AnyWare App Setup

The AnyWare app help business users continue to access Spruce features and information remotely. Owners, managers, inside and outside salespeople, and delivery personnel can access AnyWare easily and seamlessly.

Note: While AnyWare is an app used on an Android mobile device, many people have suggested that we add these instructions here as well.

Requirements for Setting up the AnyWare Devices/Equipment

When you are ready to update your AnyWare app, it's always best to download and install the latest version of the application on your server before you begin. While we recommend you update the application to the latest version, you can work with your Support team to ensure you are updating AnyWare to match the version of your application you are using. The QR Code provided is the current version of AnyWare (the date listed under the QR Code to the right). Here are some hardware and software setup requirements for AnyWare:

  • You must have a wireless network (Wi-Fi) installed and the device you are configuring to use AnyWare must be connected to that network.

  • Your company must either already have or establish either a WAN (wide area network) or VPN (virtual private network) with a static IP (internet protocol) address. Select a designated port that will be used by the AnyWare app for connecting to your application server.

  • If you plan on connecting remotely, your company must have some way of accessing your database from outside your local network (via a static IP or domain name available via the internet). Typically, a port on your router is forwarded to the SQL server. Dynamic addresses won't work, so if your company doesn't already have a static IP (you should already have this for support connectivity), you will need to obtain one by contacting your ISP (Internet Service Provider).

  • You also need a data plan for connecting your AnyWare devices to the wireless provider.

  • Configure at least one station in the application as the AnyWare station, where you enter the IP address for the device. Then, you can use the same station record for multiple connections. The user and station settings and limitations also apply to AnyWare connections, so set these appropriately. (See Configuring the Application to Support AnyWare Access for these instructions.)

AnyWare equipment and devices must be configured properly to connect to your wireless network. If you have older network equipment, using the proper wireless protocol to connect your AnyWare device to the network is important. For example, a device set to communicate via a newer (802.11 n) or some specific protocol might not work with an older protocol such as 802.11 b. If you are making an investment in licenses for the AnyWare app, it's probably best to upgrade your wireless devices to newer technology.

Configuring the Application to Support AnyWare Access

You must have administrative permissions to update device entries in the application. AnyWare devices will connect to this station record to access the application.

To add a station record for AnyWare:

1. Open the application using your administrative rights.

2. From the Main Menu, choose Maintenance > Database > Devices to display the Device Maintenance form.

3. In the Device Name list, enter a new device ID.
This entry can be alpha-numeric and up to four characters long. This entry can be specific to a user’s name or you can use device-specific language. Make a note of this setting, as you will need it later.

4. In the Location field, enter the name of the AnyWare device. This entry can be alpha-numeric.

5. In the IP Address field, enter the device’s IP address or a unique identifier for the device. Make a note of this setting, as you will need it later.

Important: If you are entering an actual IP address, enter https:// or it will not work.

6. If you are going to use this device as a barcode scanner, select the Barcode Scanner check box. (This configuration is separate).

7. Choose Process (F12) to save these settings.

8. Return to the Database Menu and choose Parameters from the list to display the Parameter Settings form.

9. Go to Setup > Options > Miscellaneous to display the Spruce Web settings.

10. Make a note of the Spruce Web URL path, as you need that for the tablet or other mobile device you are setting up.

From here, you need to download the AnyWare app and set it up on your mobile device. For these instructions, see Requirements and Setting up the AnyWare App on your Android Device.

If you are setting up AnyWare on your Zebra TC57 device, see Setting up AnyWare on the Zebra TC57 Mobile Device.

Additional Resources

Our Customer Portal offers current videos, custom report templates, and knowledge-base articles so you can learn more about the application. To register for access to the portal, click the link above Monday - Friday during normal business hours (EST). A valid email address is all that is required for portal communications. Each portal user must have their own unique email address.