The City of Neckargemünd Manages its Mobile Devices and Apps with the Cortado Solution Since 2017
Neckargemünd, with approximately 13,500 residents, is a city in Baden-Württemberg. As likely in all German municipalities, mobile devices are now used to handle work processes in Neckargemünd. As early as 2017, Neckargemünd decided to implement an MDM solution to manage its mobile devices. They chose the Cortado solution. The two-member IT expert team of Neckargemünd, consisting of system administrator Andreas Weitzell and his colleague Nico Walschburger, discovered the Cortado solution at a regional admin meeting in the city of Walldorf, which had already been using Cortado at that time.
Control over Devices, Apps, and Data is Important
Why did he look for an MDM solution? Andreas Weitzell: “On the one hand, it was about separating private and business data on the phone. On the other hand, we wanted to be able to delete the sensitive data of the municipal administration in case of possible device loss. And we wanted control over the apps that can be installed.”
Another area of application for the MDM: The city employees are on the go in four districts. Depending on the workplace they are currently at, they should have functioning Wi-Fi on their mobile devices. Andreas Weitzell: “The devices now automatically connect to the correct network. That should not be set up manually.”
Mobile Work – From Public Works to the Fire Department
The devices have always been service phones provided by the city. Andreas Weitzell: “They are used by the Technical Services, in administration, or at the fire department. Essentially across the board.” Additionally, a council information system is being prepared. City councilors, department heads, and local councilors will receive tablets on which all meeting documents will be available online. Currently, 50 devices are in use, but according to Mr. Weitzell, this number is expected to increase. It started with 5 or 10, says Mr. Weitzell.
Homogeneous Device Pool from Samsung
Throughout, Android devices are in use. The system administrators try to use uniform models as much as possible, almost all from Samsung. Andreas Weitzell: “If a device breaks, we have a replacement device in the drawer. And we don’t have to get a new case.” The city of Neckargemünd started with the Samsung A8 model and now uses the Samsung 33 or 34. Some Samsung Galaxy S devices are also in use, depending on requirements, such as speed.
Apps for Different Departments
The apps in use vary by department. Almost every employee has a note-taking program on their device. The Technical Services use control apps for electronics or door opening. In a building technician app, the janitors receive tickets for tasks to be completed. All apps, according to Mr. Weitzell, come from the app store. There are no in-house developments. Often, the apps are linked to a system, e.g., via an interface of a building technician program app. Another user group is the municipal enforcement officers. They use apps, for example, to issue fines. Andreas Weitzell concludes: “For us, management through MDM is much easier. We are satisfied and would recommend Cortado.”