More and more IT assets must be managed outside of a central location — outside of a company office, from a remote worker’s home or a coffee shop. But that’s not all. Companies must also manage remote technology like kiosks, camera systems, point-of-sale (POS) systems, smart lockers, printers, and any number of other types of “connected products” too.
Unlike traditional IT assets like laptops and PCs, managing connected products can be daunting and expensive, especially if you don’t have access to appropriate solutions.
You will need to look into remote monitoring and management solutions (sometimes also called unified endpoint management) in these instances.
These tools allow product managers and administrators to monitor various devices across multiple locations. Here’s a guide on their benefits and key features.
Understanding Remote Monitoring and Management
Remote monitoring management (RMM) involves remotely overseeing and managing networks, endpoints, and devices. RMM solutions are pieces of technology that enable you to do so.
Traditional RMM providers like NinjaOne, Connectwise, N-able, and Kaseya are used to manage large fleets of PCs, laptops, and tablets for remote workers.
But there’s a new category of RMM emerging today — one for connected products. These products are remote devices like self-service kiosks, smart lockers, and digital signs. Because these products combine hardware, software, peripherals, power sources, networks, and more, they are necessarily complex — more complex than traditional RMM can manage effectively.
That’s where remote monitoring and management for connected products comes to the rescue.
The Benefits of RMM Solutions for kiosks, smart lockers, security and camera systems, and more
Here are some primary advantages of RMM solutions for connected devices.
Real-time control and visibility
RMM solutions provide product teams with real-time control and visibility over all remote devices. Because these kinds of products are so often designed to run unattended, this capability is crucial for maintaining product uptime.
Managers can monitor remote devices’ health, performance, and status through centralized dashboards. For example, they can see when batteries are drained or peripherals have lost connectivity or are malfunctioning. They can also monitor settings without being on site. This level of monitoring allows businesses to gain insights into potential issues before they get worse.
Proactive maintenance
Proactive maintenance is another significant benefit of RMM solutions for connected products like kiosks and digital signs. The continuous monitoring discussed in the previous point helps your team detect potential issues early and automate fixes.
Let’s say you run a fast-food chain that uses self-order kiosks. RMM solutions can monitor the status of settings and connectivity for each aspect of the product. Technical support teams can automate fixes for these devices before they create an issue. So if firmware needs to be updated, the RMM solution can alert the team to update the firmware before it creates a problem and takes down the device.
This proactive approach helps your business maintain smooth and reliable operations, even when issues arise.
Cost savings
Implementing RMM solutions can lead to significant cost savings for your company. These savings are primarily achieved by reducing the need for maintenance staff to travel to different locations.
Remote support capabilities allow you to troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly, sometimes even automatically — without needing an on-site visit each time. This reduction in travel helps your company save money and accelerates problem resolution, which minimizes downtime and additional costs.
Enhanced security
Cybersecurity is a common concern for both businesses and consumers.
The average cost of a data breach from March 2022 to 2023 globally was measured at $4.45 million, This damage can be incredibly heavy for a business to handle.
RMM solutions can help businesses support and maintain their cybersecurity systems. Continuous security monitoring helps detect threats such as malware, unauthorized access, and data breaches. These real-time alerts allow for prompt responses that prevent further damage.
Regularly dispatching security updates and patches helps ensure all devices have adequate safeguards against attacks.
Key Features of RMM for Connected Products
Connected products like digital signs and self-service kiosks have become more common across businesses in different industries. RMM solutions offer several key features that allow you to effectively oversee and manage these connected products and devices.
Here are some features of RMM services you should consider when choosing a solution for your company:
Flexible connectivity
A crucial feature of RMM solutions is flexible connectivity. Connected products often operate in environments requiring different connectivity options, like Wi-Fi or cellular connections.
RMM solutions must accommodate these diverse needs to ensure seamless device integration and communication.
Analytics and reporting
A good RMM platform allows you to collect and analyze data from various devices, offering insights into device performance and usage. Based on this information, it can also identify potential issues.
Security management
Enhanced security management is a critical component of RMM solutions. This feature addresses the increasing concern surrounding cyber threats in connected products and devices.
Solid security measures can protect your devices from various vulnerabilities and unauthorized access. Continuous monitoring capabilities also help with quick detection and response.
Run Your Remote Workforce With Confidence
Managing devices and connected products remotely can be incredibly challenging, primarily because there is a lack of proximity to ensure everything is going well. RMM solutions bridge this physical gap with various features that help businesses ensure their devices continue to run well.
When choosing an RMM solution for your organization, assess your options and their features. Providers such as Canopy offer cost-effective yet powerful RMM solutions for connected products. They allow you to remotely monitor and manage devices across multiple locations, helping reduce downtime and operational costs.
Embracing these solutions can be a decisive factor in improving your organization’s efficiency, security, and long-term growth.