Dedicated Devices and How your Organization Can Benefit From Them

Mobile devices for work have become prevalent in organizations of all sizes. Firms in finance, retail, healthcare, education, and other sectors use easy-to-carry smartphones and tablets because these devices enable mobile workforces, increase productivity, and simplify repetitive tasks.

However, when mobile devices are used in enterprises, IT admins face a few challenges, like ensuring that they are secure and adhere to compliance regulations. This is where dedicated devices come in handy.

What are dedicated devices?

Dedicated devices are ordinary intelligent devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops, and TVs, configured with specific sets of restrictions to function in the intended way. In an organization, these devices can be highly beneficial, fulfilling a single purpose while being protected from misuse.

For instance, a logistics company configuring its smartphones to run only its logistics app and its preferred maps app can help drivers stay on track and deliver packages on time without getting distracted.

Another great example is airports converting tablets into self-check-in and navigation kiosks and using TVs as digital signage so that travelers can stay updated about their flight details and get to their terminals on time, even without airport staff around.

How can you Provision Dedicated Devices?

When it comes to configuring dedicated devices, there are a few options. Most vendors offer built-in capabilities that allow users to lock their devices into single-app mode, enabling them to function as dedicated devices.

For instance, Android devices provide app and screen pinning capabilities, including the ability to unpin a pinned app or screen with gestures and a password. iOS and iPadOS devices have a built-in feature called Guided Access, which can be used similarly.

However, when dealing with enterprise devices, these methods often fall short. Each device must be manually configured, taking up much of the IT admin’s time. Moreover, it would be impossible to apply advanced restrictions, like blocking the notification bar, the device buttons, and other device functionalities, through these methods.

An easy way for admins to provision dedicated devices is by leveraging the lockdown or kiosk capabilities of a mobile device management (MDM) solution. MDM solutions are designed to help enterprises manage the mobile devices used for work. Dedicated apparatus can be configured in bulk in just a few minutes with one of these solutions.

What benefits can you expect when you provision dedicated devices via an MDM solution?

When you use an MDM solution to configure your organization’s dedicated devices, you can:

• Save time by configuring reliable devices remotely and in bulk.
• Provision only what is required by dictating which apps, web shortcuts, and functionalities are allowed on devices.
• Secure corporate devices and data from security threats and misuse with advanced, enterprise-grade security measures.
• Quickly resolve technical issues and maintain user satisfaction by troubleshooting over the air.
• Keep your organization’s devices identifiable and consistent by customizing the branding and screen layout.

That’s not all! Learn more about how an MDM solution can make kiosk device deployment easier in this free e-book.