Top Zebra MDM Solutions for Retail in 2026

Retail today runs on speed. And in many stores, Zebra devices are basically the heartbeat of those daily workflows.

But here’s the reality: even the best devices can turn into a headache if they’re not managed well. Devices get misplaced. Apps go out of date. Settings change. Batteries drain. Someone installs something they shouldn’t. And suddenly, your “fast operations” day turns into a “why is this not working again?” day.

That’s where a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution becomes less of an IT tool and more of a retail survival kit. The right MDM helps you keep Zebra devices secure, updated, and ready to work,without constantly babysitting them.

Below are five Zebra-friendly MDM options retailers commonly consider in 2026, with what they’re good at (and where they may not fit).

1. Scalefusion: Built for Retail Teams Managing Zebra at Scale

If your retail environment relies heavily on Zebra handhelds (and even printers), Scalefusion is a strong front-runner,especially because it’s Zebra validated Solution. In plain terms, that means Zebra has tested and certified the solution for compatibility, which helps reduce surprises during rollout.

What retailers typically like about Scalefusion

• Smooth Zebra compatibility (including printers): You can manage Zebra handhelds and, in many cases, Zebra printing infrastructure from one place,useful when stores run on labels, receipts, and shelf tags.
• Security that doesn’t slow down staff: Policies like remote wipe, password enforcement, and app controls help protect customer and business data without making devices annoying to use.
• App management that keeps stores consistent: Push apps, update them over-the-air, and lock down devices into kiosk mode if needed. Helpful when different stores and shifts need the same setup.
• Remote troubleshooting: When a device breaks at Store #43, you don’t want to ship it back immediately. Remote visibility helps you fix issues faster and reduce downtime.
• Scales without drama: Works whether you’re managing 20 devices or 20,000 across locations.

Why it often lands as the #1 choice

Retail operations move fast, and device management tools need to keep up without slowing teams down. Scalefusion often stands out because it strikes the right balance between depth and simplicity, powerful enough for IT, yet intuitive enough for operations teams to use confidently.

It works especially well for retailers managing a mixed fleet of Zebra devices across multiple locations, where consistency and reliability matter just as much as control. From enforcing policies and locking devices into specific workflows to pushing updates without disrupting store operations, Scalefusion supports the kind of day-to-day management retail teams deal with in the real world. That combination of ease of use, Zebra validation, and dependable performance is why it frequently ends up as the top choice for growing and large-scale retail deployments.

2. VMware Workspace ONE (AirWatch): Enterprise-Grade Control for Complex Environments

Workspace ONE is often chosen by large organizations that already live in the VMware ecosystem or need deep enterprise controls across many device types.

Strong points

• Advanced security stack: Encryption, VPN controls, remote wipe,built for high-security environments.
• Flexible enrollment options: QR-based setup, zero-touch, and other enrollment methods that work across different retail formats.
• Broad device support: Useful for retailers managing Zebra alongside other endpoints.

When it’s a great fit
Workspace ONE makes sense if you’re operating in a highly complex environment, have strict compliance requirements, or are already invested in VMware’s ecosystem.

3. Ivanti (MobileIron): Scalable, Security-First Management for Multi-Store Retail
   MobileIron, now part of Ivanti, is widely known for its strong security foundation and ability to manage large device deployments. It’s often chosen by retailers with multiple locations who rely on consistent policies and centralized control across their stores.

What stands out

• Security and compliance focus: Encryption, app security controls, remote wipe, and more.
• Designed for scale: Often used by large deployments where consistency matters.
• Works well for structured, multi-location operations: Good when you need “one policy, everywhere.”

Best for

Retail chains that want enterprise-grade security and large fleet management without reinventing their device strategy.

4. SOTI MobiControl: Flexible Setups for Stores With Different Workflows

SOTI is popular in environments where teams want more control over configurations,especially when devices need different profiles by store, region, department, or role.

Why retailers choose it

• Custom device profiles: Great when warehouse devices and store-floor devices need different settings.
• Broad Zebra support: Helpful for standardized Zebra fleets.
• Real-time monitoring: Lets teams spot device issues early (before they become “store is blocked” issues).

Best for

Retailers with varied store formats, specialized roles, or setups that require a more customizable management approach.

5. 12d MDM: A Straightforward Option for Smaller Retailers

If you’re running a smaller operation and just need the basics,security, tracking, and simple control,12d MDM can be an easier starting point.

What makes it appealing

• Simple UI: Easier for teams without deep IT support.
• Core security features: Remote wipe, location tracking, password policies.
• Supports Zebra devices: Good for small deployments.

Best for

Small to mid-sized retailers who want a no-fuss solution and don’t need heavy enterprise complexity.

How to Choose the Right Zebra MDM for Retail

A quick way to decide is to step back and ask a few grounded questions:

• Are we managing just handheld devices, or do we need to manage printers and peripherals too?
• Do we need kiosk mode or locked-down, task-based setups for frontline staff?
• How frequently do we need to push apps, OS updates, or configuration changes across multiple stores?
• Do we have a dedicated IT team handling device operations, or do we need something simple enough for store or ops teams to manage day-to-day?
• Are we rolling out to 5 stores today, or planning for 500 over the next year?

These answers shape everything—from the level of control you’ll need to how complex your device policies should be. A solution that works for a small pilot often struggles at scale, while overly complex tools can slow down teams that just need things to work.

If you’re looking for a Zebra-focused solution that balances ease of use with real, retail-grade control, Scalefusion is often a strong choice. Its Zebra validation, built-in security controls, and practical day-to-day management features make it well-suited for retail environments where uptime and consistency matter. That said, the “best” option ultimately depends on your scale, operational complexity, and how standardized your retail workflows are across locations.