When considering using the Freeway application in conjunction with Ostendo, it’s important to consider the type of device your operational staff will use.
If your staff are going to make use of Apple devices to operate Freeway, then you need to consider these potential limitations in functional use.
Barcode Scanning
Android devices download a specific app to enhance Freeway’s scanning function when using the device camera. Apple devices use the native camera function which we have found is less sensitive, and often takes multiple attempts to read a barcode. A work around for this is to use a Bluetooth scanner tethered to the Apple device.
Scroll bars and Time Entry
The screen entry is different between Apple (iOS) and Android. We have found the screen layout to be less easy to use in the Apple version of Freeway.
Swapping between landscape and portrait
Apple devices do not like being switched between landscape and portrait and will often crash the Freeway app or freeze.
Message Box Pop-Ups
We have seen sporadic issues where Apple devices do not display pop-up messages inside the Freeway app. The result is often either an app freeze, display an error message or boot you out of the app entirely.
Images
When using an Apple device there is no way to lower the quality of your image. This can have a significant impact on the Ostendo database size when they are synchronised back and stored in the database.
Other factors to consider
Price
Apple devices are significantly more expensive than some of the mid range Android options which have adequate resource and function to use with Freeway. A top of the range Samsung would be of equivalent price to an Apple device and not have the same issues listed above.
Security
Apple is well known for having superior security on the App Store and the Apple device in general. This has also caused us issues when the Freeway app does not get permission to use the camera, gallery etc.
Based on our experience over the last several years and multiple Freeway updates, we would strongly recommend using the Freeway app on an Android device and to not use it with an Apple device.
If you have any further questions regarding this information, please feel free to contact the team.
About the Author - Hannah Wilton, Product Support Consultant
Hannah joined the Cutcher & Neale Software division in 2016 providing the team with a fresh approach and a wealth of knowledge.
She has a proven track record of working with both internal stakeholders and external clients effectively using her investigation and resolution skills to produce best practice outcomes for all parties involved.
She is currently responsible for Tier 1 Support, working closely with Cutcher & Neale’s clients to ensure a solution is met to their software problems, in a timely and efficient manner, guaranteeing the problem solving process is seamless.
Her understanding in Software Services is extensive, being proficient in our programs MYOB, Ostendo, Reckon and has previous experience in Navision, SAP and Seibel.
Within a short amount of time, Hannah established a great working relationship with clients. Her unique and comprehensive service compliments her experience resulting in exceeding client’s expectations.
Pairing with her vast practical experiences, Hannah is currently studying an Advance Diploma of Accounting to further her skills to aid in her services offering here at Cutcher & Neale.
