Mobile solutions have become staples for enterprise businesses, and for most, their implementation has felt organic. But managing a large fleet of devices can put a stranglehold on your operations if it’s not done correctly.
There are many benefits of implementing mobile solutions in retail and supply chain environments. Using mobile devices provides efficiency and productivity in addition to needed flexibility. When you use mobile devices, you can streamline processes for inventory management and returns. Going mobile also gives your customers a better experience when employees are able to provide in-aisle service, BOPIS, and curbside options. All of which depend heavily on mobile devices.
Enterprises enthusiastically deploy mobile devices to gain those benefits, but they may not consider what it takes to manage them and keep their data safe.
Mobile Device Management Tools
Many enterprise businesses turn to mobile device management (MDM) partners to ensure the service and implementation runs smoothly. This service is primarily for iOS and Android devices and can include pushing updates, changing apps, and installing security controls. To ensure security and productivity, MDM strategies are typically deployed for corporate-owned devices.
Take your company a step further and develop an enterprise mobility management (EMM) plan. This strategy expands device management to bring-your-own-device (BYOD) environments. In this instance, a trusted partner installs containers on employee devices to keep corporate data secure. This can provide visibility into how corporate apps and data are used and gives device control, in some instances, depending on the device manufacturer.
Elements of an Effective EMM Plan
The first step to developing a robust EMM plan is to decide on which mobile devices to use, including whether you’ll allow BYOD. Be sure to include anything connected to the network, such as IoT devices and printers.
Once you’ve nailed that down, you’ll need to create and enforce policies on how those connected devices can be used. For corporate devices, limiting apps and browser access is just one example of controlling how devices are used.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Keeping your data secure is a keystone of an EMM plan. To that end, it’s important to have multifactor authentication set up on as many devices on your network as possible. Require at least two authentication methods for signing in and take advantage of security features to protect lost devices. This can include fingerprint or password protection that locks out unauthorized users.
Monitoring
Monitoring your devices is part of the maintenance period for EMM. Routinely inspect user logs with access details, including company apps and data usage. You’ll also have to monitor your devices for battery life and device health. Does a device need maintenance? If so, you can use a device from the pool now and send for service to avoid downtime.
Cybersecurity
Protecting users’ activity on your devices against attack can be the difference between secure data and data breaches. Even devices like security cameras are targets for malicious attacks. Using extended mobile device security platforms and protocols is a vital element of a solid MDM and EMM strategy.
Training
One of the biggest challenges in this scenario is actually people. While people can unknowingly be the weak link in a security plan, you can educate and arm them to help keep your devices secure. Training on the mobile device management plan and its function can help employees understand the personal responsibility of each team member to protect the company from cybercrime. With training and routine explanations about policy enforcement, you can help your workforce feel empowered about device management and security.
Cost Management
For IoT/SIM devices, cellular data costs can creep up unknowingly and rack up big bills for your enterprise. Control cellular data by pooling data plans and establishing real-time alerts for network outages. You can work with a partner to automate data management and use a tool that gives visibility into all devices from one pane of glass.
Conclusion: All the Benefits, None of the Hassles
EMM allows visibility into how devices are used, unusual activity, and data costs. With the right tools, you can monitor all devices from one screen with a system that provides real-time alerts and visibility. EMM allows you to better see KPIs and ROI from mobile device investments. Ready to move forward with plans to mobilize effective EMM? Contact us today.
