Rippling

From laptops and smartphones to tablets and desktop computers, keeping track of multiple devices, ensuring they're secure, and maintaining productivity can quickly become overwhelming for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This is where robust device management solutions like Rippling come into play – a necessity for SMBs looking to streamline their IT operations and enhance security.

Rippling is a comprehensive workforce management platform that includes powerful device management capabilities. While it's not a standalone device management solution, its integration with other HR and IT functions makes it a compelling choice for SMBs looking to simplify their operations. Rippling's device management feature is designed to address the challenges of modern device management head-on, offering a suite of tools that can transform how SMBs handle their IT assets, secure their data, and onboard/offboard employees.

Rippling's device management solution is an excellent choice for SMBs with diverse device management needs and use cases like:

Employee Onboarding and Offboarding

One of Rippling's standout features is its ability to streamline the device aspect of employee onboarding and offboarding:

• Automated device provisioning
• Pre-configuration of devices with necessary software and settings
• Seamless integration with HR processes

For instance, when a new marketing manager joins your team, Rippling can automatically assign a laptop, preload it with the required software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, project management tools), configure email and VPN settings, and have it ready for the employee's first day. Similarly, when an employee leaves, Rippling can remotely revoke access to company resources and initiate the device return process.

Centralized Device Management

Rippling offers a centralized dashboard for managing all company devices:

• Real-time inventory tracking
• Device status monitoring
• Remote device control

This centralized approach allows IT administrators to have a bird's-eye view of all company devices. They can easily see which devices are assigned to whom, and their current status (active, inactive, lost), and also perform actions like updates or lockdowns remotely.

Security and Compliance

In an era where data breaches are increasingly common, Rippling's device management helps maintain robust security:

• Enforcement of security policies (e.g., password requirements, encryption)
• Automated software updates and patch management
• Remote device lock and wipe capabilities

For example, suppose a sales representative loses their laptop at a conference. In that case, the IT team can quickly locate the device using Rippling, lock it to prevent unauthorized access, and, if necessary, remotely wipe sensitive data to maintain compliance with data protection regulations.

Software License Management

Rippling simplifies the often complex task of managing software licenses across the organization:

• Automated license assignment and revocation
• Usage tracking and optimization
• Compliance monitoring

This feature assists in maintaining compliance with software licensing agreements and helps optimize software spend by identifying unused or underutilized licenses.

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Management

For SMBs embracing BYOD policies, Rippling offers tools to secure and manage employee-owned devices:

• Separation of personal and work data
• Enforcement of security policies on work-related apps and data
• Selective remote wipe capabilities

This allows employees to use their preferred devices while ensuring company data remains secure and easily manageable by the IT team.

While Rippling's device management capabilities are robust, there are scenarios where alternative solutions might be more appropriate:

Standalone Device Management Needs

If your SMB only requires device management without the need for integrated HR and payroll functions, a dedicated Mobile Device Management (MDM) or Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solution might be more suitable. Tools like Jamf Pro (for Apple devices) or Microsoft Intune offer more specialized and in-depth device management features.

For instance, if you're running a small design studio exclusively using Mac devices, Jamf Pro might offer more tailored features for your Apple-centric environment.

Complex Network Management Requirements

For businesses with complex network infrastructures or those requiring advanced network management features alongside device management, solutions like Cisco Meraki Systems Manager or SolarWinds RMM might be more appropriate. These tools offer more comprehensive network monitoring and management capabilities.

Highly Regulated Industries

Companies in highly regulated industries like healthcare or finance might need more specialized solutions that offer industry-specific compliance features. For example:

• In healthcare, a solution like Ivanti might be more suitable due to its HIPAA compliant features.
• For financial services, Scalefusion offers advanced security features tailored for the finance sector.

Rippling offers a comprehensive solution that integrates device management with other HR and IT functions. While they don't publicly list their pricing, reports suggest that plans start at around $8 per user per month, with the device management feature potentially incurring additional costs.

Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started with Rippling's device management:

• Contact Rippling: Unlike some solutions, Rippling doesn't offer a self-service signup process. You'll need to contact their sales team for a customized quote based on your company's size and needs.
• Demo and Assessment: Rippling typically offers a demo of its platform. Use this opportunity to assess whether its device management features meet your specific needs.
• Setup Your Account: Once you've signed up, you'll need to set up your Rippling account. This involves inputting your company information and configuring basic settings.
• Import Your Data: Rippling allows you to import your existing employee and device data. You can typically do this via CSV files or through integrations with your current systems.
• Configure Device Policies: Set up your device management policies. This includes security policies, software distribution lists, and compliance requirements.
• Set Up Integrations: Rippling integrates with numerous third-party applications. For seamless operations, integrate with your current software ecosystem.
• Enroll Devices: Start enrolling your company's devices into the Rippling system. This can typically be done in bulk for existing devices, while new devices can be automatically enrolled upon provisioning.
• Train Your Team: Ensure your IT team is familiar with Rippling's device management interface. Rippling offers extensive documentation and support to help with this process.
• Roll Out to Employees: Finally, roll out the system to your employees. This might involve installing Rippling apps on their devices or providing instructions for BYOD setups.

Remember, Rippling's device management is part of a larger HR and IT management ecosystem. While this integration is a strength, it also means the setup process might be more involved than with standalone MDM solutions.

Transitioning to Rippling's device management from another solution can seem daunting, but Rippling aims to make the process as smooth as possible:

Data Migration

Rippling offers tools to help migrate your data from existing systems:

• Export Your Data: From your current device management tool, export your device inventory, user assignments, and policy configurations.
• Use Rippling's Import Tools: Rippling provides import tools that can handle CSV files or direct integrations with some popular MDM solutions.
• Validate Your Data: After import, verify that all your device information, user assignments, and policies have been correctly migrated.

Policy and Configuration Migration

Recreate your existing policies and configurations in Rippling:

• Review your current device policies and recreate them in Rippling's policy management interface.
• Set up software distribution lists to match your current configurations.
• Configure compliance and security settings to align with your existing standards.

Gradual Rollout

Consider a phased approach to migration:

• Start with a pilot group to test Rippling's device management features.
• Address any issues or necessary adjustments identified during the pilot.
• Gradually roll out to larger groups of devices, potentially segmented by department or device type.
• If necessary, maintain parallel systems during the transition to ensure no disruption to your operations.

Employee Communication and Training

Ensure a smooth transition for your employees:

• Communicate the change clearly, explaining the benefits and any actions required from employees.
• Provide training materials or sessions, particularly for employees using BYOD setups.
• Set up a support system to address any issues or questions during the transition.

Rippling's device management solution integrates well with a wide range of tools, enhancing its functionality:

• Identity Providers: Rippling integrates with major identity providers like Okta and Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory), allowing for streamlined user authentication and access management.
• Cloud Storage Services: Integrations with services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Box enable easy management of company data across devices.
• Productivity Suites: Rippling works seamlessly with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, allowing for easy deployment and management of these essential productivity tools.
• Security Tools: Integrations with security solutions like CrowdStrike and Carbon Black (from VMware) enhance device and data protection capabilities.
• IT Service Management: Rippling can integrate with ITSM tools like ServiceNow, streamlining IT support processes.
• Communication Tools: Integrations with platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams allow for seamless communication and notifications related to device management.

While Rippling offers broad compatibility, there are some areas where integration might be challenging:

• Legacy Systems: Older, on-premise systems or custom-built software solutions might have challenging integration paths with Rippling. If your business relies heavily on such systems, you might need to consider the cost and effort of building custom integrations or maintaining separate workflows.
• Specialized Industry Software: If you're using niche software specific to your industry, you might find limited direct integration options with Rippling. In these cases, you may need to rely on manual updates or explore custom API solutions.
• Competitor Platforms: As Rippling offers a comprehensive workforce management solution, it may not integrate well with competing platforms that offer similar all-in-one capabilities.

In conclusion, Rippling's device management solution offers powerful tools that can significantly streamline IT operations for many SMBs, especially when used as part of Rippling's broader workforce management platform. Its integration of HR, IT, and finance functions sets it apart from standalone MDM solutions.

However, as with any tool, it's important to evaluate your specific needs, consider potential integration challenges, and perhaps try it out with a small team before rolling it out company-wide. Remember, the best device management solution is the one that fits seamlessly into your existing workflows and helps your team manage devices more effectively and securely.