The evolution from traditional, client-based management to modern management and the introduction of mobile devices into the modern workplace has resulted in IT admins being able to equip their distributed workforce with devices that enable them to get work done on the go. However, in certain situations—for instance, when workers are assigned tasks on a shift basis—assigning each user a dedicated device can:
- Increase the IT inventory management load.
- Result in the wasteful allocation of resources across the organization.
- Take up a significant part of the organization’s budget.
It can be incredibly time-consuming, and even impossible, to manually configure work devices to function as shared devices while ensuring they are secure and compliant with the organization’s policies. Mobile Device Manager Plus helps IT admins counter these disadvantages by provisioning shared devices from a central console.
What are shared devices?
Shared devices are run-of-the-mill mobile devices that are configured to allow different employees to use the same device at different times. These devices can be accessed by a set of users, with each user having their own personal workspace on the device that has been provisioned with the necessary apps, permissions, and restrictions. This way, every user has access to the resources they need during their shift, while the IT admin has a smaller device inventory to manage and secure.
What benefits can you expect from Android shared devices?
ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus enables IT admins to remotely automate the configuration of Android shared devices.
Federate device access
Mobile Device Manager Plus can be integrated with directory services, like Azure AD, on-premises AD, and Zoho Directory, to allow users to gain access to the device with their directory credentials entered into a dedicated authenticator app on the device.
Ensure robust security
Implement granular security measures on the device, like blocking the downloads of third-party and malicious apps; dictating Wi-Fi, VPN, and proxy configurations; forced encryption; and reset prevention. Devices can even be locked down to a single app or a set of apps to prevent misuse, and their location can be tracked to ensure they stay within the intended area. In case the IT admin requires complete access to a locked-down device, they can do so through Admin Mode, which requires an additional passcode.
Enhance the user experience
Set up work hour time windows during which users are automatically logged out of the device, and configure guest mode to allow guest users to access the device without authentication for a set duration. Devices can also be viewed and controlled remotely from the Mobile Device Manager Plus console to resolve any technical issues, thereby eliminating the time consumed in manually sorting out these issues.
Create a fresh workspace for users
During logout, local files, SMS messages, call history, device contacts, and app data can be set to be automatically wiped from the device. This serves as a measure to secure device data and prevent the unauthorized access of the previous user’s workspace, as well as to create a new workspace for the next user.
Configure shared devices with ease
Want to cash in on the benefits of deploying shared Android devices in your organization? Try Mobile Device Manager Plus for free for 30 days and enhance how work devices are used in your organization!
Nice article.. Can you advise on how this can be setup? Already a user of MDM from Manage Engine but i cannot find this option