The StayLinked SmartBrowser versus Consumer-Grade Browsers

In today’s enterprise IT landscape, more applications are shifting into the browser. Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), ERP solutions, inventory applications, and logistics workflows are now commonly accessed through web interfaces instead of native applications. For office workers, Chrome, Safari, or Edge are perfectly fine.

But for industrial users—those on rugged handhelds, barcode scanners, and vehicle-mounted computers—the story is very different. Consumer-grade browsers simply weren’t designed to handle the unique challenges of these environments. That’s where industrial browsers like the StayLinked SmartBrowser come in.

Let’s discuss why consumer browsers fall short, and how SmartBrowser delivers enterprise-grade benefits.

Why Industrial Workflows Need a Different Kind of Browser

Warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing floors create demands that consumer browsers can’t always meet:

• Rugged hardware: Devices often include integrated scanners, physical keypads, or unusual screen sizes.
• Unstable connectivity: WiFi dead zones and intermittent connections are common in large facilities.
• Legacy systems: Many operations still run older HTML or terminal-emulation apps that need precise handling.
• High productivity requirements: Even small delays in scanning or data entry multiply into big costs at scale.
• Security and compliance: Devices must be locked down to prevent misuse or data leakage.

Consumer browsers such as Chrome or Safari were not created to handle these types of challenges, and tend to lead to inefficiency, downtime, and higher support costs.

The Limits of Consumer-Grade Browsers in Industrial Settings

Consumer browsers shine in general use but pose problems in mission-critical workflows:

• Limited hardware support: Poor integration with barcode scanners, rugged keypads, and custom peripherals.
• Unreliable under poor connectivity: Lost sessions and unsaved data when WiFi drops.
• Unnecessary complexity: Extensions, auto-updates, and consumer features can distract or even break workflows.
• Weaker IT control: Enterprises must rely on mobile device management (MDM) for restrictions, which adds overhead.
• Hidden costs: While “free,” consumer browsers require extra enterprise tools and support, raising the total cost of ownership (TCO).

Consumer browsers such as Edge, Chrome and Safari just weren’t built with industrial operations in mind.

StayLinked SmartBrowser: Built for the Warehouse

StayLinked SmartBrowser is one of the leading industrial browsers on the market, purpose-built for rugged environments. Here’s how it compares to consumer browsers.

1. Reliability Under Tough Conditions

SmartBrowser is engineered to run flawlessly on rugged devices from vendors like Zebra, Honeywell, and Datalogic. Unlike Chrome or Safari, which may lag or crash on lower-power devices, SmartBrowser optimizes performance for industrial workloads.

2. Smooth Migration from Legacy Browsers

Many enterprises still rely on legacy browsers like Ivanti Wavelink. SmartBrowser includes tools to migrate without downtime, ensuring workflows keep running while IT modernizes the stack. Chrome and Safari often require costly app re-engineering to achieve similar results.

3. Optimized for Productivity

SmartBrowser supports features like dynamic DOM injection, improving page rendering and usability. That translates into faster scanning, smoother data entry, and reduced worker frustration. Consumer browsers, built for general browsing, don’t offer these workflow-specific enhancements.

4. Broad Device Compatibility

StayLinked partners with rugged device manufacturers to ensure cross-device reliability. Whether workers use handheld scanners, tablets, or vehicle-mounted computers, the experience is consistent. Consumer browsers may run, but often with quirks, driver issues, or inconsistent performance.

5. Session Management and Security

SmartBrowser includes advanced session management tools: IT can restrict access to specific web apps, enforce security policies, and prevent workers from drifting into non-work browsing. Chrome and Safari rely heavily on external MDM policies, which are less granular and harder to enforce.

6. Cost Transparency

With predictable licensing and no hidden subscription fees, SmartBrowser is designed for enterprise budgeting. While consumer browsers appear “free,” managing them at scale often requires expensive third-party tools and IT labor.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Category	StayLinked SmartBrowser	Chrome / Safari / Edge
Rugged Device Support	Built for barcode scanners, rugged keypads, and industrial tablets	Basic support; compatibility issues common
Connectivity Handling	Session persistence during WiFi drops	Sessions often lost; manual re-entry required
Migration from Legacy	Tools for smooth migration	Often requires rewriting or replacing apps
IT Management	Built-in session control and access policies	Relies on external MDM; less granular
Security	Locked-down environment for work apps only	Risk of extensions, updates, or non-work use
Cost Model	Transparent, enterprise-friendly licensing	“Free,” but enterprise management adds cost

ROI and Business Benefits

Adopting SmartBrowser can deliver measurable benefits:

• Higher worker productivity from faster, more stable workflows.
• Reduced IT support burden thanks to fewer crashes, lost sessions, and compatibility issues.
• Lower total cost of ownership (TCO) by eliminating the need for extra tools and avoiding workflow downtime.
• Stronger security and compliance with enforced session and access policies.
• Future-proofing by enabling migration from legacy browsers without breaking current apps.

For enterprises running warehouses, logistics hubs, or manufacturing facilities, these gains add up quickly.

Let’s Discuss StayLinked SmartBrowser & Industrial Browser Options

Consumer browsers like Chrome and Safari excel in the office but struggle in the warehouse. Industrial environments demand specialized tools—and that’s exactly what StayLinked SmartBrowser delivers.

CSSI is an experienced StayLinked partner and expert in industrial / enterprise browsers. We can help you evaluate your options, and implement the best solution for your business. To discuss SmartBrowser and set up a demo, please contact CSSI.

Haven’t Yet Moved Beyond Android 10? Be Aware of the ‘Scoped Storage’ Impact on Your Device Applications

We write this article when the most recent version of Android is 15. However, we know that enterprises often lag behind in migrating the OS on their mobile devices. There remain many companies which are still running older mobile computers and tablets which are on Android 10 or earlier. However, as time goes on, the aging mobile devices will have to be replaced… the internal IT team will at that time have to contend with newer devices which require more recent versions of Android.

We provide this background and write this article because from Android 11 onward, there have been meaningful changes which can play havoc with the software companies run on their mobile devices. Approach any software written for Android 10 or earlier with some suspicion and be sure to check if the concerns we address below are relevant. Here’s the issue: You may discover that you are unable to run your critical software on newer devices without software updates. This can delay your ability to update failing mobile devices if you have not prepared beforehand.

First some background… what’s with the Android updates?

Every year Google releases a new version of Android, bringing both new features and new challenges for developers and enterprises. For most consumer apps, these updates are a welcome sign of progress. But for businesses that rely on rugged mobile computers and custom-built apps, the changes can disrupt long-established workflows. One of the most significant updates came with Android 11, which enforced a new way of handling file storage called scoped storage.

For companies still running software built for Android 10 or earlier, this shift may cause compatibility issues when moving to newer devices. In this article, we’ll explore what changed in Android 11, why scoped storage was introduced, the risks it poses for legacy apps, and how enterprises can test their readiness for migration.

Why Android Updates Every Year — and What Changed in Version 11

Google’s yearly Android releases serve multiple purposes:

• Security: Closing vulnerabilities and reducing attack surfaces.
• Privacy: Giving users more control over their data and app access.
• Consistency: Streamlining APIs and platform behavior so apps run more reliably across devices.

Android 11 was a major milestone for privacy and data protection. It introduced:

• Stricter storage permissions via scoped storage.
• A new permission for “all files” access (MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE), limited to specific use cases.
• Updates to the MediaStore and Storage Access Framework (SAF), encouraging developers to use standardized APIs for file access.

For enterprises, the biggest shift was the formal enforcement of scoped storage — a new storage model that fundamentally changes how apps read and write files on a device.

What Is Scoped Storage and Why Was It Implemented?

In earlier versions of Android, apps that had permission to read and write external storage could freely access nearly all shared files on a device. That openness led to two problems:

1. Privacy risks — apps could quietly scan, collect, or tamper with files they had no business touching.
2. Security concerns — malicious or poorly written apps could corrupt other apps’ data or expose sensitive information.

Scoped storage was introduced to fix this. Under scoped storage:

• Each app has its own private storage space for files.
• Apps must use MediaStore APIs to add or retrieve shared media (photos, audio, video).
• For arbitrary files, apps must rely on the Storage Access Framework, which requires user approval.
• The broad ability to scan or modify all external storage is gone, except in rare cases where the special MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission is approved.

The intent is simple: protect users’ data while nudging developers toward safer, more consistent APIs.

How Scoped Storage Affects Older Apps

While good for security, scoped storage disrupts many older enterprise apps. Legacy applications often assumed they could:

• Save files anywhere on external storage (/storage/emulated/0/).
• Scan directories to locate data created by other apps.
• Share files freely without user involvement.

With Android 11 enforcing scoped storage, these assumptions break. Common issues include:

• Crashes or file access errors when apps attempt to open or write outside their permitted scope.
• Missing data when directory scans no longer return expected files.
• Compatibility failures when the requestLegacyExternalStorage flag (which helped on Android 10) is ignored on Android 11 and higher.
• Publishing restrictions since Google Play only allows the MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission for specific app categories.

In short, workflows that depend on open file access — such as barcode scanning apps that export CSV logs to shared folders — may not work without significant code updates.

How to Test Your Software for Android 11+ Compatibility

Many organizations still run older devices with Android 10 or earlier. Before upgrading hardware, it’s critical to test whether existing apps can handle the scoped storage model. Here’s how:

1. Inventory Devices and Apps

• Record the models and Android versions of all devices in use.
• List all business-critical apps and their versions.

2. Check App Configurations

• Verify each app’s targetSdkVersion. If it’s below 30, it may behave differently once rebuilt or updated.
• Look for code or libraries that reference direct file paths like /sdcard/ or Environment.getExternalStorageDirectory().

3. Run Tests on Android 11

• Install apps on an Android 11 emulator or test device.
• Exercise all file-related workflows (import/export, sync, file scanning).
• Use adb logcat to catch SecurityException or file-not-found errors.

4. Validate Business Workflows

• Confirm that critical flows — such as data capture, exports, and sync — still work as intended.
• If apps rely on shared files, test whether SAF or MediaStore integrations are required.

5. Plan Migration Strategies

• Preferred: Update apps to use MediaStore or SAF for file handling.
• Fallback: For in-house apps not distributed via Play, use MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE cautiously.
• Interim: Migrate data flows so apps exchange files through app-private storage or user-approved exports/imports.

CSSI Technologies Can Help with Android Migration & Software Challenges

Organizations relying on rugged devices running Android 10 or earlier should proactively test their apps on Android 11 to uncover compatibility issues before upgrading hardware fleets. By auditing apps, running real-world workflow tests, and planning a migration path, businesses can ensure that critical applications remain reliable and compliant as they move into newer versions of Android.

You may lack the resources or expertise to tackle one or both of Android migrations and test for or correct issues with your in-house developed software. CSSI can help. We offer support services for mobile device management and OS upgrades, even on an ad-hoc basis. For software challenges, our team of developers is available to consult on updating your internal software to be compatible with Android 11 and up. We have built experience in navigating these issues with multiple clients, and can accelerate your upgrades. Please contact us at CSSI to discuss Android updates and scoped storage challenges.

What is Special About Non-Incendive Mobile Computers and Tablets?

For certain usage environments and industries, ‘standard’ rugged mobile computing devices will not suffice. For hazardous environments, there is a special category of intrinsically safe computing devices which must be used in order to operate safely. Learn more about these operating environments and how CSSI can help with suitable rugged mobile devices.

What Makes an Environment Hazardous?

Hazardous locations are those where an ignitable concentration of flammable substances (such as gases, vapors, dusts, or fibers) is present either continuously, intermittently, or under abnormal conditions. These atmospheres can turn ordinary electrical sparks or high surface temperatures into dangerous ignition sources.

Examples of hazardous environments include:

• Oil and gas refineries – where hydrocarbon vapors are common.
• Chemical processing plants – with solvents and volatile compounds in the air.
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing – involving ignitable concentration of powders or fine particulates.
• Grain handling and milling operations – where dust clouds can be explosive.
• Paint shops or spray-coating facilities – where flammable mists are present.

Regulatory frameworks like the National Electric Code (NEC) in the U.S. or ATEX directives in Europe define hazardous locations by classes, divisions, and zones, depending on the type of material present and how frequently it exists in ignitable concentrations.es, depending on the type of material present and how frequently it exists in ignitable concentrations.

How Are Mobile Computers Made Non-Incendive?

A non-incendive device, also referred to as intrinsically safe, is one designed for safe operation in hazardous environments by ensuring that under normal operating conditions, it cannot release sufficient electrical or thermal energy to ignite a flammable atmosphere .

Key Design Differences to Achieve Non-Incendive Certification:

1. Electrical Energy Limitation
   • Circuits are engineered to keep voltage and current levels below ignition thresholds. This prevents sparks from having enough energy to ignite a gas or dust cloud.
2. Surface Temperature Control
   • Components are designed and tested to ensure that their surface temperature never exceeds the ignition temperature of surrounding flammable materials.
3. Sealed or Reinforced Construction
   • Casings are ruggedized to prevent ingress of fibers, dust or vapors and to ensure that any internal faults don’t expose dangerous sparks.
4. Certification and Testing
   • Non-incendive mobile computers undergo certification through recognized standards bodies such as UL, IECEx, or ATEX . Certification ensures compliance with safety limits for operation in specific classes/divisions/zones.
5. Battery and Power System Safeguards
   • Since the battery is a potential ignition source, non-incendive models include specialized power management and containment systems that mitigate risks of overheating or short circuits.

Why Non-Incendive Mobile Computers Matter

For workers in hazardous locations, safety is paramount. A standard mobile computer might offer all the functionality needed for scanning, data entry, and wireless communication—but if it risks sparking an explosion, it cannot be used. Non-incendive mobile computers bridge this gap, providing rugged, full-featured computing power with the critical safety certifications required to keep both workers and facilities secure when working in a hazardous area.

Several Examples of Non-Incendive Computers Available from CSSI

	The Aegex 100M is a non-incendive rugged tablet PC rated for use in Class I, Div 1 and ATEX Zone 1 and Zone 0 hazardous environments.
	The Zebra Technologies MC9400 is an ultra-rugged Android mobile computer with configurations suitable for use in a Class I, Div 2 hazardous area.
	The Honeywell CK67 handheld computer is an Android device with configurations available for use in CID2 non-incendive / ATEX areas.

CSSI Can Help You Select and Test Non-Incendive Mobile Computers & Tablets

The mobile computing experts at CSSI are knowledgeable about the specialized field of non-incendive, intrinsically safe devices . We partner with the top manufacturers of these devices such as Zebra, Honeywell, and ATEX. Contact us to discuss your hazardous area and mobile computer requirements , and we will help you select and test the right device.

New Addition to Honeywell’s Mobility Edge Platform Supporting up to Android 19

Honeywell’s has launched its newest addition to its handheld computer line. The CT70 is a rugged and feature-packed choice for both field workers and in-house teams who require reliable computing, flexible scanning, and a large 6-inch screen. Courtesy of Honeywell’s Mobility Edge platform, the CT70 will provide years of use… it is guaranteed to support Android 15 through 19.

Key Features of the CT70 Mobile Computer

The CT70 is packed with features, here are several notable items:

• Support guaranteed from Android 15 to 19
• Withstands 6 foot drops (8 ft with rubber boot); IP65/IP68 rated for dust & water protection
• 5G and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. Also supports private cellular/CBRS.
• Wireless charging and hot-swappable battery
• Optional integrated RFID reader

CT70 Technology Enables Diverse Work Tasks

The CT70 can be used for a wide range of workflows. A large 6-inch screen keeps plenty of data in front of your workers. 2 barcode scanner options are available, including Honeywell’s versatile FlexRange scanner. The CT70 is even available with an integrated RFID reader for short distance data capture.

The CT70 is also ideal for unified communications… pair it with Smart Talk, Honeywell’s unified communications solution, which combines voice calling, texting, and media messaging in one handheld device.

Contact CSSI to Discuss the Honeywell CT70

CSSI Technologies is a Honeywell platinum partner. Our team is experienced and knowledgeable in the Honeywell productivity product line. Contact us to discuss your project and set up a hands-on demo of the CT70.

Shipment volumes are rising. If your business handles packages of varying size, you likely contend with gathering accurate parcel dimensions for those items in order to charge the correct amount of freight. Traditionally, this has been a manual task, but with rising volumes and rising labor costs, that can lead to more workers, and more expensive errors.

As a result, companies have been exploring automated measurement solutions. Zebra has created a dimensioning solution which is integrated into the handheld mobile computers which your workers are already using. This allows you to quickly automate dimensioning without the need to add new hardware.

What is the Zebra Dimensioning Solution?

Zebra Dimensioning is a software/hardware solution by Zebra Technologies that allows users to capture accurate parcel dimensions (especially for shipping, logistics, warehouse, and related workflows) using a Zebra mobile computer with built-in sensors. The idea is to replace or supplement manual measurement and external measuring hardware with a more automated, accurate, mobile-capable instant calculation method.

There are two main variants:

• Certified Mobile Parcel — this Zebra dimensioning service is certified by weights & measures authorities (depending on geography), meaning the measurements can be used “legal-for-trade,” such as to calculate shipping charges or fulfil regulatory requirements.
• Mobile Parcel — this version has the same measurement accuracy but is not legally certified. It’s useful for internal operations: warehouse optimization, load planning, visibility of dimensions, etc.

Benefits of Zebra Dimensioning

• Speed & Efficiency: Manual measuring (using tape measures, etc.) is slow, error-prone, and difficult when working quickly in the field. This solution boosts workforce productivity by letting workers dimension parcels with a click.
• Accuracy: Especially with the certified version, good accuracy means less under-charging or disputed shipping charges; better load planning; better space utilization in warehouses/trucks etc.
• Regulatory / Legal Use: With legal-for-trade certification, you can use these dimensions to charge customers, meet weights & measures regulations.
• Cost Savings: Less manual labor, fewer errors, better shipping cost estimation, improved warehouse space usage, fewer returns/disputes.
• Convenience & Mobility: Since it’s built into mobile devices, jobs can be done where parcels are — on porch pickups, warehouse floor, parcel shops, etc. No fixed dimensioning station needed, no extra attachments.

How Does Zebra Dimensioning Compare Against Alternative Package Measurement Options?

Zebra’s dimensioning solutions dramatically improves accuracy and speed when compared with manual measuring. Compared with other technology-based dimensioning solutions, Zebra offers a lower implementation cost, much flexibility, and provides additional value from your Zebra mobile computer investment. The ROI for Zebra Dimensioning will come both from labor savings as well as a reduction in costly item measurement errors.

Feature / Factor	Zebra Dimensioning	Fixed Stations	Snap-On Sensors	Manual Measurement
Mobility	✅ Full mobility	❌ Fixed location	⚠️ Semi-mobile (bulky)	✅ Mobile, manual
Accuracy	✅ High, certified	✅ Very high, certified	⚠️ Varies, often unsure	❌ Error-prone
Parcel Size Range	⚠️ Up to ~1 m	✅ Small to very large	⚠️ Small/medium parcels	❌ Limited accuracy
Legal-for-Trade Option	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ Rarely	❌ No
Ease of Use	✅ Simple, built-in	⚠️ Training needed	⚠️ Adds complexity	⚠️ Simple, slow
Upfront Cost	⚠️ Moderate	❌ Very high	✅ Lower	✅ Lowest
Long-Term TCO	✅ Lower (fewer parts)	⚠️ High maintenance	⚠️ Medium (fragile)	❌ High labor cost

Applications for Zebra Mobile Parcel

There are many use cases where Zebra Dimensioning is particularly useful:

• Shipping / Courier / Postal Services — using a Zebra device to capture accurate parcel dimensions at pickup or dropoff to compute correct shipping fees, reduce disputes.
• eCommerce Fulfillment — optimizing packaging, reducing oversizing or underutilizing space, ensuring accurate dimensional weight calculations.
• Warehousing / Distribution — for load planning, determining how many parcels/boxes will fit in a pallet/truck, tracking spatial usage.
• Parcel Shops / Retail Outlets — when customers drop off parcels or return items, dimensioning on site.
• Field Service / Last-Mile Delivery — mobile dimension capture during pickups, reducing need to return to facility for measurement.

Learn More About Zebra Dimensioning & Mobile Parcel

In order to learn more about Zebra Dimensioning and how it can benefit your options, please contact the Zebra experts at CSSI Technologies . We can help you arrange a trial of the technology to confirm its effectiveness in your business environment.

What is an Industrial Browser?

An industrial browser (also referred to as an ‘enterprise browser’) is a specialized web browser designed for rugged mobile computers used by mobile workers in warehouses, manufacturing plants, logistics operations, and other enterprise environments. Why choose an industrial browser? Unlike consumer-grade browsers such as Google Chrome, Safari, or Microsoft Edge, industrial browsers are built to support business-critical workflows that involve barcode scanning, RFID data capture, ERP/WMS connectivity, and secure access to enterprise systems and web applications.

Industrial browsers are available from most major enterprise device manufacturers (such as Zebra, Honeywell, and Datalogic), as well as from 3rd party organizations such as Ivanti and Staylinked. CSSI can help you test and deploy solutions from all of these companies.

Why Can’t You Just Use the Standard Browser?

Traditional browsers are designed for general internet browsing and lack the specialized features required for industrial workflows. Some limitations of these mainstream browsers include:

• No native integration with data capture hardware (barcode scanners, RFID readers, industrial sensors). Users would need workarounds or middleware to feed captured data into web applications.
• Limited control for IT administrators —consumer browsers allow unrestricted browser activity such as web surfing, which poses security risks, opens you up to cyber threats, and can lead to productivity loss.
• Not optimized for rugged workflows —consumer browsers don’t handle custom key mappings, locked-down interfaces, or kiosk-like modes needed on the shop floor.
• Inconsistent compatibility with enterprise apps—especially legacy or customized ERP/WMS/MES systems that rely on session persistence, scripting, or unique security requirements.

Advantages of an Industrial Browser

‘Industrial’ or enterprise browsers are designed specifically for enterprise application deployment. In the current world of web based applications, enterprise browsers bring significant business benefits and user experience improvements for your mobile workers.

1. Seamless data capture
   • Direct integration with built-in barcode scanners, RFID readers, and cameras.
   • Scanned data can be automatically parsed and sent into specific fields of web based applications—reducing errors and speeding up workflows.
2. Browser security & control
   • Lockdown modes prevent workers from browsing outside approved business systems.
   • Centralized management allows IT to enforce policies, configure settings remotely, and push updates.
   • Support for enterprise authentication (e.g., Active Directory, SSO, certificates).
3. Workflow Optimization
   • Ability to remap keys, customize UI layouts, and automate repetitive tasks.
   • Optimized session handling to ensure workers don’t lose progress if devices disconnect or reboot.
4. Compatibility with Legacy and Modern Systems
   • Many industrial browsers support both modern HTML5-based apps and older terminal emulation or proprietary enterprise web portals.
   • Businesses can modernize workflows without needing to fully replace backend systems.
5. Reliability in Harsh Environments
   • Stable performance even on rugged mobile computers that may experience intermittent Wi-Fi or cellular connections.
   • Fast reconnection and session persistence help maintain productivity.

Contact CSSI for Industrial Browser Help

CSSI has expertise on the industrial browsers offered by device manufacturers such as Zebra, Honeywell, and Datalogic, as well as 3rd-party options from providers such as Staylinked and Ivanti. CSSI can help you select and test secure enterprise browser options to choose the best one for your Android devices. Contact us today for industrial browser support and help.

As CSSI’s technical team has provided support for enterprise mobility customers tackling the Android 14 update for their mobile devices, we have encountered a number of issues and ‘watch-outs’. If you are planning to update your Android device fleet (and we do recommend that you stay current with Android!), consider some of the following observations and issues to help ease your upgrade.

CSSI is always available to provide technical support to help you get through the upgrade process. Use of mobile device management tools and expertise will be very helpful to you in executing an upgrade in order to minimize hands-on time needed with each device.

Planning to Perform Your Android 14 Update?

Here are some tips on what Android users and IT managers can expect when performing an Android update on your fleet of enterprise devices.

1. This Android upgrade is a full OS installation.

The devices will reboot to a factory reset state during the installation process. You will need to back up your current configuration settings and user data and redeploy them after the update. If you are using a WMS server to manage the devices, you may need to re-enroll the devices into your WMS Server.

2. Large file alert!

The Full Update version of Android 14 operating system has firmware files which are around 2GB in size. If you have a large number of deployed devices, you will need to plan the best way to push these files without tying up your network for excessive amounts of time. There may need to be updates or changes, depending on your firmware upgrade deployment method. Once you are at Android 14, you can deploy smaller size incremental files to upgrade your devices.

3. Running an older version of Android? Multiple Hops May Be Required

Some manufactures will require you to do multiple OS upgrades to get to Android 14. For example, you will need to upgrade to a version of Android 11 to install some required files, before you can upgrade to Android 14. CSSI can help you sort out the necessary upgrade path based on your current devices.

Don’t forget to build in a plan for testing — you will want to make sure that your pre-Android 11 applications will run properly in 11 or higher. If you are still on Android 10, you may need to make changes to your current staging and application versions to meet Android’s Scoped Storage requirements and validate everything is working correctly before upgrading to Android 14. App permissions became more restricted from Android 11 onward.

4. Special Issues with Full-Screen Tablets/Vehicle Mounted Devices

On Full screen tablets and Vehicle mounts, Android 14 presents a Recent App bar that needs to be removed or hidden, as it will be displayed even if a lockdown screen is being used. We have encountered this issue with several customers using VMU’s and tablets. We have created successful workaround methods, so if you encounter this issue when testing, contact CSSI for technical support.

5. Staging Tool Upgrades Needed?

Note that you may have to upgrade your Staging Tool to generate new configuration files or barcodes for Android 14. This will be dependent upon the Android device you are using and the manufacturer’s handling of 14. CSSI can help.

Best Practice: Stay Current with Your Android Version!

There are changes with each Android operating system version release, sometimes significant changes which can impact your applications. Many of the changes are driven by new feature offerings, but also by security concerns and keeping your data and applications safe. It is essential you keep your devices as close as possible to the most current release of the latest annual Android OS version.

Staying at the same Android version too long only makes it harder to eventually get current or upgrade from an older device to a new model, and while you can delay, you may eventually run out of runway when purchasing new devices. Some of the newer enterprise handhelds and tablets do not have the ability to downgrade below Android 11 . You will need to keep this in mind when you are ready to do a device refresh, as you won’t be able to purchase and deploy new devices if you can’t run your applications in 14.

Ready To Discuss Your Plan for the Android 14 Update?

If you would like help or support with upgrading to Android 14, please contact CSSI for assistance . We can provide a range of services, from overall review of your environment and helping you craft a plan, to running the entire software update process for you.

Please note our new address!

Effective August of 2025, CSSI Technologies has moved to a new office in order to accommodate our growth.

Here is CSSI Technologies’ new address:

CSSI Technologies LLC
32 Whisper Creek Drive Suite 5
Lewisburg, PA 17837

Efficient, high-quality large-format card printing with the Zebra ZC10L

Need to print high quality oversized badges, id cards, passes, and placards? Zebra has launched the ZC10L card printer to enable you to generate these materials on-demand at 300 dpi! This Zebra card and badge printer offers capabilities not otherwise available for on-demand printing.

With Zebra’s CardStudio card design software, you can create visually captivating cards and badges on demand! Make changes right up to the event time, and print the exact quantity you need since you don’t commit to quantities and designs with pre printed cards. No more unusable leftover cards. Make card design changes right up to the last moment of with this Zebra id card printer. Take guest photos at point of entry to further personalize cards, or include sponsor logos and advertising.

Features of the ZC10L Card Printer

• Direct to card printing
• Full color or monochrome
• Photo-quality images
• Edge-to-edge printing
• High-res printing capability – 300 dpi print quality
• Accommodates large cards. Card size: 5.5″ x 3.46″

Learn More About the Zebra ZC10L Card Printer

To learn more and set up your own demo of the Zebra ZC10L large format card printer, please contact the print experts at CSSI. CSSI is an authorized dealer for Zebra Technologies Corp and can provide label printer, ID badge printer, barcode printer, and bardcode scanner technical support.