Best Practices

Performance Tips

Optimise Smthy's performance to work faster with large projects and extensive document libraries.

Upload Optimisation

Optimise your document uploads for faster processing and better AI extraction results.

File Size Optimisation

• Compress PDFs to under 20MB for faster processing
• Use JPEG for photos (PNG for technical drawings)
• Reduce image resolution to 300 DPI for documents
• Remove unnecessary pages from multi-page PDFs

Batch Upload Strategy

• Upload similar documents together (all quotes, all plans)
• Use drag-and-drop for multiple files at once
• Upload during off-peak hours for faster processing
• Process large uploads overnight when possible

Search Performance

Get faster, more accurate search results with these optimisation techniques.

Search Query Optimisation

• Use specific terms rather than generic ones
• Include context in your searches
• Use filters to narrow results quickly
• Save frequently used searches

Index Optimisation

• Keep document descriptions detailed
• Use consistent tagging across projects
• Regularly clean up duplicate entries
• Update categories as your practice evolves

Search Performance Tips

Fast Searches: Single specific terms with filters
Comprehensive Searches: Detailed natural language queries
Cached Results: Recent searches load instantly
Background Indexing: New uploads indexed automatically

System Settings Optimisation

Configure Smthy settings for optimal performance based on your usage patterns.

Notification Settings

• Reduce email frequency to daily summaries
• Turn off non-essential notifications
• Use in-app notifications for immediate items
• Batch similar notifications together

Display Settings

• Increase items per page for faster browsing
• Use list view for large document libraries
• Enable thumbnail previews for visual documents
• Customise dashboard widgets for your workflow

Browser & Device Optimisation

Optimise your browser and device settings for the best Smthy experience.

Browser Recommendations

• Use Chrome or Firefox for best performance
• Keep browser updated to latest version
• Enable hardware acceleration
• Clear cache monthly for optimal speed

Device Requirements

• Minimum 8GB RAM for large projects
• Stable internet connection (10+ Mbps)
• Modern processor (less than 5 years old)
• Sufficient storage for local file caching

Large Project Management

Special considerations for managing large or complex landscape architecture projects.

Project Structure

• Break large projects into phases or zones
• Use consistent naming for sub-projects
• Limit active documents per project view
• Archive completed phases regularly

Document Management

• Limit individual file uploads to 50MB
• Use document versioning rather than duplicates
• Regular cleanup of outdated documents
• Compress historical documents for storage

Network & Connectivity

Optimise your network connection for reliable Smthy performance.

Internet Connection

• Minimum 10 Mbps download, 2 Mbps upload
• Wired connection preferred for large uploads
• Consider business-grade internet for offices
• Use mobile hotspot as backup connection

Connectivity Tips

• Close unnecessary browser tabs and applications
• Pause cloud syncing during large uploads
• Schedule uploads during low-usage periods
• Monitor network usage with built-in tools

Performance Monitoring

Monitor and track Smthy's performance to identify potential improvements.

Performance Indicators

• Page load times under 3 seconds
• Search results in under 2 seconds
• Document processing within 5 minutes
• Upload progress showing consistently

Troubleshooting Steps

• Clear browser cache and cookies
• Try incognito/private browsing mode
• Test with different browser or device
• Contact support if issues persist

Mobile Performance

Optimise Smthy for mobile use during site visits and on-the-go work.

Mobile Best Practices

• Use Wi-Fi when available for uploads
• Compress photos before uploading on mobile
• Sync data when returning to office Wi-Fi
• Keep app updated for latest performance improvements

Offline Capabilities

• View recently accessed projects offline
• Take photos and notes for later upload
• Queue uploads for when connection returns
• Access cached search results

Weekly Performance Checklist

Use this checklist to maintain optimal Smthy performance.

Clear browser cache and temporary files

Review and archive completed projects

Clean up duplicate or outdated documents

Update browser and mobile app

Test internet connection speed

Review notification and display settings

Need More Help?

If you're still experiencing performance issues after following these tips, our support team can help diagnose and resolve specific problems.