Manage devices

Under Assets and Setup > Admin > DEVICES, admin and lab admin users can view and manage mobile devices and device groups.

Restriction: This view is only available in private clouds.

Device groups are an easy way to manage user access to mobile devices. As an admin or lab admin user, you can group devices together and then assign the group to one or more users. These users then have access to this group of devices. Each user can be a member of a single device group.

The Devices tab displays a table that lists devices based on the selected device group, along with device details such as availability, OS version, device ID, location, network, IMEI, and so on. You can use the configure columns button at the top right of the table to customize the table by adding or removing columns.

The left pane lists the available device groups and includes an option to add a new device group. The first group (All) includes all devices.

Above the table, a toolbar provides access to common actions. Admin users can add one or more selected devices to a device group. Lab admin users can also connect or disconnect a device, open, edit, or release a device, harden or unharden a device, set the applications baseline for a device, and manage the template for a device.

Both admin and lab admin users can also:

  • Filter devices by status (Reserved by Me, Available, In Use, In Error, Maintenance, Offline)

    Restriction: The Reserved by Me filter is only available in clouds that require users to reserve a device.

  • Search for specific devices

  • Open a view that lists all device groups at a glance

You can refresh the DEVICES view by clicking the refresh button at the top right. The Updated timestamp shows the time that the view was last refreshed.

Watch this video to see how you can manage device groups and devices. Detailed steps follow.

This section walks you through common tasks related to device groups. Click a task to view its steps.

  1. On the Perfecto landing page, under Assets and Setup, click ACCOUNT SETUP.
  2. In the Assets and Setup view, click Admin.
    By default, the Admin view opens on the USERS tab.
  3. At the top left, click DEVICES.
  • In the left pane, select the first group, called All. This group includes all devices.

In the left pane, at the top, click the Full device groups view button .

The All device groups panel opens, displaying a table that lists all groups along with their description and the number of devices included. Here, you can do any of the following:

  • Search for groups:

    • In the search field at the top left, enter a search string to narrow the list of displayed groups.

  • Add a group:

    1. On the toolbar above the table, click the Add group button. 

    2. In the Add device group dialog box, in the GROUP PROPERTIES panel, do the following:

      1. Enter Group name, up to 128 characters

      2. Enter Description, up to 512 characters

      3. Add users to grant them access to the group. You can enter a username or an email address.

      4. Click NEXT.

    3. In the MOBILE DEVICE SELECTION PANEL, select the devices you want to include in the group.

    4. (Optional), use the search field at the top right to find specific devices.

    5. Click ADD

  • Edit a group:

    1. In the table, select the device group you want to edit.

    2. On the toolbar, click the Edit button.

    3. In the Edit device group dialog box, modify the information as needed. 

      You can change the group name and description, delete devices, or add devices.

    4. Click SAVE.

  • Delete a group:
    1. In the table, select the device group or groups you want to delete.
    2. On the toolbar, click the Delete button.
    3. When prompted for confirmation, click YES.

The table may show information that is not relevant at the moment. You can configure it to hide or show columns as needed.

To configure columns:

  1. Click the Configure columns button  at the top right of the table to display the list of available columns.

    Custom fields defined in a test appear as column names at the end of the list.

  2. Select the checkbox next to columns you want to show in the table or clear the checkbox of columns you want to hide.

    Important: The Report Name and Status columns are not configurable. They are always visible.
  1. In the left pane, at the top, click the Add device group button.
  2. In the Add device group dialog box, in the GROUP PROPERTIES panel:
    1. Enter Group name, up to 128 characters
    2. Enter Description, up to 512 characters
    3. Add users to grant them access to the group. You can enter a username or an email address.
    4. Click NEXT.
  3. In the MOBILE DEVICE SELECTION PANEL, select the devices you want to include in the group.
  4. (Optional) Use the search field at the top right to find specific devices.

  5. Click ADD.

  1. In the left pane, select the device group you want to edit.
  2. Click the edit button .
  3. In the Edit device group dialog box, modify the information as needed. 
    You can change the group name and description, delete devices, or add devices.
  4. Click SAVE.

  1. Find the device or devices you want to add.
    You can use the Search field at the top right or scroll through the devices listed in the table.

    Tip: To view all devices, select All in the left pane.
  2. In the table, select the device or devices you want to add.
  3. On the toolbar above the table, click the Add to device group button .
  4. From the list that appears, select the relevant device group. You can use the search field to find the group.
Important: Removing all devices from a group deletes the entire device group.
  1. In the left pane, select the group from which you want to remove devices.
  2. In the table, select the device or devices you want to remove.
  3. On the toolbar above the table, click the Remove from device group button.
  1. In the left pane, select the device group you want to delete.
  2. Click the trash can icon .
  3. When prompted for confirmation, click YES.

You can export the list of devices to a comma-separated values (CSV) file. The file will include all available columns (and not only the columns displayed).

Important: To be able to open the file properly, make sure to use a comma as a separator between list items. If your machine is set up to use a different List Separator (Windows) or Decimal Seperator (Mac), such as a colon or semi-colon, you must change that separator to a comma.

For information on downloading a CSV file through the API, see <add link to new topic>.

To export to a CSV file:

  • At the top right of the table, click the Download CSV button .

This section walks you through common tasks related to device groups. Click a task to view its steps.

  1. On the Perfecto landing page, under Assets and Setup, click ACCOUNT SETUP.
  2. In the Assets and Setup view, click Admin.
    By default, the Admin view opens on the USERS tab.
  3. At the top left, click DEVICES.
  • In the left pane, select the first group, called All. This group includes all devices.

In the left pane, at the top, click the Full device groups view button .

The All device groups panel opens, displaying a table that lists all groups along with their description and the number of devices included. Here, you can do any of the following:

  • Search for groups:

    • In the search field at the top left, enter a search string to narrow the list of displayed groups.

  • Add a group:
    1. On the toolbar above the table, click the Add group button.
    2. In the Add device group dialog box, in the GROUP PROPERTIES panel,
      1. Enter Group name, up to 128 characters
      2. Enter Group description, up to 512 characters
      3. Add users to grant them access to the group. You can enter a username or an email address.
      4. Click NEXT.
    3. In the MOBILE DEVICE SELECTION panel, select the devices you want to include in the group.
    4. (Optional) Use the search field at the top right to find specific devices.
    5. Click ADD.
  • Edit a group:
    1. In the table, select the device group you want to edit.
    2. On the toolbar, click the Edit button.
    3. In the Edit device group dialog box, modify the information as needed. 
      You can change the group name and description, delete devices, or add devices.
    4. Click SAVE.
  • Delete a group:
    1. In the table, select the device group or groups you want to delete.
    2. On the toolbar, click the Delete button.
    3. When prompted for confirmation, click YES.

The table may show information that is not relevant at the moment. You can configure it to hide or show columns as needed.

To configure columns:

  1. Click the Configure columns button  at the top right of the table to display the list of available columns.

    Custom fields defined in a test appear as column names at the end of the list.

  2. Select the checkbox next to columns you want to show in the table or clear the checkbox of columns you want to hide.

    Important: The Report Name and Status columns are not configurable. They are always visible.
  1. In the left pane, at the top, click the Add device group button.
  2. In the Add device group dialog box, in the GROUP PROPERTIES panel, provide the following information:
    • Group name, up to 128 characters
    • Group description, up to 512 characters
  3. Add users to grant them access to the group. You can enter a username or an email address.
  4. Click NEXT.
  5. In the MOBILE DEVICE SELECTION panel, select the devices you want to include in the group.
  6. (Optional), use the search field at the top right to find specific devices.

  7. Click ADD.

  1. In the left pane, select the device group you want to edit.
  2. Click the edit button .
  3. In the Edit device group dialog box, modify the information as needed. 
    You can change the group name and description, delete devices, or add devices.
  4. Click SAVE.

  1. Find the device or devices you want to add.
    You can use the Search field at the top right or scroll through the devices listed in the table.

    Tip: To view all devices, select All in the left pane.
  2. In the table, select the device or devices you want to add.
  3. On the toolbar above the table, click the Add to device group  button.
  4. From the list that appears, select the relevant device group. You can use the search field to find the group.
Important: Removing all devices from a group deletes the entire device group.
  1. In the left pane, select the group from which you want to remove devices.
  2. In the table, select the device or devices you want to remove.
  3. On the toolbar above the table, click the Remove from device group button.
  1. In the left pane, select the device group you want to delete.
  2. Click the trash can icon .
  3. When prompted for confirmation, click YES.

  1. In the table on the right, select the device which you want to open.

    You can only open available devices.

  2. On the toolbar, click the Open button.

  1. In the table on the right, select the device you want to edit.

  2. On the toolbar, click the Edit button. Based on the device selected, information like Device ID, Model, Operating system, and so on gets displayed.

  3. Edit any of the following fields:

    • Select an Operator country. Choose a country where you want to use the device.

    • Select a Network. Network providers are listed based on the Operator country selected.

    • Enter a new Description or edit the existing description, up to 45 characters.

      Restriction: The description cannot contain any special characters.

    • Enter a Phone number for the selected device.

      Restriction: A phone number must start with "+" and include a country code and a phone number. It may contain a set of "()".

    • Enter the IMSI number.

    • Enter a new SW version or edit the existing software version.

  4. In the right-side pane, click the Add field button, and then do the following.

    1. Enter a Key for the new dynamic field.

    2. Add a Value for the Key.

      Tip: To remove a dynamic field, click the delete button next to the field.

  5. Click SAVE.

  1. In the table, select the device you want to release.

    You can release a device only when it is in use.

  2. On the toolbar, click the Release button.

  3. In the Release Device dialog box, click YES to confirm your action.

  1. In the table on the right, select the device you want to connect.

  2. On the toolbar, click the Connect button.

    Important: You can only connect devices with a status of READY TO CONNECT.

  3. In the SELECT TEMPLATE panel, the information related to the selected device gets displayed.

    1. Select another Manufacturer, Model, or Distributor if required.

    2. Click NEXT.

  4. In the UPDATE DEVICE PROPERTIES panel, provide the following information:

    1. Enter a Phone number.

      Restriction: A phone number must start with "+" and include a country code and a phone number. It may contain a set of "()".

    2. Select the device Language.

    3. From the Operator Country list, select the desired country.

    4. Select the Sim Operator. The operators are listed based on the operator country selected.

    5. Enter a Description, up to 25 characters.

    6. Click NEXT.

  5. In the UPDATE GROUPS panel:

    1. Select any group/groups from the AVAILABLE GROUPS list and click the arrow button to add it to the SELECTED GROUPS list.

    2. Click NEXT.

  6. In the FINISH panel, click FINISH and OPEN DEVICE to view your device in the device list.

  1. In the table, select the device you want to disconnect.

    The Disconnect button is enabled only when a device is CONNECTED.

  2. On the toolbar, click the Disconnect button.

  3. In the Disconnect Device dialog box, click YES to confirm your action.

Important: A device needs to be ready for hardening before performing the steps below. For this, open a ticket with the support team and submit the device UDID.

  1. In the table, select the device you want to harden.

  2. On the toolbar, click the More actions button.

  3. Select Harden from the list of actions.

  4. In the Harden dialog box, click YES to confirm your action.

  1. In the table, select the device you want to unharden.

  2. On the toolbar, click More actions .

  3. Select Unharden from the list of actions.

  4. In the Unharden dialog box, click YES to confirm your action.

  1. In the table, select the device you want to restart.

  2. On the toolbar, click the Restart button.

  3. In the Restart device dialog box, click YES to confirm your action.

Every device has multiple templates. Typically, templates get stored in a directory outside of the Perfecto repository. Loading a template from a directory requires a restart of the MCM. If a template has changed but a restart of the MCM is not imminent, you can reload the template for a device to make the latest version available from the directory.

To reload a template:

  1. In the table, select the device for which you want to reload the template.

    Important: The Template option is enabled only when a device is CONNECTED or READY TO CONNECT.

  2. On the toolbar, click the More actions button.

  3. From the list of actions, select Reload template.

  4. In the Device template dialog box, click YES to confirm your action.

When you end a mobile session and select the Clean up device on release checkbox, Perfecto removes all applications that were installed on the device during the session. If you want to keep the applications that you have installed on the device post-cleanup, you can create an application baseline.

To remove an application from the baseline, you can uninstall it manually.

To create an application baseline:

  1. On the Perfecto landing page, under Manual Testing, click OPEN DEVICE. On the My Devices tab, select a device from the list, and then do the following:

    1. When the device is ready, on the device toolbar, click the applications icon  and install the new application. For more information, see Install an app.

      You can also install an application from Google Play or Apple App Store.

    2. When the application is installed, click the stop test icon .

    3. In the End test dialog box, make sure the Clean up device on release checkbox is not selected. For more information, see Stop a test.

    4. Click END AND RELEASE DEVICE.

  2. Navigate to Assets and Setup > Admin > DEVICES and do the following:

    1. Search for the device for which you want to create the application baseline and select it.

    2. On the toolbar, click the More actions button.

    3. From the list of actions, select Set baseline.

    4. In the Set applications baseline dialog box, click YES to confirm your action.

  3. In the Manual testing view, on the My Devices tab, open the same device again and do the following:

    1. When the device is ready, on the device toolbar, click the applications icon .

    2. In the Applications dialog box, verify that the application you added to the baseline is installed.

    3. Click the stop test icon .

    4. In the End test dialog box, select the Clean up device on release checkbox.

    5. Click END AND RELEASE DEVICE.

    6. On the My Devices tab, re-open the same device.

    7. When the device is ready, on the device toolbar, click the applications icon .

      In the Applications dialog box, verify that the application you added to the baseline is still installed on the device after the device was cleaned up. This confirmations that the new baseline was established.

  1. In the table, select the device you want to delete.

  3. On the toolbar, click the More actions button.

    4. Important: You can delete a device only when the device status is not CONNECTED or READY TO CONNECT.

  4. From the list of actions, select Delete.

  5. In the Delete Device dialog box, click YES to confirm your action.

You can export the list of mobile devices to a comma-separated values (CSV) file. The file will include all available columns (and not only the columns displayed) and a list of devices based on the filter applied (if any). The columns available depend on the whether the user has a role of admin or lab admin.

Important: To be able to open the file properly, make sure to use a comma as a separator between list items. If your machine is set up to use a different List Separator (Windows) or Decimal Seperator (Mac), such as a colon or semi-colon, you must change that separator to a comma.

To export to a CSV file:

  • At the top right of the table, click the Download CSV button .