The use of mobile devices has increased dramatically in recent years and will continue to do so with the rapid growth of EMM (enterprise mobility management). Managing these devices is crucial to safeguarding data and the devices that handle critical business information and functions. UEM is the best solution for managing and securing dedicated devices.
What are Dedicated Devices?
Dedicated devices are company-owned devices that can be employee-facing or customer-facing. They include self-check-in systems, point-of-sale (POS) systems, digital signage, retail store billing, checkout systems, and airport ticket printing desks, to name a few. The devices fulfill a single-use case by running in kiosk mode which can be single-app or multi-app. Dedicated devices perform essential business functions and hence need to run without any interruptions.
Some common examples of customer-facing dedicated devices are ATMs for cash transactions, digital signage in hotels for advertisements, baggage check-in at airports, POS terminals, handheld devices used as barcode scanners as well as for navigation, and dedicated tablets used for educational purposes.
Some employee-facing dedicated devices are for inventory management in logistics, handheld devices used by healthcare professionals, and vehicle-mounted devices used by drivers in transportation.
However, these devices can’t run independently and are required to be managed remotely. Usually, the devices are unattended and run in dedicated kiosk mode. Communicating with these devices in the field and ensuring timely updates on these devices can be best done using a dedicated device management solution like a Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution.
Corporate-owned dedicated devices don’t store content and information, and it’s crucial to push updated content regularly to these devices as they perform mission-critical functions. UEM enables you to update, troubleshoot, interact, and pass commands to devices remotely. UEM also simplifies configuring devices and provisioning them, enforcing policies, and ensuring device and data security.
How Does Dedicated Device Management Work?
A dedicated computer or dedicated hardware is often locked to a single application or a set of applications to serve a specific purpose, ensuring efficiency and security. This is achieved using either single-app kiosk mode or multi-app kiosk mode, based on the use case:
- Multi-app kiosk mode: When a device needs to run multiple applications, it operates in a multi-app kiosk mode. With the help of a kiosk launcher, admins can easily switch between apps and manage various functions. This approach is perfect for devices used in environments that demand versatility while still maintaining the dedicated purpose of the hardware.
- Single-app kiosk mode: In this setup, the device is locked to a single application, providing IT admins extensive control over the device’s functionality. They can configure peripheral settings to ensure seamless operation. Once locked, the application launches automatically and remains on the screen, even after the device restarts or shuts down. This makes it ideal for scenarios requiring a focused, dedicated hardware solution.
Learn More: What is Kiosk Mode?
Types of Dedicated Devices
When it comes to types of hardware devices, dedicated hardware plays a pivotal role in streamlining specific operations across various industries. These devices are categorized based on their purpose and functionality:
- Single-Use Hardware Devices
These devices are designed to perform one specific task, often operating in single-app kiosk mode. Examples include:- Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems: Optimized for transaction processing.
- Digital Signage Devices: Built to display content like advertisements or announcements.
- Self-Service Kiosks: Used for ticketing, check-ins, or orders.
- Multi-Function Hardware Devices
These devices run multiple applications while maintaining a dedicated purpose, utilizing multi-app kiosk mode for flexibility. Examples include:- Retail Tablets: Supporting inventory management, customer assistance, and payment apps.
- Educational Tablets: Configured with a suite of learning applications for students.
- Medical Devices: Designed for patient records, monitoring, and diagnostics.
- Industrial Hardware Devices
Built for durability and reliability, these devices are essential in demanding environments, such as:- Barcode Scanners: Used for inventory tracking and warehouse management.
- Fleet Management Devices: Installed in vehicles to monitor operations and logistics.
- IoT Sensors: Designed for data collection and automation in industrial setups.
Benefits of Using Dedicated Devices
Using dedicated devices, particularly those managed with a UEM solution, brings numerous advantages for businesses.
Here are the key benefits:
Manage Content and Applications
The purpose of a dedicated device can evolve, requiring changes in the content or applications it runs. UEM software ensures smooth updates by allowing admins to silently install or uninstall apps without relying on end users. This reduces device downtime significantly. Through the UEM dashboard, admins can push apps from the Play Store or deploy enterprise apps directly from the Enterprise Store, making management efficient.
Ensure Endpoint Security
UEM solutions play a critical role in securing Android-dedicated devices and other platforms. They encrypt sensitive corporate data, preventing unauthorized access. With kiosk mode, admins gain full control over device settings, including peripherals, ensuring minimal end-user interference. Furthermore, network configurations such as Wi-Fi are managed to connect devices exclusively to corporate-approved networks. Automated OS updates ensure devices remain protected from malware and viruses.
Protect Lost or Stolen Devices
When devices are lost or stolen, UEM solutions provide critical security features like factory reset protection for Android devices. Admins can remotely lock the device, wipe sensitive data, and prevent misuse of corporate information. Location tracking and location history monitoring via the UEM dashboard ensure admins can quickly locate devices or enforce location-specific policies.
Remote Troubleshooting of Devices
Remote cast and control capabilities allow IT admins to address technical issues immediately. By casting the device screen to the UEM dashboard, admins can resolve glitches or sync files remotely, significantly reducing downtime. This feature is particularly valuable for dedicated devices operating in unattended locations, where physical access is challenging during disruptions.
Some Popular Examples of Dedicated Devices
Dedicated devices are designed to serve specific purposes, offering reliability and efficiency across various industries. Here are some dedicated devices examples that showcase their diverse applications:
- Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminals: Used in retail and hospitality, these devices handle transactions and ensure smooth customer checkouts.
- Digital Signage Systems: Display advertisements, announcements, or schedules in retail stores, airports, and public spaces.
- Self-Service Kiosks: Found in ticketing counters, restaurants, and banks, these kiosks simplify customer interactions and reduce wait times.
- Rugged Industrial Devices: Built for warehouse or field operations, these include barcode scanners and handheld terminals.
- Healthcare Monitoring Devices: Used in hospitals for patient monitoring, diagnosis, and medical record access.
Key Considerations When Choosing Dedicated Devices
Selecting the right dedicated device is essential for meeting business needs while ensuring reliability and security. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Purpose and Use Case: Clearly define the device’s role in your operations. Whether it’s for digital signage, POS, or rugged fieldwork, understanding the requirements will guide your choice.
- Durability and Environment Suitability: If the device will be used in challenging environments, like warehouses or outdoor locations, ensure it has a rugged design and supports extreme conditions.
- Management and Configuration Support: Choose devices that integrate seamlessly with a UEM solution to allow for remote management, app updates, and network configuration.
- Security Features: Devices must offer strong security measures, such as encryption, kiosk mode, and remote locking or wiping capabilities, especially for corporate data protection.
- Compatibility: Ensure the dedicated devices work with your existing software and infrastructure, including enterprise apps or specific operating systems like Android or iOS.
Pick Your UEM Alongside Your Dedicated Hardware
When investing in dedicated hardware, it’s crucial to pair it with a robust Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution. Here’s why this combination matters:
- Streamlined Device Management
A UEM solution allows IT admins to manage, monitor, and secure devices remotely. It ensures that the dedicated hardware always functions optimally by pushing updates, configuring settings, and deploying apps. - Enhanced Security
Protect sensitive corporate data on your dedicated hardware through features like encryption, kiosk mode, and remote locking or wiping in case of theft or loss. - Flexible Adaptation to Business Needs
UEM lets you reconfigure devices for new tasks or applications without replacing the hardware, extending its lifespan and value. - Minimized Downtime
With remote troubleshooting and monitoring capabilities, admins can address technical issues immediately, ensuring uninterrupted device performance.
By choosing the right UEM solution alongside your dedicated hardware, you can maximize the functionality, security, and reliability of your devices, empowering your business operations.
The Final Words
Though dedicated devices help in executing different strategies for various businesses, the security of these devices is extremely important. Scalefusion UEM stands out as a versatile solution to efficiently manage a fleet of dedicated devices from a single console, offering robust data security and seamless management capabilities.
Sign up now to explore all the features of Scalefusion UEM with a 14-day free trial and experience how it can elevate your device management strategy.
