Mobile Device Management vs. Mobile Expense Management

Do you feel like your mobile devices are out to test your patience? One minute, they cooperate, and the next, they throw you a curveball.

Managing them effectively—especially in a workplace setting—can get tricky, but it is doable with the right tools. That’s where Mobile Device Management (MDM) steps in, helping IT teams keep devices secure, organized, and running smoothly.

But hold on a second. While MDM takes care of the what—your devices—what about the how much? To ensure you’re not spending a fortune, Mobile Expense Management (MEM) is here to help. 

Understanding the key differences and benefits of MDM and MEM is essential. They offer you control over your company’s mobile devices, ensuring security and cost-effectiveness. 

So, are you ready to dive in? In this guide, we’ll focus on how MDM and MEM work, why they matter, and how they can help your business thrive in a world that’s always on the move. So, let’s get started!

What is mobile device management?

Mobile device management (MDM) is a security solution that gives you centralized control over all mobile devices, even if they are part of the BYOD (bring-your-own-device) policy. And the best part? It simplifies the process of monitoring, managing, and securing devices, reducing the workload of IT teams.

MDM protects critical data and ensures that devices adhere to business regulations. MDM not only keeps your devices secure but it is also packed with features that boost productivity and efficiency. For instance, features like customizable device policies, browser configuration, app management and configuration,  enhance device management capabilities establishing an improved security posture. 

What is mobile expense management?

Mobile expense management (MEM) helps businesses monitor and control the costs tied to their mobile devices. It tracks usage, handles billing, and uncovers ways to reduce expenses.

With MEM, companies get a clear picture of where their mobile budget is going—whether it’s data charges, roaming fees, or app subscriptions. This makes it much easier to detect money waste.  

MEM allows you to stay on top of your budget, avoiding surprises and providing detailed insights into mobile expenses. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about ensuring every dollar spent on mobile devices supports the team and its goals. 

What are the key differences between MDM and MEM?

Managing mobile devices in the workplace is about keeping them secure and costs in check. That’s why companies often look to Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Mobile Expense Management (MEM) to get the job done. 

While these solutions are complementary, they serve different purposes. Understanding the differences can help you decide which software is the best for you. You might also find out that your company would benefit from both solutions. 

Let’s look at the brief breakdown of how MDM and MEM differ:

Feature	Mobile Device Management (MDM)	Mobile Expense Management (MEM)
Core Purpose	Securing and managing devices.	Optimizing mobile costs.
Focus	Security, configuration, and compliance of devices.	Cost tracking, billing, and budget optimization.
Key Functions	Remote app management or policy enforcement.	Usage tracking or cost analysis.
Scope	All device types.	Mobile service-related expenses.
Target Audience	IT teams.	Economic teams.
Benefits	Ensures data protection and user compliance.	Reduces mobile costs.

So, how do MDM and MEM work together? While MDM is all about controlling and protecting devices, MEM zooms in on the financial side. Together, they provide a complete strategy for effectively managing your company’s devices.

For example, if an MDM tool detects a device using excessive data, MEM can analyze if it’s linked to an expensive app or an unnecessary subscription.

Is MDM or MEM a better fit for your company? Or do you need both?

MDM is essential if your company wants to keep mobile devices secure. It’s the go-to solution for IT teams, offering centralized control, policy enforcement, and remote troubleshooting. Any organization handling sensitive data or managing a fleet of devices should prioritize MDM.

On the other hand, if you’re struggling to manage mobile bills, MEM can help trim costs and optimize budgets. It’s handy for companies with significant telecom expenses or employees who frequently travel and rack up roaming charges. 

MEM ensures your mobile spending is aligned with your company’s goals. Additionally, tracking recurring costs helps businesses maintain better financial control and reduce unnecessary spending on mobile devices. 

For many businesses, the best answer is both. While MDM keeps devices secure and compliant, MEM keeps costs under control. They create a seamless mobile management strategy that balances security and savings.

Why MDM is a Must-Have

Even if your primary focus is cutting costs, MDM can’t be overlooked. Without secure and compliant devices, overspending might be the least of your worries. Data breaches, lost devices, or non-compliance penalties could cost your business far more.

Start with MDM to establish strong device management with its various forms. Adding MEM can help optimize costs and maximize value once your devices are secured. 

What are other forms of MDM?

Why dive into the complexity of mobile device management? Because finding the right tools makes all the difference. From securing apps to managing content, each type of MDM solution brings unique features to the table, keeping your devices secure and easy to manage.

Let’s break down the key types of MDM solutions and how they work together to simplify mobile management.

1 Mobile Application Management (MAM)

Do you think you’re getting the most out of your business apps? Mobile Application Management (MAM) allows you to manage the apps employees use on their devices. 

It ensures business mobile applications are secure, up-to-date, and follow company policies. 

• Key Features: Manages app upgrades and deployment and provides app-level security.
• Benefits: Increases productivity with effective app deployment and strengthens data security by separating personal data from business applications.

For companies focused on app-specific security and compliance, MAM is a must. It empowers IT teams to control apps without interfering with personal data—a massive win for employees using BYO devices.

2 Mobile Content Management (MCM)

Have you ever wondered if your documents are playing hide-and-seek? Mobile Content Management (MCM) can help you avoid this frustration.

MCM is concerned with sharing and storing content on mobile devices in an encrypted format. Without compromising security, it guarantees that staff members have access to the appropriate resources regardless of time and location.  

• Key Features: Secure content sharing and controlled access to documents.
• Benefits: Fosters productivity and streamlines operations.

By controlling content permissions and distribution, Mobile Content Management (MCM) assists you in keeping your data accessible. 

3 Mobile Information Management (MIM)

Mobile information management (MIM) aims to secure and manage data stored on mobile devices. It guarantees the security of your documents by encryption and access limitation for unauthorized people.

• Key Features: Data encryption and access control for sensitive information.
• Benefits: Protects data confidentiality and integrity, simplifies compliance with laws and regulations, and guards against data breaches.

Furthermore, MIM enables the setting up data usage guidelines, guaranteeing that information is utilized correctly on all devices. For added protection, this system supports remote data removal if a device is lost or stolen. 

4 Mobile Security Management (MSM)

Mobile Security Management (MSM) is a shield for your mobile devices. Its main goal is protecting devices from threats like malware, phishing attacks, or unwanted access. 

• Key Features: Protects mobile devices against cyber attacks.
• Benefits: Preserves device integrity, guards against breaches, and guarantees data security.

It is the first line of defense regarding mobile device protection. With MSM in place, businesses can ensure their devices and their data stays secure.

MSM has become even more critical for companies that use BYOD policies. Employees’ personal devices might lack built-in business-level protections, making them vulnerable to security attacks. MSM bridges that gap by enforcing security policies across all personal or company-owned devices.

5 Unified Endpoint Management (UEM)

Do you feel like you need a superhero to manage all your devices? Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) is an MDM multitool for your business. It simplifies operations by letting you manage all your mobile, desktop, and beyond from one central platform. 

Scalefusion offers a powerful UEM solution that makes securing and controlling various devices easy, regardless of the operating system. 

• Key Features: Endpoint administration is centralized.
• Benefits: Improves security and simplifies IT processes.

UEM will tighten security and keep everything running smoothly, no matter how complex your tech setup gets.

What kind of MDM solution do you need?

Choosing the right mobile management solution depends on your company’s specific needs. Here’s a quick guide to help:

Choose MAM, MCM, or MIM if you need:

• App-specific management or enhanced content and data security.
• A targeted approach to managing specific aspects of your mobile ecosystem.

Opt for UEM if:

• You need centralized control of mobile devices, desktops, and other endpoints.

MDM is the base of a mobile management strategy for most businesses. It ensures your devices are secure, compliant, and easy to manage. Adding specialized tools like MAM, MCM, or UEM on top of MDM can help with specific needs, such as apps or content management, for even greater efficiency and security.

9 Factors to Consider When Choosing an MDM

Picking the right Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution for your business isn’t only about ticking boxes—it’s about finding the perfect fit. A good MDM keeps your devices secure, your IT team happy, and your operations running smoothly. We summarized the top nine functions to keep in mind when making your choice.

1. Ease of Use: Look for simple software to set up and easy for your team to navigate. 
2. Compatibility: Ensure the MDM works seamlessly with all your devices—smartphones, tablets, laptops, and across different operating systems.
3. Security Features: Prioritize strong security tools like remote wipe, encryption, and robust compliance measures to keep your data safe.
4. Scalability: Your MDM should grow with you. If you add more devices or scale operations, the solution should adapt to your needs.
5. Support and Service: Reliable customer support is a must. Choose a provider known for responsive assistance to tackle any hiccups along the way.
6. Cost: Make sure the pricing aligns with your budget while still delivering all the features you need.
7. Integration: Your MDM should play nicely with your existing tools and systems. Bonus points if it integrates with other software to boost scalability.
8. Policy Management: Look for tools that let you enforce device policies, manage compliance, and maintain control over your mobile ecosystem.
9. Reporting and Analytics: Detailed reports and insights are key. They’ll help you track device usage, monitor performance, and make data-driven decisions.

Enhance your MDM capabilities with Scalefusion

Scalefusion checks all these boxes. It’s designed to handle the needs of a modern business, from ease of use to powerful security features or reporting tools. Keep these factors in mind when choosing the MDM solution, and you will not regret it! 

If you’re looking for a solution that’s secure, efficient, and easy to use, Scalefusion MDM is the answer. It simplifies mobile management and ensures your devices and data stay protected—no matter where or how they’re being used. Ready to make mobile management effortless? Start with Scalefusion MDM today.