We live in an age where almost every business uses some form of mobile technology. It has become an indispensable part of how we communicate, manage processes and provide services to our customers. Yet long before this technology became a business mainstay, it was firmly entrenched in the lifestyle of consumers. The upshot? These consumers are now bringing their devices, usage habits and personal data in the workplace.
If your organisation provides devices to staff or allows them to use their personal device for business purposes (also known as BYOD or Bring Your Own Device) it can open up a series of challenges for your IT team, particularly around data security and personal privacy. These concerns are not new, but they are growing due to an increasingly mobile and often remote workforce, employee turnover, and the rapid pace of technological change.
One of the most practical, versatile and accessible solutions today is mobile device management (MDM). MDM is a cloud-based system that enables your IT team to centrally manage data and have access to that data, plus manage the use of multiple accounts and identities on individual devices.
This approach offers two considerable benefits for business owners. These benefits include:
- Improved operational efficiency – Centralised management means faster and more standardised individual and bulk deployment of new and updated devices and apps – so you can channel IT resources towards more strategic projects.MDM also empowers staff to perform a number of tasks independently without waiting for IT help, such as self-activating a new or updated device, downloading approved apps and accessing basic technical support such as password resetting. This means your team members experience less downtime due to technical changes, and feel more in control of their performance.
- Improved data security – Mobile Device Management allows your organisation to maintain high level data security without the need for substantial on-the-ground resources.Your IT team can set clear parameters for each user on access and editing rights to every aspect of your system – including documents, apps, settings and notifications – with the flexibility to make modifications remotely when circumstances change.
MDM also enables your devices to be protected by device level encryption and software that automatically detects security breaches. Threats ranging from unauthorised wi-fi access and lost or stolen devices to malware and jailbreaking can be managed swiftly and thoroughly by pre-defined measures like remote lock, device wipe or quarantine.
As organisations, the workforce and technology evolve, new opportunities and new challenges will arise for business owners. Agility and responsiveness to change, whether that be a rapid expansion, a new policy rollout or the transition from in-house to remote teams, are fundamental to success. Managing scenarios like this in the midst of a growing BYOD culture (nearly 60% of organisations permit employees to use their personal device for work) requires a flexible approach. Mobile Device Management is a practical solution that protects both employer and employee, allowing business owners and their IT teams to focus on strategic growth, rather than day to day management and troubleshooting.
If change and meeting your customers’ needs is a constant, doing nothing isn’t an option. Be sure you are partnering with a company with the depth and breadth of expertise you require. Particularly one who can help you navigate end-to-end managed services, cloud, mobile and paperless office technology. GPK consultant, Ben Holian, is available for a no obligation discussion on how GPK can help you reduce operational costs, manage your IT footprint more effectively and create an exceptional experience for your customers. Contact: Phone 1300 000 475 or email info@gpkgroup.com.au for more information.
