Posted Date: 5/17/2011
Stanley Black & Decker Chooses Hybrid Device Policy
By Martha Walz
Stanley Black & Decker, a manufacturer of hand and power tools, has approximately 30,000 employees globally. It has more than 7,000 corporate-owned devices in its organization, but it also has a policy allowing certain employees to connect their personal devices to the enterprise network. As such, the company has a hybrid strategy regarding mobile devices within the enterprise.
Jennifer V. Crawford, corporate manager, Wireless & Mobility Services, is employed in the Global Infrastructure & Operations Services Organization at Stanley Black & Decker’s Towson, Maryland, campus. Within this organization, she develops Stanley Black & Decker’s mobile device strategy. “We have many drivers on strategy, from the top down as well as the bottom up,” explains Crawford, “but the holistic strategy is synthesized, deployed, and managed through Mobile & Wireless Services department.”
Prior to the merger of Stanley Black & Decker last year, both organizations had the corporate liable (CL) model. “We have used the CL model for over 10 years,” explains Crawford. “The CL model allows us sole control over the mobile numbers and the total dollars spent. By consolidating the business, we have had success in negotiating discounts and contracts with the carriers.”
Most of the corporate-owned devices are used within the executive, field sales, marketing, and field technician workforces. Job function and manager approval are the determining factors in who receives a CL device.
If an employee is not eligible for a CL device, Stanley Black & Decker has a policy in place that allows the employee to connect his/her personal device to the corporate network. “We allow some personal devices to connect but only if they agree to certain criteria, i.e. password protection, wipe upon exit, self-support and backup, and no reimbursement,” explains Crawford.
Integrated Mobile (now Movero) provides Stanley Black & Decker with procurement processes support, day-to-day MACD processing, billing, and reporting. Vox Mobile supports the BES and Good server environments. Infologix (a Stanley Black & Decker-owned company) provides project support for the mobile devices.
Crawford finds it difficult for the company to manage both CL and employee-owned devices. “It’s like herding cats,” she says. “We are challenged with security issues—password requirements and wiping don’t seem to be enough. Device volatility is another issue—maintaining a high support level for the constantly changing devices within the environment is essential but difficult to keep up with.”
Crawford has strong recommendations for those who are looking to embark on a hybrid mobile device policy. “Have a policy that is clearly defined,” she says. “Remain consistent across the board on approval processes, and know as much as possible about who’s accessing your environment.”
In spite of the challenges, Stanley Black and Decker is satisfied with the hybrid approach to its mobile devices. “It allows us the best of both worlds,” says Crawford.