How to secure and manage Zebra rugged devices across global workforces

What do you think is tougher? Shipping orders on time with half your Zebra devices offline, or keeping thousands of them secure and updated across the globe? Honestly, it’s a tie.

You’re not just dealing with lost units or stolen data, you’re also the one responsible for rolling out updates without slowing shifts, keeping compliance boxes ticked in every region, and making sure your frontline teams never hit a roadblock mid-task.

Therefore, Zebra device management can’t just be about rules and checklists. It needs a simpler way to keep everything secure and running.

Here’s how you can secure Zebra devices and streamline Zebra rugged device management, so your teams stay focused on the work.

Understanding the challenges of global workforce deployments

To manage Zebra devices across a global workforce is not as simple as handing out rugged scanners and walking away. 

You’re dealing with a mix of models. One warehouse might rely on the Zebra TC series. On the other hand, another might operate on ET tablets. This makes standardization a challenge. 

On top of that, devices constantly move between hands and locations, which increases the risk of lost or stolen units and potential data exposure. Add in time zone differences, patchy connectivity, and varying tech proficiency across teams, and keeping devices updated and policies enforced becomes a full-time job. 

All of this is amplified by strict compliance requirements. From GDPR in Europe to HIPAA in the US, which means your device management strategy has to be both flexible and airtight.

Core principles of securing Zebra rugged devices

Securing your Zebra devices means building protection at every level. Start with device access control. Strong passwords, certificates, or biometrics ensure only the right people can access corporate apps and sensitive data. 

Then, focus on application and data protection by whitelisting approved apps, keeping business data encrypted, and separating work apps from personal ones. 

Network security is just as important. Rugged devices often move between Wi-Fi, mobile data, and sometimes untrusted networks, so enforcing secure connections through VPNs and blocking unsafe networks is important. 

Finally, be ready for the unexpected. If a device goes missing, admins should be able to remotely lock or wipe it instantly. 

Managing Zebra devices across a global workforce

Security is only half the story. The other half is making sure devices remain functional, updated, and aligned with workforce needs. Therefore, what you need is Zebra mobile device management.

With Zebra rugged device management solutions like Scalefusion, IT teams can:

• Centralize management – You don’t have to manage multiple tools. Policies can be pushed and enforced from a single dashboard for every Zebra device. Whether in New York, Tokyo, or Berlin.
• Update devices over the air – OS patches and app updates can be rolled out remotely, ensuring employees always have the latest, most secure versions without downtime.
• Customize device profiles by role – Delivery drivers, warehouse staff, and healthcare workers often need different app sets and permissions. Role-based policies let IT create custom configurations in minutes.
• Enable remote troubleshooting – Downtime on rugged devices can mean stalled shipments or delayed patient care. With Scalefusion, admins can remotely view and manage devices to fix issues in real time.
• Manage the entire lifecycle – From enrollment to retirement, IT teams can track, manage, and decommission Zebra devices without manual effort.

Leveraging Zebra-specific tools and integrations

Zebra devices come with built-in capabilities that enhance security and manageability. A strong Zebra rugged device management strategy taps into these:

• Zebra Mobility DNA – A suite of utilities and APIs that improve device performance, security, and usability. When paired with an MDM solution like Scalefusion, these features extend IT’s ability to configure, monitor, and secure devices.
• OEMConfig support – Zebra offers OEMConfig apps that allow advanced configurations directly through MDM. It integrates with OEMConfig, giving admins granular control over Zebra-specific features.
• Analytics and reporting – Beyond managing devices, IT needs visibility. Scalefusion offers detailed reports on device health, usage, and compliance—helping organizations spot issues before they affect productivity.

Your Zebra devices work relentlessly in the field and Scalefusion works just as steadily behind the scenes. Together, they make Zebra device management seamless. From barcode scanning to updates, configurations, and policy enforcement.

Best practices for global organizations

Scaling rugged device management globally doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by standardizing security policies, creating global baseline for authentication, encryption and app usage, while allowing local teams to tweak regional rules without breaking the overll

Wrapping it up

Your teams count on Zebra rugged devices to power through the toughest shifts, drops, dust, and all. Shouldn’t your management solution be just as tough?

With a Zebra device management solution like Scalefusion, it’s not a sweat. It’s updates that roll out on time, security that never blinks, and policies that stick no matter where in the world your devices go.

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