Unified Endpoint Management

Nadav Avni at Radix Technologies explains how to build a seamless employee experience with UEM

Many think that a Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) system is detrimental to employee experience. The truth is that it can help build a seamless process that makes everyone’s jobs easier. Here’s how.

For many employees, connecting to the corporate network is something they simply take for granted. Upon arrival at the office, they just whip out their laptops or smartphones, log into the network, and get to work. Nobody even notices the UEM (Unified Endpoint Management) platform working in the background.

UEM represents the latest iteration of device management, and it’s responsible for the management, maintenance, and security of all connected devices. Presently, all roads lead to the widespread adoption of UEM, which is replacing previous management systems such as Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) and Mobile Device Management (MDM). In fact, analysts foresee UEM growing from a $5.41 billion industry in 2021 to one that’s worth more than $38 billion by 2028.

Understanding the modern employee experience

IT administrators had it easier back when they managed mobile networks that only accepted specific devices. In the case of Mobile Device Management, each connected unit served as a dedicated device until the user logged off. This legacy system gave way to the newer Enterprise Mobility Management, which offered several advantages. Chief among these was each users’ ability to register and connect with their personal devices via Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD).

Thanks to improved technology, modern office networks can streamline the processes and enable remote work activity. A proliferation of mobile appliances also marks the current landscape—collectively called the Internet of Things (IoT). 

These developments require an equally forward-looking platform to better manage and secure all connected devices. As such, Unified Endpoint Management became the gold standard. In addition to allowing for enterprise-grade device management (similar to EMM), it also facilitates the inclusion and administration of IoT devices in the cloud network.

Improving employee efficiency

As the latest evolution of mobile device management, UEM brings the added functionality that modern networks require. Even post-pandemic, many employees still work remotely—even if only a couple of days per week.

Unfortunately, one of the major drawbacks of the work-from-home scenario is increased vulnerability to cyber-crime activities. With so many external devices wired remotely to the corporate network, IT administrators have to work double time to secure each connection.

While previous device management systems focused on each connected device’s applications and content, UEM adopts a different approach. The platform leverages its cloud connectivity to manage not just the devices but users’ access levels as well. UEM also checks all activities, making sure only those that conform to set policies are allowed to proceed.

Here, both EMM and UEM permit only specific user classes to launch applications and open files while connected to the network. Therefore, operating system settings and collected user data remain safe from unauthorized users. Without the proper credentials, connected devices remain inaccessible and unusable.

However, while UEM allows bulk importing of user profiles as well as managing multiple corporate networks, EMM can only manage user profiles on a lesser scale.

IoT connectivity

UEM goes beyond supporting phones, laptops, and tablets by also accepting dedicated devices like printers, smart watches, and IoT devices. It enables such equipment to connect to other devices within the network to transmit and receive data freely.

Smart appliances are numbered among some of the more popular IoT devices. Think of manufacturing plant monitors that measure equipment temperature or RFID tags that track the movement of products from the production floor to the warehouse. Having the ability to communicate with other smart devices in the network allows IoT units to share real-time data that’s crucial to operational efficiency.

Creating a seamless experience

An increasing number of devices (or endpoints) are joining business operations. This makes it essential for companies to include a modern, reliable device management platform among their software investments. IoT endpoints are connecting to the corporate network en masse—and only UEM can provide the needed technology.

Imagine having a manufacturing operation that includes logistics and warehousing. The former deals with bringing in raw materials and taking out finished goods and byproducts. Meanwhile, warehousing stockpiles and manages inventories and dispatches them to waiting dealers and distributors.

At every step of the process, smart devices monitor everything from air quality to the date of manufacture to inventory control number. Finance, sales, and logistics teams will want to get real-time updates on these items. For instance, they want to know whether the last production run was completed without a hitch—and on time—as well as whether there’s sufficient stock in the warehouse.

Having endpoint devices monitor the processing and transmission of critical information helps keep data flowing. As a result, data scientists have time to gather insights and make recommendations. Meanwhile, executives can access real-time information on which to base their decisions.

Using UEM for user-friendly devices

Companies that manage large numbers of employees—along with their multiple smart devices—require nothing less than UEM for their device management needs. Furthermore, corporations should consider factoring in the need for efficient communication with third-party partners and regulatory agencies.

With so many endpoints needing access to the corporate network, UEM is the platform most qualified to handle the management, maintenance, and security of each connected device. Add to that the reality that not all devices will come from the same manufacturer—or run using the same operating system. This is where UEM systems can provide agnostic device management services that also include other smart and IoT devices.

Moving forward, UEM is the way to go

Connecting to the network requires each device to utilize the latest OS and firmware versions. Applications running in every endpoint will also need current software updates or fixes to continue uninterrupted connectivity. Having a reliable UEM platform means that all endpoints will get the device management services they need.

Companies investing in endpoints can increase operational efficiency, promote proactive maintenance practices, and foster fact-based decision-making. That makes it essential to invest in the right management platform—one that keeps your smart devices working optimally.

Legacy systems like MDM and EMM have served their purpose. Now, it’s time to make the smart choice by investing in a Unified Endpoint Management platform

Nadav Avni is CMO of Radix Technologies

Main image courtesy of iStockPhoto.com