The day-to-day life of an IT professional is often divided into two modes of work: the reactive mode, which consists of putting out fires and solving urgent problems, and the strategic mode, which involves planning, improving, and building the technological infrastructure of the future.
The trap is that a manual management approach or the use of inadequate tools keeps you stuck in reactive mode, consuming all your time and energy.
This post presents a work methodology based on the device lifecycle that allows you to break this cycle. We will analyze how a strategic approach, from initial deployment to secure retirement, frees you from repetitive tasks and positions you as a key player in your company’s innovation.
The benefits of a strategic Android Management
Before we dive into the methodology, it’s essential to understand the impact that this change in focus has on your daily work.
- Reduction of administrative overhead
Free yourself from repetitive tasks that don’t add value. Spend less time on initial configurations, app installations, and manual updates, and more on high-impact projects that move the company forward.
- Centralized and proactive security
Forget the uncertainty. Ensure that every device complies with company security policies from the very first minute and respond to incidents like loss or theft in seconds, not hours.
- Complete visibility for informed decisions
Abandon obsolete spreadsheets. Get a real-time hardware and software inventory for effortless audits and make critical decisions based on 100% reliable and up-to-date data.
- Seamless end-user experience
Employees come first. Deliver devices that are ready to use, eliminating initial technological frustration and allowing them to be productive from day one, which translates into fewer support tickets for you.
“One of the main advantages for us is the consistency that Applivery brings. Our technicians can take any shared device and know that it will have the exact same configuration and apps, ready to use.”
Christian Braybrooke CTO (Chief Technology Officer), Velogik
Phase 1: mass deployment and configuration of Android devices
The first step is to eliminate manual configuration and streamline the enrollment process completely. The objective is for a new device to be sent directly to the employee and be ready to be productive in minutes.
Zero-Touch enrollment
This is the starting point. Through the Android Zero-Touch program, devices you purchase are registered in your Applivery console even before they leave their box. When the employee turns it on for the first time and connects to a network, the device auto-enrolls and is immediately and mandatorily placed under your management.
Profile-Based configuration
Instead of configuring device by device, in Applivery you create reusable policy profiles. For example, a profile for “Sales” and another for “Logistics.” Within each profile, you precisely define all aspects of the device.
- Connectivity
Automatically configure Wi-Fi networks (including passwords) and necessary VPN profiles.
- Security
Enforce device encryption and set complex password requirements (length, character type, etc.).
- Applications (MAM)
Deploy the necessary apps from your own Enterprise App Store. You can create whitelists (only approved apps can be used) and blacklists (specific apps like social media or games are prohibited from being installed).
- Content
Distribute essential files, such as PDF catalogs, manuals, or welcome material, directly to the device’s file system.
Phase 2: app control and Kiosk Mode for Android
Once a device is deployed, it must be managed proactively to ensure its proper use and security. This phase is dedicated to gaining a 360-degree view of your fleet in real time , focusing on app management and continuous auditing.
Kiosk Mode for single-purpose devices
For specific roles, you can transform a standard tablet or mobile into a dedicated tool. Kiosk Mode restricts the device to running only one or several selected applications. It is ideal for:
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Point of Sale (POS) terminals in stores.
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Inventory management devices in warehouses.
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Information or registration points at events and receptions.
Continuous visibility and auditing
From the Applivery console, you have a 360-degree view of your fleet in real-time. This includes a detailed inventory of:
- Hardware: model, serial number, battery status, storage.
- Software: OS version, security patch level, list of installed apps.
This information is a key requirement for compliance audits and for detecting unauthorized or vulnerable software. It provides a detailed inventory of your hardware and software in real time.
Phase 3: security protocols and remote wipe
Inevitably, unexpected events will arise. This phase provides the necessary security protocols and remote actions, which are vital where a rapid reaction time is needed to prevent a data breach.
Protocol for loss or theft
If a device is lost, reaction time is critical. With Applivery, you can execute a sequence of remote actions instantly:
- GPS location
Attempt to locate the device for a possible recovery.
- Remote lock
Disable the device and display a personalized message on the screen.
- Data wipe
If recovery is not possible, perform a wipe. You can choose between a selective wipe (deletes only the work container and company data) or a complete wipe that returns it to its factory state.
Secure device retirement (offboarding)
When an employee leaves the company, their device must be securely removed from the fleet. The process is simple: from the console, a corporate data wipe command is sent, and once completed, the device is removed from management, revoking all accesses and configurations.
The Applivery approach vs. traditional solutions
Not all management solutions are created equal. Applivery provides a single, easy-to-use platform that contrasts sharply with the fragmented and complicated tools on the market.
| Feature | Applivery | Traditional solutions |
|---|---|---|
|
Platform coverage |
Unified Management (UEM): control your Android, iOS, and macOS devices from a single console. |
Siloed platforms: often specialized in a single OS, forcing you to use multiple tools. |
|
Ease of use |
Intuitive interface and quick onboarding: designed to be easy to use from minute one. |
Steep learning curves: complex platforms that require extensive training. |
|
Support model |
Close and expert support: direct access to our team of engineers to solve your challenges. |
Impersonal and slow support: ticket systems and long waiting times. |
Move from reaction to srategy
Breaking the cycle of manual tasks is the first step to transforming not only your fleet management, but the role of your IT department. With Applivery’s tools, you stop being a problem solver to become a driver of strategic change.
To learn more and view our documentation, you can discover firsthand from a specialist how this methodology can transform your fleet management. Schedule a no-obligation demo and see for yourself everything Applivery can do for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What level of technical knowledge do I need to use Applivery?
Our platform is designed to be powerful yet accessible. If you have systems administration knowledge, you'll feel comfortable. Our guided onboarding will allow you to be productive from day one.
My company only uses Android devices; is Applivery still a good option?
Absolutely. Although our platform is a complete UEM solution, our Android functionalities are top-notch. Starting with us means that if you incorporate Apple devices in the future, you won't need to search for and learn how to use a new tool.
How secure is the communication between devices and the Applivery platform?
Security is our top priority. All communication between the agent on the device and our servers is end-to-end encrypted using industry-standard protocols like TLS. In addition, our infrastructure complies with security regulations like SOC 2, ensuring that your data is protected both in transit and at rest.
Is it possible to manage devices that are already in use (BYOD - Bring Your Own Device)
Yes. While Zero-Touch deployment is ideal for new devices, existing devices can be easily enrolled by sending a link or a QR code to the user. For BYOD cases, we recommend using Android Enterprise Work Profiles, which create a secure and separate container for company data and apps, maximizing employee privacy in their personal space.
Our device fleet will grow significantly. Is Applivery a scalable solution?
Completely. Applivery is a native cloud platform designed to scale. You can manage from ten to thousands of devices with the same ease and efficiency. Profile-based automation is the key to scaling your fleet without needing to proportionally increase the size of your IT team.
