Overview
This article covers the process and tasks associated with completing a Branded Mobile App update.
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What is a branded mobile app update?
The branded mobile app is a bit different than other Paytronix products in that it requires a manual update to receive any new features or fixes that have been released since the last build/version your app was generated.
You are entitled to 1 free update per calendar year. This includes:
Making any creative changes within the app
Adding/removing buttons from the app
Changing URLs/links within the app
Receiving any new feature work
Adding localization to the app
Note: Yearly calendar updates are a use or lose opportunity. Clients cannot use last year's update if they did not choose to use and work on it during that calendar year.
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What is the branded mobile app update process?
The client will complete Online Mobile App Specs form for updates.
Form submission will create a case with the Paytronix support team and they will coordinate with the appropriate Paytronix parties.
If selected for in the form, a call can be held to discuss the changes requested or any open questions. If a call is not desired, the app team can proceed to build generation.
The Paytronix branded app team will generate a beta Build 1 for client testing and review.
The client will review Build 1 and complete the required UAT form where preliminary feedback is collected.
The Branded app team will compile the requested changes and share with the client to confirm that the change requests are all encompassing (or some are outside of the branded app configuration). If needed, a feedback call will be held to discuss the changes.
If needed, the Paytronix branded app team will generate a final build and share with the client.
The client will complete the app submission form with the copy/language they would like in the app stores.
The Paytronix branded app team will submit the app to the stores.
How do I complete the Mobile App Specs Guide?
The branded app team collects change requests in a formalized online form. The online form can be found here: Mobile Apps Specs Guide - Update
General Notes:
Youâll begin by entering in your personal information in the top section called âYour Informationâ. Note, the email address you enter in this field will be where the completed form is sent.
Under App Type, youâll select the app type you currently have with Paytronix. There is an additional question here that asks if you would like to review the Branded App Release notes. âYes, Show me moreâ lists features and fixes released over the last year. Most of the released development work will appear in the app by default as the app is built on the latest available codebase. Items that DO require explicit opt in are in green and will direct you how to request these in the form. If youâd like to suppress this list once youâve reviewed it, simply select âNo, not at this timeâ.
Under Change Requests for App Update, the form lists the available areas of the app in which youâre able to make changes to your app. Only select the areas in which you and your team are interested in making changes. Note, this may surface questions that you do not wish to make changes on. That is okay, just leave those questions unanswered.
Under Asset Link, if you will be providing new creative such as a new image, progress bar and/or icons, please share the network drive you will be storing these.
For dashboard button changes, simply list the new buttons you will be adding in the correct numbered position. Adding them will let us know you will be changing the existing buttons on the dashboard with the new selections. You can leave the others blank if you have no changes.
For side drawer buttons, simply list the new buttons you will be adding in the correct numbered position. We will assume that all other buttons will shift down. If you would like, you can re-list the full set of buttons in the app OR add comments at the end of the form in the Additional Change Requests Section.
Under Additional Change Requests, you will be able to provide any extra details and/or comments. Here we also ask if you would like to schedule a follow up call to review the above. This lets our team know if youâd like to proceed with the build or discuss your change requests and/or open questions before build generation.
How do I test the app and provide feedback?
Paytronix shares the beta iOS and Android apps via URLs:
iOS
Apple apps will be distributed through an application called TestFlight. If this is the first time testing a beta application, you will be prompted to download TestFlight and signup/sign in. Once an account is created, you may not be able to find your app. Simply re-click the original link that was shared with you. This will bring you back into TestFlight, where you should now be able to accept the TestFlight agreement for this beta app and install it.
This will install over your live app. If you need to access the live version, simply navigate to the App Store and download from there.
Android
Builds are distributed as an .apk file. This is simple a file that the app specialist will host on a secure sharefile and provide a link to. You will need to download the app onto an android device and then install it.
Note, you will need to uninstall the existing app from your device, otherwise you may run into token errors. Users may also need to enable the installation of unknown apps within Device settings. That can be completed via: Settings >> Apps >> Special App Access >> Install Unknown Apps
Once you have installed the app onto your device, you will want to test the application for both the requested changes and end-to-end functionality.
Please complete this UAT form which should include your build feedback: Branded App UAT This will be reviewed by the Branded App Specialist. In the submitted UAT form, if there are:
Changes requested in the form, we will compile the notes and send them over for review and confirmation that they encompass all requested changes; that if the changes are approved, the next build will be the final build. If desired, we can schedule a call to review these changes or open questions. An additional, final test build will be created and shared for one more review.
No changes requested, we assume that the app is approved as is.
Once I have completed review of the app and approve it as is, what is the next step?
Once you approve the build, all that is needed is a completed App Submission form. This provides the copy that will be added to the Apple App and Google Play Stores. If anything, we are looking for copy in the âWhatâs New in the Versionâ. If youâd like to make no changes to other ârequiredâ fields, feel free to type âN/aâ.
Once we receive this form, we will submit the apps to Apple and Google for review. This process generally takes 1-2 business days. Once approved, they will be released to the stores. If the app release needs to be timed and released on a specific day (e.g. for a program revamp) please communicate that with the Paytronix team.
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Additional Resources
Getting Started with a Paytronix Mobile App
What is Branded Mobile App Localization?