Humans are not perfect. And the systems humans build are far from perfect (yes, I said it. And I am looking at you, Gen AI). It is safe to say that technology has tremendously helped reduce human errors, from critical functions like medicine and surgery to daily tasks such as writing grammatical-error-free text. However, the larger the stakes and the more people involved, the more room for error. Especially as technological systems become more mature and need less human intervention, the obligation on humans driving those systems is bigger.
And the errors can be catastrophic.
This is why the concept of dual approval, or what the world popularly calls a “maker-checker,” has been around forever and still finds its apt place across all industries.
In this article, let’s understand the concept of maker-checker and also learn how it fits into enterprise mobility.
What is a Maker-Checker?
The term “maker-checker” refers to a control mechanism or process often used in organizational workflows, particularly in the context of financial transactions, data entry, or other critical activities. The basic idea is to involve two individuals in the process: the “maker” and the “checker.”
Maker: The maker is responsible for initiating a task, such as creating a document, entering data, or performing a transaction. They are the ones who initially draft or input information.
Checker: The checker is a second person, separate from the maker, who reviews and verifies the work done by the maker. Their role is to check for errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the work of the maker. The checker ensures that the task is carried out accurately and complies with relevant policies and procedures.
The maker-checker system enhances accuracy and reduces the risk of errors or fraudulent activities. It introduces a layer of validation by involving a second person to verify the work of the first independently. Implementing a maker-checker system can contribute to increased accountability, transparency, and overall quality control within an organization. Think of it as an additional layer of assurance that important tasks are carried out correctly and by established standards.
Where is the Maker-checker Used?
The maker-checker system finds applications in various fields and industries where accuracy, accountability, and quality control are crucial.
Some common areas where this approach is used include:
- Financial Transactions: In banking and finance, especially for high-value transactions or critical financial operations, a maker-checker system is often implemented to ensure accuracy and prevent errors or fraudulent activities.
- Data Entry and Validation: Organizations dealing with large volumes of data, such as customer information, inventory records, or research data, may use a maker-checker process to minimize data entry errors and maintain data integrity.
- Document Approval and Review: In document-centric workflows, like legal documents, contracts, or regulatory filings, a maker-checker system helps ensure that documents are accurately prepared before final approval.
- Administrative Processes: In administrative tasks, like personnel management or procurement processes, a maker-checker system can be used to review and validate decisions made by individuals, reducing the likelihood of mistakes.
- Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: Industries with strict regulatory compliance requirements, such as healthcare or finance, often implement maker-checker processes to ensure adherence to regulations and standards.
- Software Development: In software development, especially in critical systems or projects, a maker may write the code, and a checker may review it to identify bugs, security vulnerabilities, or coding errors.
- Security Protocols: Access control and security systems may use a maker-checker approach to validate changes to user permissions, system configurations, or other security-sensitive settings.
- Quality Assurance: Manufacturing and production processes may utilize maker-checker mechanisms to verify the quality of products, ensuring that they meet specified standards and criteria.
- Audit and Compliance Checks: Internal and external audits often involve a maker-checker process to independently verify financial statements, compliance with policies, and adherence to audit standards.
By incorporating the maker-checker approach in these areas, organizations can enhance their internal controls, reduce the risk of errors, and improve overall process reliability. It provides an extra layer of assurance and accountability in critical tasks and workflows.
Maker-checker in Mobile Device Management
In Mobile Device Management (MDM) or Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM), the maker-checker system can play a crucial role in ensuring the security, compliance, and efficient management of mobile devices within an organization. Often referred to as admin approval mode, the maker-checker helps drive organizational security and compliance while eliminating human errors. Especially for organizations that manage their enterprise mobility in a multi-admin administration, where one super admin and multiple admins manage the devices via a single console, the maker-checker serves as a critical additional step beyond the conventional role-based access control.
Here are some ways in which the maker-checker system is important in this context:
- Security Controls
The maker-checker system can be applied to changes in security settings, access permissions, or configurations on mobile devices. This helps prevent unauthorized changes and ensures that security measures are consistently applied.
- Device Provisioning and Decommissioning
When provisioning new mobile devices or decommissioning old ones, a maker may initiate the process by entering device details, and a checker can review to confirm that the process adheres to security protocols and compliance standards.
- Application Deployment and Updates
In the deployment of new applications or updates to existing ones, a maker may initiate the process, and a checker can review the proposed changes to ensure compatibility, security, and adherence to organizational policies.
- Policy Enforcement
Maker-checker can be used to enforce and review compliance with mobile device usage policies. For example, a maker might configure policies for secure passwords, device encryption, or app usage, and a checker can verify compliance with these policies.
- Remote Device Wiping
In cases where a device needs to be wiped remotely due to loss or theft, a maker may initiate the wipe request, and a checker can confirm the legitimacy of the request to prevent unauthorized data loss.
Implementing a maker-checker system or multi-admin approval policies in mobile device management adds an extra layer of verification, reducing the risk of errors, ensuring compliance with security policies, and enhancing overall control over the organization’s mobile infrastructure. This is particularly important as the use of mobile devices continues to grow in the business environment.
In the context of Windows device management, admin approval mode is a more commonly used term to describe the maker-checker functionality. Admin approval mode is the state in which the system requires explicit approval from an administrator before certain actions can be executed.
Closing Lines….
In a world where human and technological imperfections coexist, the Maker-Checker duo stands strong. Whether it’s in mobile tech or software, it helps keep things secure and under control. As we move through this changing world, think about how important this double-checking process is, especially when managing fragmented devices in geographically distributed enterprise environments.
Watch out this space for further updates! Meanwhile, get started with a 14-day free trial.
