Today’s businesses are under constant pressure to deliver new experiences that keep their employees motivated for their work. In order to accomplish this, companies have been turning to the technology space for solutions that promise streamlined processes and convenience.
With zero-touch deployment (ZTD), your business will adopt automatic device configuration—a necessary practice that will allow you and your team members to hit the ground running no matter what challenges you face.
An overview of zero-touch deployment
ZTD leverages mobile device management (MDM). With it, a new mobile device can be configured and deployed within your business straightaway, eliminating the need for the device to be manually set up by IT staff. In a ZTD set-up model, end users’ devices and their applications are automatically set to follow the policies outlined by the organization.
By using a ZTD approach for managing devices and incorporating new ones into your business’s IT network, your employees can begin their work immediately with an authorized device that satisfies the regulations of your company.
How can organizations acquire ZTD?
Adopting a ZTD model primarily consists of companies subscribing to one of several platforms that support fast deployment modes. This can include the following:
Apple Business Manager
Apple Business Manager is Apple’s platform for ZTD. With this tool, businesses can deploy new Apple devices and share data and applications. This means that companies can quickly and easily launch new business technologies from a portal, without having to worry about compatibility issues.
Android zero-touch enrollment
The Android zero-touch enrollment model allows companies to launch large numbers of devices with minimum effort. With this method, Android devices are configured online and then sent to employees, who can then use them virtually right away. Android zero-touch enrollment is a streamlined procedure for enterprise management.
Windows Autopilot
Windows Autopilot is a suite of Microsoft Windows solutions that simplify and automate the setting up and configuration of new Windows 11 and 10 devices for businesses. Windows Autopilot leverages the MDM capabilities of programs like Microsoft Intune—and can be used with Azure Active Directory (also known as Azure AD)—to manage Windows devices from their installation to retirement.
Device configuration within this platform is maintained by Windows Autopilot deployment profiles accessible through Endpoint Manager’s admin center.
Why should businesses use ZTD?
By 2025, it is expected that 36.2 million Americans will work remotely. Your company’s products and services must cater to hybrid and remote working arrangements. ZTD offers a comprehensive solution that satisfies the needs and expectations held by you and your team.
By using zero-touch deployment to deploy new, business-approved tools, your business can benefit from:
- More streamlined device provisioning: Devices are automatically configured with the latest security patches, applications, and settings that make them suitable for your operations.
- Reduced time for deployment: Tools are authorized and sent to end users quickly and efficiently. There is no need to wait for IT professionals to conduct device configuration practices.
- Reduced costs: The resources and time that would have been spent on manual configurations can now be invested in more strategic activities.
- Increased productivity: With ZTD, employees can start using their new devices at a faster rate, allowing them to tackle their work more quickly (and with tools that do not go against company policies).
- Decreases the likelihood of human error: ZTD-configured devices already adhere to regulations set by your organization, reducing the potential for incorrect configurations to slip through.
- Enhanced visibility and security: ZTD allows you to view the existing devices that make up your IT infrastructure, giving you a stronger idea of the devices interacting with your company's data. Updates can also be rolled out easily for a modern, standardized security posture.
How to implement ZTD in your business
As ZTD is not a practice that can be exclusively carried out on its own, implementing it within an organization requires researching and choosing a platform that supports it.
To do this effectively, you need to:
- Understand your organization’s needs: What type of devices does your business use? How many end users will you have?
- Research vendors and compare their offerings: Compare and contrast the various platforms. Which solution best matches your budget and vision for your company?
- Evaluate the platform’s compatibility with your existing IT infrastructure: Assess if the platform is capable of supporting your devices and software.
- Read customer reviews and case studies: Customer reviews and case studies can give you insights into how well a platform is performing in different organizations that are similar to yours.
- Assess scalability: Make sure the platform you select is capable of scaling with your business. You need a platform that can provide a smooth transition as your business grows and changes.
- Look for security: Security is vital for a ZTD platform. Ensure that the platform offers the necessary security protocols to protect your data and your business’s information.
By following these tips, business owners can make an informed decision and find the right ZTD platform that will streamline device configuration for bolstered staff productivity.
Support your end users with ZTD management services
As businesses are increasingly turning to remote work, the need for zero-touch deployment is increasing as well. Device configuration can be time-consuming and tedious if it can only be done through manual work—a handicap that can slow your business’s progress down.
Skynet MTS’s cybersecurity experts specialize in a range of security areas, including ZTD. Talk to the team today for services that can implement ZTD into your business, ensure its proper configuration, and maintain it with cost-effective, ongoing support.