The 10 most important MDM system features your organization needs

In many companies, mobile devices - smartphones, tablets or terminals - appear as a response to specific operational needs. Over time, their number grows, and with it the complexity of management. Without a consistent approach, it is difficult to take care of data security, access control or efficient user support. This is why more and more organizations are choosing to implement an MDM system. A Mobile Device Management (MDM) system helps organize how a company manages hardware, applications and data access within its IT infrastructure.

A well-chosen MDM system not only increases security, but also relieves the burden on the IT department and makes it easier to scale the business. In this article, we show you the 10 most important MDM features to consider when choosing a mobile device management solution for your business.

The following is an overview of the MDM features you should consider when choosing a mobile device management solution for your business.

1. Centralize fleet management regardless of size

A good MDM system allows you to manage all your mobile devices from one level, greatly simplifying the work of IT administrators.

This approach improves security, ensures compliance with standards, reduces the risk of errors and allows the IT team to focus on operations instead of manual hardware maintenance.

Centralization of management is an essential function that the right MDM gives to a company, and it's worth making sure that the MDM system you choose realistically fulfills it. If the service is too complicated and adds to your employees' responsibilities instead of helping them - it's the wrong choice.

2. Efficient device management

As the number of mobile devices in an enterprise increases, so does the need for their orderly management. A well-implemented MDM allows you to manage your entire device fleet in a consistent and predictable manner from deployment to daily operations.

With MDM, you can deploy new devices faster, reduce manual configuration and maintain consistent standards across your organization. The right MDM software also allows you to control access, manage applications, and enforce specific security policies.

The right MDM software also allows you to control access, manage applications, and enforce specific security policies.

A well-chosen MDM allows you to:

• configure new devices without having to manually handle each unit,
• manage service applications and their updates on a fleet-wide level,
• set up security profiles and policies for different user groups,
• control access to device functions and corporate data,
• remote changes and updates in real time.

This not only means less work for the IT team, but also greater cost predictability, security and easier scaling of the device fleet.

3. Activity automation and scheduling

Advanced MDM allows you to schedule activities on mobile devices so that they don't interfere with work and cause downtime.

You can decide when system or application updates or configuration changes should execute. MDM should also allow you to set times outside of business hours or during specific time windows when devices are not in use.

4. Remote control of devices

A good MDM system allows you to remotely manage mobile devices, and have real-time access to their screen. The administrator can see exactly what the user is seeing and can take control of the device.

This allows:

• quick troubleshooting,
• access to necessary data from a specific device,
• immediate response to security incidents.

5. SDK and API integrations

A good MDM system does not work in isolation from the rest of the company's tools.

With APIs and SDKs, you can integrate MDM software with other systems and tailor it to your own processes. This makes MDM an effective operational support, not just another tool.

6. Kiosk mode and control of device usage

You should be the one to determine how mobile devices are used in your company. What will be useful in logistics will be different in other departments of the company. And that's what you should look for from your vendor.

By configuring launchers and kiosk mode, an MDM system administrator can control access to applications and device features and tailor them to a specific use.

MDM-class systems allow:

• restrict access to selected applications,
• control web content and access to sites,
• set up device configuration according to company needs,
• implement custom branding of the work environment.

This allows you to create a personalized work environment on mobile devices, with the user using the device only to the extent needed for work.

7. Application control - whitelisting and blacklisting

With the use of appropriate software you can determine exactly what applications should not be used on mobile devices. This is especially important in industries that require high levels of security.

Administrator sets the list of allowed and blocked applications, so that you only have access to the tools you need for your work.

Secure mobile device management is:

• blocking of unauthorized applications,
• controlling access to device functions,
• consistent working environment across all devices,

This is a simple solution that significantly increases data security and gives you full control over how your company's devices are used.

8. Control of device interfaces and connectivity

In many organizations, it is critical not only what applications are used, but also how the device connects to other systems and storage media.

A good MDM system should be able to control hardware interfaces and wireless communications to reduce the risk of unauthorized data transfers.

Thanks to this, you can:

• block USB ports and SD card access,
• manage Bluetooth access,
• restrict Wi-Fi connections to corporate networks only,
• control ways to exchange data between devices.

This approach significantly increases an organization's security and minimizes the risk of data leakage, especially in environments where mobile devices are used for operational work.

9 Deploying devices without configuration (Zero-Touch)

The corresponding MDM system provides the ability to deploy new mobile devices without manual configuration.

With zero-touch, the device automatically downloads settings, applications and security policies when it is first deployed. The entire process is done without user input and without involving the IT department.

This translates into shorter deployment times for new devices, lower operating costs and less risk of configuration errors.

10 Technical support

Advanced system features are not enough. It is worth choosing a vendor that provides support on a daily basis.

With responsible partners, you can count on access to support through various channels:

• telephone,
• e-mail,
• knowledge base and documentation.

This way, the user can solve the problem quickly, and the IT department does not have to get involved in every minor situation.

At the end of the day, it's not just comfort, but also less downtime, greater security and more efficient system operation in the company.

Whether you're already implementing a project, analyzing offerings from various MDM vendors, or just want to learn more about how this class of solution-based can help you manage your company's mobile devices, it's worth checking out Antumo MDM.

Our MDM solution encompasses all 10 key elements to get the most out of your device fleet. From the very beginning, we offer not only the system, but also support.

Contact us and see how much benefit you can get from streamlining your equipment fleet management.