I often joke around that you need a PhD in Zebra DataWedge in order to understand how to configure it to meet a specific data capture need. But then again, DataWedge and its sister application DWDemo were originally designed for the developer community.
See, Zebra offers the most robust and feature rich data capture portfolio out there, and that means there is a never ending, continuously growing set of parameters and features in DataWedge to help optimize data capture in any workflow. DataWedge and DWDemo, while complex, were originally designed solely to be used by developers to configure and test these settings. However, DWDemo has since become the go-to demo application by everyone – our sales account teams, partners, customers, those who stop by our booths at trade shows and of course developers. But, like me, a majority of the non-technical users felt like this developer app was too confusing simply because there was SO MANY steps and parameter settings to test out something as simple as capturing an image from the built-in scan engine or capturing the Tire Identification Number (TIN) off of a tire.
That’s why I’m excited about the new Zebra Showcase app and want to make sure you know about it – especially if you’re not a developer. We created a simple platform, built on Enterprise Browser, to highlight new capabilities, educate you about how certain features work and allow you to experience our offerings in the real world without having to call in the calvary for help.
We heard the frustrations of our users – including you. We know that you want to be able to see – and test – all the new and exciting additions to our portfolio without having to take an IT or engineering crash course. (Don’t feel bad. I have managed the Data Capture portfolio for the last 3+ years, and I still need to refer to Techdocs at times just to look for the steps to configure something as simple as reading the machine-readable zone of passports.)
So, the new Showcase app will co-exist with DataWedge and DWDemo, giving you access to the right tools for your role.
If the Showcase app has your attention, here’s what you need to know…
The app just started rolling out to Zebra devices a few weeks ago, and we already have 16 data capture “demos” covering everything from simple/multi barcode scanning to OCR and image capture. But it’s not going to have “16 data capture demos” forever.
Since the Showcase App is built on Zebra’s Enterprise Browser, we have the ability to push out new demos and content often. We already have more in the works because the whole point of this new app is to keep you in the loop by showing you everything you can do with Zebra Mobility DNA software and devices!
If you recently updated your Zebra Android 11 device to the latest LifeGuard update, the Showcase app launcher icon should already be on your Zebra device. If you don’t see it yet, don’t worry. We’re adding it to more Android 11 devices throughout June and Android 13 devices via LifeGuard updates between July and October 2023.
When it does appear, or if you already have it, just tap on the Icon to download the app to your device. Once it is downloaded, you will not need a data connection or any licenses to run a demo or visit the feature/solution info pages. And if you’d prefer, you can request a printable sample document to make your demo experience easier. Though, as you’ll see when you open the Showcase app for the first time, it’s pretty simple to use thanks to its intuitive design and limited settings. Watch this:
Let us know what you think via the Feedback option in the settings menu and, remember, this is just meant to be a high-level demo – a quick test drive if you will. So, it’s still a good idea to call your Zebra representative for the full scoop on a feature or tool if you love it and want a license (if necessary) for a longer, full-scale trial or to use the tool full time.
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Lindsay Fahmi has been part of Zebra’s Enterprise Mobile Computing (EMC) Division for over a decade, having spent time in different roles across hardware, software, and most recently managing the EMC data capture portfolio, from the camera and scan engines to OCR and emerging data capture technologies. This mix of experience has allowed her to see how all parts of a mobile computing solution can either make a front-line worker’s job easy or make it hard.
Lindsay also serves on EMC's Patent Committee, is a tech enthusiast with a passion for User Experience Design, and believes the world of the Jetsons is not that far off
She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Eastern Connecticut State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Southern Connecticut State University.