In today's hybrid work world, keeping track of every phone, laptop, or tablet used across your company isn't just a good idea—it’s a business necessity. From misplaced devices in remote teams to thefts in the field, the risks are real. In fact, recent reports show that over 50% of data breaches originate from lost or stolen devices, and the average organization manages hundreds of endpoints across locations.
That’s where Mobile Device Management (MDM) steps in—not just to help you "keep tabs" on your fleet, but to remotely manage, secure, and locate devices in real time.
Modern MDM for enterprise isn’t clunky or invasive. It’s designed to work quietly in the background—offering tools like:
- Precise location tracking
- Geofencing and movement alerts
- Multi-source tracking (Wi-Fi, GPS, IP)
- Map-based dashboards for complete visibility
Worried about privacy policies and permissions? We’ll also show you how to stay compliant with location tracking regulations and guide your team on enabling permissions the right way.
So whether you're an IT admin managing 50 devices or 5,000, this guide will help you understand how MDM location tracking works—and how to use it to protect your people, data, and hardware without losing sleep.
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. Device enrollment is a critical step in the MDM process, ensuring that all devices comply with company policies and security 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.
- Device Movement Tracking: Monitoring device movement is crucial for enhancing security and operational efficiency. MDM systems allow real-time tracking, access to historical location data, and the use of geofencing features to manage device usage within defined geographical boundaries.
- 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.
Enabling location services
Enabling location services is a crucial step in utilizing MDM location tracking features. For MDM systems to track a device’s location accurately, location services must be enabled on each device. This allows administrators to monitor the physical location of mobile devices in real-time, providing a clear view of their fleet’s status.
MDM solutions simplify this process by offering the ability to enable location services remotely. This means IT teams can ensure all company-owned devices, including Android devices, have location services activated without needing to handle each device individually. Once enabled, these services provide real-time updates on device locations, enhancing the ability to track and manage devices effectively.
Enabling location services is not just about tracking; it’s essential for ensuring the security and compliance of mobile devices. Accurate location data helps in quickly locating lost or stolen devices, thereby protecting sensitive data and reducing the risk of potential data breaches. By enabling location services, businesses can leverage the full potential of MDM location tracking to maintain operational efficiency and security.
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
- MDM can optimize delivery services by providing real-time tracking and dispatching, ensuring teams operate at peak effectiveness
- It allows companies to set distance thresholds and enable location tracking, optimizing location updates and managing battery life and data usage
- MDM can enhance security by tracking device movement and enabling quick responses to potential threats
- Administrators can instantly locate enrolled devices, ensuring compliance and effective management of their whereabouts
- The lost mode feature is crucial for recovering lost devices, providing tools to locate them quickly
- Administrators can remotely lock devices that are reported lost, protecting sensitive data and preventing unauthorized access
- Configuring the time interval for location updates allows for tailored tracking needs and efficient data management
Users play a critical role in enabling location services on their devices. Ensuring user permissions and maintaining transparency are essential for effective implementation of location tracking functionalities in organizations.
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. Location tracking capabilities are a crucial feature of MDM systems, enabling organizations to monitor and manage the real-time physical locations of their mobile devices.
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). Wi-Fi can help in determining the location of devices, though the accuracy may vary based on Wi-Fi connectivity and other factors.
- 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
Asset management
Asset management is a critical aspect of mobile device management, and MDM location tracking plays a vital role in it. By enabling administrators to track the location of devices, MDM solutions make it easier to manage and recover lost or stolen devices, ensuring that all company assets are accounted for.
MDM location tracking provides valuable insights into device movements, aiding in the recovery efforts of misplaced devices. Features such as location history allow administrators to view the historical location data of devices, which can be crucial in tracing back steps and identifying the last known location of a lost device. This not only enhances security protocols but also helps in preventing potential data breaches.
Effective asset management involves monitoring the physical location and movement of devices. MDM solutions offer real-time updates on device locations, enabling administrators to take necessary actions promptly. Whether it’s identifying a misplaced device or tracking the movement of company assets, MDM location tracking provides the tools and features needed to manage devices effectively, reducing the risk of data breaches and ensuring the security and compliance of mobile devices.
Configuring MDM
Configuring MDM solutions is essential for effective location tracking and device management. These solutions offer various configuration options, including enabling location services and setting up device tracking features, to ensure comprehensive management of mobile devices.
The configuration process involves enabling location services on all devices, which is critical for accurate location tracking. MDM solutions provide the ability to configure device settings remotely, making it easier for IT teams to manage devices without physical access. This includes setting up user accounts, permissions, and configuring security settings to protect sensitive data.
One of the key features of MDM solutions is geofencing, which can be configured to restrict device access to specific geographic locations. This adds an extra layer of security by triggering alerts or actions if a device crosses a predefined boundary. Additionally, MDM solutions offer real-time updates on device locations and features like location history, aiding in recovery efforts and enhancing overall security.
By configuring MDM solutions effectively, businesses can ensure the security and compliance of their mobile devices, leveraging features that provide real-time visibility and control over their device fleet. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also safeguards against potential data breaches and device loss.
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. Device enrollment is a critical step in the MDM process, ensuring that all devices comply with company policies and security requirements.
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. Users play a crucial role in enabling location services on their devices, and it’s important to ensure user permissions are properly managed to maintain privacy and transparency.
- 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:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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. Additionally, configuring the time interval for location updates ensures timely and accurate tracking, further enhancing operational efficiency.
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.
Final thoughts: why MDM location tracking matters for your business
In a world where remote work is the norm and devices are constantly on the move, MDM for enterprise is no longer optional—it’s essential. It gives your business more than just visibility; it gives you control, speed, and peace of mind.
From real-time location tracking to proactive security measures and operational efficiency gains, MDM empowers IT teams to work smarter—not harder. You’re not just recovering lost laptops or phones—you’re protecting your data, your team’s productivity, and your bottom line.
Whether you manage a small device fleet or thousands across departments and time zones, the right MDM solution helps you stay one step ahead of risks and focused on what matters most: running your business.
And when it comes to tracking, securing, and managing your devices seamlessly, Prey is here to make it easy.
