The Future of Work: Why Every Business Needs Mobile Device Management

Why every business needs mobile device management

Mobile devices have become an integrated and essential part of business communications, requiring their own IT strategy. To level set, there are 7.2 billion smartphones and 1.28 billion tablets worldwide, used for business, personal or in tandem. 

Organizations must adapt to how employees, customers and partners communicate by incorporating mobile devices into the workplace, as they have the power to help drive productivity and responsiveness. 

However, for many businesses, mobile devices come with a slew of security and compliance challenges that can be best managed with mobile device management (MDM) solutions. IDC research cites that “barely half of organizations have mobile device management (MDM) strategies in place,” which puts those companies at higher risk for security breaches and noncompliance.

With mobile technology constantly advancing, understanding why every business needs mobile device management is key for businesses aiming to enhance productivity and protect their data. 

MDM solutions tackle these issues by providing tools to monitor and secure employee devices and ensuring sensitive data is safeguarded, whether the devices are company-owned or personal.

Understanding mobile device management 

Mobile device management for businesses involves overseeing mobile devices through software — providing software distribution and enrollment, policy management and inventory management, as well as remote, security and service management. Security measures are instituted throughout the device lifecycle.

For example, device enrollment simplifies registering and configuring devices within a network, ensuring only authorized devices can access sensitive data. 

Remote management enables IT teams to monitor, control and troubleshoot devices remotely, thereby reducing the need for physical intervention and minimizing downtime. 

Security features, such as data encryption, password enforcement and remote wipe capabilities, are vital for protecting company data and maintaining compliance with industry regulations. 

Implementing an effective MDM solution not only improves security but also increases productivity by enabling employees to work seamlessly across mobile platforms. 

As dependence on mobile technology increases, MDM has become a crucial part of IT strategy, offering a framework for managing a diverse range of devices, including smartphones, tablets and laptops.

The importance of mobile device management

Mobile devices are commonplace in many business environments, serving as essential tools for communication, collaboration and productivity. This convenience brings significant risks. 

Mobile device management is crucial for protecting sensitive information and ensuring business data remains secure. By adopting MDM solutions, businesses can enforce security protocols like Zero Trust, encryption and remote wipe capabilities to guard against data breaches and unauthorized access. 

This proactive approach reduces risks and encourages a culture of security awareness within the organization.

Compliance with industry regulations is essential in modern business operations. Sectors such as finance, government and healthcare have strict regulations that mandate data protection. Data protection also falls under information governance services, which is an organizational framework to keep your data and information secure and compliant. 

MDM plays a critical role in helping businesses meet these compliance requirements. Features like device tracking, usage policies and access controls allow organizations to monitor and manage devices effectively, adhering to legal standards and minimizing the potential for costly penalties.

Adopting MDM is not merely a technical necessity; it’s part of an overall strategic cybersecurity and compliance investment.

Prioritizing MDM enables organizations to safeguard their data and maintain their reputation in an increasingly mobile-centric world.

More benefits of implementing MDM

These top reasons to deploy MDM — in addition to increased security and compliance — should also be considered: 

1. Operational efficiency and productivity. MDM solutions ensure that the workforce has seamless access to essential applications and data, regardless of location, allowing work flexibility and reducing downtime. 

2. Automating routine tasks. Updating software and security checks is easier with MDM, allowing IT to focus on more strategic initiatives. 

3. Better customer service. Better operational efficiency enables faster response times to customer needs.

4. Collaboration. It facilitates streamlined communication and collaboration among teams, creating a more integrated work environment.

5. Cost savings. Smoother operations often show associated benefits from higher productivity, faster responses, less downtime, fewer data breaches, and IT costs around support and maintenance.

6. Peace of mind. If a device is lost or stolen, sensitive information is better protected. 

7. Continuity and resilience. Backed-up data in a secure environment can keep businesses running smoothly. 

8. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) option. MDM simplifies supporting BYOD programs, allowing organizations to manage employee-owned devices securely. 

MDM and Bring Your Own Device policies

Mobile device management is crucial in supporting BYOD strategies, allowing businesses to benefit from employee-owned devices while maintaining security and compliance. 

As remote and flexible work arrangements increase, more employees use personal smartphones and tablets for work-related tasks. 

MDM solutions help organizations manage and secure these devices, enabling safe access to corporate resources without compromising sensitive data. Companies that use mobile and cloud print solutions can also benefit from MDM.

Implementing a successful BYOD policy presents challenges, such as securing both corporate and personal information on the same device. 

MDM offers solutions like remote wipe capabilities, allowing administrators to erase company data from a device if it’s lost or if an employee leaves. 

MDM solutions also enforce security policies, such as strong passwords and encryption, ensuring personal devices adhere to corporate standards.

Another challenge is potential productivity loss if employees feel their privacy is invaded. MDM addresses this by clearly separating personal and professional data, providing employees with confidence in their privacy. 

By fostering a secure and efficient BYOD environment, MDM enhances employee satisfaction and strengthens overall organizational security.

Choosing the right MDM solution

Selecting a mobile device management provider requires considering several key factors to ensure the chosen solution aligns with specific business needs. Here are some of the criteria to help you evaluate: 

• Scalability is crucial, as the MDM solution should accommodate an increasing number of devices without compromising performance as the business grows. 

• Security features are paramount for protecting sensitive data from potential threats. Look for solutions offering robust encryption, remote wipe capabilities and secure access controls.

• An intuitive user interface simplifies management tasks and fosters better adoption among employees. 

• The ease and compatibility of integrating with existing systems and tools can save time and resources. 

• The level of customer support provided by the MDM provider can affect how quickly assistance is given in resolving issues.

• Functionality of application management, device tracking and reporting capabilities should align with current or best practices. 

Some MDM solutions allow granular control over applications, enabling effective policy enforcement and usage monitoring, while others may not. 

Advanced reporting tools provide insights into device performance and compliance, helping businesses make informed decisions. 

By carefully evaluating these aspects, companies can select an MDM solution that meets current requirements and adapts to future challenges and new technology. 

A great example is how a leading medical research and development company moved to a 100% cloud environment with an MDM solution. 

As a result of the comprehensive modernization efforts, network health improved by 96%, known cybersecurity threats reduced by 56%, monthly costs reduced by 5%, and they saw higher customer satisfaction and more collaboration, due to efficiency and productivity.

Future trends in mobile device management

As businesses adapt to rapid technology changes, the future of MDM will continue to transform — especially with enhancements from AI and machine learning. 

Some systems may already offer automated threat detection, predictive analytics for device performance and improved user experiences by personalizing mobile management strategies, while other systems are working on next-gen versions. 

AI-driven insights allow businesses to proactively manage devices, ensuring security and compliance while optimizing productivity.

Additionally, innovative capabilities and functionality with agentic AI and generative AI are slated to provide more sophisticated services and support. Predictions for mobile device management strategies suggest a shift towards more integrated and user-centric approaches. 

Organizations that offer hybrid and remote work environments will likely prioritize MDM solutions that secure devices while empowering employees with greater flexibility. 

This involves seamless integration with cloud services and enhanced support for various operating systems and applications. 

In this dynamic landscape, businesses must stay ahead by adopting MDM solutions that embrace these trends, allowing them to protect their data while fostering a productive and agile workforce. 

While no solution is 100% immune to cybersecurity attacks, mobile device management systems can mitigate and protect valuable data and resources.