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Provisioning Your Tablet with the ShopPulse Android App

Jacob Lauzier
  • Updated

ShopPulse is the operator-facing interface used to view real-time production data on the shop floor. It can be accessed through multiple supported methods depending on the device and use case.

On Android tablets, the ShopPulse Android app is the preferred method for Always-On Display and kiosk setup, providing improved display stability and better support for keeping the screen active without user interaction.

On other platforms, including iOS devices, ShopPulse continues to be accessed through the Progressive Web App (PWA).

This article explains how to install and configure the ShopPulse Android app for always-on display and kiosk use on supported Android tablets.

⚠️ Important
The QR codes in this article are used only to download the ShopPulse Android app.

They are different from the previous QR-based tablet setup method, where scanning a QR code on a new or factory-reset tablet automatically installed software, applied kiosk controls, and prepared the device for use with MachineMetrics.

That earlier QR-based tablet setup method has been deprecated.

Users who previously transitioned from that method to the Progressive Web App (PWA) do not need to take any action unless they want to use the Android app or are experiencing issues with the tablet screen remaining on.

Platform Support

Platform Supported Method
Android ShopPulse Android App
iOS Progressive Web App (PWA)

Download the ShopPulse Android App

Choose the correct download option for your MachineMetrics environment.

Commercial Cloud

GovCloud

⚠️ Important 

The app is distributed as an APK and is not installed through the Google Play Store

Install the App (Android only)

  1. Download the APK using the link or QR code above.

  2. When prompted, allow the browser or file manager to install unknown apps.

  3. Complete the installation.

  4. Open the ShopPulse app and sign in using your MachineMetrics credentials.

Once signed in, ShopPulse will load the operator display.

⚠️ Important
You must allow the browser or file manager to install unknown apps.
This is required because the ShopPulse Android app is distributed as an APK and is not installed from the Google Play Store.

App Behavior and Settings

The ShopPulse Android app runs in a kiosk-style mode by default to support always-on, unattended displays.

Accessing App Settings

To open the app settings:

  • Tap four (4) times anywhere on the screen.

From the settings menu, you can:

  • Reset the app (log out and return to the sign-in screen)

  • Check for updates

The app also checks for updates automatically and will notify you when one is available.

6. Locking the App for Kiosk Use (Android only)

To prevent users from leaving the ShopPulse app, use Android’s built-in Screen Pinning (also called App Pinning).

Enable Screen Pinning

  1. Open Android Settings.

  2. Navigate to Security or Privacy & Security.

  3. Enable Screen Pinning or App Pinning.

  4. (Recommended) Require a PIN to unpin the app.

Pin the ShopPulse App

  1. Open ShopPulse.

  2. Tap the Overview / Recent Apps button.

  3. Locate the ShopPulse app card.

  4. Select Pin.

Once pinned, the device cannot leave the ShopPulse app without the configured PIN or gesture.

Recommended Device Settings (Optional)

For unattended displays, consider:

  • Disabling battery optimization for the ShopPulse app
  • Preventing system update prompts during operating hours

Recommended Device Settings (Optional)

For unattended or always-on displays, consider the following Android device settings:

  • Disable battery optimization for the ShopPulse app

  • Prevent system update prompts during operating hours

  • Configure display sleep and power settings to keep the screen on

These settings are managed at the operating system level and may vary by device.

Managing Multiple Devices (Optional)

If deploying ShopPulse to multiple Android devices, you may choose to use a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution to:

  • Distribute the APK

  • Apply kiosk restrictions consistently

  • Manage updates and restarts at scale

Using an MDM is optional. Devices can also be configured manually.

FAQs & Troubleshooting

  • Q: Do I need Mobile Device Management (MDM) to use the ShopPulse Android app?
    A: No. MDM is optional. The app can be installed and managed manually, but MDM may be used for centralized deployment and updates.

  • Q: I can’t install the app — what should I check?
    A: Ensure the browser or file manager used to download the APK is allowed to install unknown apps, then retry the installation.

  • Q: The tablet already has MachineMetrics logged in — what now?
    A: Open the ShopPulse app, tap four times to access settings, and select Reset App to log out.

  • Q: The screen keeps turning off.
    A: The ShopPulse Android app is designed for always-on display, but device-level power or battery optimization settings may override this. Disable battery optimization and adjust display sleep settings on the tablet.

  • Q: Can I use the ShopPulse Android app on an iOS device?
    A: No. iOS devices use the MachineMetrics Progressive Web App (PWA). Open ShopPulse in Safari, select Add to Home Screen, then launch the app and sign in. iOS does not support native kiosk-style applications; OS-level controls such as Guided Access can be used to limit navigation.

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