With the release of Acctivate 11.1 Acctivate mobile now has a native Android application. Users may wonder which version they need for their business. This article will break down the key differences between the two.
With Version 11.1, Acctivate mobile now exists on Android and on Windows mobile. Both versions are currently supported by Acctivate and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. It's important to know the strengths and limitations of the two versions before choosing.
Commonalities
- Both Windows mobile and Android mobile include the ability to pick orders and receive orders (both with and without a PO) into Acctivate.
- Both have the ability to pull up product information.
- Both connect to Acctivate via a connection to the webservice on the server.
- Both can pick via normal picking or via pick lists.
- Both can scan GS-128 barcodes, Data matrix barcodes, and standard text barcodes.
- Both have an in app barcode reader for barcode testing.
Differences
- The UI differs on Android and mobile due to device compatibility and size differences. Android's UI is a lot more sleek and modern due to the lack of physical device keyboards.
- Windows Mobile has more features currently available than Android. See below for a table of the feature differences:
Module
Android
Windows
Assemblies No Yes Counts No Yes Order Entry No Yes Picking Yes Yes Product Information Yes Yes Receiving Yes Yes Route Delivery No Yes Transfers No Yes
Considerations
- Android is very widely supported and worked on. Android scanners are generally cheaper, more available and more powerful due to more up to date technology.
- Windows mobile is not planned to get any new Acctivate functionality.
- Android will eventually reach feature parity with Windows mobile.
Which is right for my business?
- Businesses that only use Picking and receiving should go with Android because it is faster, more supported, and will be developed for the foreseeable future.
- Businesses that need to do mobile assembly, counts, transfers or order entry should go with Windows. However, Android is slated to get all of those features (and more) later down the line.