Android devices are known for their versatility and affordability, making them a popular choice for many organizations. Android devices are deployed as company-owned devices that offer heightened control over security and usage and as BYOD, which is ideal for companies that want to offer employee flexibility. Though having device usage policies in place for both make business sense, managing a fleet of Android devices can be daunting, especially regarding compliance, security, and productivity. This article will explore mobile device management (MDM) as a cost-effective solution for managing and maintaining your Android fleet, including solutions to help with these challenges.
Trucking and logistics companies can leverage MDM to streamline the managing and maintenance process. MDM offers the following benefits to minimize risks and streamline operations:
1. Manage Fleet Management Apps
Running mobile-fleet apps in single-app or multi-app kiosk mode involves configuring mobile devices to run on a specific app or set of apps while preventing access to other features and functionality on the device. This can be achieved through MDM, which allows organizations to set up and enforce policies on company-owned devices.
Kiosk mode is important for fleet management as it allows companies to provide drivers access to only the necessary apps for performing their job, such as navigation, tracking, and communication apps. This helps prevent drivers from being distracted by apps or accidentally pushing the hardware buttons, improving safety and productivity.
Additionally, running apps in kiosk mode can also help increase security. Organizations can reduce the risk of malware and unauthorized access to sensitive data by limiting access to other apps. Scalefusion MDM allows organizations to lock Android devices in single- or multi-app kiosk mode and push updated apps, making it easy to maintain regulated apps on the entire fleet.
2. Support Dispatching and Routing
Effective dispatching and routing strategies are essential for managing and maintaining a fleet. Dispatching refers to assigning commercial vehicles and drivers to specific tasks and routes, while routing is the actual planning and execution of the routes.
Using MDM for android mobile fleet management, organizations can optimize their dispatching and routing strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
A popular approach is geofencing and real-time tracking to ensure vehicles are on schedule and keep track of whether drivers deviate from planned routes. Fleet managers can leverage the information to track and manage fleet performance, such as fuel consumption, vehicle usage, and driver behavior.
3. Remote Management of Android Fleet
Remote management is a cost-effective solution that can help fleet management companies manage and maintain their Android mobile fleet efficiently. Remote management tools, such as device management for Android, allow organizations to manage their Android devices from a central location, regardless of the device location.
One of the key benefits of remote management is the ability to perform app updates, security patches, and other maintenance tasks remotely. For example, most device management solutions offer remote cast for Android devices to screen-share the device from the management console. Scalefusion MDM takes remote management further by controlling Android devices remotely for troubleshooting.
Remote cast and control help organizations ensure that their devices are up to date, which can reduce downtime and improve performance. Another benefit of remote management is the ability to perform remote wipe, which allows organizations to erase data from a device remotely in the event of loss or theft.
Like many industries, the fleet management market is regulated. For regulatory compliance, remote management allows organizations to implement policies. Organizations can also disable certain apps, block website access, set password policies, and other security measures.
4. Use Device Groups to Manage at Scale
Grouping devices is an excellent way to manage devices across multiple locations and use case cases. Organizations can create a device group to manage a subset of devices with a specific use case depending on the business requirement. For example, there can be one group for in-truck Android devices and another for warehouse management devices.
Organizations can create device groups based on geographical locations instead of device type or department. In short, companies can create different combinations of groups based on their deployment strategy.
After creating device groups, companies can implement device messaging to broadcast messages to groups or the entire fleet. Additionally, companies can manage applications – installing new apps, updating new apps, and configuring apps as per policies.
Scalefusion offers a dynamic device feature to ensure all mobile devices under a group satisfy all the requirements to stay compliant. Companies can define the rules and settings the device should meet for compliance. For instance, if a compliance policy requires devices to run the latest Android OS, all devices must meet these requirements.
If a mobile device is non-compliant, MDM puts the conditions of non-compliance in action. It includes creating alerts to the fleet management staff or locking the non-compliant device to safeguard data.
5. Increase Driver Safety and Accessibility
Large commercial vehicles such as trucks or buses face unique safety challenges. Drivers need to stay focused and avoid any distractions. Although mobile devices are crucial for driver performance, they can cause unwanted distractions. Making a video call or installing over-the-top (OTT) apps while driving diverts the attention away from the road, sometimes resulting in tragic collisions.
Companies must ensure drivers access the apps they need while preventing devices from creating distractions on the road. Driving at safe speeds is another crucial element for driver safety.
With Scalefusion’s speed-based locking feature, organizations can encourage drivers to obey safe driving speeds. It simply works by setting a speed limit on every company-owned device under management. When drivers go beyond the safe speed limit, access to essential features such as route optimization, logging of important information, and more is blocked.
Wrapping Up
Mobile Device Management is a cost-effective option for organizations to manage business demands and minimize the risks of driver distraction. With Scalefusion, trucking and logistics companies can –
- Lock down Android devices into essential apps
- Reduce fleet device enrollment time and effort
- Troubleshoot devices remotely
- Update or reboot devices over the air.
Try Scalefusion MDM for 14 days – no cost, no commitment.
