Managing IT assets isn’t just about tracking hardware anymore. With a mix of desktops, laptops, smartphones, IoT devices, and even virtual machines, organizations need a smarter way to keep everything secure and running smoothly. That’s where Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) comes in.
Unlike traditional Endpoint Management (EM), which often requires separate solutions for different types of devices, UEM brings everything under one roof. It combines Mobile Device Management (MDM), Client Management Tools (CMT), security enforcement, compliance monitoring, and automation into a single platform.
But what sets UEM apart? How does it actually work? Well, we are here to find out. In this blog post, we’ll break down what UEM is, and why it’s essential for IT teams. Let’s dive in!
ITAM software
4.4
Gartner
What is Unified Endpoint Management?
Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) is a modern approach to managing and securing all endpoints—desktops, laptops, mobile devices, IoT, and more—through a single platform. To implement UEM, organizations use dedicated software that enables remote management, security enforcement, policy automation, and compliance tracking across all connected devices.
Unified Endpoint Management vs. Mobile Device Management
While MDM focuses solely on managing and securing mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, UEM goes further. It provides a single solution for managing all endpoints—including desktops, laptops, IoT devices, and even wearables—offering a more unified and scalable approach to Device Management.
Plus, UEM integrates security, compliance, and automation features across all devices, enabling Patch Management, identity and access control, and remote monitoring—capabilities that traditional MDM lacks.
Why is UEM important for organizations’ security
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and organizations need a way to protect all their endpoints—from laptops and smartphones to IoT devices and virtual machines. UEM plays a critical role in strengthening security across the board. Here’s how:
#1: Centralized security enforcement
UEM ensures that security policies (like encryption, multi-factor authentication, and access controls) are applied consistently across all devices, reducing the risk of weak points in the IT environment. With 10% of data breaches caused by lost or stolen assets (Forrester, 2023), securing endpoints is critical to preventing unauthorized access.
Recommended reading
Remote Device Management: What You Need to Know
#2: Real-time threat detection & response
With automated monitoring and incident response, UEM helps IT teams detect and neutralize security threats before they cause damage. This is key, considering that 21% of enterprise breaches were caused by external attacks targeting employees’ home or remote work environments, highlighting the need for strong endpoint protection.
#3: Patch & Vulnerability Management
Patch And Vulnerability Management: How to Find Vulnerable Software
UEM automates software updates and security patches, minimizing exposure to cyber threats. Unpatched vulnerabilities account for 60% of data breaches, making patching a critical security measure.
#4: Regulatory compliance & audit readiness
Many industries require strict compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001. UEM automates compliance checks, reducing the risk of fines and penalties.
#5: ZeroTrust & Identity Management
UEM integrates with Zero Trust security models, ensuring that only authorized users and devices can access corporate networks.
Recommended reading
Identity And Access Management: The Key to IT Security
#6: Cost reduction & risk mitigation
Cyberattacks are expensive. The global average cost of a data breach reached $4.88 million in 2024 (Cost of a Data Breach 2024). Organizations that implement comprehensive endpoint security strategies can reduce financial losses and minimize operational downtime by preventing breaches before they occur.
How to choose a UEM tool
Choosing the right Unified Endpoint Management software is key to securing and managing all endpoints efficiently. To help you get started, here are the essentials every UEM solution should have:
- Device discovery & inventory – Automatically detects and tracks all endpoints (desktops, laptops, mobile devices, IoT, etc.).
- Patch Management & software deployment – Ensures all devices stay updated and secure with automated software and OS patching.
- Remote monitoring & troubleshooting – Allows IT teams to fix issues remotely, reducing downtime.
- Security & compliance enforcement – Supports encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regulatory compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.).
- Application & Configuration Management – Deploys and manages software across all endpoints from a central console.
- Zero trust & IAM integration – Ensures only authorized users and devices access corporate resources.
- Automation & AI-driven insights – Uses AI for real-time threat detection and self-healing automation.
- Seamless ITAM & ITSM integrations – Works with ITAM and IT Service Management tools for full visibility.
There’s a lot to consider when selecting a UEM tool, but these key features will give you a strong starting point. If you’re looking for specific solutions, check out our blog post on the best UEM tools to explore top options!
Save hours of searching with IT Pulse - Our free IT newsletter
Every Friday, receive the latest news of the IT world right in your inbox.
Read about our privacy policy
InvGate Asset Management as your UEM system
While UEM focuses on controlling and securing endpoints, IT Asset Management (ITAM) takes a broader approach, covering not just Endpoint Management, but the full lifecycle of IT assets. With InvGate Asset Management, organizations get endpoint visibility, security, and compliance while also managing hardware, software, licenses, and costs—something UEM alone doesn’t provide.
How InvGate Asset Management supports UEM
With InvGate Asset Management, organizations can manage both ITAM and UEM in one place. Available as an on-premise or cloud-based solution, it seamlessly integrates with tools like Microsoft Intune, Google Workspace, Jamf, Hyper-V, and VMware to enhance endpoint visibility, security, and control.
Top features for an effective UEM includes:
- Comprehensive device discovery – Identifies and tracks all endpoints and IT assets, providing real-time visibility.
- Patch Management & software deployment – Ensures devices stay updated and flags security risks from outdated software.
- Remote monitoring & control – Integrates with Remote Management tools for troubleshooting and security enforcement.
- Compliance & security automation – Automates policy enforcement, license tracking, and audit readiness.
- Full Asset Lifecycle Management – Tracks devices from procurement to retirement, ensuring cost efficiency and proactive upgrades.
By combining ITAM and Endpoint Management, InvGate Asset Management delivers better control, cost efficiency, and security—without the need for multiple standalone tools. Want to see it in action? Sign up for a 30-day free trial and explore its features firsthand!
Wrapping up
Securing and managing endpoints is more than just keeping track of devices—it’s about having full visibility and control over your entire IT ecosystem. Unified Endpoint Management plays a crucial role in this, but when combined with IT Asset Management, organizations get a more comprehensive, cost-effective, and scalable solution.
With InvGate Asset Management, businesses can seamlessly manage their IT assets while enhancing endpoint security, compliance, and operational efficiency. If you’re ready to take control of your IT environment, try it for free and see the benefits for yourself!
