What is OEMConfig? Benefits of OEMConfig and how it is simplifying Android Device Management

Android powers billions of devices worldwide, from smartphones and tablets to rugged handhelds and kiosks. For businesses, Android has become the go-to platform because of its flexible, cost-effective, and widely supported.

But here’s the catch: every original equipment manufacturer, whether it’s Samsung, Zebra, Honeywell, or Lenovo adds its own special features on top of Android. These can include barcode scanners, programmable buttons, security layers, or advanced battery modes. While they are great for industry-specific use cases, managing them remotely can be a nightmare if you only rely on standard Android Enterprise policies.

That’s where Android OEMConfig comes in. It gives IT admins a standardized way to configure and control OEM-specific features directly through a UEM (Unified Endpoint Management) platform.

What is Android OEMConfig?

Android OEMConfig is a special type of app created by device manufacturers (OEMs) and distributed via the managed Google Play Store. It uses the Managed Configurations framework built into Android Enterprise, which allows UEM platforms to access and configure OEM-specific settings.

In simple words: OEMConfig bridges the gap between UEM and device hardware.

Here’s how it looks in practice:

• A Zebra OEMConfig app can provide settings for barcode scanners, DataWedge profiles, and docking behavior.
• A Samsung Knox Service Plugin (KSP) unlocks advanced Wi-Fi, VPN, and security settings.
• A Honeywell UEM Connect app provides controls for power optimization, display brightness, and button remapping.

Instead of IT teams writing custom integrations or dealing with XML scripts, the OEMConfig app “tells” the UEM what settings are available, and the UEM displays them in a clean, interactive UI.

This standardization means UEMs can support any OEM device that publishes an OEMConfig app making Android device management scalable and consistent across multiple brands.

How Does Android OEMConfig Work?

The magic of OEMConfig lies in how it leverages Managed Configurations. Here’s the flow step by step:

1. OEM builds an OEMConfig app: It includes a schema (list of configurable settings).
2. Schema follows Android’s Managed Configurations standard: This ensures compatibility with all Android Enterprise UEMs.
3. UEM fetches the schema: When the app is added, the UEM pulls the schema and auto-generates a UI.
4. Admin configures settings in the UEM console: Using dropdowns, checkboxes, or fields, admin set values like scanner behavior, USB access, or brightness levels.
5. Configuration is pushed to devices: The OEMConfig app receives these commands.
6. OEMConfig applies them via firmware APIs: The device behavior changes instantly, without IT needing physical access.

Example: An admin wants all Zebra handhelds in a warehouse to use “aggressive scan mode.” Instead of staging devices manually, the UEM console deploys the setting via Zebra OEMConfig. Within minutes, all devices update remotely.

This approach makes OEMConfig flexible, scalable, and zero-code for IT teams.

Challenges in managing Android devices without OEM-specific support

At first glance, managing Android devices seems straightforward. Most UEM platforms already support Android Enterprise, which lets admins handle Wi-Fi settings, app policies, password rules, and kiosk lockdowns. But here’s the problem: every OEM adds unique features on top of stock Android and these don’t show up in generic UEM policies.

For example:

• A Zebra handheld may include barcode scanners with multiple trigger modes.
• A Samsung device could support advanced Knox security features.
• A Honeywell rugged device may have programmable buttons or custom power-saving modes.

Without OEMConfig, IT admins face:

• Limited visibility and control: Only basic Android settings are manageable; OEM features remain out of reach.
• Manual configuration headaches: Teams must physically configure each device using vendor tools or staging utilities.
• Inconsistent user experiences: Devices behave differently across shifts or locations if not configured uniformly.
• Scalability issues: Managing 10 devices is possible; managing 1,000 manually is impossible.
• Troubleshooting delays: Without access to OEM-level logs, resolving hardware or firmware issues remotely is difficult.

Imagine rolling out 5,000 devices across retail stores. Without OEMConfig, IT would spend weeks staging each one manually, and still risk misconfiguration.

How does OEM Configuration help manage devices more efficiently?

Without OEMConfig, managing large fleets of Android devices becomes slow, inconsistent, and expensive. With OEMConfig, IT teams get:

• Zero-touch provisioning: Devices can ship straight from the OEM to t=he employee. Once enrolled, OEM-specific settings (scanner, battery,
• Dynamic schema updates: As OEMs release firmware updates, new configuration options are added. The UEM automatically refreshes to show new settings without requiring extra develo
• Consistency at scale: Whether it’s 50 devices or 5,000, IT can apply identical OEM settings across fleets to
• Remote troubleshooting: Need to fix a brightness issue or adjust scanner profiles? IT can do it from the UEM console without recalling the device
• Future-proofing: OEMConfig works across Android versions and device models, so businesses don’t need to redo their configurations when upgrading hardware.

In short: OEMConfig saves time, reduces manual effort, and ensures devices are configured exactly the way the business needs.

Is OEMConfig enough to enhance android device management?

No, OEMConfig isn’t a silver bullet. It is powerful, but it works best when paired with a UEM (Unified Endpoint Management) platform.

Here’s why:

• UEM covers the basics such as enrollment, app management, policy enforcement, security.
• OEMConfig adds depth by unlocking OEM-specific settings that Android alone can’t expose.

Think of it like this: UEM is the engine, and OEMConfig is the turbocharger. One gives you control, the other gives you optimization.

So, while OEMConfig is critical for industries like logistics, retail, healthcare, and manufacturing, the best practice is to use a UEM with strong OEMConfig support. That’s the only way to achieve full lifecycle management of Android devices.

Benefits of using a UEM solution that support OEMConfig 

Using a UEM solution with OEMConfig support unlocks powerful capabilities that go far beyond basic device management. Here’s why enterprises rely on it:

1. Centralized control

Instead of juggling multiple tools or relying on vendor-specific utilities, IT teams can manage both Android Enterprise settings and OEM-level features directly from the UEM console. This means Wi-Fi, apps, kiosk mode, plus barcode scanners, buttons, and battery profiles, all in one place.

2. Granular hardware management

Rugged and enterprise devices come with specialized hardware like scanners, programmable keys, docking stations, and industrial-grade batteries. A UEM with OEMConfig support allows fine-tuned control of these components. For example, setting how scanners behave, adjusting screen sensitivity for gloves, or optimizing battery usage for long shifts.

3. Remote troubleshooting

Without OEMConfig, admins often need to physically handle devices to tweak OEM-specific settings. With OEMConfig-enabled UEMs, IT can remotely diagnose and resolve issues such as scanner misbehavior, screen calibration problems, or USB access restrictions, saving travel costs and reducing downtime.

4. Consistent configurations across fleets

One of the biggest headaches in large deployments is inconsistent setups across devices. With OEMConfig policies applied through a UEM, IT can standardize configurations across thousands of devices, ensuring employees always get the same experience whether they are in a warehouse in India or a retail store in the U.S.

5. Faster onboarding and deployment

Traditional staging methods require IT staff to manually prepare devices, which slows down large rollouts. With UEM + OEMConfig, devices can be zero-touch provisioned, meaning they are configured with both Android and OEM settings automatically as soon as they are enrolled. Employees receive ready-to-use devices out of the box.

6. Lower IT overhead

Manual setups and inconsistent device behavior often result in more IT helpdesk tickets. Standardizing OEM-level settings with a UEM reduces errors and creates predictable device performance, lowering the overall workload on IT teams and freeing them to focus on strategic projects.

7. Enhanced security and compliance

Some industries like healthcare, retail, and government require strict compliance with regulations (HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GDPR). OEMConfig allows firmware-level restrictions, such as disabling USB ports, locking down cameras, or restricting Bluetooth. These policies add an extra layer of security that goes beyond what Android Enterprise alone can provide.

8. Future-proof scalability

Device models and Android versions evolve rapidly, but OEMConfig ensures long-term compatibility. As OEMs update their firmware or add new features, the schema automatically refreshes in the UEM, allowing IT to adopt new controls without rewriting policies or developing custom plugins. This makes it easier to scale operations and stay ahead of upgrades.

Key features to look for in a UEM with OEMConfig support

Not all UEMs offer the same depth of OEMConfig integration. To truly benefit, look for these features:

1. Visual schema UI

• Automatically parses OEMConfig schemas into a simple interface.
• Removes the need for XML or JSON editing.
• Example: Enable/disable USB ports with a toggle switch in the console.

2. Role-based policy assignment

• Apply different OEM settings by role, location, or department.
• Combine Android Enterprise rules with OEM-specific policies in one profile.
• Example: Delivery staff get aggressive scanning, while store staff get kiosk lockdown.

3. OEMConfig profiles

• Prebuilt profiles for scanner behavior, cold boot actions, display brightness, and power modes.
• Ensures hardware-level enforcement, not just software policies.

4. App and network management

• Push apps (Play Store or private) alongside OEMConfig apps.
• Preconfigure Wi-Fi, VPN, or proxy settings for secure and reliable connectivity.

5. Real-time monitoring & compliance

• Track which devices successfully applied policies.
• See error logs for failed configurations and resolve quickly.

6. Multi-version & multi-device support

• Handle both old (legacy) and new (MX-powered) OEMConfig apps.
• Apply different settings to devices running Android 10, 11, or 13+.

With these features, a UEM solution like Scalefusion ensures OEMConfig is not only supported but fully optimized for enterprise needs.

Simplify Android device management with Scalefusion’s OEMConfig support

Managing Android devices doesn’t have to be complicated. Scalefusion UEM provides out-of-the-box OEMConfig support for major manufacturers including:

• Zebra OEMConfig (Legacy & MX versions)
• Samsung Knox Service Plugin (KSP)
• Honeywell UEM Connect
• Lenovo OEMConfig
• Other Managed Configurations apps

With Scalefusion, IT admins don’t need to touch XML files or write scripts, the schema is auto-fetched, parsed, and displayed in a clean UI.

Why Scalefusion stands out?

• Automatic schema parsing for simple and nested configs.
• Easy UI setup for complex OEM features.
• Version compatibility & schema refresh support.
• Deep android & rugged device management
• Remote troubleshooting with remote cast and control feature.
• Flexible enrollment options (Zero-Touch, QR code, Samsung KME)

Whether you are managing corporate Android devices, retail POS tablets, logistics handhelds, or field-ready rugged scanners, Scalefusion makes Android OEMConfig management effortless. 

Watch a demo now or start your 14-day free trial to see how Scalefusion simplifies device management with Android OEMConfig support.