In a world where anything that isn’t nailed down can—and often will—disappear, protecting your valuable digital assets is more critical than ever. According to the FBI, 70 million cell phones are stolen each year, and a laptop goes missing every 53 seconds—over 90% of which are never recovered. This staggering reality is why mobile device management (MDM) has become a cornerstone for businesses looking to safeguard their assets.
MDM isn’t just about keeping tabs on your devices; it’s about giving companies the power to remotely manage, secure, and recover them in real time. Whether it’s a misplaced phone or a stolen laptop, advanced geo-tracking capabilities can pinpoint its location instantly. And that’s just the beginning. Modern MDM solutions come packed with features like digital map integration, multi-source location tracking, geofencing, real-time updates, and fully customizable tracking settings. Sound overwhelming? Don’t worry—these tools are designed to keep your devices and data out of that unlucky 90%.
But with so many MDM solutions on the market, how do you choose the right one? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about MDM location tracking, so you can find the best solution for protecting your Apple, Android, or multi-platform fleet with ease.
What is MDM?
At its core, MDM is a strategic approach designed to manage and oversee mobile devices used within an organization. Whether it's smartphones, tablets, or laptops, MDM provides a centralized platform to ensure these devices meet the company's security and policy requirements.
But why the buzz around MDM? Well, as businesses increasingly rely on mobile devices to conduct operations, the need to safeguard these assets becomes non-negotiable. MDM isn't just a fancy term; it's a necessity in today's corporate landscape. The surge in its popularity isn't merely a trend; it's a response to the growing demand for solutions that can efficiently track and protect company assets. With the alarming rate of device thefts and the invaluable data they hold, MDM has swiftly transitioned from a 'nice-to-have' to an 'absolute must' for businesses aiming to stay ahead of potential threats.
Can MDM track location?
Absolutely. Most MDM solutions are equipped with robust location tracking features designed to help businesses recover stolen devices and prevent potential data breaches. Here’s how MDM makes location tracking a game-changer:
- Real-Time Location Monitoring: Enterprises can track the exact whereabouts of registered devices at any time, ensuring they always have a clear view of their fleet’s status.
- Centralized Control: From a single dashboard, IT teams can oversee all devices, take swift action if a device is compromised, and maintain operational security with ease.
- Proactive Security Measures: In the event of a data breach or theft, MDM enables quick responses, like remotely disabling a phone or laptop and triggering geofencing protocols to secure company data.
But tracking isn’t just about knowing where your devices are—it’s about protecting what’s inside them. A stolen device isn’t just an expensive loss; it’s a potential doorway to sensitive company information. And when data loss can mean thousands of hours and millions of dollars in recovery efforts, the stakes are high.
With MDM, businesses can rest easier knowing they have a digital safety net. By automating security protocols—such as locking or wiping a device remotely—MDM transforms what could be a catastrophe into a manageable incident.
Data security and MDM
In a world where data is often referred to as the 'new oil,' its protection has become the frontline of corporate defense. Every byte of information, from client details to internal communications, holds immense value. And in the corporate realm, where decisions are driven by data and strategies are built on insights, ensuring the sanctity of this information is paramount.
But here's the catch: with the proliferation of mobile devices in the workplace, the risk landscape has expanded. Devices can be misplaced, stolen, or even hacked, leading to potential data breaches that can tarnish a company's reputation and result in significant financial losses. This is where MDM steps into the spotlight. Beyond just device management, MDM serves as a guardian of company data. With its robust suite of tools, it can detect vulnerabilities, enforce security protocols, and even remotely wipe data from devices deemed at risk. In essence, MDM acts as a digital shield, ensuring that even if devices go astray, the data within remains uncompromised. So, while the digital age presents its set of challenges, with MDM in your arsenal, data security doesn't have to be one of them.
Benefits of MDM location tracking
From medical professionals to accountants to construction foremen to athletic coaches and trainers, there’s hardly any area of the workforce that doesn’t use a tech device. In order to sleep at night, business and IT management alike want to feel secure in the knowledge that all company gadgets are safe and accounted for, especially when the cost to replace lost or stolen devices and the potential for devastating data breaches limit the effectiveness of employee productivity and convenience.
If you’ve experienced loss or theft of electronic devices in your company, it may seem easiest to just throw computers out the window and go back to paper trails. However, MDM can help you resist the urge to return to the stone ages. Here are just a few of the benefits of MDM location tracking for your company:
- It gives companies the ability to reclaim lost equipment instead of abandoning it, which will most likely cause minor but consistent cost reductions
- IT professionals can disable a device until it is reclaimed, which reduces the likelihood of criminals accessing vital company information
- Senior personnel can use location tracking as a measure to detect erratic behavior and prevent possible breaches due to lost or stolen devices
- Location tracking can also aid in the safety of lone workers by identifying those who exhibit odd mobility patterns and may need support due to an emergency
Capabilities and features of MDM
MDM location tracking solutions should not be a one-size-fits-all offering. There are companies that operate in specific locations across a region and others that have personnel at work sites around the world. There are businesses that only use Apple or Android, and, of course, those that use a combination of both. Choosing the right enterprise tracking solution that fits your specific needs can keep you one step ahead of the competition as you lower costs and secure your data.
Here are some of the capabilities and features of high-quality MDM GPS tracking packages:
- Map integration: A tracking solution for electronic devices should be integrated with a digital map platform to make it easy to find the real-world location of a tracked asset.
- Real-time updates: An interrupted connection to the internet could prevent a mobile device from sending location information, which is why sophisticated device tracking tools should provide updates every few seconds or after major position changes to provide the most accurate location data available
- Multi-source location tracking: Device location information may not always be accurate or available if only one source is used to generate it, which is why a device location tracking solution should use multiple techniques to track devices, such as GPS, WiFi, and/or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
- Configurable tracking: Constantly tracking a device’s location may be unnecessary and a waste of bandwidth for some devices, which is why it should be possible to disable tracking, reduce the update frequency, and perform other customizations for each device through your MDM
- Geofencing support: Geofencing allows administrators to define a virtual boundary and take certain actions if the device crosses that established perimeter; geofencing support should be built into an MDM solution with device tracking
How MDM boosts operational efficiency
Whether it’s a laptop left in a cab or a misplaced phone during a business trip, the ripple effects can be enormous. That’s where MDM location tracking steps in. It doesn’t just help you find lost devices; it gives your business a smarter, faster way to keep things running smoothly.
1. Say goodbye to downtime with real-time tracking
Picture this: your top salesperson’s laptop, loaded with critical client data, goes missing during a conference. Without a way to track it, you’re looking at days of frustration, scrambling to recover files, and possibly replacing the device altogether. With real-time tracking, you can locate it instantly, recover it quickly, and get your team back on track.
- Recover lost or stolen devices without delays.
- Keep sensitive data safe while minimizing disruption.
When you can see exactly where your devices are, downtime becomes a thing of the past—and your team stays productive.
2. Centralized management = happier IT teams
Let’s face it: IT teams already have enough on their plate. Managing devices one by one? That’s a headache nobody needs. With an MDM’s centralized dashboard, your IT team can handle everything from tracking devices to enforcing policies—all from one place.
- Quickly disable lost devices or set geofencing rules.
- Spend less time troubleshooting and more time on big-picture projects.
- Gain better visibility into your entire device fleet.
It’s not just about making life easier for IT—it’s about keeping your whole company running like a well-oiled machine.
3. Save big by reclaiming devices
Replacing devices isn’t cheap, especially when you factor in downtime, data recovery, and reconfiguration. MDM tracking gives you the chance to recover lost devices before you even think about replacements.
- Cut replacement costs by reclaiming devices.
- Avoid financial hits from lost productivity and downtime.
- Safeguard data with remote wiping to prevent costly breaches.
With an MDM solution, every recovered device is a win—for your team and your budget.
4. Real ROI
Still wondering if MDM is worth it? Here’s what the data says:
- Device Loss and Recovery:some text
- Approximately 10% of phones are lost, and 5% are stolen, with a 50% recovery rate for each. Implementing MDM solutions with location tracking can expedite the recovery process, thereby reducing downtime and associated costs
- Cost of Data Breaches:some text
- The average total cost of a data breach is substantial, with significant financial implications for organizations. MDM solutions help mitigate these risks by enabling remote locking and wiping of compromised devices, thus protecting sensitive data.
- Operational Efficiency:some text
- MDM solutions can lead to time savings by reducing the need for on-site IT visits. Features like remote locking, wiping, and app deployment allow IT departments to manage devices efficiently, freeing up resources for other critical tasks.
When you add it all up, MDM doesn’t just make your operations smoother—it pays for itself, over and over again.
At the end of the day, MDM location tracking isn’t just a tool for finding devices—it’s a strategic advantage. By reducing downtime, empowering your IT team, and cutting unnecessary costs, it ensures your operations stay on track, no matter what challenges come your way. With Prey, you’ll have the confidence to keep your business moving forward.
