2025 BEST PRACTICE AWARDS

Best Technology Innovation

by MELISSA DOWLING.

In spring 2024, Ohio Liquor( OHLQ) deployed SOTI MobiControl, an Enterprise Mobility Management( EMM) solution, to modernize the way its Liquor Enterprise Service Center( LESC) supports mobile device operations across the state’ s 482 contract liquor agencies.

This innovation dramatically improved remote visibility, troubleshooting, and uptime for RF scanners, which is a key tool in agency operations. These devices power key inventory tasks including receiving shipments, performing audits, cycle counts and item lookups. When scanners fail, agency operations stall. Before this technology was in place, issue resolution required lengthy phone calls and frequent site visits.

Using SOTI MobiControl, OHLQ now manages more than 684 devices statewide through a secure, centralized platform. This transformative rollout included: Real-time connectivity status and uptime monitoring Remote screen sharing for step-by-step support Access to device error logs and usage history Live location tracking and security controls Remote resets and deactivations to minimize downtime or mitigate security risks

From April through June 2024, the OHLQ team personally installed and enrolled every device by visiting all 482 agency locations in a statewide rollout. The phased launch began with a successful pilot among field auditors the week of April 14 and expanded rapidly, concluding by June 30.

While the teams didn’ t encounter any unplanned issues during implementation, they did learn that when deploying larger installation packages( e. g., full OS upgrades), some locations with slower internet connections may struggle with overthe-air delivery. As a result, says a spokesperson for the OHLQ,“ we built a backup process where an onsite auditor or support staff can perform the install locally using a laptop. It wasn’ t an issue, but a takeaway that improved our deployment playbook.”

The results were immediate and measurable: Faster response times: Technical issues that once required onsite support can now be resolved remotely in minutes

Increased uptime: Agencies experienced significantly fewer disruptions in inventory processing workflows

Enhanced training and support: LESC staff can now view user screens and guide them live through processes such as“ receiving in Case Mode,” improving knowledge retention

Strengthened relationships: Agencies reported higher satisfaction thanks to clear, data-driven support and faster resolution

Prior to deploying SOTI MobiControl, performing scanner OS or software updates required onsite visits to nearly 500 liquor agencies, a labor intensive and time sensitive process that risked service delays during critical operations.

With SOTI, remote update capabilities eliminated the need for onsite technician visits for most updates.“ The solution enabled us to deploy updates securely and efficiently across the state from a central console,” the spokesperson says.

“ Even when pushing large OS upgrades, having MobiControl allowed us to pre-stage installations and use backup install methods only where needed.” The shift saved an estimated $ 130,000 in the first year( based on avoided field visits and travel costs).

More importantly, the spokesperson adds,“ It strengthened our relationship with liquor agencies and auditors by reducing downtime, improving consistency and increasing confidence in our ability to support mission-critical tools without disruption.” •

26 StateWays • Fall 2025 www. stateways. com