The modern industrial landscape requires sophisticated management of mobile and fixed devices to ensure operational integrity and security in increasingly complex environments, including explosion hazardous areas. The strategic integration of SafeUEM‘s comprehensive end-point management platform with i.safe MOBILE‘s certified intrinsically safe devices delivers a unified solution specifically engineered to address the challenges of managing technology in hazardous industrial settings.
This white paper explores how this powerful technological partnership provides organisations with a robust management solution for mobile devices, with particular attention to the seamless integration within i.safe MOBILE‘s App World ecosystem and compatibility with devices used in potentially explosive atmospheres.
The integrated solution
The integration of SafeUEM transforms i.safe MOBILE‘s enterprise device ecosystems into efficiently managed, secure endpoints through a unified approach that combines state-of-the-art endpoint management capabilities with intrinsically secure mobile technology. Unlike conventional MDM solutions, this integration is purpose built for industries with Zone 1/21 and Class I, Division 1 requirements.
Simplified management interface
Modern industrial operations require solutions that minimise complexity whilst maintaining comprehensive control. The SafeUEM integration with i.safe MOBILE devices delivers an accessible management system designed with operational efficiency in mind. It features:
• Simple agent installation via preloading or sideloading
• Support for Android Enterprise and ZeroTouch deployment
• Compatibility with Android 8.0 and above on i.safe MOBILE devices
• Intuitive web console with role-based access controls
• Seamless integration within the i.safe MOBILE App World ecosystem
• Availability through trusted distribution channels including i.safe
Core management capabilities
SafeUEM‘s sophisticated technical foundation, enhanced through the collaboration with i.safe MOBILE, provides comprehensive control over diverse device types. The platform delivers the key functionality essential for hazardous industrial environments, including:
• Complete mobile device management (MDM) functionality optimised for intrinsically safe devices
• Asset management capabilities tailored for industrial equipment
• Support for both GMS and non-GMS Android devices
• Cloud deployment and on-premises deployment options
• Support for intranet and internet deployments in restricted environments
• Remote device support with UI remote control functionality
• Geo-location tracking, geo-fencing and alerts for personnel safety
• Kiosk Mode for specialised application environments in hazardous areas
Security framework
The management of devices in explosion hazardous industry zones requires exceptional security measures. The strategic integration of SafeUEM with i.safe MOBILE devices implements multiple layers of protection that satisfy the most stringent industrial safety and security requirements. It includes:
• ISO27001 certified solution with enhanced security protocols
• Encrypted communications (HTTPS and MQTTS) optimised for industrial networks
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and Single Sign-On (SSO)
• End-to-end encryption between device agent, server and web console
• Role-based access control model to limit management scope in sensitive areas
• Full compliance with GDPR requirements and industrial data protection standards
• Certified compatibility with intrinsically safe device requirements
Industry applications and use cases
The versatility of the SafeUEM and i.safe MOBILE integration becomes evident across various industrial sectors, each benefiting from specific functionality tailored to their unique hazardous environment requirements.
Oil and gas industry
In the oil and gas industry where precision and safety in potentially explosive atmospheres are paramount, the integrated solution provides comprehensive device management capabilities in the following areas:
• Remote deployment of safety-critical applications to intrinsically safe field devices
• Administrative control ensuring devices remain compliant with explosion protection requirements
• Real-time device monitoring and management in offshore and onshore hazardous areas
• Emergency device lockdown capabilities for critical safety situations
Chemical manufacturing
Chemical production facilities require reliable device management and safety monitoring, and the SafeUEM integration streamlines these critical operations as follows:
• Centralised management of devices across multiple explosion hazardous zones
• Automated compliance monitoring for explosion protection standards
• Remote device support to minimise personnel exposure in dangerous areas
• Integration with plant-wide safety and alert systems
Pharmaceutical production
In the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry where documentation and safety in cleanroom and hazardous environments are essential, the solution ensures reliable device management, including:
• Cleanroom-compliant device management without physical intervention
• Documentation of device compliance with safety procedures
• Remote monitoring of critical process devices
• Integration with quality control and safety management systems
Mining and heavy industry
Mining operations and heavy industry benefit from the solution‘s robust device management capabilities in extreme environments. These include:
• Comprehensive device tracking and monitoring in underground operations
• Remote device management to reduce downtime in hazardous locations
• Integration with existing safety and emergency response systems
• Automated device health monitoring and predictive maintenance alerts
Key benefits
The integration of SafeUEM with i.safe MOBILE devices delivers substantial advantages across multiple operational dimensions, creating value through enhanced device management, safety and operational efficiency in hazardous environments.
Operational efficiency
In today‘s competitive industrial landscape, streamlined device management is crucial for maintaining productivity whilst ensuring safety compliance. The integrated solution offers the following significant improvements in operational efficiency:
• Centralised management of all mobile devices across hazardous and non-hazardous areas
• Automated deployment and updating of safety-critical applications
• Real-time monitoring and control of device performance and compliance
• Reduced downtime through proactive device management and remote support
• Streamlined compliance reporting for regulatory requirements
Safety enhancement
Beyond operational benefits, the integrated solution provides a comprehensive approach to device safety management, which is particularly critical in explosion hazardous environments. It offers:
• Automated compliance monitoring for intrinsic safety requirements
• Remote device lockdown capabilities for emergency situations
• Real-time device health monitoring to prevent safety-critical failures
• Integration with existing safety management systems
• Comprehensive audit trails for regulatory compliance
Cost effectiveness
The economic advantages of this strategic partnership extend beyond immediate operational benefits. For example benefits include:
• Reduced need for specialised IT personnel in hazardous areas
• Lower maintenance costs through remote device management
• Decreased risk of device-related safety incidents
• Improved operational efficiency through centralised management
• Enhanced compliance management reducing regulatory risks
Technical integration and i.safe MOBILE App World
The successful implementation of any industrial solution depends on seamless integration into existing systems and processes. The strategic partnership ensures optimal compatibility and accessibility.
App World integration
SafeUEM is fully integrated within the i.safe MOBILE App World ecosystem, providing:
• Tested and verified compatibility with all i.safe MOBILE devices that support App World, which is preinstalled and free of charge on all compatible devices, providing users with immediate access to download the SafeUEM solution and other validated appliations without requiring account registration
• Quick and easy deployment through the trusted App World platform
• Secure distribution hosted in Germany with continuous updates
• Comprehensive ecosystem integration with other industrial applications
• Streamlined procurement and licensing through established i.safe MOBILE channels
System compatibility
The SafeUEM platform offers comprehensive compatibility across industrial environments. It includes:
• Fully compatibility with intrinsically safe PTT devices running ISM-OS (based on Android)
• Support for devices with or without Google Mobile Services (GMS), including Android Enterprise and ZeroTouch provisioning where applicable
• Agent installation via multiple methods including App World distribution
• Support for both cloud-based and on-premises deployments Integration with existing enterprise systems and safety management platforms
Implementation and support
The integrated solution has been streamlined to ensure rapid deployment and minimal disruption to existing operations. It features:
• Availability through i.safe MOBILE App World for verified compatibility
• Pre-tested configurations for i.safe MOBILE device families available through App World
• Compatibility with Android 8.0 and above on certified devices
• Comprehensive support from both SafeUEM and i.safe MOBILE teams
• Available trial accounts for evaluation and testing
• Online training and extensive documentation
• Professional services support for complex deployments
The solution has been pre-validated for integration and can be rapidly deployed via the i.safe MOBILE App World following activation, ensuring certified compatibility with Zone 1/21 requirements.
Innovation roadmap
The SafeUEM development team, in collaboration with i.safe MOBILE, maintains a forward-looking approach with planned enhancements specifically designed for hazardous industrial environments. It offers:
• Enhanced integration with i.safe MOBILE‘s safety ecosystem
• Advanced device management features for explosion protection compliance
• Deeper integration with specialised industrial and safety systems
• Enhanced Single Sign-On (SSO) integration for industrial networks
• More intelligent deployment options for hazardous area requirements
Data management and security
Effective data handling and security are crucial in industrial environments, particularly when managing devices in explosion hazardous areas. SafeUEM offers:
• ISO27001 certified solution with enhanced industrial security protocols
• End-to-end encryption optimised for industrial network requirements
• Compliance with global security policies and explosion protection standards
• Robust technical and procedural safeguards for hazardous environments
• Multiple layers of protection certified for intrinsically safe operations
• Full GDPR compliance with industrial data protection considerations
Summary
The combination of SafeUEM software and i.safe MOBILE devices represents a significant advancement in unified endpoint management solutions for hazardous industrial environments. This integration combines sophisticated device management capabilities with certified intrinsically safe mobile technology, delivering a comprehensive solution through the trusted i.safe MOBILE App World ecosystem.
The collaboration offers industrial organisations a secure, reliable and comprehensive approach to managing mobile devices in potentially explosive atmospheres. With global coverage, feature rich management capabilities and seamless integration with i.safe MOBILE‘s certified devices, this strategic partnership provides industrial users with a powerful tool that enhances both operational efficiency and safety compliance whilst maintaining the highest security standards within explosion hazardous environments.
Through the i.safe MOBILE App World, organisations can confidently deploy SafeUEM knowing they have access to tested, verified, and continuously updated endpoint management solutions specifically engineered for the demanding requirements of modern industrial operations.
| Tel: | +27 10 055 7300/1 |
| Email: | sales@extech.co.za |
| www: | www.extech.co.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about Extech Safety Systems |
© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved