The Shop Floor Mobile app in Business Central displays tiles differently depending on whether you use a computer, a tablet, or a mobile phone. Test the app on the actual devices your operators will use before you roll it out.
When you use a mobile phone or a scanner device, you lose access to the main menu functionality that is available in the standard Business Central user interface. Make sure every function your users need to perform is available on the device you choose, or contact us for help.
Decide upfront which device types fit your shop floor: a smartphone, a dedicated scanner, a tablet, or a laptop mounted on a carriage.
Tile layout changes across computer, tablet, and mobile phone
The way the tiles are organized differs from device to device. On a computer, the tiles spread out across the screen, with less space between them if the screen resolution is smaller. On a tablet, the tiles fill up the screen. On a mobile phone, the layout adapts again to the smaller display.
Because the experience varies so much, test the app on the different devices before you start using Shop Floor Mobile in production. That way you know what your operators will actually see and work with.
Mobile phones and scanners have limited menu access compared to a computer
Be aware that a mobile phone or a scanner device does not give you the same menu functionality in Business Central as a computer does. When you work in the standard Business Central user interface, you have access to a main menu where you can do much more.
This matters when you plan your setup. Go through the tasks your users need to handle and confirm that each one can be performed on the device you have chosen. If something a user needs is not available on that device, contact us so we can help you find a solution.
Choosing the right device type for your shop floor
Think through which devices match how your people actually work. A few questions to consider:
- Should the handheld device be a smartphone, a dedicated scanner, or something else?
- Should you use a tablet, or would a laptop on a carriage that operators move around the shop floor work better?
The right choice depends on the work environment and the tasks involved. Settle on the device types first, then verify that those devices support everything your users need to do.
Q&A
Why does the Shop Floor Mobile app look different on different devices?
The way the tiles are organized changes depending on the device. On a computer the tiles spread out, on a tablet they fill the screen, and on a mobile phone the layout adapts to the smaller display. Screen resolution also affects how much space appears between tiles.
Do mobile phones and scanners have the same functionality as a computer in Business Central?
No. When you use a mobile phone or a scanner device, you do not have access to the same menu functionality as on a computer. The standard Business Central user interface gives you a main menu with more options. Confirm that the functions your users need are available on the device you plan to use.
What should I do before rolling out Shop Floor Mobile?
Test the app on the actual devices your operators will use, decide which device types fit your shop floor, and verify that every task your users need to perform is supported on those devices. If a required function is not available, contact us.