How to choose an MDM for a small fleet of rugged Android devices

With 5 to 50 rugged devices you want a device management system (MDM) that sets devices up in minutes, keeps them locked to your work apps and lets you help users from a distance, without a large IT project. This guide shows what to check and compares what three vendors document: 42Gears SureMDM, Scalefusion and ManageEngine MDM (Mobile Device Manager Plus).

It applies to the Zebra TC22, TC27, TC53e, TC58e, TC501, TC701, MC3400, MC3300x, MC9400, ET40, ET401, ET60, ET65 and VC8300, the Honeywell EDA52, the Datalogic Memor K20 and K25 and the Newland MT93.

Decide how the devices will be used

Android Enterprise, Google's framework for business devices, has three main setups. Google describes dedicated devices as company devices for a specific purpose, typically locked to one app or a set of apps; shared warehouse scanners usually fit here. A company phone for one driver is fully managed. A work profile keeps work apps separate, for example on a personal phone. Write down:

• how many devices, at how many sites, and whether users share them
• which apps they run, and whether they must stay locked to those apps
• who helps users when something goes wrong, and from where
• whether you also have Windows tablets or laptops to manage

Check the enrollment options

Enrollment is how a new or reset device joins the MDM. For a small fleet, two Android Enterprise methods save the most time:

• QR code: tap the welcome screen six times in the same spot (Google's instruction; some MDM docs say seven), scan a code from the MDM console, and the device installs the MDM app and enrolls. Google's minimum is Android 7.0.
• Zero-touch: the device enrolls on first boot with no handling. It must be bought through a zero-touch reseller, so ask your reseller whether it can register your devices. Google's minimum is Android 9, or a compatible Android 8 device.

For Zebra devices, Zebra's StageNow tool can also enroll the MDM by scanning barcodes. Details are in our StageNow and OEMConfig guide.

Compare the features that matter on rugged devices

The table lists what each vendor's own documentation says, checked in October 2026. Some features depend on the plan, so check current plans on the vendor's site.

Check support for your device brand

OEMConfig is a settings app from the device maker. The MDM shows its options, so you can set the scanner, keys and other brand features centrally.

• Zebra: Zebra says devices on Android 13 or later need Zebra OEMConfig Powered by MX, while Legacy Zebra OEMConfig is for Android 11 and older. Check that the MDM supports the app your devices need.
• Honeywell EDA52: Honeywell's OEMConfig app is Honeywell UEMConnect. Of the three, only ManageEngine names Honeywell in its OEMConfig documentation; for the others it is not stated on the vendor's pages.
• Datalogic Memor K20/K25: Datalogic's manual lists 42Gears SureMDM, SOTI MobiControl, Workspace ONE, Microsoft Intune, Ivanti Neurons and any Android Enterprise MDM that supports OEMConfig. 42Gears and ManageEngine name Datalogic OEMConfig in their docs.
• Newland MT93: none of the three documents a Newland OEMConfig. Newland lists Android Enterprise Recommended status for the MT93 Pro on Android 13 and for both versions on Android 15. Newland also offers its own management software, Ndevor, which it describes as free.

Brand tools without an MDM are covered in our Honeywell, Datalogic and Newland provisioning guide.

Check Windows and hosting

If you also run Windows tablets or laptops, such as the Panasonic Toughbook 55 or G2 or the Getac F120, one console for both is easier. A cloud service needs no server of your own. On-premises keeps the data on your server, but you maintain and secure it.

Test with two or three devices

1. Enroll one device of each model with a QR code.
2. Install your work app and set the scanner through OEMConfig, for example the Enter suffix that our DataWedge guide sets by hand.
3. Turn on kiosk mode and check that users cannot leave it.
4. Start a remote control session from another site.
5. Reset one device and time how long re-enrollment takes.

Other options

We cover Microsoft Intune, SOTI MobiControl and Omnissa Workspace ONE in their own guides. Google endpoint management, included in Google Workspace and Cloud Identity, manages Android devices per user account. Google says it does not support work profiles on company-owned devices, and its overview does not describe dedicated devices. Check carefully before you use it for shared scanners.

Questions to ask before you choose

• Does it support QR code and zero-touch enrollment for Android Enterprise dedicated devices?
• Does it support OEMConfig for our brands, including Zebra OEMConfig Powered by MX?
• Does kiosk mode work on our models, and how does IT leave it on site?
• Does remote control work on our models, and does it need an extra app or licence?
• Can it manage our Windows devices in the same console?
• Cloud or on-premises, and where is the data stored?
• Which features are in which plan?

When you have chosen, follow our Android Enterprise enrollment guide to set up the devices.