As businesses grow and remote work becomes the norm, it’s clear that having a variety of devices is essential to keep things running smoothly. The tricky part is ensuring these devices are secure and performing at their best.

According to a recent study^[1], more than 68% of businesses have faced successful attacks on their devices that compromised their data. This statistic highlights a real challenge. While we need multiple devices to stay efficient, we can’t afford to skimp on security. It’s a balancing act that many organizations are struggling with today.

The right solution is endpoint performance monitoring, which can track and monitor all your business devices and keep them up and running at all times. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of endpoint monitoring and endpoint performance monitoring best practices.

What is Endpoint Performance Monitoring?

Endpoint performance monitoring delivers end-to-end visibility into your device inventory or endpoints. IT teams can access a complete overview of business devices running on operating systems such as Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, and Linux. With continuous tracking, analyzing, and managing of endpoints, IT administrators can:

• Identify potential device security vulnerabilities
• Maintain compliance with regulations
• Ensure the overall security of the business device network

Endpoint devices are vulnerable to various security threats, including malware, phishing attacks, and advanced persistent threats. Traditional monitoring systems don’t detect many of these endpoint threats. However, specialized endpoint management software can monitor your endpoints to detect signs of potential vulnerabilities, malicious activity, and unusual changes in system configurations.

Different types of endpoint devices could leave your organization vulnerable:

• Smartphones
• PCs
• Macs
• Tablets
• Digital signage
• mPOS devices
• Wearables such as smart watches, AR/VR sets, etc
• Rugged devices like handheld scanners and rugged smartphones
• IoT devices
• Printers and peripherals
• Embedded devices such as medical devices and ATMs

Challenges of Endpoint Performance Monitoring

Monitoring the performance of endpoints, such as mobile devices, is necessary for maintaining optimal functionality and user satisfaction. However, there are several challenges that organizations face when implementing endpoint performance monitoring tools and solutions. Here are five key challenges:

1. Device Diversity: Modern enterprises use a wide variety of mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, and rugged devices, running on different operating systems such as iOS, Android, and Windows. This diversity complicates the standardization of performance monitoring protocols. Each OS and device type may require specific endpoint performance monitoring tools and techniques, adding complexity to the management process.
2. Network Variability: All such endpoints operate across various network environments, including corporate Wi-Fi, public hotspots, and mobile data networks. Network variability can significantly impact device performance and user experience. Endpoint performance monitoring solutions must account for fluctuating network conditions and provide insights into how these variations affect device performance. There should also be a fall-back/security mechanism to manage endpoints when they are offline.
3. Battery Life Management: One critical aspect of mobile device performance is battery life. Unlike desktop computers, mobile devices rely heavily on battery power, and monitoring battery health and usage patterns is crucial. However, continuously monitoring device performance can be resource-intensive, potentially leading to increased battery drain. 
4. Real-time Data Analysis: Effective performance monitoring requires real-time data analysis to quickly identify and resolve issues. However, collecting and processing telemetry data from numerous devices can strain network and processing resources. Ensuring that endpoint performance monitoring tools can handle this data influx while providing timely and actionable insights is a complex task.
5. Scalability: As organizations grow, the number of devices under management can increase exponentially. Scaling the performance monitoring capabilities to accommodate this growth without compromising the quality of insights is a significant challenge. The endpoint performance monitoring solution must be strong enough to handle a large fleet of devices and adaptable enough to integrate new devices and technologies seamlessly.

Traditional Performance Monitoring Systems vs. Endpoint Monitoring Security

Traditional performance monitoring systems focus on assessing the operational efficiency and health of IT infrastructure, while endpoint monitoring security emphasizes protecting devices and data from security threats. Understanding the differences between these two approaches helps organizations effectively manage and secure their IT environments.

Benefits of Endpoint Performance Monitoring

1. Efficient Cost Savings: The repercussions of cyberattacks are severe and costly. According to a recent study^[2], a data breach costs $4.45 million. In 2022, compromised business emails accounted for $2.7 billion in losses. Endpoint performance monitoring helps businesses defend against sophisticated security threats and reduce costs.
2. Support Remote Work: Remote work has become a top choice for many people, leading businesses to support both remote and hybrid workforces. With remote workers relying heavily on their endpoint devices for daily tasks, IT teams turn to endpoint performance monitoring to ensure a secure and efficient work environment. This approach is also crucial for frontline and field workers who often work from multiple locations, not just a single office.
3. Strengthen Security: With endpoint performance monitoring tools, businesses can track and monitor endpoint performance and take a proactive approach to endpoint security. This is done by analyzing real-time device analytics and receiving alerts or notifications when an unusual situation occurs.
4. Gain Actionable Insights: IT teams can gain actionable insights into the overall health and performance of their devices with endpoint performance monitoring solutions, with their telemetry information providing capabilities. To unlock precise information on the endpoint devices, it’s best to choose an endpoint performance monitoring tool that offers real-time data from a single pane of glass.
5. Enhanced Employee Satisfaction: It’s very difficult to execute your day-to-day tasks from a device that is lagging or not performing as required. For instance, if a device’s battery is draining continuously, then it’s important to make some needed adjustments to the device. Endpoint performance monitoring tools provide these insights to the IT teams so they can detect and respond to any performance issues. This rapid response improves employee productivity and satisfaction.
6. Improved customer satisfaction: By ensuring that endpoint devices operate efficiently and securely, businesses can provide a seamless experience for their customers, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty.

Finding the Right Way: Best Practices for Endpoint Performance Monitoring

Endpoint performance monitoring comes with numerous benefits to strengthen IT teams to effectively track and monitor device performance. Here are some of the best practices businesses can use to execute efficient endpoint monitoring:

1. Get Automated Alerts with Real-Time Device Analytics: The easiest way to get the most precise information from endpoint devices is to receive real-time data. Live information reflects what is happening on the endpoints, like battery usage, CPU usage, data usage, geofence breaches, and security incidents. These insights come in handy for monitoring and analysis purposes.
2. Monitor All Sorts of Endpoint Devices: Almost all organizations use devices that run on the Windows or Android operating systems, but businesses still need to monitor their endpoints to maintain excellent device performance. If a small number of devices run on iOS or macOS, they are connected to your device networks and can get compromised if not monitored properly. Monitor and manage all types of devices to ensure the health and safety of business devices.
3. Track and Monitor Every Device on the Business Network: With remote or hybrid workforces and BYOD policies, it can be difficult to manage each device on your business network. However, businesses need to manage every device. All it takes is one unsecured device to invite all sorts of security threats and malicious attacks.
4. Unlock the Bigger Picture with a Single Dashboard: With a single unified dashboard, IT teams can see all the critical information from the endpoints. This means no more switching between multiple screens or interfaces and attempting to gather and organize data to analyze. This way, business leaders can access the big picture for improved decision-making and business scalability.
5. Unified Endpoint Management: Information gathering from various tools can become stressful at times. Save time and boost efficiency with a unified endpoint management solution that offers all the endpoint monitoring and management tools you need in a single solution.

How Scalefusion UEM Enhances Endpoint Performance Monitoring for Businesses

Scalefusion UEM offers businesses far-reaching tools to manage and monitor their diverse fleet of devices effectively. With a clear overview of the total devices enrolled across multiple platforms such as Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux, businesses can ensure that all endpoints are accounted for and properly managed. The platform’s inventory snapshot provides crucial insights into the status of active, inactive, locked, and managed devices, allowing IT administrators to quickly identify and address performance issues. This real-time visibility is essential for maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring that all devices are performing optimally.

Additionally, Scalefusion UEM’s violation overview, including geofence breaches, security incidents, SIM swaps, and low battery notifications, enhances device security and performance management. By identifying and addressing these issues promptly, businesses can mitigate risks and prevent potential disruptions. Scalefusion also ensures that devices remain secure with features like password policy and file encryption, further contributing to overall performance. These capabilities highlight how Scalefusion UEM helps businesses monitor endpoint performance and enhances security and operational efficiency, ensuring a seamless and productive digital environment.

The Future of Endpoint Management with Scalefusion

As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of managing a diverse array of devices, Scalefusion UEM stands out as a powerful solution that adapts to evolving needs. By providing extensive visibility, security, and performance monitoring, Scalefusion empowers organizations to maintain optimal device functionality and streamline operations. With its intuitive interface and powerful features, Scalefusion is poised to support businesses in their journey towards efficient and secure endpoint management, paving the way for a more connected and productive future.

Get in touch with our experts for a demo. Sign up for a 14-day free trial.

References

1. Ponemon Institute
2. Forbes  

No one likes this situation where you’re handing your phone to a friend to show them a video, but they start scrolling further. What about personal space? To avoid this, you can use Android screen pinning, a feature that locks your device to just one app, ensuring that your friend can only view the specific video and nothing else. It’s a simple and effective solution for personal use, giving you comfort in situations like this.

But now, think about this on a larger scale. Say you’re managing devices for a company. You need those devices to run only specific apps or tools, like a self-service kiosk or point-of-sale system, while keeping everything else out of reach. In this case, Android Screen Pinning might not be enough. With solutions like Scalefusion MDM, you can lock down devices to one or more designated apps with advanced control and security features, making it a perfect solution for business environments.

In this blog, we’ll explore how Android screen pinning works and its benefits for personal use, but also why it might fall short in a business setting. We’ll look into how Scalefusion MDM’s Kiosk Mode offers a more comprehensive solution for managing and securing devices in a corporate environment.

What is Android Screen Pinning?

Android screen pinning is a handy feature that lets you lock your device to a single app. Think of it like putting your phone in “museum mode” where you can only interact with one app, and everything else is off-limits. It’s perfect for situations where you want to show someone just one thing on your device without them accidentally navigating away or accessing other apps.

When you activate screen pinning, the app you choose stays on the screen, and the user can’t swipe away to other apps or settings. If you want to switch apps or exit screen pinning, you’ll need to use a PIN, pattern, or password. This feature is available on devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop and later, making it a simple way to ensure that a device stays focused on a specific task or app.

Benefits of Screen Pinning on Android Devices

Here are some key benefits of using Screen Pinning on Android devices:

• Focused Usage: Screen Pinning allows you to lock your device to a single app, ensuring users stay within the intended application without accidentally navigating away. This is especially useful for presentations or interactive kiosks.
• Simple Setup: The use of Screen Pinning on Android devices is straightforward and can be activated easily through the device’s settings, making it accessible for users of all levels.
• Enhanced Privacy: By locking the device to one app, Screen Pinning helps prevent unauthorized access to other apps and personal information, enhancing user privacy.
• Versatile Application: Ideal for scenarios like public kiosks or dedicated information terminals where restricting device access to a single app is essential.
• Cost-Free Solution: Screen Pinning is a built-in feature available at no additional cost on Android devices running version 5.0 Lollipop and later.

How to Set Up Screen Pinning on Android Devices

Turn on Screen Pinning

To enable Screen Pinning on an Android device, follow these steps:

1. Access Settings: Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Navigate to Security: Scroll down and tap on Security or Security & Location, depending on your device.
3. Advanced Settings: Under Advanced, look for Screen Pinning.
4. Enable Screen Pinning: Toggle the switch to turn on Screen Pinning. If you want added security, ensure that you enable the option to require a PIN, pattern, or password before unpinning.

How to Pin an App on Android Devices

Pinning an app to the screen varies slightly depending on your device’s Android version:

For devices running Android 8.1 and below:

1. Open the App: Launch the app you want to pin.
2. Tap Overview: Tap the Overview button (the square button at the bottom of the screen).
3. Pin the App: Swipe up to reveal the Pin icon at the bottom right corner of the app’s window. Tap it to pin the app.

For devices running Android 9.0 and above:

1. Open the App Overview: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to the middle to open the App Overview.
2. Select the App: Locate the app you want to pin and tap on its icon at the top of the window.
3. Pin the App: Tap Pin to lock the app to the screen.

How to Unpin Apps on Android Devices

Unpinning the screen depends on your device’s system navigation settings:

Gesture Navigation:

• Swipe up and hold from the bottom of the screen until the app is unpinned.

2-Button Navigation:

• Touch and hold the Back and Home buttons simultaneously.

3-Button Navigation:

• Touch and hold the Back and Overview buttons at the same time.

If a PIN, pattern, or password is set, you will be prompted to enter it before the screen is unpinned, ensuring an additional layer of security.

Why Screen Pinning Falls Short for Business Use

While screen pinning on Android devices is a convenient feature for individual users, it presents several challenges when applied in a business or organizational context. Below are the limitations or disadvantages of using Android screen pinning:

• Lack of Centralized Control

Screen Pinning requires manual activation on each device, which becomes impractical when managing multiple devices across an organization. There’s no centralized management or ability to enforce pinning settings remotely, making it difficult for IT admins to maintain consistency.

• Security Vulnerabilities

Although Screen Pinning restricts access to a single app, it is not foolproof. Users can potentially bypass the pinning with a few steps, especially if a PIN or password is not set, leading to unauthorized access to other apps and sensitive data.

• Limited Customization and Flexibility

Screen Pinning does not offer the customization needed for varied business use cases. For example, it cannot lock devices into multiple apps or allow for the customization of the device interface, which is essential for creating a seamless user experience in environments like retail or customer service.

• Scalability Challenges

As organizations grow and their device fleets expand, the manual nature of Screen Pinning becomes a significant bottleneck. Scaling up requires a solution that can handle mass deployment and management, which Screen Pinning alone cannot provide.

• No Remote Management

In a business setting, remote management of devices is crucial for troubleshooting, updates, and maintaining security. Screen Pinning lacks the capability for remote control or monitoring, making it less suitable for organizations that need to manage devices across various locations.

Why Choose Scalefusion MDM Over Android Screen Pinning?

Scalefusion MDM offers a more robust solution with its Kiosk Mode, along with several other features that make it the superior choice for businesses.

• Scalefusion Kiosk Mode

Scalefusion MDM’s Kiosk Mode is a powerful alternative to Android screen pinning, providing better functionality and control over devices. Unlike basic screen pinning, kiosk mode allows businesses to lock down devices to a single app or a set of apps, preventing unauthorized access to other features or settings. This ensures that devices are used solely for their intended purpose, whether it’s for customer engagement, employee tasks, or digital signage.

• Custom Branding

Scalefusion offers branding customization features, allowing businesses to align their device displays with their corporate identity. In addition to screen pinning, enterprises can configure elements such as home screen and lock screen wallpapers, logos, fonts and font sizes, color schemes, and even user interface settings, including notifications. This ensures a seamless and cohesive visual experience across all devices, reflecting the company’s branding.

• Bulk Provisioning and Automation

Managing a large number of devices manually can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Scalefusion MDM simplifies this process with its bulk provisioning and automation capabilities. You can provision multiple devices at once, apply consistent configurations, and automate routine tasks, significantly reducing manual effort and ensuring that all devices are set up correctly and efficiently.

• Remote Management

Scalefusion MDM offers comprehensive remote management capabilities, allowing IT admins to troubleshoot and manage devices without needing physical access. Whether it’s pushing updates, changing settings, or locking down a device in case of loss or theft, Scalefusion’s remote management tools provide the flexibility and control that businesses need to maintain their device fleet securely and efficiently.

• Security Enhancements

Security is a critical concern for businesses, and Scalefusion MDM offers a suite of advanced security features that go beyond what screen pinning can provide. Features such as Lost Mode, remote wipe, and custom settings apps ensure that devices remain secure, even in the event of loss or unauthorized access. These additional layers of security help protect sensitive business data and maintain compliance with industry regulations.

• Cross-Platform Support

Scalefusion MDM provides cross-platform support. While Android screen pinning is limited to Android devices, Scalefusion MDM allows you to manage Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux devices all from a single dashboard. This unified solution is particularly beneficial for businesses that operate with a diverse range of devices, ensuring consistency and control across the board.

Upgrade from Screen Pinning to Scalable Kiosk Mode with Scalefusion 

Scalefusion MDM not only addresses the limitations of Android screen pinning but also offers a comprehensive, scalable solution for managing devices in a business environment.

If you’re looking for a more secure solution than Android Screen Pinning, explore Scalefusion MDM. With advanced features like Kiosk Mode, cross-platform support, and enhanced security, Scalefusion MDM is designed to meet the needs of modern businesses. 

Contact our experts for more information and start your 14-day free trial today!

Businesses across various industries face a common challenge: managing their IT infrastructure effectively while focusing on core operations.

This challenge is particularly pronounced in the healthcare, finance, education, and retail industries, where reliable IT support can be scarce and budget-tight and work environments increasingly dispersed.

That’s where Managed Service Providers, or MSPs, come into the picture. They provide various IT and IT management services, with Mobile Device Management (MDM) being a key offering among them. MDM for MSPs isn’t just about keeping devices secure and up-to-date; it’s about empowering businesses to walk through compliance requirements, and data security confidently.

For example, consider a healthcare provider managing patient data across multiple devices, a financial institution safeguarding client information with security measures, or a retail operation maintaining smooth transactions and customer interactions. All of this is possible thanks to MSPs’ strategic approach to managing client devices. 

In this blog, we will discuss the pivotal role of MDM service providers for MSPs. We will explore how MSPs leverage MDM solutions to streamline operations, improve security protocols, and support businesses in achieving their goals without the burden of IT complexities.

Common Challenges in Device Management: Need for MSP-driven MDM

1. Device Diversity and Compatibility Issues

MSPs often deal with a wide range of client devices across different operating systems, versions, and configurations. Seamlessly integrating these diverse devices into a unified management framework can be challenging and time-consuming.

2. Security Threats and Data Breaches

With the proliferation of cyber threats, MSPs must safeguard client devices from malware, phishing attacks, and other security vulnerabilities. Data breaches can have severe consequences, including legal liabilities and damage to client trust, making security measures a top priority.

3. Manual Device Management Complexities

Traditional, manual methods of managing devices are inefficient and prone to errors. MSPs struggle with the time and effort required to manually configure, update, and troubleshoot devices across multiple clients and locations.

4. Inefficient Troubleshooting and Support Processes

Resolving device issues remotely or on-site can be challenging due to limited visibility into device performance and user behavior. MSPs need streamlined processes and tools for proactive monitoring, quick diagnostics, and responsive support to minimize downtime and client disruption.

Strategic Approach to Managing Client Devices

1. Needs Assessment and Client Consultation

To effectively support clients, MSPs should begin by conducting thorough assessments of their IT environments and consulting closely with businesses to identify precise needs and pain points. This process involves analyzing existing device setups, evaluating security requirements, and understanding industry-specific compliance mandates. 

With the help of a suited MDM solution, MSPs ensure their services align perfectly with client goals, enhancing operational effectiveness and security while addressing the challenges unique to each organization. This personalized approach increases client satisfaction and lays the groundwork for long-term, strategic IT management partnerships.

2. Selection of the Right MDM Solution

When selecting the ideal MDM solution for clients, MSPs should undertake a rigorous evaluation process. This involves comparing various MDM options based on their features, scalability, security protocols, and compatibility with client devices. MSPs should consider whether a cloud-based or on-premise MDM solution best suits the client’s preferences and existing infrastructure. 

Also, it is important to emphasize choosing solutions equipped with reporting, analytics tools, and remote management capabilities. This strategic selection ensures the chosen MDM solution meets immediate needs and supports long-term scalability.

3. Customization and Configuration

MSPs must focus on customization and configuration when implementing MDM solutions. This approach helps ensure alignment with client-specific policies, compliance requirements, and security protocols. By meticulously configuring device policies, user roles, and access controls, MSPs can guarantee secure and efficient device management.

Implementing automated workflows for tasks such as device provisioning, updates, and compliance checks is essential to streamlining operations and enhancing overall IT management effectiveness for clients. This strategic approach strengthens security measures and cultivates a digital environment that meets each client’s precise operational needs.

4. Device Enrollment and Provisioning

For effective device management, MSPs should implement streamlined enrollment processes to quickly onboard client devices, including those in BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) scenarios. 

Utilizing zero-touch provisioning and automated configuration, which includes OOB (Out-of-the-box)  setups, is essential to minimize manual effort and accelerate deployment times. It is important to ensure all devices are properly enrolled and configured before being handed over to end users. 

5. Security Management

MSPs need to deploy comprehensive security measures, including encryption, remote wipe capabilities, and secure access controls, to protect client devices. Regular updates to security policies are important to address emerging threats. 

Real-time device security monitoring and swift responses to potential breaches or vulnerabilities are vital for continuous protection and client trust. This proactive approach to security management helps safeguard sensitive data and strengthen the overall IT infrastructure.

6. Continuous Monitoring and Support

MSPs need to establish continuous monitoring practices to track device performance, usage patterns, and compliance. Providing proactive support through remote troubleshooting, automated alerts, and quick resolution of issues is essential for maintaining optimal device functionality. 

Maintaining open communication channels with clients for ongoing feedback and support ensures their needs are met promptly and effectively, developing a strong, collaborative relationship.

7. Reporting and Analytics

MSPs must utilize the reporting and analytics features of an MDM solution to generate detailed insights into device usage, compliance, and performance. Sharing regular reports with clients demonstrates the value of MDM and highlights areas for improvement. 

Leveraging analytics to identify trends helps optimize device management strategies and overall service delivery. This data-driven approach ensures MSPs can continuously improve their services and better meet their clients’ needs.

8. Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration

MSPs need to form strategic partnerships with leading MDM providers to access the latest technologies and support. Collaborating with clients for solutions that align with their long-term goals and objectives ensures the services provided are relevant and effective. 

By developing a collaborative relationship, MSPs can position themselves as trusted advisors in device management, enhancing client trust and satisfaction. This approach improves service quality and strengthens the overall client-MSP partnership.

MDM: Essential for MSP Success

Corporate mobile device management is crucial for the security, efficiency, and compliance of client devices. MDM empowers MSPs to address challenges such as device diversity, security threats, and manual management complexities. By adopting a strategic approach to MDM, MSPs can deliver solutions that can improve client operations and satisfaction.

MSPs should explore comprehensive MDM solutions like Scalefusion to stay ahead of evolving IT demands. Scalefusion offers advanced features such as remote troubleshooting, automated updates, and robust security protocols, enabling MSPs to efficiently manage diverse client device environments.

Schedule a demo with our experts and start a 14-day free trial to experience the full benefits firsthand!