An introduction to mobile device lifecycle management (MDLM)

Mobile device lifecycle management (MDLM) is the process of managing devices throughout their entire life cycle within an organisation. This includes enrolment, provisioning, deployment, maintenance and retirement of devices including smartphones, handheld computers and rugged tablets. The process covers not just the device but also the data, software and services that they handle and are used for. 

MDLM, often referred to as an enterprise mobility strategy, is an essential part of ongoing tech maintenance that ensures your organisation’s mobile devices are being used securely and efficiently. With a robust lifecycle management system in place, you can protect your critical data, improve employee productivity and reduce unexpected costs. 

While it might sound straightforward to implement, MDLM strategies are usually handled by specialist staff, or the services are outsourced. This is because it can be a costly and complex process to rollout, especially in large organisations. Not only are there a variety of regulations that need to be complied with, but it’s also crucial to ensure a seamless integration with existing systems and workflows. Any disruption caused during implementation will directly affect your workforces productivity and ultimately your profitability, so it’s important to get it right. 

When working with any organisation the three most important lifecycle management benefits include streamlined device management, enhanced security and compliance, and improved productivity. Even in isolation, each of these benefits can have a hugely positive impact on a business, but together they can significantly increase your profitability. How? Let’s discuss. 

Streamlined device management

One of the key reasons MDLM is important for business is its ability to streamline the device management process. With a centralised system in place, MDLM brings all activities including the procurement, deployment, configuration, maintenance and retirement of your devices under one roof. This consolidation eliminates the need to juggle multiple platforms, processes and suppliers; simplifying the management of your estate. 

Enhanced Security and Compliance 

According to a 2022 report by IBM and the Ponemon Institute, the average cost of a security breach in the UK for small businesses is £3.8 million. This figure has increased by 10% in just the past year alone, and is likely to continue to climb with the developing complexity of technology. For small businesses, the cost is around £1.2 million, mid-size businesses will encounter an average cost of £2.4 million for a breach and large organisations bear the brunt of an average cost of £6.6 million for a data breach.

Through centralised security management, MDLM allows for the implementation of stringent security protocols including data encryption, remote wiping and access control. In addition to this, security patches, firewalls, and antivirus software can be installed remotely to further fortify your defences. 

These measures provide an added layer of protection, reducing the vulnerability of your mobile devices to unauthorised access or data breaches. Additionally, MDLM helps ensure compliance with industry regulations and data protection standards, mitigating potential legal and reputational risks.

Improved productivity and efficiency

The ultimate goal of MDLM is to enhance productivity and efficiency within your organisation. By streamlining device management, ensuring security and optimising costs, MDLM empowers your workforce to focus on core business activities, driving productivity. 

Real-time visibility of device performance, a key feature of an enterprise mobility strategy, enables proactive monitoring and troubleshooting. By identifying potential hardware or software issues before they impact productivity, MDLM minimises device downtime and ensures optimal performance. This visibility also helps in analysing device usage patterns and identifying areas for improvement, allowing you to implement targeted training programs or software enhancements to boost workforce efficiency.

We think that it’s clear to see that device lifecycle is crucial for businesses as it streamlines the often unwieldy task of device management, enhances security and compliance and improves productivity and efficiency. By leveraging MDLM you can unlock the full potential of your device estate giving you a competitive edge in today’s dynamic business landscape. 

So, what does the process actually involve? 

Implementing an effective enterprise mobility strategy involves a well-defined roadmap and a systemic approach. There are six key phases that businesses need to consider when embarking on their mobility journey. Let’s explore each of these in detail: 

1. Planning
2. Enrolment
3. Provisioning
4. Deployment
5. Management
6. Retirement

Planning

The planning process is the most critical step in developing a successful enterprise mobile strategy. Taking the time to assess your organisation’s needs, goals, and existing infrastructure is an essential step that cannot be rushed to ensure smooth implementation.

Enrolment

Enrolment is the phase where devices are authorised and enrolled into your mobility management system. Top priorities include ensuring that all devices are securely and efficiently enrolled into the chosen mobile device management (MDM) solution to allow remote management and monitoring of company devices.

Provisioning

Provisioning is the next step in the process and involves configuring your devices to meet the specific requirements of your organisation. By ensuring all devices are equipped with the same baseline configuration, you simplify management and training and further bolster the security requirements of the business. 

Deployment

The deployment phase ensures that your devices are physically distributed to your workforce and are ready for use. During this step, you will collaborate with your provider to determine exactly what applications should be installed on each device. 

Management

Once your devices have been distributed to your workforce, the management process kicks in to help you keep your device policies and applications up to date and aligned with the ever-evolving needs of your business. It typically encompasses ongoing maintenance, incident management, proactive assessments and even training! 

Retirement

Finally, the retirement phase in MDLM marks the end of a device's lifespan and involves the secure deallocation and recovery of devices. This phase is crucial to ensure data security, minimise environmental impact, and plan for future hardware refreshes. The process entails deallocation and recovery, buy-back schemes, and hardware refreshes. 

At The Barcode Warehouse, we understand the intricacies involved in implementing MDLM strategies and the importance of expert guidance throughout the process. Our team of specialists possesses the knowledge and experience to navigate the complexities of mobile device lifecycle management organisations of all sizes.

With our proven track record providing end-to-end MDLM solutions and our dedication to customer success stories, we are your trusted partner in mobile device lifecycle management. We strive to deliver exceptional service, expert advice, and ongoing support to empower your organisation with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in today's mobile-driven landscape.

If your organisation is looking for a trusted partner to streamline your MDLM processes, let our expert team do the hard work for you. With our extensive experience, industry knowledge, and tailored solutions, we can effectively manage your mobile devices and drive operational excellence. 

 As part of our enterprise mobility Managed Services we can provide: 

• A diverse range of MDLM solutions to cater to your organisational needs. Our bespoke managed services allow you to choose the solution that best suits your requirements.
• End-to-end lifecycle management from the acquisition of devices to their retirement. We handle critical tasks such as configuration, distribution and decommissioning. 
• 24/7 support when you need it most. Our dedicated team is available round-the-clock to provide assistance and ensure uninterrupted device management and support. 
• Training and documentation to empower your workforce and stakeholders. A team equipped with the knowledge and skills is a productive, satisfied, one. 

With a successful track record spanning over 20 years, The Barcode Warehouse has assisted 80+ organisations and their subsidiaries in optimising their MDLM processes. By partnering with us, you can benefit from enhanced security, cost reduction and increased productivity. 

Trusting us with your MDLM journey, you can benefit from our deep understanding of industry regulations and best practices. We will work closely with your organisation to assess your specific requirements, develop a tailored strategy, and execute a seamless rollout. Whether it's device procurement, configuration, security management, or retirement planning, our team will guide you every step of the way, ensuring compliance, minimising disruptions, and maximising the value of your mobile device investments.

Want to learn more? We offer a completely free, no obligation consultation to help you assist your mobile device needs and develop a plan for MDLM in your organisation. Book your free consultation today!