While standard mobile devices are everywhere, they simply aren't built for the demanding environments of industries like logistics, manufacturing, and field services. As more businesses equip their frontline workers with technology, the use of purpose-built rugged devices is gaining in popularity.
However, the durability of these devices doesn't eliminate the need to secure and manage them effectively, which is why a specialized strategy for rugged device management is essential. Without it, you can't properly deploy, update, or protect these critical assets.
Keep reading to learn more about rugged devices and how mobile device management (MDM) plays an integral role in their effectiveness across different use cases.
What are rugged devices?
Rugged devices are specialty mobile computers, tablets, and smartphones that are designed to withstand harsh operating conditions that would likely cause traditional consumer-grade devices to fail. Unlike standard devices, rugged devices are engineered to be resistant to drops, shocks, vibrations, extreme temperatures, dust, and water.
Characteristics of rugged devices
Ruggedness is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Rugged devices are categorized by their level of durability to suit various jobs:
- Semi-rugged devices offer basic protection for less extreme conditions like law enforcement vehicles or field service work.
- Fully-rugged devices are built for more severe environments such as construction sites and manufacturing plants.
- Ultra-rugged devices are designed for the most extreme and mission-critical applications, often in military or mining operations.
Whatever the category, rugged devices typically meet specific durability standards, such as those outlined by military specifications (e.g., MIL-STD-810) or ingress protection (IP) ratings, ensuring they can perform reliably across a variety of physically challenging environments.
Additionally, these devices often feature enhanced cellular, Wi-Fi, and GPS capabilities to maintain reliable connections in remote locations, along with extended or hot-swappable batteries to support full work shifts without interruption.
Types of rugged devices
The types of devices that can be ruggedized are extensive and include mobile computers, tablets, and smartphones, as well as specialized equipment like handheld scanners, wearable devices, and vehicle-mounted computers.
Common use cases for rugged devices
As businesses across industries increasingly rely on mobile technology, they have turned to rugged devices that can function in environments too physically demanding for consumer-grade solutions.
- Retail: Used for inventory management and point of sale in high-traffic areas, rugged devices with frequent drops and spills.
- Manufacturing: Essential for tracking inventory and monitoring production lines, rugged devices operate reliably despite exposure to dust and strong vibrations.
- Logistics and transportation: Critical for managing real-time deliveries and shipments, rugged devices endure constant use, shocks, and outdoor elements.
- Construction: Providing on-site access to blueprints and project management software, rugged devices are built to withstand the dirt, dust, and drops common on construction job sites.
- Public safety: First responders rely on rugged laptops and tablets for in-vehicle data access and communication. These devices perform reliably in high-stress, unpredictable situations.
- Field service: Technicians use rugged devices for work order management and diagnostics on site. They are built to handle drops and outdoor conditions.
- Healthcare: Used by clinicians for accessing patient records, rugged devices are easily sanitized to meet hygiene protocols and withstand accidental drops in busy hospitals.
The challenges of managing rugged devices
While rugged devices are designed to survive demanding conditions, their unique characteristics create a new set of challenges for both the frontline workers who use them and the IT teams responsible for their management.
Challenges for workers
- Size restraints: Rugged devices are often larger and heavier than consumer-grade models, which can be cumbersome and difficult to handle for extended periods.
- Application downtime: Without reliable connectivity in remote or harsh environments, workers can experience application downtime, which hinders productivity and access to critical information. For example, a device that can’t access routing or GPS software will delay a driver’s deliveries.
- Connectivity issues: These devices frequently move between different locations, making it difficult to maintain a consistent network connection, which is essential for real-time data synchronization and communication.
Challenges for IT teams
- Regular updates and configuration: Manually updating security patches and configuring settings on a large fleet of rugged devices that may be spread across different locations is a time-consuming and inefficient process.
- Sensitive data protection: Rugged devices often handle critical and sensitive information, making it essential to protect them with a robust security strategy that goes beyond physical durability.
- System integration and maintenance: Integrating rugged devices with existing IT systems—such as warehouse management systems (WMSs) or enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms—can be complex, especially with a mixed fleet of devices and operating systems.
What is rugged mobile device management (MDM)?
MDM is a security software solution that enables IT administrators to monitor, manage, and secure employee mobile devices that are deployed across the organization. While traditional MDM is essential for corporate-owned and BYOD (bring your own device) programs, a specialized approach is required for the unique needs of rugged devices that operate in the most demanding environments.
Rugged MDM is a more comprehensive and robust solution than MDM and is designed to address the specific challenges of industrial hardware.
It offers advanced features that manage a device’s entire lifecycle, from initial deployment to end of life, and ensures its operability and security in harsh conditions. This includes managing device-specific settings, securing a mixed fleet of operating systems, and ensuring devices stay connected and powered on in the field.
The benefits of a reliable device management solution for rugged devices
Deploying a robust rugged device management solution delivers a range of benefits that directly address the complexities of managing rugged devices.
- Reduced downtime: Remote monitoring and troubleshooting enable IT to diagnose and fix device issues instantly, preventing delays and keeping frontline workers productive.
- Centralized control and remote management: A single dashboard provides complete visibility and control over the entire device fleet, enabling IT to remotely manage devices regardless of location.
- Improved security and compliance: Rugged MDM solutions enforce security policies and provide features like kiosk mode to protect sensitive data and meet regulatory requirements.
- Faster deployment and onboarding: Automated, zero-touch enrollment and configuration allow new devices to be deployed and made work ready in minutes, eliminating time-consuming manual setup.
What to look for in a rugged MDM solution
When evaluating MDM platforms for your rugged device fleet, it’s important to look beyond basic management features and select a solution specifically designed for the unique challenges of rugged hardware.
Device compatibility
Look for a solution that supports a diverse mix of rugged devices from different manufacturers, along with various operating systems, to ensure a single platform can manage your entire fleet.
Offline and remote management capabilities
Since rugged devices often operate in areas with poor or no connectivity, the solution must allow for remote management and support, as well as the ability to apply updates and policies offline.
Security and compliance
The MDM solution should provide robust security features, such as remote lock and wipe, to protect sensitive data on devices that may be lost or stolen as well as tools to enforce compliance with industry-specific regulations.
Ease of deployment and scalability
Choose a platform that supports zero-touch enrollment and automated provisioning to quickly deploy new devices. Ensure it can scale easily as your business grows—without adding administrative complexity.
Integration with other IT systems
The MDM platform should seamlessly integrate with other core IT systems, such as your asset management or help desk software, to streamline workflows and provide a unified view of your technological environment.
How Miradore supports effective rugged device management
Selecting the right rugged MDM solution is key to overcoming the complexities of managing these specialized devices.
Miradore's MDM solution provides the security and automation features necessary to streamline operations across numerous industry contexts. With capabilities such as application and content management, remote support, and location tracking, you can ensure your rugged device fleet remains secure and productive from a single, intuitive platform.
Ready to ruggedize your MDM? Sign up for a free trial of Miradore today.