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As technology continues to advance, the use of mobile devices in the workplace has become commonplace. From smartphones to tablets, these devices have revolutionized the way we work and communicate.
However, with this increased reliance on mobile devices comes the need for effective management and security through Mobile Device Management (MDM) software.
According to this comprehensive MDM platform, mobile device management software offers plenty of features to organizations, including:
- Remote configuration, control, and troubleshooting.
- Device tracking.
- Application and control management.
- Health monitoring.
- Operating system (OS) update and security patch management.
Such features can help organizations with productivity, security, deployment, and much more. However, to unlock these benefits with your mobile device management solution, you must avoid some critical mistakes.
#1 Not Selecting the Right Solution for Your Industry
Modern MDM developers offer solutions with specific features designed to assist your sector. For example, an MDM technology designed for restaurants can offer seamless experiences to customers across tablets, kiosks, digital signage, and much more, improving brand consistency.
That’s why, when shopping for mobile device management software, you must look for features that benefit your industry.
Examples of MDM solutions tailor-made for industries include:
- Healthcare
- Retail
- Logistics & Transportation
- Restaurant
- Education
- Hospitality
- Connected Fitness
Additionally, organizations should consider factors such as scalability, integration capabilities, and support services offered by the MDM provider. Proper planning ensures that the organization is equipped with the right tools and resources to implement MDM effectively.
#2 Overlooking Employee Training
Implementing MDM involves changes in device usage and security policies, which may require employees to adapt to new practices. It is important to provide comprehensive training and education to employees to ensure they understand the benefits of MDM and how it affects their daily work routines.
#3 Failure to Establish Clear Policies
It is essential to establish clear policies and guidelines. These policies should cover areas such as:
- Data security
- Device usage
- Password requirements
- Acceptable applications
- And more
By establishing clear policies, organizations can ensure consistency, minimize risks, and maintain a secure mobile environment.
#4 Insufficient Testing
Not all mobile devices are created equal, and it is important to consider device compatibility when selecting an MDM solution, particularly in BYOD (bring your own device) environments. Organizations should ensure that the chosen solution supports the devices used by their employees and offers the necessary features for effective device management. Rolling out an MDM solution without adequate testing can lead to unexpected issues affecting device compatibility, user access, and security.
The prudent approach when implementing a mobile device management system is to conduct thorough testing across different devices, operating systems, and use cases to identify and resolve issues before full deployment.
Here’s a more detailed look at why insufficient testing is a mistake and the areas that require attention:
Comprehensive Device and OS Coverage
- Device Compatibility. With a multitude of mobile devices in use, each with different hardware specs and operating systems, it’s vital to test the MDM solution across a broad spectrum of devices to ensure compatibility. This includes testing on various smartphone and tablet models in use within your organization.
- Operating System Variations. Different versions of iOS, Android, and other mobile operating systems should be tested. This ensures the MDM solution can manage and secure devices consistently, regardless of the OS version or manufacturer-specific modifications.
Functional Testing Areas
- Enrollment Processes. The process of enrolling devices into the MDM system should be seamless and user-friendly. Testing needs to cover various enrollment scenarios, including fresh enrollments, re-enrollments, and the transition of devices from one user to another.
- Policy Implementation and Compliance. Test how well the MDM applies policies across devices and OSs. This includes security policies, restrictions, and configurations to ensure they are applied correctly and do not interfere with essential functionalities.
- Remote Commands. The ability to remotely lock, wipe, or locate devices is fundamental to MDM. Testing these features ensures they work as expected in real-world scenarios, such as a device being lost or stolen.
Security Features
- Data Protection. Verify that the MDM solution effectively encrypts data on the device and during transmission. Testing should also ensure that the separation of corporate and personal data is maintained, especially in BYOD scenarios.
- Threat Detection. If the MDM includes or integrates with security software for threat detection, it’s important to test its effectiveness in identifying and mitigating malware, phishing attempts, and other security threats.
Integration and Performance
- Integration with IT Infrastructure. Testing should ensure that the MDM solution integrates cohesively with existing IT systems, such as email servers, VPNs, and identity management systems, without disrupting services or causing security gaps.
Continuous Testing Approach
Given the rapidly changing landscape of mobile technology and threats, testing should not be a one-time event. Continuous testing and validation processes should be established to accommodate new devices, OS updates, and emerging security challenges.
By addressing these areas through rigorous and comprehensive testing, you can significantly reduce the risk of encountering disruptive issues post-deployment, ensuring a smooth and secure MDM implementation.
#5 Not Considering Scalability and Future Needs
When implementing MDM, organizations must not overlook scalability and future needs. As the organization grows and technology evolves, the MDM solution must be able to accommodate changing requirements. It is crucial to select an MDM solution that is scalable and flexible, allowing for easy expansion and integration with new technologies.
Considering future needs also involves anticipating changes in device usage and security threats. The chosen MDM solution should have the capability to adapt to new challenges and provide necessary updates and enhancements to keep up with the evolving mobile landscape.
These are five mistakes you must avoid when picking a mobile device management solution for your organization. With numerous options available in the market, it is important to select a solution that aligns with the organization’s needs and objectives to maximize workflow and security.
