For several decades, assembly line work has been a common practice in many industrial sectors. This production method, which consists of dividing tasks into a succession of repetitive operations, has considerably increased the productivity of companies.
Today, with the development of enterprise mobility, line workers can benefit from greater flexibility and autonomy in the execution of their tasks. Indeed, mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets allow workers to access important information in real time, communicate with colleagues and manage their working time more efficiently.
However, companies may face a challenge in managing these mobile devices if they do not manage them. By implementing an MDM solution, they can ensure both the security of internal data and the productivity of their employees.
The needs of factories and line workers
In a factory or production line, work is organized in a meticulous way and all tasks are coordinated. It is important that each worker knows what he has to do and is equipped with a dedicated device in which he can easily find the information needed to do the job. For example, for raw materials to be received, assembled, shipped, distributed… Companies must guarantee that each stage of a production chain is optimized. The use of portable, hand-held and vehicle-mounted terminals, tablets, RFID products, and rugged scanners support the handlers in their daily work.
It is also essential for companies to equip themselves with robotic machines or mobile devices and software allowing controlled flexibility and traceability. Whether it’s order picking, packaging, materials management, stocking or replenishment, it’s crucial to have the right connectivity and visibility of all assets. This is where mobile devices come in to play to improve information gathering and accurate real-time tracking.
The kiosk mode of MDM software seems to be the most suitable management mode to meet the needs of these workers. It provides highly restricted device usage for users and allows easy access to applications relevant to their work, while reducing distractions. It can also prevent workers from downloading unauthorized applications or browsing unsecured websites.
Kiosk mode features for production lines
Option 1: The multi-app kiosk
Once you activate the kiosk mode, it will restrict the environment of the enrolled devices. However, it is possible to install several applications from the policy, such as collaborative work applications or time and attendance applications for users to access. It is also possible to share files such as PDF instructions so that workers can easily refer to them whenever they want, thanks to automatically created file shortcuts on the desktop. Multi-app kiosk mode allows them to have everything they might need during their working day at their fingertips. You can password protect some applications or set them as default. Learn more.
Option 2: The single app
The kiosk mode single application allows companies to limit users’ access to a single application, rather than giving them access to the entire device. It improves worker productivity by providing an easy-to-use interface to access the application they need. This can be particularly useful for mobile workers who have to travel frequently between different work sites and need access to a specific application to complete their tasks. By limiting access to a single application, administrators can also better control the confidential information stored on mobile devices.
To set up the single app on enrolled devices, simply enable kiosk mode from the policy and approve and install a single application. This way, when the worker unlocks their device, the application will launch immediately. They will not have access to the terminal’s home screen. It is also possible to install a single webapp or a single file. Learn more.
Kiosk mode can therefore be a practical solution for line workers who need to access information quickly and easily while remaining focused on their tasks. This mode can offer benefits such as clear instructions, safety reminders, training videos and real-time production updates.
A U.S. food wholesaler, a TinyMDM customer for over a year, uses enrolled devices in kiosk mode to support its workers in their daily activities of unpacking, picking, and checking the consistency of orders. The customer has created five different safety policies for its five factories across the country.
2nd of May 2023