Summary: Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions are the ones that perform centralized management, security, and support for the whole fleet of mobile devices in an enterprise. MDM has made these areas better by visibility, device usage, security, and errors because of RFID and real-time monitoring. It does remote support, geofencing, application management, and dashboards, which contribute to the streamlining of business operations and the maximization of productivity.
You know that tracking your assets is important — so you’ve probably invested in mobile data collection devices to help you keep track of them. But if you don’t have a management system for these devices, you’re missing out on critical device information and updates necessary to gain complete visibility into the way your business operates.
In fact, information for handheld devices used to track company assets is usually tracked manually in a spreadsheet rather than through an automated central source that tracks in real time.
To gain true visibility and provide complete support for your mobile devices, you need a mobile device management (MDM) solution.
What is MDM software?
Mobile device management is a suite of modules designed to monitor, secure, manage, and support mobile devices deployed across your enterprise — from the manufacturing floor to the warehouse to your transportation division and beyond.
You can use MDM on all types of mobile devices. Whether you want to track the location of commercial products such as mobile phones and tablets, or remotely manage industrial-grade devices like mobile computers, barcode printers, and barcode scanners — MDM delivers the solution you need.
Why use MDM?
One of the core uses of mobile device management solutions is to measure device activity. MDM can provide you with automated key performance indicators (KPIs) in order to improve user productivity. To help you gain visibility and insight into the way your devices are used, MDM offers a wide variety of features, including remote device support, consistent tracking, geofencing, and the ability to deploy packages remotely.
It also promotes security and allows for device optimization based off data that reveals bottlenecks in your company. By controlling and protecting the data and configuration settings for all mobile devices in the network, MDM can reduce support costs and business risks.
Using an MDM solution will also help you secure your mobile devices from unauthorized users. Device authentication, data encryption, and certificate management are some of the features available with MDM to help you keep critical data safe. In addition, you can use the containerization feature to assure regulatory compliance and prevent the misuse of valuable company assets.
The intent of MDM is to optimize the functionality and security of a mobile communications network while minimizing cost and downtime so that you can improve the utilization of work resources.
An effective MDM solution should provide the following services to deliver maximum visibility:
- Remote Support: a remote help desk capability that supports a growing mobile workforce
- Location & Geofencing: ability to track company-owned devices and locate them on a map
- Monitoring & Alerts: delivers real-time alerts about usage and other device data
- Dashboard & KPIs: ability to monitor data from an online dashboard customized to your business needs
- Real-time Asset Visibility: track the status and location of all devices in real time
- Application Management: ability to download approved enterprise applications and maintain their inventory
The nature of the supply chain requires as much visibility as possible to ensure the highest levels of efficiency and output. Industrial enterprises will find that MDM delivers quick ROI by streamlining operations and improving productivity.
In mission-critical applications, every inefficiency must be removed — and the ability to track, secure, monitor, and manage your mobile assets from a centralized location is a simple and effective way to do that.
Also read – Washing Your Hands Is Important, But So Is Cleaning The Devices
Frequently asked questions
A solution to monitor, secure, manage, and support all the mobile devices in an enterprise.
MDM is compatible with commercial devices such as phones and tablets, and industrial devices like mobile computers and barcode scanners.
It grants KPIs, remote support, geofencing, and real-time monitoring to maximize device usage.
To secure data and ensure compliance, the features consist of device authentication, data encryption, certificate management, and containerization.
Real-time asset tracking, dashboards, alerts, and application management for centralized control and higher efficiency.
A Horizons Talent Alumnus and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), the author brings a proven track record of success in senior shared-services leadership roles within large, complex multinational organizations, particularly in the manufacturing sector.
With deep experience at Senior Manager level, they have led strategic customer relationships by understanding core business imperatives, shaping service and solution propositions, and delivering measurable business outcomes.
