What is Mobile Device Management?

Mobile Device Management, or “MDM,” is a general term that refers the collection of processes, software and hardware that are necessary to transfer information safely and reliably between an array of devices.  The wide variety of devices in reference are smartphones, tablet computers, handheld barcode scanners and printers, rugged mobile computers, as well as many other POS (point of sale) devices.  As mobile technology has advanced it has become the backbone of the logistics, manufacturing and warehousing industries.  It is due to this widespread use of mobile technologies that companies look to “Mobile Data Management” to ensure that operations not only run smoothly and efficiently but also securely.  

At the center of a total MDM solution is a server, or primary computer system, which acts as a hub through which all the given devices on a system communicate.  Just as important is the software that runs on this server as it facilitates all of the communications between all of the devices.  Each of the affiliated devices, such as a mobile barcode printer, receives commands from the server.  Similarly, a wireless barcode scanner retrieves information from a given source and routes it to the server for processing.  In a sense, the server acts as the “brain” of the system with each of the mobile devices attached operating as an extremity.  In a system like this, it is MDM that is charged with making the entire system operate as one.   It is tasked with providing the necessary software and updates OTA (over the air) to connected devices in order maintain an operating environment that promotes efficiency.  With technology and applications constantly being updated it is important to have a way to provide critical updates across the entire network of devices with as quickly as possible.  Given the sensitivity of private information that could be transmitted between devices, MDM must also take into account the safety of data and to prevent breaches.

Overall, Mobile Data Management is analysis of the data from the entire collection of mobile devices that a company relies upon to conduct business and the fulfillment of the necessary of software, commands, and other services that allow it many parts of the system to act as one.  When managed effectively, the true advantages of using wireless technology can be realized.