Manufacturing
IBM MaaS360 provides comprehensive Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) capabilities that are designed specifically for the unique challenges of manufacturing environments. From shop-floor associates by using rugged scanners to engineers accessing Operational Technology (OT) dashboards, IBM MaaS360 delivers enterprise-grade security and management across all device types and use cases.
Challenges and IBM MaaS360 solutions
The following table summarizes the primary challenges in manufacturing environments and details how MaaS360 addresses them through unified endpoint management, security controls, compliance support, and lifecycle automation.
| Challenge | IBM MaaS360 solution | Key benefits and capabilities | Scenarios | Supported platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Android OEMs expose proprietary device capabilities through their own APIs instead of standard Android APIs | OEMConfig resolves by enabling a standardized, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)‑maintained mechanism to configure proprietary features quickly and consistently without custom Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) development | OEM provides proprietary device capabilities through their own APIs instead of standard Android APIs. | OEMConfig for proprietary device features |
Android |
| Meeting security and regulatory compliance requirements | Encryption enforcement, remote wipe, audit tracking, and compliance policies |
Support for International Organization for Standardization (ISO), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and other regulatory frameworks. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) to prevent unauthorized data sharing or transfer. Granular role, device, and location-based policy enforcement. |
Action orchestration for device updates |
Android iOS macOS |
| Managing diverse endpoints (rugged devices and tablets) | UEM for Android and Windows |
Centralized management of rugged and Kiosk devices. Support for purpose-built and ruggedized devices on Android open source Project (AOSP) and FireOS. |
Frontline device management |
Android iOS |
| Supporting frontline workers | Secure containerization, kiosk mode, and shared device support |
Kiosk mode for corporate-owned, single-use devices used for scanning, monitoring, or digital signage. Capabilities designed to support frontline worker productivity. |
Device mode for manufacturing stations (Corporate-Owned, Single-Use (COSU)) |
Android |
| Managing device lifecycle at a large scale | Automated onboarding, provisioning, and decommissioning |
Bulk enrollment through Apple Device Enrollment Program (DEP), Android zero-touch, Samsung Knox, and Windows Autopilot. Custom workflows based on user roles, device types, and ownership models. Automated configuration, OS or app patching, and compliance enforcement. Dashboards for battery health, shared device usage, and performance monitoring. |
Android iOS Windows |
|
| Helping to ensure real-time data collection and device uptime | Remote diagnostics, monitoring, and automated policy enforcement |
Continuous device availability to maintain manufacturing data flow. Remote troubleshooting, patching, and software distribution with minimal user intervention. Bulk provisioning capabilities for new workers or replacement devices. |
IBM MaaS360 remote support |
Android |