Cookie Policy
This Cookie Policy explains how Vector Automation Systems Ltd ("VAS", "we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar browser-storage technologies on the SFA Platform ("Platform") and on www.vasmetering.com. Please read it alongside our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.
The short version
- Essential cookies and storage keep you signed in, remember your preferences, and let the Platform work offline. These cannot be disabled without breaking core functionality.
- Analytics technologies (Firebase Analytics) help us understand how the Platform is used. You can opt out at any time.
- We do not use advertising cookies and we do not sell or trade tracking data.
- Because the Platform is a Progressive Web App (PWA), most local data lives in IndexedDB and the service-worker cache, not in traditional cookies.
On this page
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) when you visit a website or use a web application. They help the site remember your preferences, maintain your authenticated session, and provide a faster, more reliable experience.
On the Platform we also use similar technologies that serve comparable purposes:
- localStorage— small, key/value preference storage that persists across sessions.
- sessionStorage— key/value storage that lasts for the current browser tab only.
- IndexedDB— structured offline database used for the offline-first experience and Firebase's offline cache.
- Service worker caches— copies of static assets (HTML, JS, CSS, icons) and selected API responses for fast loading and offline access.
2. How We Use Cookies and Similar Technologies
The Platform uses cookies and browser storage in three categories: strictly necessary, functional, and analytics. We do not use advertising or marketing cookies.
2.1 Strictly Necessary (Essential)
Required for the Platform to function. These cannot be disabled.
| Technology | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Firebase Auth tokens | Maintain your authenticated session and verify your identity | Session / up to 1 hour (auto-refreshed) |
| Firebase Auth persistence (IndexedDB) | Keep you signed in across page reloads and browser sessions | Until sign-out |
| Firestore offline cache (IndexedDB) | Enable offline data access and cache documents locally (up to ~500 MB) | Persistent until cleared |
| Service-worker cache | Cache static assets and selected API responses for offline use | Until cache version update |
| CSRF / security tokens | Protect against cross-site request forgery and replay attacks | Session |
| Tenant context (in-memory + sessionStorage) | Resolve which organization workspace you are operating in | Session |
2.2 Functional
These improve your experience by remembering preferences.
| Technology | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Sidebar state (localStorage) | Remember whether the navigation sidebar is expanded or collapsed | Persistent |
| Theme preference (localStorage) | Remember light/dark-mode selection | Persistent |
| Language preference (localStorage) | Remember your language choice (English, Swahili, French) for the in-app interface | Persistent |
| Offline queue (localStorage / IndexedDB) | Queue records created while offline and sync them when connectivity is restored | Until synced |
| Push-notification subscription | Store your push-notification preferences and device token (FCM) | Until unsubscribed |
2.3 Analytics and Performance
These help us understand how the Platform is used and improve it.
| Technology | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firebase Analytics (GA4) | Anonymized usage analytics including page views, feature usage, and event metrics | Up to 14 months | |
| Firebase Crashlytics | Crash and exception reporting to improve Platform stability | 90 days | |
| Firebase Performance Monitoring | Page-load times, network latency, and rendering performance metrics | 90 days |
3. Third-Party Cookies
The following third-party services may set cookies or use browser storage when you use the Platform:
- Google Firebase— authentication tokens, analytics identifiers, and performance-monitoring data. See the Firebase Privacy Policy.
- OpenStreetMap / Leaflet— map-tile caching for the in-app maps. See the OpenStreetMap Foundation Privacy Policy.
We do not embed third-party advertising, social-media trackers, or data-broker pixels.
4. Progressive Web App (PWA) Storage
As a PWA, the SFA Platform makes extensive use of browser storage beyond traditional cookies. This is what enables the Platform to keep working when you have no internet connection in the field.
- Service Worker: intercepts network requests and serves cached responses for offline functionality. Static assets use a Cache-First strategy; API responses use Stale-While-Revalidate.
- IndexedDB (Firestore offline persistence):stores up to ~500 MB of business data locally so the Platform can read and write while offline.
- Cache API: stores pre-cached resources (HTML, JavaScript bundles, CSS, icons) for instant loading and offline access.
- Outbound queue (localStorage / IndexedDB): records created offline are queued and synchronised automatically when connectivity returns.
5. Managing Cookies and Storage
You can control cookies and browser storage through the methods below.
5.1 Browser Settings
Most browsers let you manage cookies through their settings:
- Block all cookies (this will prevent the Platform from functioning).
- Block third-party cookies only.
- Delete existing cookies.
- Set your browser to notify you when a cookie is set.
Direct links for popular browsers:
- Chrome:Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox:Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari:Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Edge:Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data
5.2 Clearing Platform Data
To clear all Platform data from your device (including offline cache, authentication, and preferences):
- Open your browser's developer tools (usually F12).
- Navigate to Application → Storage.
- Click "Clear site data" for the Platform's domain.
Alternatively, if you have installed the PWA, you can uninstall it from your device's app settings, which removes all associated storage in one step.
5.3 Opting Out of Analytics
To opt out of Firebase Analytics / Google Analytics, you can:
- Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
- Enable "Do Not Track" in your browser settings.
- Use a browser-level content blocker that targets analytics domains (e.g.
www.google-analytics.com).
6. Impact of Disabling Cookies
Disabling or blocking cookies and storage will affect the Platform as follows:
- Essential cookies disabled: you will not be able to sign in or use the Platform.
- Functional cookies disabled: preferences (theme, sidebar state, language) will not persist across sessions.
- Analytics cookies disabled: no impact on Platform functionality; this only limits our ability to improve the service.
- Service Worker / IndexedDB disabled: offline functionality will not work; the Platform will require a continuous internet connection to operate.
7. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our technology, services, or legal obligations. Material changes will be communicated via the Platform and/or by email. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was last revised.
8. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies and similar technologies:
- Company:Vector Automation Systems Ltd ("VAS")
- Website: www.vasmetering.com
- Email: info@vasmetering.com
- Phone: +254 700 877 949
- Registered address: Nairobi, Republic of Kenya