Introduction
In enterprise mobility, the only constant is change—and 2024 was no exception. Over the past year, IT and Operations leaders across industries have faced mounting pressure to balance security, efficiency, and user experience as they manage fleets of shared Android devices.
Whether in warehousing, logistics, manufacturing, retail, or healthcare, the frontline workforce depends on rugged Android devices to access essential applications, manage inventory, and communicate in real time. However, with increasing cybersecurity threats, complex authentication requirements, and the need for seamless integration into modern IT infrastructure, many organizations have struggled to keep up.
In healthcare, hospitals and clinical environments that previously relied on Imprivata for shared iOS devices have begun transitioning to Android solutions. Many frontline care leaders are now searching for a scalable, cost-effective authentication and device management solution that can replicate or improve upon Imprivata’s capabilities without the high costs associated with iOS-focused platforms.
At BlueFletch, we’ve had hundreds of conversations with organizations looking for solutions beyond what standard MDM tools and off-the-shelf authentication methods can provide. They’re not just looking for a better way to log in—they need a comprehensive strategy to optimize workforce productivity, improve security, and ensure compliance across industries. This article breaks down the most pressing topics we’ve heard from customers in 2024—from the rise of NFC badge authentication to Microsoft integrations and the growing demand for an Android alternative to Imprivata in healthcare. If your organization is navigating these challenges, you’re not alone—and we’ll explore how forward-thinking teams are solving them today.
1. NFC Badge Tap: The Push for Faster Authentication
Picture this: A frontline worker arrives for their shift at a busy distribution center. They grab a shared rugged Android device and need to log in. But instead of quickly tapping in and getting to work, they waste valuable minutes manually typing out complex credentials—only to be logged out mid-shift and forced to re-enter everything again.
Now, multiply that inefficiency across thousands of employees, across multiple shifts per day. The result? Lost productivity, increased frustration, and heightened security risks. In 2024, NFC badge authentication emerged as a leading solution to this problem. By allowing workers to tap their existing employee ID badges to authenticate, companies are streamlining device access while improving security and reducing login-related downtime.
Why Organizations Are Making the Shift to NFC Authentication
- Faster Logins, Less Frustration
- Enhanced Security with FIDO2 and PIV/CAC Support
- Security teams are increasingly demanding phishing-resistant authentication.
- BlueFletch’s NFC authentication supports FIDO2 and PIV/CAC, ensuring compliance with strict security policies used by government agencies and enterprises alike.
- Simplified Workforce Identity Management
- IT teams no longer have to worry about shared passwords or unauthorized access.
- NFC authentication ensures that only authorized employees can access devices, apps, and sensitive company data.
Customer Insight: The Real-World Impact
One global logistics company that manages over 15,000 shared Android devices came to us struggling with excessive login friction. Workers were forced to manually enter passwords multiple times per shift, leading to lost time, increased IT helpdesk tickets, and security risks from password sharing. After deploying BlueFletch NFC badge login, they saw:
- 40% faster logins across all shifts
- 90% reduction in password reset requests
- Stronger compliance with enterprise security policies
With NFC authentication, frontline workers tap, log in, and get to work—securely and seamlessly.
2. Microsoft Integrations: The Reality of Intune Migration
As business leaders reviewed their device management strategies in 2024, many turned to Microsoft Intune—not because it was the most feature-rich MDM solution for their frontline workforce, but because it was already included in their Enterprise Microsoft 365 licensing agreement.
For business leaders focused on cost efficiency, the appeal was clear: Why pay for an additional MDM when we already have Intune? This financial logic led many organizations to attempt a full-scale migration from SOTI, Workspace ONE, or other MDM platforms to Intune. However, as IT teams began implementation, they quickly realized that Intune’s built-in capabilities were not designed for shared Android devices at scale. The most common concern among companies was: “How do we replicate the functionality we had before?”
Why Companies Are Adopting Microsoft Intune
- Intune Comes with Microsoft 365 Enterprise Licensing (F1 and above)
- Standardization Across IT Infrastructure
- Enterprises already using Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) for identity management see Intune as a natural extension, allowing them to consolidate IAM and device management under Microsoft.
- IT teams in organizations prioritizing Microsoft-first strategies often feel pressure to adopt Intune, Teams, and Microsoft’s frontline solutions—even when they may not be the best fit for shared devices.
- Microsoft’s QR Code + PIN Authentication for Frontline Workers
- Companies looking for passwordless authentication on shared Android devices explored Microsoft’s QR Code + PIN sign-in method, which allows users to scan a QR code and enter an 8-digit PIN to log in.
- While appealing in concept, IT teams quickly found that this method was limited to Microsoft apps and required significant administrative overhead to provision and manage at scale.
Challenges IT Leaders Face When Moving to Intune
- Missing Key Features for Shared Devices
- Migration Complexity and Resistance to Change
- Migrating thousands of shared devices to Intune is a significant operational lift, requiring IT teams to reconfigure authentication, rebuild existing workflows, and manage security policies differently.
- Frontline workers often experience frustration when transitioning from their previous authentication process, especially if new login methods—like QR Code + PIN authentication—increase the time needed to access devices.
- Many companies that are not in a device refresh cycle hesitate to migrate, as replacing or converting existing devices to Intune requires additional planning and resources.
- Managing Through Two Platforms Instead of One
- Organizations that previously used SOTI or Workspace ONE as an all-in-one MDM and authentication platform often realize that Intune alone is not enough for frontline device management.
- Many IT teams find themselves needing BlueFletch on top of Intune to restore lost functionality and ensure that shared device authentication works seamlessly across all frontline apps, not just Microsoft applications.
How We Helped Solve These Challenges
For enterprises moving to Microsoft Intune, BlueFletch provides critical enhancements that restore lost functionality and improve security:
- Remote control capabilities to replace SOTI’s built-in remote support.
- Role-based authentication and UI customization to improve the user experience beyond Microsoft’s managed home screen.
- Extended authentication options, including NFC badge login, to provide a faster alternative to QR Code + PIN authentication.
- Side-loading and app management support to ensure that non-Play Store apps can still be deployed and updated on shared Android devices.
We worked with a large U.S.-based retailer managing 15,000+ shared Android devices and initially planned to migrate from SOTI to Intune to reduce licensing costs. However, they ran into several critical roadblocks:
- Intune’s authentication model did not support their frontline workers’ custom inventory app.
- Microsoft QR Code + PIN authentication was impractical because workers frequently switched between Microsoft and non-Microsoft applications.
- Their IT team lacked the ability to push security updates to side-loaded apps that were essential to their operations.
By deploying BlueFletch on top of Intune, they were able to:
- Restore remote control functionality and enable IT to troubleshoot devices remotely.
- Implement NFC badge login as a seamless alternative to QR Code + PIN, reducing login times.
- Maintain compliance with Intune policies while supporting all frontline applications, not just Microsoft apps.
For organizations considering Intune as their primary MDM, the reality is clear:
- Intune alone is not enough for frontline shared devices.
- Companies must invest in additional tools to replace the missing features.
While Microsoft provides a cost-effective foundation, enterprise teams looking to improve the security, efficiency, and user experience of shared Android devices will need to combine Intune with enterprise mobility solutions like BlueFletch to achieve true feature parity with SOTI, Workspace ONE, and other traditional MDM platforms.
3. Improving Experience on Top of MDMs: Going Beyond Default Launchers
Many organizations that have deployed Intune, SOTI, AirWatch, or 42Gears as their MDM quickly realize that while these platforms provide basic device management capabilities, they fall short when it comes to optimizing the user experience for frontline workers.
The challenge is that most MDM-provided launchers are generic—they were not designed to handle complex role-based access, seamless authentication, or advanced security controls on shared Android devices. As a result, in 2024, IT leaders across industries began exploring ways to enhance the shared device experience beyond what MDMs alone could provide.
Why Companies Are Moving Beyond MDM Launchers
- Limited Role-Based User Experiences
- Authentication Gaps in MDM Solutions
- MDM-provided launchers do not fully support enterprise SSO—forcing users to log in multiple times across different applications.
- Many organizations use on-prem identity providers (IDPs) that are not natively compatible with their MDM authentication setup.
- IT teams often struggle to integrate alternative authentication methods like NFC badge login within their MDM-provided launcher.
- Lack of Device Finding and Security Features
- Frontline organizations experience high rates of device loss and theft, yet most MDMs lack built-in accountability features.
- Workers often misplace shared devices at the end of their shift, leading to IT spending significant time and effort tracking them down.
- Without built-in device tracking, IT teams lack visibility into where and how devices are being used, increasing security risks.
How IT Teams Are Solving These Problems
To address these challenges, organizations have started deploying BlueFletch Launcher as a layer on top of their MDMs to provide:
- Dynamic, role-based user interfaces that change based on worker permissions.
- True SSO authentication that eliminates the need for multiple logins across different apps.
- Support for on-prem identity providers, ensuring compatibility with existing IT infrastructure.
- Integrated device tracking to improve device accountability and security.
A global manufacturing company managing 8,000+ shared Android devices had initially relied on their MDM’s default launcher but faced continuous complaints from frontline workers about usability issues.
Their challenges included:
- Workers have to manually log into each app multiple times per shift.
- Lost devices at the end of shifts, causing operational slowdowns.
- IT struggling to push app updates efficiently through their MDM.
By deploying BlueFletch Launcher, they were able to:
- Implement SSO across all frontline applications, cutting down login time by 50%.
- Reduce lost device incidents by integrating device tracking and Secure Device Mode.
Improve worker efficiency with a clean, role-based UI that only displays relevant apps based on each worker’s job function.
Key Takeaways
- MDMs are designed for device control—not user experience.
- Enhancing the authentication and security layer on top of an MDM significantly improves frontline worker efficiency.
- Adding a customizable launcher and device tracking tools can prevent productivity loss and reduce security risks.
For organizations managing hundreds or thousands of shared Android devices, moving beyond generic MDM launchers is no longer optional—it’s essential for securing devices, improving login workflows, and optimizing the frontline experience.
4. Imprivata Alternatives in Healthcare: The Shift to Android for Secure Access
For years, Imprivata GroundControl has been instrumental in providing secure device checkout, automated management, and application access for shared iOS devices in healthcare. As hospitals and clinical environments have embraced mobile technology, Imprivata has positioned itself as the go-to solution for seamless authentication and compliance management on Apple devices.
However, as more healthcare systems transition to Android devices, many IT leaders are finding that Imprivata’s solution remains optimized for iOS—both in functionality and cost structure. While Imprivata has expanded support to include Android, organizations looking to replicate the same seamless experience on their new device fleet face challenges. They need an enterprise-grade authentication and security solution that supports shared Android devices at scale without the high cost of proprietary iOS-focused platforms. In 2024, hospital systems placed an even greater emphasis on cost-conscious technology investments, making cost-effective solutions for shared device security, SSO, and access control a top priority. As a result, many hospital IT teams began evaluating alternatives that provide the same level of authentication security as Imprivata but with greater flexibility and efficiency for Android.
Why Healthcare Organizations Are Moving to Android
- Cost-Effective Device Deployment
- Budget constraints have led hospitals to seek more efficient and scalable device options, and Android provides a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) compared to iOS.
- The ability to procure rugged, purpose-built Android devices for clinical use makes Android an attractive alternative to managing expensive iOS hardware.
- Customization & Authentication Flexibility
- Many hospitals need custom authentication methods such as badge tap login to improve speed and reduce login errors.
- Medical gloves and small touchscreens make traditional password entry difficult, increasing demand for frictionless SSO authentication.
- Security & Compliance for Shared Devices
- Without the right authentication and security measures, lost or unsecured devices can expose patient data.
Hospitals need solutions that maintain compliance standards while ensuring clinicians can access devices quickly and securely.
The Problem: Secure Access & Device Availability in High-Pressure Environments
A southeastern trauma center faced major obstacles in securing and managing its fleet of shared Android devices. With thousands of devices in circulation across emergency departments, ICU floors, and nursing stations, clinicians frequently struggled with secure access, leading to:
- Delays in patient care due to slow or failed login attempts.
- Increased device loss and security risks from unsecured logins.
Compliance concerns as IT struggled to maintain visibility and control over shared devices.
How BlueFletch Solves These Challenges
Healthcare teams looking for an Android-first alternative to Imprivata have found success with BlueFletch’s enterprise authentication and device security solutions. By deploying BlueFletch Launcher, SSO, and real-time device monitoring tools, hospitals have been able to:
- Accelerate Device Access with Secure SSO & Badge Login
- Clinicians log in 25% faster with badge-based authentication and Single Sign-On (SSO)—ensuring instant access to patient data without re-entering credentials.
- Improve Compliance & Reduce Security Risks
- Role-based access ensures that only authorized staff can access certain applications.
- Secure Device Mode prevents unauthorized use and enforces automatic logouts, protecting patient information.
- Real-time device tracking helps IT teams locate and recover misplaced devices before they become security liabilities.
- Reduce Downtime & Improve Device Availability
- Device Finder and Secure Device Mode help locate devices before shifts change, reducing lost time searching for missing hardware.
- Low-battery alerts ensure that devices are always charged and ready for use.
Since implementing BlueFletch, the southeastern trauma center reported:
- 25% faster device access—Clinicians retrieve patient data instantly with secure SSO.
- 35% increase in efficiency—Staff spend less time dealing with slow authentication and more time on patient care.
- 40% improvement in compliance scores—Real-time monitoring, secure logins, and automated session management enhance data security.
Global Expansion: BlueFletch + AMR ICT’s Success in the Netherlands
In 2024, BlueFletch partnered with AMR ICT, a healthcare mobility leader in the Netherlands, to tackle authentication challenges in European hospital systems. Many Dutch hospitals struggled with traditional sign-in methods, as password complexity, frequent credential resets, and the need for fast access created constant frustrations for clinical staff. By implementing badge-based authentication and Single Sign-On (SSO) on Android devices, AMR ICT’s customers experienced faster logins, fewer password-related IT tickets, and a more seamless user experience for clinicians. This partnership demonstrates how modern authentication strategies can improve efficiency in high-pressure healthcare environments while ensuring compliance and data security.
What This Means for Teams Enabling Frontline Care
- If your hospital is transitioning from iOS to Android, securing shared devices requires more than just MDM controls.
- Role-based access and seamless authentication are critical for fast, secure clinical workflows.
- Implementing secure, efficient login solutions—like badge authentication and real-time device monitoring—improves both patient care and operational efficiency.
For hospital systems evaluating Android SSO solutions, BlueFletch provides a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective alternative that meets security and compliance requirements without the high cost of proprietary iOS solutions.
Conclusion: What 2024 Taught Us About Enterprise Mobility
This past year reinforced a crucial reality for IT leaders managing frontline mobility: one-size-fits-all solutions don’t work for shared Android devices at scale. Whether the challenge was streamlining authentication, Microsoft integrations, improving the shared device experience and management in healthcare, or enhancing the user experience beyond MDM launchers, enterprises sought solutions that delivered both security and efficiency without creating friction for their workforce. As organizations continue to expand their reliance on Microsoft, IT teams have had to navigate the gaps left by default MDM solutions and authentication methods. Many found that additional tools were required to ensure seamless authentication, proper device security, and workforce efficiency. The most successful organizations took a customized, enterprise-focused approach, leveraging solutions that could integrate into Microsoft’s ecosystem while filling in critical functionality gaps.
Key Takeaways
NFC Badge Authentication Is the Future of Streamlined Access
- Organizations are increasingly moving toward tap-to-login solutions to replace cumbersome username/password entry.
- The adoption of FIDO2 and PIV/CAC authentication ensures both speed and compliance with enterprise security standards.
Microsoft Integrations Require Additional Customization for Frontline Efficiency
- Many organizations transitioned to Microsoft Entra, Intune, and frontline applications (Teams, PowerApps, Outlook, etc.) to standardize identity management.
- IT teams quickly found that Intune lacks critical features for shared Android devices, requiring additional tools to restore lost functionality such as remote control, side-loading capabilities, and file management.
- Microsoft’s QR Code + PIN authentication provided a secure but limited login experience, as it only worked for Microsoft apps and required significant administrative overhead.
MDMs Alone Are Not Enough to Optimize the Frontline Experience
- MDM launchers provide basic functionality but lack role-based UI customization, seamless SSO authentication, and device tracking capabilities.
- Organizations that invested in enhancing their device experience beyond MDMs saw improved security, reduced device loss, and higher worker efficiency.
Healthcare Systems Need Scalable Android Authentication and Security Solutions
- As more hospitals transition from iOS to Android, IT leaders are searching for cost-effective authentication and device management solutions that support compliance and security in high-pressure environments.
- Badge-based authentication, role-based access, and real-time device tracking have helped hospitals reduce login delays, improve compliance scores, and enhance operational efficiency.
Partnerships like BlueFletch and AMR ICT in the Netherlands have demonstrated the effectiveness of modern authentication strategies in addressing shared device security challenges in healthcare.
Looking Ahead: How Organizations Can Prepare for 2025
The trends from 2024 point to a growing need for flexible, customizable solutions that adapt to enterprise security requirements while reducing operational friction. IT teams that successfully tackled these challenges leveraged purpose-built enterprise mobility tools—ensuring that frontline workers could focus on productivity rather than struggling with inefficient login systems, lost devices, or security roadblocks.
For planning ahead:
- Evaluate your current authentication workflows—could NFC badges, badge tap login, or improved SSO solutions reduce login friction?
- Assess whether your Microsoft integrations are optimized for your workforce—are Intune, Entra, or QR Code + PIN authentication meeting your security and efficiency requirements?
Consider the gaps in your device management strategy—are you losing devices, struggling with app updates, or managing IT security risks effectively?
Next Steps
For enterprises looking to improve authentication, Microsoft integrations, healthcare security, and device management in 2025, now is the time to evaluate solutions that go beyond default MDM functionality. To see how BlueFletch can help you enhance security and efficiency on your shared Android devices, contact us for a consultation or a live demo, or mention us to your technology solutions provider during your next device refresh cycle.
