Yes, effective remote demos of Warehouse Insight are absolutely possible without a physical scanner. Insight Works provides several presentation options, ranging from a native Windows desktop application to Android emulators and device screen-sharing tools, so partners can showcase the full handheld experience to prospective clients over any video conferencing platform.
The Windows Desktop Client Option
Warehouse Insight includes a Windows desktop client that mirrors the exact user interface and behavior of the Android handheld application. This client runs natively on a Windows PC, meaning there is no emulator required, and it looks and functions identically to the app on a physical device. For demos, this is often the cleanest approach because the application runs smoothly on a standard laptop without any additional setup overhead. The client also supports a barcode simulation tool that allows the presenter to trigger barcode scans from the keyboard, so the demo can demonstrate receiving, picking, counting, and other workflows exactly as a warehouse employee would experience them on the floor.
The Android Emulator Option
For partners who want to demonstrate the Android app specifically, third-party Android emulators can be installed on a Windows PC to run the Warehouse Insight APK. Popular free options include MEmu and BlueStacks, and while Insight Works does not officially endorse any particular emulator, both options are widely used for testing and demonstration purposes. Once the APK is installed and connected to a Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central environment, the emulated app behaves like a physical device. The setup process requires a bit more technical preparation than the Windows client but produces a demo that mirrors the Android experience closely.
Screen Sharing from a Physical Device
For the most authentic demo experience, using an actual handheld scanner and sharing its screen over a web meeting is a strong option. On Android devices, this can be accomplished wirelessly through meeting platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or GoToMeeting, which support device screen sharing. An alternative is scrcpy, a free open-source tool that can mirror an Android device screen to a Windows PC over USB or WiFi. Once mirrored, the scanner screen appears as a window on the presenter’s computer and can be shared in any video call. This approach is particularly effective because it shows the physical scanning experience, including real barcode reads, to the client in real time.
Affordable Demo Hardware
For partners who want to demo with a physical device but are not prepared to invest in a full industrial scanner, entry-level rugged Android scanners are available at modest price points. The Memor K20, for example, is a capable unit that supports Warehouse Insight and WMS Express and is priced well below higher-end industrial devices. Partners purchasing hardware through Insight Works also receive a discount. This makes it a practical option for partners who want to deliver a hands-on demo without a significant upfront equipment cost.
Branding Your Demo
Regardless of which method is used, the device logo displayed within Warehouse Insight is configurable from the Device Configuration card in Business Central. Many partners replace the default logo with the prospective customer’s logo before a demo, which adds a personalized touch and makes the presentation more memorable. This small customization can meaningfully improve the impression the demo leaves with a potential client. It signals attention to detail and helps the prospect visualize the solution operating in their own environment.
Relevant Tools
Warehouse Insight is the full-featured WMS from Insight Works that powers all of the handheld workflows shown during demos. WMS Express is the free entry-level solution that covers the four core warehouse activities, and its interface can also be used for demo purposes with the same logo customization capability. Both solutions integrate directly with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and are designed to deliver a seamless scanning experience that can be demonstrated effectively using any of the methods described above. In summary, a compelling remote demo of Warehouse Insight is well within reach using the Windows desktop client with barcode simulation, an Android emulator, or a physical device with screen sharing — no customer visit required.