cases that can be submitted
That said, CommCare does employ rate limiting to ensure fair usage and maintain system stability. If you encounter issues due to submission limits, refer to the Rate Limiting Documentation for troubleshooting and best practices: https://dimagi.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/commcarepublic/pages/2143956626
Data Storage
Data in CommCare is securely stored to ensure reliability and compliance with industry standards. All data at rest is encrypted using robust security protocols to protect sensitive information.
For details on security, see our https://dimagi.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/commcarepublic/pages/2367979559 as well as our general https://dimagi.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/commcarepublic/pages/2230288715 page.
Data Retention & Deletion Practices
Your data is securely retained in CommCare on a long-term basis and will remain available unless actively managed or deleted by users with the appropriate permissions. Users can manage their data retention policies within their project space.
Deleting Data
Users with the appropriate permissions can edit or remove data using CommCare’s https://dimagi.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/commcarepublic/pages/2196865109 or https://dimagi.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/commcarepublic/pages/2143955907 tools.
Deleting a Project Space
If you need to delete an entire project space or domain where data collection has taken place, please contact support following these guidelines: https://dimagi.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/commcarepublic/pages/2143975653 .