Mobile application availability
Similar to the fulfillmenttools API, mobile applications have a release life cycle, though it differs slightly. This document provides information about the available distribution channels and recommendations for distributing the applications on managed devices.
Recommended distribution method
Using a mobile device management (MDM) solution is the recommended method to distribute the fulfillmenttools applications to devices. This practice allows for full control of the app distribution process. An MDM solution enables controlled rollouts, internal testing of releases, immediate distribution of critical updates, and rollbacks, which helps ensure an uninterrupted operations process. To provide the fulfillmenttools applications to an MDM, it is recommended to use the Artifact Registry or the REST API.
Alpha channel
The Alpha channel is the internal channel for testing new mobile application releases. It is intended for internal fulfillmenttools use only, and employing this version in a production environment is not recommended.
Beta channel
Before applications are released for general availability (GA), they can be accessed from the Beta channel. This channel is accessible to external users and is useful for identifying potential issues early, preparing personnel for application changes, and becoming familiar with new features before a full rollout. It is recommended to participate in the Beta channel with a small portion of the total device fleet.
How to access
If distributing applications to devices using the Google Play Store, contact fulfillmenttools support to enroll in the Beta program. Once added to the program, the Beta version of the application can be accessed directly in the Google Play Store to receive automatic Beta updates.
If using the Google Artifact Registry, the current Beta releases can be accessed directly from the repository. Beta releases are named accordingly and can be downloaded from the repository when a Beta version is available.
Distribution channels
fulfillmenttools offers three different distribution channels to access its applications.
Google Artifact Registry
The Android application packages can be accessed via the fulfillmenttools Google Artifact Registry. The Artifact Registry can be used to directly or automatically download available application packages. The registry contains the latest Alpha, Beta, and GA versions of the applications, as well as previous versions. The Artifact Registry for each application can be accessed via the following links:
Google Play Store
Using the Google Play Store for distribution is discouraged because features such as controlled rollouts or rollbacks are not possible.
The Play Store offers a convenient method to distribute fulfillmenttools applications. The applications are available at these locations:
As most devices have access to the Play Store, this is a straightforward way to complete setup and begin using the applications. While the Play Store is convenient and offers advantages such as automatic updates, its use is generally discouraged as it has limitations that can impact operations.
Updates distributed via the Play Store can take several days or, in rare cases, more than a week to become available due to the store's unpredictable review process. This can be an issue if an urgent update is required. Additionally, a rollback of an application version via the Play Store is impossible, and a gradual rollout of updates is only possible to a limited extent.
REST API
We offer a REST API to download our app packages directly. However, this API is currently being reworked and is, therefore, not available at the moment. We will provide an update here as soon as it is available. Should you require access to the REST API, please contact us.
Last updated