From Lab to Field: How System Integrators Can Save Costs and Speed Up Development with AstroFarm

If you’re a system integrator, you already know—testing isn’t just about making software run. It’s about making it run flawlessly across rugged, specialized OEM devices that your customers rely on in warehouses, retail stores, or out in the field.

When you’re building rugged handhelds for field workers, deploying POS systems for retail chains, or creating connected kiosks and digital signage for public spaces, one thing is constant: testing on real devices is expensive and time-consuming. You’ve probably had to:

• Ship devices across cities (or even countries)
• Buy duplicate devices for every office
• Waste hours coordinating device availability
• Stretching budgets to buy extra devices “just in case”

If you’re nodding and saying ‘yes’ to all of that…you’re in the right place. Let’s break down the biggest pain points—and how our private device farm solution, AstroFarm helps you fix them.

Challenge #1: “We can’t get our hands on the exact OEM device we need.”

The problem:

System integrators often need to test solutions on specific OEM or rugged devices. You’ve already purchased the right devices, but they’re tied up in another office, at a client site, or sitting halfway across the globe. Other times, purchasing the device at all may not be an option—think of Android auto embedded in trucks or specialized equipment. Either way, your team is left waiting.

The AstroFarm solution:

AstroFarm lets you enroll any Android, iOS, or iPadOS device into your private device farm—including rugged and OEM-specific models. Once enrolled, any authorized team member can remotely access, control, and test on that device from anywhere. 

No more waiting for shipments or borrowing from another department.

Challenge #2: “We’re spending too much duplicating hardware across locations.”

The problem:

How many times have you had to buy the same rugged tablet for multiple sites—only to have it collect dust most of the month? That’s money locked up in idle hardware.

The AstroFarm solution:

With AstroFarm, you share devices across locations virtually. A single rugged tablet in your HQ can be accessed and tested on by engineers in other office location—or even other countries—in real time. This eliminates the need to buy multiple copies of the same model, cutting costs significantly.

Challenge #3: “Testing on the wrong device leads to surprises in the field.”

The problem:

System integrators often build solutions that must work on specialized OEM or rugged devices. But when those devices aren’t available, teams end up testing on substitutes—like consumer smartphones or tablets. Everything looks fine in the lab, but once deployed on the actual rugged hardware, unexpected compatibility or performance issues surface.

The AstroFarm solution:

AstroFarm lets you remotely access and test on the actual OEM or rugged devices you need—no guesswork, no nasty surprises. Your solution is validated in the real-world environment it’s meant for.

Challenge #4: “Managing multiple devices for different projects is messy.”

The problem:

When you’re juggling several projects, devices get mixed up, the wrong team grabs the wrong unit, and suddenly the critical test device you need is unavailable.

The AstroFarm solution:

AstroFarm’s Device Grouping lets you neatly assign devices to specific teams or projects. Your “Warehouse Automation” handhelds won’t get confused with your “Field Data Capture” tablets—and everyone sees only what they need.

Challenge #5: “Troubleshooting in the field eats up time and budget.”

The problem:

When an issue shows up on a deployed device—say in a warehouse or inside a vehicle—engineers often have to travel onsite just to reproduce and fix it. That means delays, high costs, and frustrated clients waiting for resolution.

The AstroFarm solution:

AstroFarm gives engineers secure remote access to the devices used in the field. They can reproduce, debug, and resolve issues in real time—without ever leaving the office and saving costs.

Where System Integrators Use AstroFarm

AstroFarm supports industries where Android devices are mission-critical:

• Rugged & Specialized Devices – For field services, logistics, and utilities
• POS Systems – Powering checkouts in retail and restaurants
• Kiosks & Digital Signage – Driving engagement in airports, malls, and public spaces
• Smart TVs & Set-Top Boxes – Customizing media and hospitality platforms
• Healthcare Devices – Supporting diagnostics and remote monitoring
• Hospitality – Tablets for guest check-in, concierge, and smart rooms
• Gaming Consoles – Android-powered niche systems

Each industry has unique demands, but AstroFarm helps you solve them without extra hardware or wasted time.

Why AstroFarm Works for System Integrators

AstroFarm isn’t just a device access tool—it’s a cost-saving, efficiency-boosting, OEM-friendly solution built for the realities of integration projects. While there are many benefits, here’s what system integrators specifically gain:

• Full support for rugged and OEM-specific devices
• Centralized access for distributed teams
• No more buying duplicate devices for each site
• Faster project cycles with real-time remote control and debugging
• Complete security and access control

Build Smarter, Deliver Faster

As a system integrator, your time and resources are better spent perfecting solutions—not chasing down devices or waiting for shipments. AstroFarm lets you maximize your existing hardware investment, keep your teams productive, and get solutions into the field faster.