An IT professional’s day is often split between two work modes: reactive, which involves putting out fires and solving urgent problems, and strategic, which involves planning, improving, and building the technology infrastructure of the future. The trap is that a manual management approach or inadequate tools will keep you stuck in reactive mode, consuming all your time and energy.
This post introduces a work methodology based on the device lifecycle that allows you to break that cycle. We will analyze how a strategic approach, from initial deployment to secure decommissioning, frees you from repetitive tasks and positions you as a key player in your company’s innovation.
The benefits of strategic Android management
Before we dive into the methodology, it’s essential to understand the impact this change in approach has on your daily work.
- Reduced administrative overhead: free yourself from repetitive, low-value tasks. Spend less time on initial setups, app installations, and manual updates, and more on high-impact projects that drive the company forward.
- Centralized and proactive security: forget uncertainty. Ensure every device complies with company security policies from the first minute and respond to incidents like loss or theft in seconds, not hours.
- Complete visibility for informed decisions: ditch the outdated spreadsheets.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.
- Frictionless end-user experience: employees come first. Deliver ready-to-use devices, eliminating initial tech frustration and allowing them to be productive from day one, which translates to fewer support tickets for you.
“One of the main advantages for us is the consistency that Applivery provides. Our technicians can pick up any shared device and know that it will have exactly the same configuration and the same applications, ready to use.”
Christian Braybrooke, CTO (Chief Technology Officer) at Velogik
Phase 1: mass deployment and configuration of Android devices
The first step is to completely eliminate manual configuration. The goal is for a new device to be sent directly to the employee and be ready for productivity in minutes, without IT intervention.
Zero-Touch enrollment
This is the starting point. Through Android’s Zero-Touch program, the devices you purchase are registered in your Applivery console before they even leave the box. When the employee turns it on for the first time and connects to a network, the device self-enrolls and comes under your management immediately and mandatorily.
Profile-Based configuration
Instead of configuring devices one by one, in Applivery you create reusable policy profiles. For example, a Sales profile and a Logistics profile. 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 establish complex password requirements (length, character types, etc.).
Applications (MAM): deploy necessary apps from your own Enterprise App. You can create whitelists (only approved apps can be used) and blacklists (prohibiting the installation of specific apps like social media or games).
Content: distribute essential files, such as PDF catalogs, manuals, or welcome materials, directly to the device’s file system.
Phase 2: application control and Kiosk Mode for Android
Once deployed, the device must be proactively managed to ensure its proper use and security. This ongoing oversight ensures the device remains compliant, secure, and aligned with its intended business purpose throughout its entire lifecycle.
Kiosk Mode for single-purpose devices
For specific roles, you can transform a standard tablet or mobile phone into a dedicated tool. Kiosk Mode restricts the device to run 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:
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Hardware: model, serial number, battery status, storage.
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Software: OS version, security patch level, list of installed apps. This is crucial for compliance audits and for detecting unauthorized or vulnerable software.
Phase 3: security protocols and remote wipe
Inevitably, unforeseen events will arise. The key is to have a protocol to respond immediately. A swift and decisive response is what protects sensitive corporate data, turning a potential crisis into a contained incident.
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:
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GPS location: attempt to locate the device for a possible recovery.
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Remote lock: disable the device and display a custom message on the screen.
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Data wipe: if recovery is not possible, perform a wipe. You can choose between a selective wipe (removes only the work container and company data) or a full wipe that returns it to its factory state.
Secure device decommissioning (Offboarding)
When an employee leaves the company, their device must be securely removed from the fleet. The process is simple: from the console, an order is sent to wipe corporate data, and once completed, the device is removed from management, revoking all access and configurations.
Comparison: the Applivery approach vs. traditional solutions
| Feature | Applivery | Traditional solutions |
|---|---|---|
|
Platform coverage |
Unified Management (UEM): control your Android, iOS, and macO 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. |
High learning curves: complex platforms that require extensive training. |
|
Support model |
Approachable and expert support: direct access to our team of engineers to solve your challenges. |
Impersonal and slow support: ticket systems and long wait times. |
Move from reaction to strategy
Breaking the cycle of manual tasks is the first step in transforming not only your fleet management but also the role of your IT department. With the right tools, you stop being a problem solver and become an architect of efficiency. Applivery gives you back the time and control you need to innovate.
Request your personalized demo
Discover from an expert how this methodology can transform your fleet management. For those who prefer to dive into the details, our comprehensive technical documentation is always available for you to explore.
When you’re ready, schedule a demo and see for yourself everything Applivery can do for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What level of technical expertise do I need to use Applivery?
Our platform is designed to be powerful yet accessible. If you have systems administration knowledge, you'll feel right at home. Our guided onboarding will enable 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 features are top-tier. Starting with us means that if you incorporate Apple devices in the future, you won't need to find and learn a new tool.
How secure is the communication between the 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. Furthermore, our infrastructure complies with security standards such as SOC 2, ensuring your data is protected both in transit and at rest.
Is it possible to manage devices already in use (BYOD - Bring Your Own Device)?
Yes. Although Zero-Touch deployment is ideal for new devices, existing devices can be easily enrolled by sending the user a link or a QR code. For BYOD cases, we recommend using Android Enterprise Work Profiles, which create a secure, separate container for company data and applications, fully respecting the employee's privacy in their personal space.
