Run
BlueWorx can be run on the leading device-types of your choice. The mobile device can support multiple SAP Users in a shared environment. Optionally, the data can be encrypted for single user/ device use.
As standard, the log-on to the SAP system is controlled by your SAP log-on and password. This is then encrypted and stored in the device, protected by a pin code, for ease of subsequent access. Other authentication options supported by Neptune and available for use with BlueWorx include:
- SAP Enterprise Portal
- SAP Mobile Platform
- SAP Hana Cloud Platform Mobile
- SAP Mobile Secure
- Microsoft ADFS
The application may be further secured using two-factor authentication on initial user authentication with SAP – using an emailed code to the SAP Users email address.
Mobile Devices
The following are the targeted mobile device types – all from the same common code base:
- iOS Tablet and Phones 9 +
- Android Tablet and Phones 6 +
- Windows 10. Of all the available mobile operating systems and mobile devices Windows 10 is the least common, is the most difficult to work with in terms of development and app publishing. We recommended that customers take this into account when assessing their mobile devices and understand the consequences of this option.
Certifying Mobile OS Releases for BlueWorx
We can't certify OS's versions in support of customers ongoing operations as they are released by mobile OS vendors. That's because BlueWorx customers build and deploy their own mobile application, that contains their own enhancements, with their Neptune Software version, using their authentication option/ appliance to connect on their network to their SAP system.
While it's rare that an OS upgrade has a material impact on a mobile devices it can happen. Where practical we suggest that customers test their applications prior to mass migration to new OS releases as part of their mobile device management strategy.
Which Device/s is Right for Me?
While we don't make hardware recommendation we have provided the following points to consider when selecting your device/s:
- Form Factor and Ergonomics - where are the devices being physically used and what do my people need. For example: do they need one handed operations; do they need to be able to hold the device in pocket overalls; can they effectively interact with the devices in terms of screen light, touch responsiveness, etc
- Information being reviewed - what type of additional information is being accessed, for example diagrams that might be better viewed on a larger screen size
- WiFi and Cellular - Do I need both WiFi and cellular coverage
- Phone - Do I need phone capabilities?
- Camera - Do I have specific requirements around camera capabilities
- Performance - What expectations do I have on performance, in terms of processor, memory and storage
- Variety - Is there differences in my workforce that might need a variety of devices? For example supervisors using BlueWorx - Crew might be better to use an tablet
- Ruggedness and Safety - Do I need rugged devices or those with special industry accreditation. On the ruggedness point consider the cost of devices versus the benefits. Some of our customers have found that it's more cost effective to use standard devices, with case and screen protection, and anticipate some damage, than buy devices costing multiples of their price and which are very expensive to service.
- Existing devices - Can I use my existing devices?
- Contracts - What procurement contracts can I leverage to secure my devices?
- Security and Control - Does the device operating system adhere to my organisations security requirements? Are there any devices features that I'd like to use to help secure the devices (like fingerprint scanners)? Will the device work with my mobile device management system (existing or intended)?
- Other Mobile Needs - are there other things that your thinking about mobilising that might influence your decision in terms of features?
One option to evaluate devices is to try the BlueWorx demo application. While not necessarily the same in terms of data volume, using the demo application does provide the ability to review ergonomics.
Browsers
As well as mobile device apps, the BlueWorx solution will run on HTML5 compliant Chrome, Safari and IE v11+ browsers.
When used on browsers, access to some device features, such as the camera, are not available.