In the digital age, the world has seen an increase in the number of organisations with mobile workforces. With this comes the significant challenge of managing hundreds of employees and how they use company mobile data.
As such, it’s more important than ever for organisations to control data consumption and protect their networks against security threats.
So how do organisations achieve this? The answer is through active APN data management.
In telecommunications, an Access Point Name (APN) allows mobile devices to connect to the internet via a cellular network. APNs are divided into public and private—the former being offered by mobile network providers (MNOs) and the latter leveraged by enterprises.
What is an APN Data Manager?
An APN data manager is a secure platform that enables organisations to view, monitor, and control how mobile data is used by their fleet of devices. With APN management, employees can access the company intranet or the public internet securely from any location.
Private APNs enable organisations to pool mobile data as opposed to having individual data plans, which can be costly and counterproductive. As a result, all devices in an organisation’s IoT network can share data from the pool, which allows the organisation to monitor usage and allocate quotas for each SIM card.
Why Do Telecom Operators and Enterprises Need It?
With growing data consumption, decentralised workforces, and global IoT deployments, managing data consumption is essential for meeting organisations’ security and expenditure needs.
As such, APN management greatly reduces the risk of security breaches and protects companies’ proprietary knowledge and information.
Additionally, it allows companies to manage SIMs across teams and departments from a single platform. This ensures more control over company spending and billing processes.
Key Features of an APN Data Manager
A robust APN data manager offers a range of capabilities, including:
- SIM-level control and real-time consumption tracking: Configure and set usage limits for all SIMs.
- Secure routing of mobile data: Ensure mobile data is routed securely, either through public or private networks.
- User-friendly dashboards and reporting: Add and remove SIMs, control the data pool, and access detailed analytics.
- Enterprise usage segmentation: Group and manage usage across departments and projects.
- Manage IoT, mobile workforce and business critical connectivity services via a single platform.
- Integration with billing and customer platforms: Ensure accurate billing and customer satisfaction.
Benefits for MNOs and Enterprise Clients
Both MNOs and enterprises can benefit from APN management.
One of the key advantages is operational efficiency. By automating repetitive tasks and reducing human error, APN management can streamline operations and increase productivity.
Another important benefit is customer satisfaction. With better control and visibility over data usage, enterprises can manage their mobile connectivity more proactively, fostering trust and a more positive experience for customers.
APN management also contributes to reduced data misuse and fraud, meaning that suspicious activities are identified and dealt with more efficiently. It also provides predictability in terms of consumption patters across the customer base or organisation.
Additionally, APN management allows for the monetisation of managed data services. This means that organisations can offer clients premium data services, such as private network access or usage-based plans, and boost revenue streams as a result.
Use Case Example: Managing Corporate SIM Fleets
A multinational enterprise manages over 500 SIMs across several teams remotely. Each team has different profiles and data usage needs.
Before implementing APN management, the enterprise faced frequent billing disputes and lacked insight into which departments were consuming the most data. This led to delays and overspending.
With the introduction of APN management, the organisation could set specific limits and rules according to each location and route sensitive data through private APNs. In addition, the organisation’s ability to track data usage in real-time helped to avoid unexpected costs.
The APN data manager generates reports segmented by business unit, allowing the enterprise to monitor which business units are exceeding data limits and gain insights into inefficiencies and security risks.
Furthermore, it integrates with the enterprise’s billing platform, allowing for accurate budgeting, automated invoicing, and internal analytics.
How Adapt IT Telecoms Supports APN Management
Adapt IT’s APN-as-a-Service provides clients with a flexible and scalable solution, eliminating the need for their own APN infrastructure.
The solution offers several benefits, including:
- Rapid onboarding for new SIMs.
- Real-time visibility into data usage, routing, and quotas.
- Fast, secure connectivity for employees.
- Compliance with regulatory requirements.
With Adapt IT’s pre-built infrastructure and proven deployment models, clients can get their APN-based services up and running fast.
We liaise directly with the mobile operator on your behalf, ensuring your organisation receives the tools and support it needs to stay ahead of the curve.
What Are the Benefits of Partnering With an Expert Provider?
Managing an APN in-house can be time-consuming, costly, and technically demanding, especially for organisations with operations distributed across multiple regions or markets.
Moreover, organisations that lack the tools to manage their data use proactively are more prone to experiencing data misuse, security breaches, and revenue loss.
Fortunately, expert providers like Adapt IT offer clients customisable, cost-effective data management solutions that ensure flexibility and scalability.
Here are the key reasons why you should partner with an expert provider:
- Customers are provided with real-time visibility and control of their data usage from a single platform across both of South Africa’s major MNOs.
- Devices have fast connectivity across multiple networks.
- Ability to set up and enforce usage policies and security controls.
- Configure dedicated IP networks and user portals for employees.
- Score significant savings on data spend and avoid bill shock.
Conclusion: APN Data Managers Are Essential for Enterprise Management and Growth
With expanding IoT fleets, increasing data usage, and evolving security threats, APN data management is an essential tool for modern businesses. Whether you’re a Solution Provider, an Enterprise establishing a remote workforce or a Mobile Operator, maintaining visibility and control over your mobile data environment is essential in today’s complex digital environment.
Discover how Adapt IT Telecoms can help you manage your mobile data solutions more efficiently. Get in touch today.
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In my 20+ years’ experience within the information technology and telecommunications industry, I have assisted businesses in successfully delivering and managing various technology solutions and consulting projects to a multitude of organisations spanning across Telecoms, FMCG, Financial Services, Banking, Retail, ICT, Manufacturing, Public Sector and Mining. My strength and passion lies in the mediation of technology and business with a focus on successfully integrating software solutions that assist organisations in delivering on their strategic objectives through improved business insight to ultimately improve business performance. At Adapt IT I am privileged to work with an experienced team that is equally passionate about utilising technology to drive business efficiencies specifically focusing on Mobility.
