There was a time, perhaps only recently, when you purchased mobile devices for only one reason — to capture information from vehicles and drivers. Then came smart phones and tablet devices. Now all employees want to be using apps inside and outside the office to stay productive.
According to a recent survey from research firm Strategy Analytics, enterprises are planning to purchase 44 percent more Android tablets and 34 percent more iPads over the next 12 months. It also found that enterprises are paying for nearly 80 percent of related smartphone costs and replacing them every 13 months.
Managing this influx of devices can present a major IT challenge. How can companies support a whole new set of software apps and operating systems from the likes of Apple, Google (Android) and Microsoft (Windows Mobile)? Will you need to increase IT staffing to secure company data, update software, troubleshoot and repair software, among other tasks?
Fortunately, virtually any of these tasks can be done without having to physically touch devices.
Andrews Distributing, one of the largest beer distributors in the United States, has deployed about 1,000 mobile devices to its drivers and sales people. The company delivers across the state of Texas within 24 hours of customers placing their orders. It cannot afford service failures due to technical issues or inoperable devices.
Drivers are using rugged, Windows Mobile devices from Motorola and Intermec. Sales people are using iPads. About 90 percent of the applications installed on its devices are the same. All are equipped with email and a time tracking system for payroll, for instance. The main difference is that drivers’ devices have an application to track delivery details and the iPads have office applications.
To keep its mission-critical technology running smoothly, Andrews Distributing implemented an enterprise mobile device management (MDM) system called SOTI MobiControl. The system works by installing an agent on the devices to enable communication with the MobiControl server.
