Frontline workers using shared Android devices can use Outlook, Edge, Viva Engage, and Power Apps

Companies often provide mobile devices to frontline workers that need to be shared between shifts. Microsoft’s shared device mode allows frontline workers to easily authenticate by automatically signing users in and out of all the apps that have enabled this feature.

 

Today, we are excited to unlock key scenarios on Android shared devices for customers. We are announcing the general availability of Outlook, Edge, Viva Engage (previously Yammer), and Power Apps on shared Android devices, joining the portfolio of apps including, Microsoft Teams and Managed Home Screen.

 

An animated image demonstrating how to sign into a work account and easily sign out with one click on an Android shared device.

Once signed into a shared Android device, frontline workers can immediately send and receive emails on Outlook to communicate with team members and their leadership team. Many organizations are automating manual and fragmented processes with the help of Power Apps to save frontline workers’ time to focus more on customers - whether that is an inspection app to easily complete a customized inspection checklist or an app to help retail store associates document service and inventory issues.

 

An image of two mobile screenshots side by side: On the left is an example of an email list in the Outlook app. On the right is an example of an inventory request in the Power Apps mobile app.

With shared device mode support on Edge, frontline workers can now access any web-based app after signing into a shared Android device - they can easily resolve customer issues by bringing up a shipping app to check delivery status or searching internal wikis to answer technical questions. With Viva Engage (previously Yammer), frontline workers can now connect with relevant communities at work. Through these connections, frontline workers can easily receive communications from leadership, get information on company mission and strategic priorities, and learn valuable skills from others that have similar job roles.

An image of two mobile screenshots side by side: On the left is a browser tab on the Microsoft Edge mobile app. On the right is the Communities tab in the Viva Engage mobile app.

At the end of their shifts, frontline workers can sign-out easily with just one-click, removing all browser information on Edge or personal information on Viva Engage so that they can return it to the device pool for the next person to use. When used with Intune’s Application Protection Policies, you can provide additional data protection so other parts of the device do not leave data behind.

 

For further guidance on deploying frontline solutions, read the frontline deployment documentation.

 

For steps to setup shared device mode with Intune, read the Intune setup blog.

 

Did you know? The Microsoft 365 Roadmap is where you can get the latest updates on productivity apps and intelligent cloud services. Check out what features are in development or coming soon on the Microsoft 365 Roadmap, or view roadmap item, Microsoft 365 app: [Android] Shared Device Mode for Front Line Workers.