How to Manage 5–50 Devices Without the Stress
Managing a handful of devices is one thing, but managing a whole fleet can quickly spiral into a headache if there’s no system in place. Whether you’re a startup scaling fast, a school with digital classrooms, or a business juggling field and office tech, you don’t need chaos. You need clarity.
At gamp, we help companies protect, repair, and replace their devices but we also point them in the right direction for smart tools like MDM (Mobile Device Management) software. If you’re tired of guessing where devices are and stressing when they crash, this guide is for you.
1. Start with a device management system
An MDM platform is your mission control. It lets you:
- Track and monitor devices remotely
- Push updates and enforce security
- Lock or wipe lost devices
- Control access to apps and settings
Depending on your team’s needs, we often recommend tools like:
- Hexnode, a flexible option with customizable dashboard
- Miradore, for startups and schools that want simplicity without skimping on key features.
- ManageEngine, ideal for growing teams who need a robust system that scales.
Unsure which to pick? Gamp can help you weigh your options based on your industry, device types, and budget.
2. Categorize and tag everything
Don’t leave your tech untracked. Organize devices by:
- Department or user
- Device type (laptop, tablet, etc.)
- Purpose (admin, fieldwork, sales)
Some MDM tools, like Scalefusion, make this even easier with intuitive group-based controls.
3. Automate updates and backups
Manual updates are a time trap and a security risk. MDMs like ManageEngine or Absolute let you automate:
- App and OS updates
- Security patches
- Daily or weekly backups.
You’ll thank yourself the next time a device goes down and your files are safe in the cloud.
4. Assign device owners-even for shared devices
Ownership equals accountability. Even for shared gear, assign someone to track its use, update, and care. Combine this with your MDM’s reporting dashboard (especially in Hexnode) to make device stewardship a team habit.
5. Create a device use policy
This doesn’t need to be a manifesto, just a clear, easy-to-read one-pager with:
- What's allowed (approved apps, web access)
- What’s not (risky downloads, password sharing)
- How to report issues or damage
6. Go cloud or go home
Cloud tools reduce friction. When files and projects live in the cloud:
- No one is stuck waiting for “that one laptop”
- Work keeps moving even if a device breaks
- Team collaboration is smoother.
Use Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Notion, or Dropbox depending on your workflow.
7. Plan for the worst (Because it happens)
Let’s be honest; devices break. They vanish. They fall off motorbikes or take unexpected swims. That’s why you need:
- Protection plans
- A few backup devices on hand
- A clear process for reporting damage or loss.
The smoother your Plan B, the less your team panics.
8. Train your team
Not everyone is techie and that’s okay. Just give them the basics:
- How to care for company devices
- What not to click
- How to request support.
Quarterly refreshers are gold.
9. Audit and Update Quarterly
Technology changes fast. Every quarter, take a moment to:
- Review which devices are still active
- Check for missing updates or failing hardware
- Evaluate if your MDM setup still works or if it’s time to scale up.
JumpCloud for instance, is worth considering when your team starts expanding and you want MDM plus identity management in one place.
Managing 5 to 50 devices doesn’t have to drain your time (or your sanity). With smart tools like MDM software, a solid inventory, and the right backup plan, your team can stay productive and your devices protected.