Device Lifecycle Management in Hexnode

Overview

Device Lifecycle Management (DLM) is the strategic process of overseeing corporate devices from procurement to retirement. Hexnode UEM provides a centralized system to streamline this lifecycle, ensuring devices remain secure, compliant, and productive from day one until they are recycled.

What is Device Lifecycle Management?

In the context of Hexnode UEM, DLM involves managing the entire lifespan of corporate hardware. It replaces manual, individual device maintenance with a unified workflow that handles:

• Acquisition & Enrollment: Onboarding new hardware.
• Provisioning: configuring settings and apps.
• Maintenance: Securing and updating devices.
• Decommissioning: Wiping and recycling hardware.

Why Enterprises Prioritize DLM

• Reduced Downtime: Automated provisioning ensures devices are work-ready in minutes, not hours.
• Enhanced Security: Continuous monitoring and automated remediation prevent compliance drift.
• Cost Optimization: Integrated expense management and asset tracking prevent ghost assets and overages.
• Sustainability: Secure retirement workflows facilitate eco-friendly recycling and device resale.

Why Use Hexnode for Device Lifecycle Management?

Enterprises deploying Hexnode’s DLM system realize three core benefits:

1. Maximized Productivity

Hexnode minimizes device downtime, ensuring employees aren’t hindered by faulty or unconfigured machines.

• Remote Management: Fix issues without physical access.
• Automated Maintenance: Reduce the time IT staff spend on individual device health.

2. Enhanced Data Security

Protect corporate data with compliance standards tailored to your industry.

• Granular Policies: Configure privacy settings to meet strict compliance criteria.
• Data Protection: Secure data at rest and in transit.

3. Simplified Management

Manage the entire fleet from a single “pane of glass.”

• Bulk Enrollment: Onboard hundreds of devices simultaneously.
• Role-Based Access: Assign technician specific roles to distribute the management workload.

The 4 Stages of the Hexnode Device Lifecycle

Hexnode streamlines the lifecycle into four distinct operational stages:

Stage 1: Enrolling Your Devices (Procurement)

The lifecycle begins when a device is first introduced to the organization. When new devices are purchased, they must first be registered in the Hexnode portal. Hexnode supports comprehensive enrollment for the following platforms:

• Mobile: Android, iOS, iPadOS, FireOS
• Desktop: Windows, macOS, ChromeOS
• IoT/Other: tvOS, visionOS

Stage 2: Applying Configurations (Provisioning)

Once enrolled, devices need to be “business-ready.” Admins can associate Policies to automatically configure devices with necessary settings, including:

• Network: Wi-Fi and VPN settings.
• Restrictions: device feature limitations (e.g., blocking cameras).
• Software Distribution: Silent installation of mission-critical applications (MSI, PKG, APK, VPP).
• Kiosk Mode: Locking devices to specific apps for dedicated use.
• Web Filtering: Blocking malicious or non-work-related websites.
• Personalization: Wallpapers and layout settings.

Stage 3: Securing Your Devices (Maintenance)

Ongoing security is critical. Hexnode allows for the remote configuration of native OS security features to protect against malware and unauthorized access:

• Windows: Configure BitLocker encryption and Microsoft Defender.
• macOS: Enforce FileVault encryption and Firewall settings.
• Mobile (iOS/Android): Manage app permissions and OS-level restrictions.

During the device’s operational life, Hexnode acts as a 24/7 security layer.

• Compliance Checks: Real-time auditing for root/jailbreak status, encryption (BitLocker/FileVault), and OS versioning.
• Geofencing: Automatically triggering restrictions or removing data when a device exits a predefined geographic zone.
• Remote Actions: Instant execution of commands such as Scan Device, Remote Lock, Clear Passcode, or Remote View/Control for troubleshooting.

Stage 4: Reusing or Retiring Devices (Decommissioning)

When an employee leaves or a device is repurposed, it must be securely wiped to prevent data leaks.

1. Wipe Device Action: Initiate a remote wipe from the Hexnode portal to erase all corporate data.
2. Disenrollment: Severing the management link so the device can be safely resold or recycled.
3. Re-enrollment: Once cleared, the device can be re-enrolled and assigned to a new user, restarting the lifecycle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can Hexnode manage devices from different manufacturers (cross-platform management) in a single console?

A: Yes, Hexnode’s Device Lifecycle Management (DLM) is platform-agnostic. It allows administrators to seamlessly manage devices running Android, Apple (iOS/macOS), and Windows operating systems from a single, unified portal.

Q: How does Hexnode ensure data security if a managed device is lost or stolen during its lifecycle?

A: Hexnode provides robust remote actions to secure lost devices. Administrators can immediately remotely lock the device or perform a complete corporate data wipe (factory reset) to ensure sensitive information is not compromised.

Q: Is it possible to automate the setup and configuration process for new devices using Hexnode?

A: Yes, Hexnode enables zero-touch setup through automation. By utilizing deployment policies and bulk enrollment methods, new devices can be automatically configured with settings, Wi-Fi profiles, essential apps, and corporate restrictions immediately upon enrollment.

Can I manage the lifecycle of a personal (BYOD) device?

Yes. Using Android Enterprise Work Profiles or Apple User Enrollment, Hexnode manages the “Work Container” without ever accessing the user’s personal photos, messages, or apps.

How does Hexnode handle “lost” devices during the lifecycle?

Admins can trigger Lost Mode, which locks the device, displays a custom message, and fetches the real-time location. If recovery is impossible, a Remote Wipe ensures data security.