Bring-Your-Own-Device Advice

Read more about how to handle personal handheld devices in the workplace at CIO.com.

The issue of users accessing company files and conducting work communications on their own smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices is a serious concern for CAD managers. (For an introduction to this problem and ways to address it, see my series of articles, "CAD Is the Least of Our Problems.")

I came across an article by Jonathan Hassell on CIO.com that deals with specific legal and policy issues that arise from users bringing their own devices (BYOD) to the workplace — including some you may not have thought of.

The article, "7 Tips for Establishing a Successful BYOD Policy," is organized into these steps:

1. Specify which devices are permitted.
2. Establish a stringent security policy for all devices.
3. Define a clear service policy for devices under BYOD criteria.
4. Make it clear who owns apps and data.
5. Decide which apps will be allowed or banned.
6. Integrate your BYOD plan with your Acceptable Use policy.
7. Set up an employee exit strategy.

The article is targeted toward IT professionals, but CAD managers with a working knowledge of IT should be able to follow along on the key points. As you read through the article, pay particular attention to the human resource and liability issues the author brings up, as these are topics many CAD managers aren't conversant with.

This article is a very worthwhile read because, as we've seen, the BYOD problem is infiltrating CAD environments very quickly. I hope you find this resource as valuable as I have, and that you'll use it to start a discussion with your management on the topic.

Do you have a helpful tip, web site, article, or utility for the CAD Manager's Newsletter? Send it to me at rgreen@cad-manager.com. If I use your tip in the newsletter you'll receive a prize!