Session Timeouts

This article covers:

• The definition and purpose of session timeouts
• Timeout duration
• Notifications
• Impact on unsaved data
• User experience
• Common issues and troubleshooting

The definition and purpose of session timeouts

Session timeouts are a security feature implemented in InnoVint to automatically terminate a user's session after a specific period of time. Session timeouts will apply to the desktop app and InnoApp. 

The purpose of session timeouts is to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access to a user's account when they are not actively using the system. By automatically logging out users on a regular basis, session timeouts help protect sensitive information and prevent unauthorized individuals from taking advantage of an open session. Session timeouts help address the following security issues:

1. Mitigating unauthorized access
2. Preventing session hijacking
3. Protecting sensitive data
4. Enforcing access control policies
5. Preserving system resources

Timeout duration

InnoVint has set session timeouts to occur every two weeks. If a user has not logged out of the system before this two week time period, the system will automatically log them out after giving a 15 minute warning. If a user logs out prior to that two week mark, the session timeline will reset.

Notifications

Users will be informed of an impending timeout with a message showing on the browser 15 minutes prior to the timeout. Timeouts will happen exactly two weeks after a user logs into the system, so users can plan for this by noting the date and time of login, or logging out and back in prior to the timeout. 

Impact on unsaved data

Direct actions should be completed and work orders should be created before sessions are timed out as incomplete work will not be saved. Work orders should be assigned and created prior to timeout if using the Fermentation Management Worksheets. 

Users can always log out before their two week session to restart the clock if they are worried about losing unsaved data. 

User experience

Users will be automatically logged out of the system on a two week cycle. This will be based on the date and time the user last logged into InnoVint. Users will be given a 15 minute warning prior to being logged out, during which time we recommend completing any open work. Users will be redirected to the homepage where they can log back into the system. Session timeouts apply to both our web and mobile app and the session ending time may be different for each application. Users will be expected to log back into both apps separately. 

Common issues and troubleshooting

If  you are experiencing session timeout issues, here are some troubleshooting steps you can take:

1. Check network connectivity: Ensure that you have a stable and uninterrupted internet connection. Session timeouts can occur if there are network disruptions or intermittent connectivity problems.

2. Clear browser cache and cookies: Clearing the cache and cookies in the web browser can help resolve session-related issues. In some cases, outdated or corrupted browser data can interfere with session management.

3. Try a different browser or device: If the session timeout issue is specific to a particular browser, the user can try accessing the system from a different browser or device to see if the problem persists. This can help identify if the issue is browser-specific.

4. Disable browser extensions or plugins: Some browser extensions or plugins might interfere with session management. Temporarily disable any extensions or plugins and check if the session timeouts still occur.

5. Disable firewall or security software: Overly restrictive firewall or security software settings can sometimes cause session timeout problems. Temporarily disable any such software and check if the issue is resolved.

6. Contact support: If you have followed the troubleshooting steps above and the session timeouts persist, you should contact InnoVint support at support@innovint.us. Provide us with specific details about the issue, including any error messages or unusual behavior experienced.

7. Provide system details: When contacting support, it can be helpful to provide information about your system configuration, including the operating system, browser version, and any relevant system settings. This information can assist our support team in diagnosing the problem more efficiently.

Overall, session timeouts contribute to maintaining a secure and robust system by minimizing the risk of unauthorized access, protecting sensitive data, and aligning with access control policies. They strike a balance between user convenience and security considerations, enhancing the overall user experience while ensuring the system remains protected.