When it comes to agency-owned tablets, it's important to protect your investment and keep protected health information (PHI) safe.
 
Take the following tip into account:
 
Consider a mobile device management system. If data is not held in a strictly cloud-based system, having a mobile device management system would allow agencies to wipe any sensitive information or PHI remotely, says Rob Rossi, consultant with CareForce Solutions in Minneapolis.
 
The system is typically a piece of software that is installed on a device and allows the administrator to manage the mobile devices remotely.
 
Systems also offer geolocation, which can be activated in the event of theft, as well as the ability to block restricted software from ever being downloaded, Rossi says.
 
The systems eliminate the question around how to handle outside app downloads by enabling companies to put restrictions in place.
 
“Any company that has more than 20 devices in the field should be managing them with a mobile device management system,” Rossi says.
 
These systems range from $3.50 to $6 a month per device.
 
SOTI, Airwatch, Cisco and Iron Mountain all provide mobile device management systems. Some companies, such as Cisco, may offer mobile device management accessibility free with an existing license, so it’s worth checking into what you already have as part of the shopping process, Rossi says.
 
Rossi himself uses the SOTI MobiControl system and says he would recommend it to others, especially those who use Samsung devices. The system may not be the best fit for Motorolla devices, however, Rossi says.