Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) are a great way for logistics companies to stay compliant. It helps drivers stay productive and avoid violations and penalties at roadside inspections. To bring the same level of device-centric and mobile security approach, mobile device management is a natural fit for ELD management. And Scalefusion’s kiosk software facilitates the setting up and monitoring of ELDs remotely.
MDM gives fleet managers the added functionality of monitoring driver behavior with real-time alerts. Moreover, device management doubles up as a kiosk software allowing IT admins to lock down devices. It restricts the ELDs to a single or specific set of apps and allows only certain device features. For example, drivers can access GPS, Wi-Fi, etc.
Benefits of Managing ELDs with MDM
- Boost productivity, ensure data security and reduce costs
- Get consistent access to business resources and enterprise apps
- Real-time communication with drivers and live fleet tracking
- Simplify documentation, secure data sharing, and multi-OS platform support
- Manage device misuse and fix device issues remotely
ELD Management with Scalefusion MDM
ELD: Kiosk Mode
Companies can convert mobile phones or tablets into Electronic Logging Devices by locking them in the kiosk mode. Focus is essential when drivers are on the road. And Scalefusion’s kiosk mode creates a dedicated and locked-down user experience on ELDs.
The logging software stays in front and center, and the kiosk mode keeps drivers away from accessing other apps or features on the smartphone/tablet. Drivers will be more productive when there aren’t any non-enterprise approved apps on the ELDs.
Plus, limiting access to apps means less chance of users breaking corporate policy. Scalefusion’s mobile application management feature allows total control over ELD and other apps installed on the user end devices.
IT personnel can push remotely software updates of the ELD app on Android/iOS smartphones and tablets. Furthermore, IT admins can remotely downgrade the application in case the latest version of the logging software is not compatible with mobile devices.
ELD: Management
- Remote troubleshooting: This helps companies to fix issues from anywhere without physically touching the ELD on the vehicle. Scalefusion’s remote cast and control feature simplifies setting up screen sharing between IT support and drivers.
It allows VoIP calls on Android and iOS devices to make communication efficient during a screencast session. To improve the operational experience, Scalefusion seamlessly integrates with popular IT service management tools such as Jira and Freshservice. Teams can create support tickets for remote cast and control sessions from Scalefusion’s web portal.
- Remote tracking: An electronic logging device’s primary focus is the mileage and operating time. While ELDs record vehicle location in some instances, not all ELDs are capable of supplying the same level of information that live GPS tracking can provide.
Companies need vital information such as route history, geofencing, and alerts to get operational control over their fleet of vehicles. Scalefusion MDM monitors the movement in real-time to ensure drivers stay on the road and stick to the designated routes and schedules.
- Device lockdown: With Scalefusion’s kiosk lockdown feature, fleet owners can lock Android devices in either single-app or multi-app mode. The kiosk lockdown feature securely locks down ELD tablets and smartphones, allowing only the Electronic Logbook Application with a few other applications for drivers.
- Speed-based app locking: To make driving safer, the speed-based app lockdown feature can also be configured to disable access to apps on overspeeding vehicles. IT teams can enable speed-based app locking on the ELDs and lock the devices when drivers cross the speed limit. For continuity, drivers can get access to certain, essential applications, for instance, GPS apps while other apps such as video streaming or communication can be blocked.
- Reports and workflows: Scalefusion lets companies create a wide range of reports that help to measure, manage and improve operations. Specifically, fleet managers can assess driver productivity by generating location reports to monitor the time drivers spend at a particular location. The reporting feature allows managers to download data usage reports that can assist in saving mobile data and reducing waste.
Teams can create workflows to automate routine tasks and set alerts when ELD configurations fall out of compliance or go offline.
ELD: Security
An ELD automatically captures a lot of data elements such as date, time, location, engine hours, miles, and identification information of the driver. This sensitive information needs to be secured. Other security concerns include:
- Installing malicious apps from unauthorized sources: Companies may need to block apps on ELDs for various reasons. They may be blocked to prevent malicious apps for data security, certain apps may decrease productivity or apps that use a lot of data.
- Visiting unsafe (phishing/malware) websites: With Scalefusion MDM, IT admins can create a blacklist and whitelist of apps on Android devices. The blacklisted features stop users from installing or accessing apps present in the list.
- Device theft or loss: If a device is lost or stolen and there is sensitive data on it, companies can make use of the Remote Wipe on Android feature to delete the ELD’s contents. Also, lock the device to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the device.
- Connectivity to unsafe networks: As the first line of defence, companies need to have a strong password policy to manage unauthorized access. They can configure and enforce password policies in compliance with their organizational requirements. Similarly, configure Wi-Fi through Scalefusion to block drivers from connecting to unsecured networks and VPNs.
Read more: ELD Mandate in Canada: Everything You Need to Know
Wrapping Up
Besides complying with Canadian ELD mandates and evolving regulations, the primary reason for an ELD is to improve driver safety. Mobile device management can offer additional ways for the devices to improve the safety of drivers and fleet management businesses.
Scalefusion’s fleet management capability, for example, disables access to vital apps when drivers exceed a certain speed restriction, preventing them from speeding. Companies should consider MDM software to provide a safer work environment for drivers while ensuring device health and monitoring.
