Introducing the Cropster Beta Program
This article will introduce the Cropster Beta program, explains how it works and also addresses the most frequent questions.
Table of Contents
What is the Cropster Beta program?
The Cropster Beta program allows a select group of users to test new features and machine integrations. This closed Beta environment is designed to identify minor issues that may not have been found during internal testing. The feedback we receive from the Beta users is essential for directly improving the integration or feature.
Once an integration is thoroughly tested and we are confident it's working as expected, it is released to the production version of Roasting Intelligence, making it available to all customers.
How does the Beta program work?
Integration supported Vs. Not yet supported
An integration refers to a connection between Cropster Roasting Intelligence (RI) and a roast machine. When we say an integration is supported, it means we've tested and confirmed that our system can connect to a specific model of machine. This applies whether the integration is in a test phase (Beta) or fully live (Production). You'll see a connection option for these supported machines when you add one to your Cropster account.
In contrast, an integration that's not yet supported means we don't have a known connection for that specific machine model yet. Essentially, our system doesn't know how to "talk" to it. You can tell a machine is not yet supported because you won't find a pre-existing integration option for it when you try to add the machine to your account.
Supported: We have a known connection. You'll see an option to connect your machine when you set it up (existing Helpdesk manual).
Not Yet Supported: We don't have a known connection. You won't find an existing option to link your machine (no specific existing Helpdesk manual).
In case the integration is already supported
If Cropster already supports the machine, sign up for our RMM Beta Program and specify the machine/beta feature you will be using. After adding the machine to your Cropster account, you will receive a setup manual and all necessary information.
Gaining access to the Beta software may take up to an hour, so please keep this in mind when scheduling your roasting for the day. Once you have access to the software and have set up your machine, you can start roasting normally.
In case the integration is not yet supported
If you have a roast machine that isn't yet supported by Cropster, the first step is to sign up for our RMM Beta Program. You should also inform your Roast Machine Manufacturer (RMM) representative via email about your interest in using Cropster Roasting Intelligence on your roast machine, and cc our Machine Integrations Team (rmmintegrations@cropster.com). After this initial contact, our team will take over all subsequent communications with the RMM.
What can I expect?
After signing up and gaining access to the Beta software, you can roast as you normally would. Our Machine Integrations Team works in the background to avoid interrupting your schedule. They'll only reach out to you directly if they need specific feedback, want to run a TeamViewer session, or hold a general feedback session.
Keep in mind that we prioritise Beta integrations based on demand. If your machine or feature is still in Beta, it simply means our team hasn't gotten to it yet, but this shouldn't affect your roasting process.
You can share feedback with our team at any time by contacting our Support Team. Be sure to include “RMM Beta feedback” in the subject line. They'll forward it to the Machine Integrations Team, and someone will contact you if more information or assistance is needed.
FAQs
Why can't I access the Beta version of Roasting Intelligence?
The signup is associated with your email address. So if you're still experiencing login issues after signing up, please ensure that you're trying to log in with the same email address that you signed up with. If you are a member of multiple groups, please ensure you are using the correct email address associated with that group.
Why is login access managed to the Beta version of Roasting Intelligence?
Access is managed to ensure that those using the integration are aware of the potential risks associated with using Beta software and have agreed to the Terms and Conditions of the program. This also ensures that we can keep a close eye on those using the software and can mitigate any issues before they even arise.
How long does an integration stay in Beta?
Integrations stay in Beta until our Machine Integrations Team is confident that the integration is working seamlessly, without any issues. The time on this can vary, of course, depending on many variables, and that is why your feedback is also so important for us.
Does using the Beta software restrict me from any Cropster features?
On the contrary. Using the Beta or custom version of Roasting Intelligence grants you access to our latest machine integrations currently being tested. These integrations aren't available to other users in the Production version.