Category: Software

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Software Technology

Updating a device via FOTA

FOTA update on Point Mobile device

FOTA or Firmware Over The Air describes the process of installing operation system updates of a mobile device wirelessly. Updates can include new functions, extensions or services, but also bugfixes and patches to ensure device security. Depending on the filze size and connection speed, updates can take up to 10 minutes. In this blog post, we will take a look at how to perform updates on Android-based Point Mobile devices.

FOTA client on Android-based Point Mobile computer
FOTA client application on Point Mobile device with Android

How do I receive my update wirelessly?

First, make sure you have a stable cellular or Wi-Fi connection on your mobile device. When you are updating using your phone provider’s network, keep in mind that depending on your data plan, there might be extra charges on your next bill when downloading larger file sizes. The system update menu can be found in the Android settings: Navigate to System, tap Advanced, and choose System Update in the collapsed menu to open the app for OS updates. From there choose FOTA on the right side to check if there is any update available. If so, a message appears informing you about the latest version, including release notes which further describe the changes. The same screen also shows the download size of the file on the bottom left, which is useful to know if you have to save data traffic. Once you are sure you want to install the update, simply tap Download on the bottom right, and the download will start.

By the way: The little info button (the blue i) will lead you to the product page on our website where you’ll find additional information.

After completing the download, a restart is required. The device will ask you if you wish to proceed, and after you tap Yes, the device will reboot and the update will be applied.

What if my download got stuck or I have bad connection?

From time to time, it’s possible that the connection gets lost, and the download cannot be completed. In rare cases, the update process has to be restarted, however the device might think there is already a firmware file download. When this happens, go to the settings menu in the system update menu. Choose Delete all the PFU files, which will erase all downloaded update files in the internal storage. After that, the OS update can be initiated again as described above.

If an update gets stuck, you can delete the existing PFU downloads from the internal memory

That’s about it in terms of updating a Point Mobile device via FOTA. If you have any questions about it, let us know in the comments.

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News Software Technology

Configure kiosk features directly on a device with EmKioskConfig

EmKioskConfig App

Our technical teams recently released a new tool that will make the life of IT guys a lot easier. It lets you configure the kiosk mode directly on a mobile device, without the need of a PC. Users who previously worked with Scan2Stage on a computer will instantly feel familiar: The UI was designed similar to the EmKiosk menu, making the usage as simple as possible.

Getting started

After opening the application on your Android device, the main settings screen will appear. Divided in two sections, it lets you choose settings related to the kiosk mode itself, and everything related to device settings. Kiosk settings include basic layout options or which apps should be hidden, and device settings include Wi-Fi or barcode scanner settings. Thanks to the intuitive UI, every feature can be turned on or off with toggle switches. The setup can be done entirely on a mobile device, which will act as a master device or server, and nearby devices will be the devices to receive the configurations. After you are done, simply tap on SAVE on the bottom of the screen.

Apply settings with Direct Clone

Similar to when setting up devices using the desktop version, all settings will be applied via Direct Clone from the EmKit menu on the device. When creating the backup file, make sure you tick the EmKiosk section as well. In the next step you can set a password (optional) for this backup file. And lastly, open up your Direct Clone server and start the cloning process. Now move over to the client device, and launch Direct Clone there as well (when setting up a device: Press and hold power button, and then tap Direct Clone in the menu, or navigate to EmKit menu, and then tap Direct Clone). Tap on START DIRECT CLONE SERVICE, and the process will start.

Compatibility

EmKioskConfig runs on all Android-based Point Mobile devices as listed below. All upcoming models will be compatible as well. Please note that at this point, EmKioskConfig is not pre-installed yet, and has to be installed manually.

ModelOS version
PM45 (Android 9 only)45.76 and higher
PM85 (Android 9 only)85.26 and higher
PM9090.11 and higher
PM45141.06 and higher
PM3030.02 and higher
PM6767.02 and higher
PM7575.02 and higher

Learn more about the EmKit ?
Not sure how to get EmKioskConfig? Contact us ?

Categories
Software Technology

How to monitor your battery’s health with EmHealthReport

One of the most important things when using enterprise mobile devices on a daily basis is battery life. Technology has come a long way in terms of screens, memory, expandability, and of course functionality, but the more features a device has, the more taxing it becomes for your battery. While most modern devices offer replaceable batteries, big capacities, and advanced power management, it still makes sense to check and monitor the health of your batteries regularly – especially when managing a large fleet of devices. Ultimately, batteries are consumable articles and wear out over time. In this post, we will take a look a closer look on the battery situation on Point Mobile devices.

EmKit on a PM75 mobile computer
EmHealthReport app in the Productivity section of the EmKit

It all starts with EmHealthReport

Our EmKit has been around for a while. Power users have known it since its debut in 2017, and since then it underwent a lot of updates with tons of new features added to it. One of the latest updates concerns the battery: EmHealthReport is a little application in the EmKit that gives you a detailed overview of your battery’s wear level, age, temperature, and more. It is pre-installed on all of our devices running on Android 9 or higher, and there is a standalone application that can be installed optionally for devices with Android or lower. You’ll find the application under EmKit ? EmHealthReport.

EmHealthReport feature list

The following table explains which features are included in EmHealthReport. 

Feature Description

Battery Asset
Information

 Battery Manufacturer Date Date when the battery was manufactured
Battery Serial Number Point Mobile battery’s unique serial number

Battery
Health-related
Information

 Battery Level Remaining battery capacity expressed as a
percentage of battery power
Battery Age Indicating state of battery age data to
determine when it should be replaced
Battery Voltage Indicating battery voltage as measured at
the time of query
Battery Temperature Indicating battery temperature as measured
at the time of query

eMMC Health-related Information

 Pre-EOL Information Indicating status of eMMC
health data
Device life time estimation
type A		 Indicating estimated used
percentage of eMMC
Device life time estimation
type B

Additionally, EmHealthReport also indicates the wear-level of both battery and the eMMC module as seen below. 

Battery:

  Status Description

Good

 Battery status is good as the number of
battery charging cycles is under 400.

Dismission

 Battery is required to replace as the
number of battery charging cycles is above 400.


eMMC:

  Status Description
Normal
 eMMC is healthy
Warning 80% of eMMC’s available blocks are in use
Dead 90% of eMMC’s available blocks are in use
Unknown Cannot detect the eMMC information


For further tips on how to prolong your battery life, check out Google’s Android Help Center by clicking the link below.

Learn more on Google’s Android Help Center ?
More info about the EmKit ?


Categories
Software Technology

Setting up your mobile computers with Scan2Stage

Scan2Set application on PM75 computer
Setting up mobile devices doesn’t have to be an arduous process – with the right tools.

If you ever had to set up a large number of mobile devices manually, chances are you ran into a lot of big problems. Not only is it time consuming, but also a constant source of errors. IT administrators have to exactly define each setting and parameter for the device, and then take each and every device to apply those settings. On a large scale, this means hours and hours of repetitive work. Luckily, our EmKit™ contains a very handy tool that solves this problem: Scan2Stage!

What is Scan2Stage? And what is Scan2Set?

Both are applications used to configure and set up Point Mobile devices. In Scan2Stage, the IT admin defines which apps should be visible, if GMS services are required, what time OS updates should be performed, and so on. Once all done, a QR code will be created automatically. This code contains all of those parameters, and when scanned from a Point Mobile device, the device will configure itself to those desired settings. It’s a pretty straight forward process and immensely simplifies the workload.

Difference Scan2Stage and Scan2Set from EmKit

Configurable settings

For a better understanding, we want to give you an overview of the (many) configurable settings. You want to restrict certain apps? No problem! Specific device settings? OS Update schedule? Kiosk mode? Go ahead, it just takes a few clicks.

  1. Schedule
    This section lets you make some kind of task list for your devices. It can be set to a specific time and even a specific order. Let’s use OS updates as an example. Installation during a busy work day is close to impossible, so it makes much more sense to perform updates after the work is done. Scan2Stage lets you choose the specific time and date when tasks should be done.
  2. GMS Package Manager
    GMS stands for Google Managed Services, which basically contain the standard Google apps as we know them: Phone, Message, Contacts, Maps, Youtube, Chrome, or even the Play Store. A lot of companies do not require those apps, so they can be either disabled altogether, or separately.
  3. OS Update
    When we release a new version, you can use this section to perform the update on your fleet. This even works if you are in a closed network.
  4. Device Settings
    All hardware related settings are configured here: Wi-Fi and network, phone, buttons, date & time, screen lock, and more. Each menu contains of more specific instructions to further customize the device.
  5. Scanner Settings
    You might now this menu from the Scanner app in the EmKit. All scanner settings can be determined here, for example how the wedge should handle a barcode, notification sound, various scanner modes, or simply which symbologies should be activated or deactivated.
  6. EmSolution
    In EmSolution, Kiosk settings are managed. A device strictly for work use only should only contain applications that are required for work. In some cases, even the settings app should not be accessible by default, which can be set here, too.

As you can see, there is a lot of possibilities and options with this tool set, and it can take a while to define each and every parameter. Of course, there are sub-menus and a few more menus, so if you are interested in learning more, check out the EmKit manual at the end of this post.

QR code for applying all the settings

Once you are all set, a simple click is left to do: This will generate a QR code on which all of your data is stored. Now, once scanned by a Point Mobile device (either using the physical barcode scanner, or via the camera on devices without a scanner), the entire configuration will be applied on that device. In other words, using this method, all you have to do for setting up a large amount of devices, is simply sending over that generated QR code to the user of the device. Have them scan it – and done!

We created a few videos about the EmKit and its tools a while back, check them out below. These videos are available in English, Korean, German and Russian.


Watch other videos about the EmKit™ on Youtube  ? 
Read the EmKit™ manual ?

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Industries Software Technology

Three main reasons for Android popularity in the business world

PM30hc used by medical workers to manage patient data
Android is the operating system of choice in many industries thanks to its superior security features and easy management

For all mobile devices including consumer smartphones, Android has become the dominant operating system in the globe. Many attribute its success primarily to its open-source nature and the variety of budget devices, but Android has other definitive advantages over its competitors. The strength of Android is shown exceptionally well in business applications, which resulted in its dominance across many industries where mobile smart devices are deployed.

Bayton already posted an article that extensively explains why Android is a better choice for businesses. However, I’d like to pick the three most important enterprise features of Android in my opinion and give a more simplified explanation in this post.

1. The security

Contrary to the common association with iOS being the most secure mobile operating system, Gartner has ranked Android higher than iOS in terms of kernel security, exploit protection, network security, workspace isolation, and more, since 2016.

Source: Gartner, December 2017 

Businesses also find these two features below especially useful for keeping corporate data safe:

Corporate/personal data separation

Workers can use the corporate devices home privately without harming the work data since Android offers work profiles to be completely separated. Work data is securely isolated and separately encrypted on a disk.

Monthly security patches

Google supports monthly security patches for the device manufacturers and ensures the end-customers receive the benefits by operating the Android Enterprise Recommended program, which requires manufacturers to promptly respond to both regular and urgent security updates made by Google.

Get more information about Android Enterprise Recommended with this post ? 

Medical worker is using PM30hc to check the patient data.
Google supports monthly security patches that ensure data security.

2. The flexibility

However you want to deploy and manage the devices, Android allows you the most versatile management solutions. Any management scenario including BYOD, dedicated, or something in between is well-covered thanks to its unmatched flexibility – this means you can easily allow the employees to use personal devices for work by using a separately encrypted profile or choose to distribute company devices with limited access only.

From: bayton.org

3. Easy provisioning

Businesses purchase and use devices in bulk for all of their employees: sometimes all the devices are located in proximity and a master device can do all the provision with a bump. But sometimes devices are too far away and every time a new update comes out or the settings change, provisioning over the air is required. Android can accommodate these scenarios. Also, device manufacturers and system integrators offer one of the most convenient and easy-to-use solutions for Android provisioning.

These are the methods of provisioning available for Android devices:

  • NFC
  • QR code scan
  • DPC identifier
  • Zero-touch enrollment
  • Knox Mobile Enrollment
  • Other OEM-specific provisioning methods

Enabled by Android’s innate support for convenient device management, Point Mobile provides excellent provisioning and device management solution: Scan2Stage.

Scan2Stage offers convenient control of thousands of devices at once regarding update schedules, configurations, and more.

Scan2Stage is Point Mobile's convenient provisioning solution, free of charge.

Find more about Scan2Stage ? 

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News Software Technology

The best (enterprise) features of Android 11

Android 11 on a PM75

Every new version of Android brings a lot of new features and improved design and security. Although Android 11 looks fairly similar to Android 10, there are a number of improvements worth noting. In this article, we will take a closer look and discover the best new features of Android 11 for enterprise.

Android 11 screen on a Point Mobile PM75 mobile computer

Work profile enhancements

Work profiles for Android devices are not a new feature. In fact, they got introduced all the way back with Android 7. However, Android 11 brings several enhancements for company-owned devices: If a work profile is added from the setup wizard via the provisioning tools, the device will be recognized automatically as company-owned and enables the device policy controller (DPC) to control a wider range of security policies for easier management of both work and personal use. Adding a work profile to a device using any other method will result in Android 11 recognizing it as personally-owned.

Android 11 also adds new features and UX improvements to the work and personal tabs of the default launcher. Device manufacturers can now present work and personal tabs, which lets users select apps from the work menu when tapping Share, or in the Settings app under App info, Location, Storage, and Accounts. Further improvements include gray-scaled work apps when the work profile is paused, making it easier for users to distinguish if the work profile is activated or deactivated. In times where both work and private life are closely related, this feature helps to avoid distraction by company related apps when the work profile is paused. Another convenient change is the omission of entering the passcode when turning on the work profile – as long as it’s the same as the devices passcode.

Privacy protection for business devices

Employers often have specific usage policies for users in place. Android 11 offers better controls over those policies to keep company-owned devices compliant with IT regulations. Admins of fully managed devices and company-owned devices with work profiles can now activate Common Criteria Mode which increases security such as AES-GCM encryption, and Wi-Fi configuration stores.

For better employee privacy and transparency, users are now notified when an admin enables location services on a company-owned device, or when an admin grants an app the permission to use the location of personally-owned device.

Improved data isolation ensures a strict separation of work and private apps and prevents attacks from the outside by other applications (for both profiles).

Favorite apps can be pinned in the share page

When sharing a contact or file, you can now pin your most frequently used or favorite app in the share page. This can be helpful when you are mostly using the same application, and you don’t want to scroll through the entire list every time you want to share something. By tapping and holding the desired app icon, you can now choose to pin the app all the way to the left for easier access. To unpin, simply press and hold the icon again and tap Unpin.

Showing new functions of Android 11: Pin Save to Drive (PM75)
Simply tap and hold to pin an app as your favorite

Notification history

If you ever deleted a notification accidentally, you will like this new feature: In Settings -> Apps & notifications -> Notifications -> Notification history, you will now find a complete list of recently dismissed notifications of the last 24 hours. Of course the function can also be completely deactivated if you don’t need it at all.

Showing new functions of Android 11: Notification history (PM75)
Notification history shows you all dismissed notifications of the last 24 hours

Quick settings pane now with media controls

A slight, but noticeable change was done to the media controls: They have now moved up to the bottom of the quick settings pane. To see a mini version of the player, swipe down from the top of the screen. By swiping again, you’ll see the full player with enhanced options.

Showing new functions of Android 11: Quick settings pane with media controls (PM75)
Media controls are now integrated in the quick settings when swiping down

Android 11 brings a whole lot of interesting features for business users. Are you going to install it once available for your device? Let us know in the comments below.

Categories
Software Technology

Installing APK files without using Google Play

Installing APK files on Android device PM30
Installing APKs on an Android device is fairly simple

There could be several reasons why installing apps through Google Play is not an option. Maybe you don’t have an account, or the application you want to install is simply not available on the Play Store in the first place. Luckily, there is another way to install apps on your phone, and it’s fairly easy. However, please always make sure that you only install applications from trusted sources. Installing apps that are not on the Play Store happens at your own risk and may cause damage to your device.

What is an APK file?

Before we start, let’s take a look at what APK files actually are. APK stands for Android Package Kit, which is a package file format, similar to an executable file (EXE) on a PC, or package installer (PKG) on a Mac. The APK file format is the proprietary file format of the Android operating system.

Here’s how to install an APK file directly on your device

As mentioned before, installing an APK file on an Android device (from Android 8) is an easy and straightforward process.

  1. Make sure Unknown source installations are allowed in the settings. Go to Settings -> Apps & notifications -> Special app access -> Install unknown apps. There, tap Chrome and then activate the slider Allow from this source.
  2. Open Chrome and locate the APK file and download it onto your device.
  3. Open your file manager and navigate to the Downloads folder.
  4. Now tap on the app. Android will warn you about the potential risk when installing a third-party app from an unknown source. Tap Continue to proceed.
  5. Choose Install to start the installation.
  6. After the installation is complete you can now open the app, just like you would normally if it was installed from the app store.

Install APK’s from an SD card

There is another way to install an APK file on your device, although it is a little more inconvenient. If your device has no access to the internet, this is the way to go.

  1. After downloading the APK file on your computer, copy it over to an SD card.
  2. Put the SD card in your device. Some devices might require you to turn the device off or remove the battery before inserting the card. However on more recent devices you can insert and remove the SD card while the device is running.
  3. Open your file manager and navigate to the SD card folder.
  4. From there, find your app and tap on it to start the installation process. Android will warn you about the potential risk when installing a third-party app from an unknown source. Tap Continue to proceed.
  5. Choose Install to start the installation.
  6. After the installation is complete you can now open the app, just like you would normally if it was installed from the app store.

The menus look different on your device?

The menus and settings as described above can vary from device to device. This is because every Android version looks different, but also because manufacturers sometimes adjust the layout based on their requirements. However, it should not be too difficult to find the right menu. For example, the Unknown sources toggle can be found under Security on some devices.

Are there any risks when installing APK files directly?

Even though installing APK files on your device is very easy, there are some risks you have to keep in mind. Make sure you only download and install from trusted sources. Some APK files might contain malicious code that can potentially harm your device or leak personal information. Always check your sources upfront to keep your data safe!

Categories
Industries Software

Crucial part of the delivery process: The Last Mile

Last mile delivery Aventeon with PM90
Last Mile delivery plays an important role in the entire delivery process

It is a long way until a delivery reaches its intended recipient. Once loaded on the truck, the last step of the delivery has begun: The Last Mile Delivery. We call it the Last Mile Delivery because it is figuratively the “last mile” right before knocking on the recipients’ door. In other words, it is that part of the transport process where goods are delivered to the end customer. What seems trivial at first is actually an important part of the whole customer experience, with delivery often being the only physical contact moment between a customer and a supplier.

These days, companies must adapt to changing customer demands in both B2C and B2B (and even C2C) markets, as the arisen expectations have created new possibilities for deliveries that go much further than shipping a box from A to B. We are taking home deliveries, same day deliveries, time windows, delayed deliveries, alternative locations, unmanned pack-stations at offices, neighborhood stores and in-public transport stations, customer centric return processes for products and packaging and just-in-time deliveries to service-engineers and building sites. But how to manage and keep track of all these services?

Software as the key to a successful Last Mile and happy customers

To understand the how companies ensure positive customer experiences while completing their Last Mile Delivery, we take Aventeon’s Logistics.ONE solution as a prime example: It acts as a central system and provides drivers with all the necessary information, presents a logical workflow, guarantees uniform capturing of data, offers monitoring and feeds the central systems with all the necessary data. The user interface is intuitive and simple, and lets the driver focus on the task. As a modern application, it runs on mobile devices with the Android operating system, taking advantage of device-specific modules such as cameras and integrated barcode scanners.

  • Action overview: Unloading, collecting signature and additional services in one screen
  • Doorstep Plus service: Setting desired delivery location and check list for successful delivery
  • Collecting the signature from the customer, including company name, email address and service feedback
  • Every tour has an Options menu for further information, or when a problem with a shipment occurs

So, back to our box that is about to be handed over to the recipient. When the driver arrived at the desired delivery location (For example, front of the door, unmanned pack station, neighbor, and so on), the right shipment will be identified and unloaded from the truck. At the same time, in the Logistics.ONE application, the driver chooses “Unload” from the open task list. In case additional services have been booked, the next window will give the driver further instructions, such as to verify with the client if there is any damage. Last but not least, the proof of delivery has to be collected, or in other words, the signature of the customer. After completing all these tasks, the driver is off heading towards the next location.

Driver relies on precise and up-to-date information

Of course the software alone is not the only factor that plays a role when deliveries are fulfilled. The ability to adapt quickly to changing customer demands is another very important aspect that companies in this business have to keep in mind. Also, having up-to-date information and constantly informing all those involved in the supply chain is decisive for being successfully active in the Last Mile. Adapting new processes, good staff training and professional resources must not be missed either.  

Learn more about Aventeon’s Logistics.ONE ?