Kiosk Software for provisioning devices in Single App and Multi-app Kiosk Mode

Mobile Device Manager Plus is an MDM solution that doubles up as a Kiosk software allowing IT admins to lock down devices, restricting them to a single or specific set of apps and allowing only certain device features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth etc., to be accessible to the user. ManageEngine MDM Kiosk mode facilitates smart devices to function as single-purpose devices while ensuring a better user experience and preventing device misuse. The surge in popularity of point-of-sale terminals, digital signage, and customer self-service kiosks etc., has led to IT admins looking for a way to transform run-of-the-mill smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops and TVs into dedicated devices. This can be accomplished using ManageEngine Mobile Device Manager Plus Kiosk mode.

Types of Kiosks

Using MDM as Kiosk software, devices can be provisioned in single-app Kiosk mode or multi-app Kiosk mode:

Single-app Kiosk mode

In single-app Kiosk mode, the admin can restrict the device to running a single app, that the user will not be able to navigate out of. Using MDM as Kiosk software, IT admins can accomplish the following in single-app mode:

• Run the application or web shortcut in full screen, hiding the status bar and notifications
• Block the use of hardware keys on the device
• Configure the default orientation of the device
• Provision a custom settings app accessible through a secret gesture
• Disable screen timeout
• Restrict access to the device task manager, preventing users from navigating to the device settings
• Configure a password to exit the device out of Kiosk mode

Multi-app Kiosk mode

In multi-app Kiosk mode, the admin can restrict the device to two or more apps accessible on the device's home screen, with the rest of the device inaccessible. In addition to the features of MDM single-app Kiosk mode, IT admins can achieve the following in multi-app mode:

• Customize the device launcher, wallpaper, fonts and home screen layout
• Choose a default app to be launched when the device is idle
• Provision hidden apps that are inaccessible to the user but can function in the background
• Distribute the ME MDM app to Kiosk devices, enabling device users to manually view and download distributed apps and content

Autonomous app mode

In autonomous app mode, the device gets locked down to a specific app temporarily, restricting access to other apps. After the specified period of time, the app is exited out of, and all other apps on the device are accessible to the user.

Features of using MDM to provision Kiosks

• Quick provisioning

  Bring devices under management out-of-the-box, using automated enrollment methods and deploy them in bulk under Kiosk mode with MDM Kiosk software. Provision them with the requisite apps developed in-house and from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Windows Business Store. Distributed apps not already present on the device will be automatically downloaded.

• Restricted device functionality

  Exercise granular control over exactly which device settings can be modified by the user, keeping the rest inaccessible to ensure the devices are secure from unauthorized access. Apply restrictions like hiding the status bar, task manager and disable power and volume buttons to ensure the device is used for its intended purpose.

• Home screen layout

  Configure the device's orientation and the layout of the device's home screen by arranging apps, pinning them to the dock for easier access or even categorizing them under separate folders and pages.

  Learn how to customize the screen layout of your devices by watching this short demo video.

• Distribute Web Shortcuts to Kiosks

  Distribute Web Shortcuts to devices, with restricted browser functionality to ensure controlled access of the browser.

• Remote commands

  Initiate remote commands from the MDM server to take devices out of Kiosk mode, view, control and troubleshoot technical issues on them or even remotely wipe the sensitive corporate data on them. Devices can also be rebooted or switched off at a pre-mentioned date and time, to conserve power and efficiency for unattended devices.

• Kiosk password

  Configure a password to temporarily exit the device out of Kiosk mode while keeping the device managed, removing the need to entirely revoke device management if it needs troubleshooting.

• Custom settings

  Provision devices with custom settings, allowing configurations like Wi-Fi, flashlight, Bluetooth and more to be permanently enabled, disabled or left up to the user.

• Location tracking

  Keep track of the location of Kiosk devices in real time, and even maintain a history of the device's past locations. Use a geofencing policy if the device is to be located within certain geographical boundaries and choose what happens if the device leaves the specified area.

• OS updates

  Schedule, automate or restrict OS updates to ensure the device is up and running during work hours.

• Custom branding

  Personalize your home screen with custom wallpapers, app icons and font colors to increase brand recognition.

• Device audits

  View device details right from the MDM console to perform device audits and generate predefined reports on managed devices to gather useful insights, or in the case of a physical audit issue a command from the MDM console to have the device display the required details.

What is the need for a Kiosk Software?

As businesses explore new ways to improve productivity and cut down costs, using a Kiosk software to turn smart devices into Kiosk devices becomes more relevant. Devices on Kiosk Mode help enhance the user experience, save time, and also replace the human workforce. They are especially useful when the device functionality has to be restricted and the access must be limited to a single application or a set of applications.

As mobile devices are not originally designed to serve as purpose-built devices, using a Kiosk software becomes a necessity. An effective Kiosk software ensures seamless provisioning of devices in a single app or multi-app Kiosk along with the device restrictions.

Steps for provisioning devices in Kiosk Mode using Mobile Device Manager Plus

NOTE: As a pre-requisite for using the MDM devices need to be Supervised in the case of iOS, and provisioned as Device Owner in the case of Android.

To provision devices in ManageEngine MDM Kiosk Mode, follow the steps given below.

• On the MDM server, navigate to Device Mgmt -> Profiles.
• Click on the Create Profile dropdown and choose the platform.
• Provide the Name and Description for the profile and click on Continue.
• Select Kiosk from the left pane.
• In General Settings, choose the Kiosk type as Single App for provisioning single-purpose devices or Multi app for customized provisioning.
• Specify the app(s) and web shortcut(s) to be added to the device in the Allowed App(s).
• Specify any hidden app(s) that are to function in the background.
• Configure a password to exit the device out of kiosk mode, if necessary, in Pause Kiosk Password and set a custom wallpaper by uploading the file in Choose Wallpaper.
• In the Device Restrictions tab, users can be allowed or restricted from accessing certain device features like the status bar, notifications, volume controls, the power button etc.
• Select if a Custom Settings App is to be added to the device and choose the settings that the user will have access to through that app.
• If multi-app Kiosk mode is chosen, the default app to be launched when the device is idle can be selected in Advanced Settings and the device's home screen layout can be modified in Edit Screen Layout.
• Next, Save and Publish the profile.

After the profile is created, it must be associated with the device. It is recommended to test the profile on a test device before associating it with a group of devices. To revoke the Kiosk Mode, the profile needs to be dissociated from the device/group.

Mobile Device Manager Plus, a robust kiosk software is available for a 30-day free trial. Give it a try today!