Did you know that 93% of field service providers are utilizing both rugged smartphones and tablets to enhance frontline operations, up from 28% in previous years.
The global rugged handheld device market is projected to grow from $3.91 billion in 2025 to $5.11 billion by 2033, reflecting a CAGR of 3.4%, which makes it crucial for organizations to dedicate ample resources to test Zebra devices. This comprehensive guide to testing Zebra devices will take a detailed look at the easy steps to go about it, along with other related details.
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What is a Zebra device?
A Zebra device is a rugged Android mobile computer designed for industrial environments. These devices feature integrated tools such as programmable buttons, RFID readers, barcode scanners, etc and are built to withstand moisture, dust, drops, and extreme temperatures.
Why are Zebra Devices Important?
Zebra devices are important because they enable real-time communication and data collection in high-demand industries. Their reliability and ruggedness reduce human error and operational downtime in field operations. They also improve accuracy, traceability, and efficiency across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and logistics.
What is Zebra Device Testing?
Zebra device testing is a process that enables seamless functioning of Enterprise applications on Zebra’s specialized hardware. The process validates device compatibility with different performance requirements, such as ruggedness, connectivity, scanning, etc. Zebra testing confirms reliable app performance in demanding real-world conditions.
Importance of Zebra Device Testing
When QA teams test on Zebra devices, they prevent application failures in critical workflows such as asset tracking or scanning. Zebra device testing also ensures that the app is capable of handling unique device features and harsh environments under pressure. All in all, this process helps businesses maintain customer trust through high operational efficiency.
Parameters to Consider for Zebra Device Testing
App testing on Zebra devices comes with its own set of considerations because of the rugged nature of these enterprise-grade devices. Let’s check out some parameters to consider for Zebra testing for a smooth QA process.
App testing on Zebra devices comes with its own set of considerations because of the rugged nature of these enterprise-grade devices. Let’s check out some parameters to consider for Zebra testing for a smooth QA process.
- Scalability and Automation
Popular testing tools like Appium or Pcloudy can be used to run automated smoke and regression tests at scale. It’s important to ensure that the test scripts are tailored to Zebra-specific behaviors, custom APIs, and hardware interactions, enabling consistent and scalable test automation across rugged enterprise devices.
- Compliance and Security
Zebra devices are popularly used in government, logistics, and healthcare environments, they call for rigorous security protocols. QA teams often use Enterprise mobility management (EMM) platforms, encryption, or MDM policies to validate data transmission security and test app compliance with PCI DSS, GDPR, HIPAA, or similar industry standards on a use-case basis.
- Real-Time Handling of Data In Not-So-Ideal Environments
Zebra devices are most commonly used in somewhat harsh environments, including Network conditions and physical environments such as outdoors, warehouses, and factories. Under such circumstances, it’s crucial to ensure app reliability through processes such as real-time syncing, app reliability, environmental simulation, and failover testing.
- Integration of Specialized Features
In-built hardware features such as RFID readers, barcode scanners, programmable buttons, and rugged components don’t exist on our everyday smartphones and tablets. That’s why it’s crucial to verify app behavior in response to scanning triggers and other physical button mappings, and ensure that features such as inventory management and scanning should be remotely testable. QA teams should also ensure UX/UI responsiveness even when the device is used under scenarios like partial screen damage, or is used in wet conditions or with gloves on.
- OS and Hardware Optimization
Since Zebra devices mostly run customized Android versions suitable for Enterprise use, QA teams must test for crashes or performance bottlenecks specific to rugged hardware setups. They should also validate Zebra Android Enterprise compatibility with features such as API restrictions.
How to Test On Zebra Devices
Let’s check out a concise and clear step-by-step comprehensive guide on how to test on Zebra devices.
Step 1: Having an Understanding of The Target Device
Identify what Zebra model you’re working with by taking a note of the device, scanner type, screen size, OS version, and connectivity options. Check whether the device runs a customized Zebra Android or a stock Android.
Step 2: Application Installation
Upload the APK to the platform you’re using and directly install it on the Zebra device of your choice.
Step 3: Test Environment Preparation
Connect to cellular network or Wi-Fi as per requirement and configure any GPS/location permissions as well as Enterprise security policies. Some of them include MDM settings and kiosk mode.
Step 4: Functional Testing
Test as many user flows as possible such as login, navigation, data capture, error handling, offline modes, and so on. Don’t forget to use some of Zebra device specific features such as programmable keys, push to talk buttons, NFC/RFID reader, and barcode scanner.
Step 5: Real-Time Data Testing
Ensure that data sync and APIs are functioning properly followed by simulating lost or poor connectivity. Performing test data recovery upon restoration of the network. Always track payloads and network calls by using logs or developer tools.
Step 6: Environmental and Ruggedness Testing
Simulate common scenarios via controlled labs or automation, or physically test the application in conditions such as wet screen use, drop, vibration, using with gloves, low light, etc.
Step 7: Test Automation
Use a popular test automation platform such as Espresso or Appium, ideally integrated with tools such as Pcloudy, to automate Zebra device test cases. QA teams should also ensure that their automation scripts can use intent-based automation to trigger barcode scans and validate state changes, such as sensors, orientation, and network in devices.
Step 8: Performance Testing
This step involves measuring an application’s load time, different hardware triggers, battery consumption under field conditions, and CPU and memory usage.
Step 9: Security Testing
QA teams must test for secure storage, encryption, user authentication, and data handling along with checking integration with Zebra’s EMN policies if it applies.
Step 10: Documenting Issues and Reporting
Accelerate the Zebra device testing cycle with logging hardware-specific problems such as UI misalignment or scanner timeout. Use session replays, video recordings, or screenshots and use Zebra -specific context as in OS, firmware version, model to report defects.
Zebra and POS Device Testing With Pcloudy
Pcloudy has already established itself as a credible app testing platform. It’s no surprise that it decided to expand the device fleet by offering support for Zebra devices as well. You can avail the devices on request and leverage the powerful automation features to simultaneously run automated tests on different Zebra devices along with other devices.
Here are some features that help in conducting both manual and automated mobile lab testing on actual Zebra printers, scanners, mobile computers, and some other rugged devices.
Testing on Real Rugged Devices
Pcloudy enables application testing on real rugged devices which helps in mitigating simulator and emulator based limitations. It empowers businesses to launch their apps on Zebra, Chainway, Elo Pay, and more industrial grade devices such as rugged tablets, mobile payment, terminals, handheld computers, and so on.
Advanced Test Automation
You can use Pcloudy’s codeless record and playback or AI Testing Agents to automate your app tests and parallely run Zebra app tests with the intention to discover bugs earlier. It also significantly reduces test execution times to further accelerate time-to-market.
Responsive Zebra Apps
Zebra and POS device testing by Pcloudy allows users to test functionality and UI of apps on different screen resolutions and sizes. The platform also allows testers to interact with the application on remote Zebra devices in a way that it feels as natural as if you’re holding it in your hands. Since QAs are able to swipe, zoom, scroll, tap, with ease, all these steps, they can ensure flawless and responsive testing cycle.
Barcode Testing
Pcloudy offers support for automated app testing for applications utilizing barcode scanning to ensure seamless working of scanning functionality across various Zebra devices. Industries such as Healthcare, logistics, retail, etc., can use this kind of POS testing to smooth their operations further.
Instant Debugging
Comprehensive test analytics and test logs help QA teams analyze test execution, video recordings, screenshots, network logs, and device logs to dive deeper and make debugging instant and easier.
Testing Network Connectivity
Since real-time data transmission is a crucial aspect of point of sale testing, it’s important to evaluate app performance across different Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks to ensure reliability.
GPS Testing
GPS functionality validation is critical for Zebra device testing, especially for apps in field operations, delivery services, and fleet management. Pcloudy helps simulate and test under a variety of signal conditions to affirm the accuracy and reliability of GPS tracking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During POS Testing
Testing POS systems calls for a meticulous approach and testers might often overlook some key aspects which could lead to post-deployment problems. Here’s a list of some of the most common mistakes to avoid.
- Skipping Hardware Compatibility Testing
POS apps aren’t always tested on actual hardware since they often rely on standard Android devices or simulators, which can potentially cause failures in processes such as receipt printing, barcode scanning, or payment processing in real time.
- Overlooking Peripheral Integration
Since POS systems heavily rely on peripherals such as NFC modules, card readers, printers, and scanners, neglecting their integration with tests could lead to inaccurate transactions or broken workflows during live use.
- Not Enough Offline Mode Testing
One of the biggest Zebra testing mistakes is to leave POS behavior during any internet outages unverified since Zebra devices are most commonly used in mobile or remote scenarios, where it’s crucial to have offline capability for uninterrupted sales.
Zebra Device Testing Best Practices
QA teams need to have an in-depth understanding of enterprise-grade workflows and hardware capabilities to conduct accurate testing on Zebra devices. Here are some Zebra device testing best practices to make the most out of the process and ensure reliable and robust applications.
- Leverage Tools and APIs
Use Zebra’s SDKs like Mobility Extensions (MX), EMDK, and Data Wedge. They offer secure enterprise settings, key mapping, battery info, and barcode scanning which are all critical for exhibiting higher automation accuracy. QA teams can also leverage the power of Zebra device diagnostic tool to amplify their testing efforts.
- Use Real Device Farms
Use tools that allow you remote cloud access to Zebra devices for automated and real-time testing.
- Validate Performance In Battery Under High Load
A continuous running time of 8 to 12 hours without break is common for Zebra devices. Think of simulating a full work shift and conduct in-depth monitoring of performance, battery drain, and CPU under real world conditions like offline data, logging, Bluetooth pairing, or continuous scanning.
Conclusion
The fate of enterprise mobility more or less rests on the proper functioning of Zebra devices that offer speed, durability, and built-in intelligence. However, if they aren’t subjected to tailored app testing for their unique features and environments, organizations won’t be able to mitigate risks such as deployment failures, ultimately leading to financial losses and user frustrations.
If you are looking forward to Zebra device testing with the intention of delivering a reliable and smooth experience in enterprise-grade mission-critical operations, Pcloudy is the way to go. Sign up for a free 30-day trial now!
FAQs
How is Zebra device testing different from regular Android testing?
Android testing is less hardware intensive as compared to Zebra testing that involves specialized features such as industry grade APIs, rugged buttons, and barcode scanners.
Which industry most commonly uses these Zebra devices?
Zebra devices are the most popular in public safety, manufacturing, logistics & transportation, Healthcare, and retail where capturing real-time data is crucial.