Device Lifecycle Management
Group O Mobile Device Testing & Device Lifecycle Management
Mobile Device Management (MDM) also referred to as Mobile Device Lifecycle Management is one of Group O’s services designed to enhance the mobile device lifecycle experience for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and carriers.
With the ever-growing dependency on mobile devices on the job and in our daily lives, it is important that mobile devices are functioning properly throughout their entire lifecycle. And, as many devices have an expected life span of as little as 18 months, it is critical that mobile devices are updated properly so that new devices get into the hands of customers quickly.
Due to ever-evolving mobile device technology, Group O’s testing processes are designed to be customized and adaptable to fit the evolving needs of OEMs, carriers, and manufacturers. In order to facilitate the efficient distribution of quality mobile devices, Group O puts mobile devices through a rigorous testing process. These tests are designed to qualify remanufacturers to continue partnering with OEMs as well as fine-tune new devices before market entry. Our tests range from non-destructive testing to functional testing, to destructive testing. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the quality testing mobile devices go through at Group O before reaching retailers and customers.
The Ultimate Guide to Mobile Device Testing
Non-destructive testing
Non-destructive testing encompasses all parts of testing that does not damage the mobile device in the process. Our cutting-edge testing is done either by hand by our expert technicians or with the help of machinery to verify that the mobile device was properly manufactured and is up to set standards designated by individual carriers.
X-RAY Testing
X-ray testing is a part of our non-destructive testing to validate original equipment manufactured (OEM) parts. In this testing process, mobile devices are x-rayed for a comprehensive internal inspection. This x-ray inspection is done to validate authentic parts within the mobile device, such as an OEM battery.
X-ray technology is also used during this stage to check the supplier's workmanship, ensuring the mobile device was assembled properly and meets the correct standards. At this point in testing, if standards are not met, the mobile device fails the test and is not distributed. During this process, images are taken of the internal mobile device and are saved for review at any time.
IP X7/X8 Compliance Checks
Next, the mobile device undergoes an IP X7/X8 compliance check to verify water submersion compliance. At this stage, mobile devices undergo a water ingress test to ensure that the mobile device is able to protect itself against things like dirt, water, dust, or other foreign objects.
The IP X7/X8 test uses air to detect even the smallest of deficiencies in a mobile device by automatically sealing any openings with a silicone plug. This process is designed to increase efficiency and reduce human error during the assembly process.
Oleophobic Testing
Oleophobic testing is then done to ensure the glass display screen has been coated properly. This test involves using a dropper to apply a small amount of water on a mobile device’s glass screen. If the water beads up and rolls off the glass easily, the mobile device passes the test and moves on to the next stage. However, if the water does not bead up and instead moves around the glass display screen in a blob, the mobile device’s coating is insufficient.
Oleophobic coating is important for mobile devices as it makes glass display screens resistant to oils that come from a user’s fingers. Fingerprints are not apparent when a display screen has been properly coated and display screens are resistant to water that could harm the mobile device.
Radio Frequency Testing
Radio frequency testing, or RF tests, are then done on mobile devices to confirm that each device meets OEM specifications. Each mobile device type will enter the radio frequency shield box in a unique position for proper testing depending on the carrier or mobile device’s specifications.
At Group O, our in-house product introduction team ensures positioning standards are met based on the specifications of each mobile device. This maintains the efficacy of the RF test.
X-RAY Fluorescence Testing
Next comes X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) testing. XRF testing is used to provide external analysis of a mobile device’s elemental makeup of the device’s back cover and logo material. The XRF process identifies any counterfeit components within the mobile device to keep the device safe from fraudulent behavior.
Security is extremely important when working with mobile devices. At Group O, we make security our priority. This means devices are placed in tracking systems when in our warehouses and additional security measures are put in place to dissuade any mobile device tampering.
IP67/68 Testing
Finally, mobile devices go through IP67/68 testing which verifies that the mobile device is properly waterproofed. IP67 refers to the ability of a mobile device to be dropped into a body of water up to one meter (or about 3.3 feet) deep for half an hour and still be able to function. IP68 refers to a mobile device’s ability to function properly even after being submerged in a body of water up to 1.5 meters (or about 4.9 feet) deep for half an hour. Both IP67 and IP68 mobile devices are also resistant to dust for additional protection.
Functional Testing
Functional testing is also part of our non-destructive mobile device testing and is designed to mimic the end-user experience as well as corroborate original performance specifications. This process ensures that the mobile device meets performance and functionality standards and specifications set by individual carriers, OEMs, and manufacturers.
Group O’s highly trained technicians go through visual inspections on thousands of mobile devices annually. Technicians look for obvious defects or discrepancies and are able to compare mobile devices to a set factory standard for further assurance. During functional testing, technicians test a variety of components including a mobile device’s speakers, microphone, camera, light sensors to ensure proper performance.
Functional mobile device testing is important to ensure that the end user is receiving a quality product that meets their needs and functions as intended. As mobile devices and mobile device technology is constantly adapting, it is vital that functional testing be done properly and efficiently.
Destructive Testing
As an independent testing partner for a variety of telecommunication and entertainment providers, Group O works tirelessly to ensure mobile devices meet all standards before distribution. This includes a comprehensive destructive testing process on thousands of mobile devices each year.
Destructive testing is designed to test a mobile device’s durability under various every-day conditions that an end-user may put their device through. This type of testing is useful in troubleshooting breakage issues to understand why damage may occur in mobile devices. Throughout the destructive testing process, technicians also gain insight into how mobile devices can be designed to reduce further damage.
Each destructive test is recorded with a camera-equipped to capture 250 frames per second for optimal viewing and troubleshooting. Operators are able to note areas of potential damage or concern that may not be visible to the naked eye during this reliability testing.
Drop Test
Under a monitored environment, a mobile device is dropped from a set distance onto different surfaces including rough surfaces similar to sandpaper. This is done in order to test the mobile device’s display durability. With the help of the camera, technicians are able to identify other areas that are not seen by the naked eye.
The drop test is designed to imitate a variety of actions or scenarios that an end-user may put their mobile device through. Wear and tear is normal for mobile devices but there is a set standard for mobile device durability that still needs to be met to ensure end-users receive quality products.
Tumble Test
The automated tumble test is another destructive test that is designed to simulate the end user’s experience with repetitive free falls. In this test a mobile device is placed inside a rotating container The tumble test requires that mobile devices be turned 200 times. Every 25 tumbles the mobile device is checked for severe damage and any damage is noted to help operators understand why damage occurs.
Impact Test
The impact test involves dropping a ball bearing 10 separate times onto nine different areas of the mobile device’s surface to gauge the durability of the unit and to test the liquid-crystal display, or LCD. After the impact test is complete, the mobile device is submerged in water during a live call to test the continued usability of the mobile device. Devices that went through drop tests, tumble tests, and impact tests are then sent through function testing and radio frequency testing once more to compare baseline results.
Tear Down Testing
Finally, mobile devices go through a process called tear down. This involves disassembling mobile devices piece by piece to inspect each component. This process is done to evaluate any non-compliant components of the mobile device with special care being taken to non-OEM parts. This process works to verify the mobile device’s quality and compliance with set standards.
Customizable Mobile Device Testing
Group O works directly with carriers, OEMs, and remanufacturers to customize testing processes and procedures. We follow a robust First Article Inspection (FAI) process which includes a variety of testing to certify new and current suppliers.
First article inspection (FAI) is a process involving a detailed inspection of commercial quality mobile devices and products that are produced or refurbished by suppliers. FAI is a formal method of testing mobile devices to ensure standards are met and mobile devices are functioning properly.
As part of Group O’s FAI testing, mobile devices undergo a series of non-destructive, functional, and destructive testing before being distributed to stores and end users. Our First Article Inspection process is designed to maximize the efficiency of Group O’s mobile device testing for new and remanufactured mobile devices in order to provide carriers, OEMs, and remanufacturers with the best quality services.
Besides customizable quality mobile device testing services, Group O also provides quality engineering services and solutions. Our team of engineers are constantly striving to uncover more efficient processes that enable us to better serve our end users. Group O’s mobile device lifecycle management services are streamlined by engineers as various teams test and optimize line balancing and weed out bottlenecks through the entire process.
As the mobile device lifecycle management process is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the latest in technology, Group O’s engineers are continually looking for ways to make their process more efficient. By implementing the 5S strategy, Autocad, and lean manufacturing strategies, Group O is able to test mobile devices more efficiently, ensuring properly functioning mobile devices reach end users in a timely manner.
Let's Make a Mobile Device Testing Plan For Your Business
Group O’s rigorous mobile device testing is completely customizable to meet the needs and standards of individual carriers, OEMs, and manufacturers and their unique testing parameters. Our testing includes functional, non-destructive, and destructive testing on millions of mobile devices annually to create the best end-user experience possible. For more information on Group O’s mobile device lifecycle management services and our thorough mobile device testing, contact Group O or visit our website.