In our experience at BrainCloud, we often encounter clients whose MDM setups require a great deal of manual upkeep—sometimes because of default configurations. Some MDM platforms can unintentionally guide administrators toward inefficient structures. Whether it’s dealing with shared Apple IDs, manually grouping users, or relying on pre-stage enrollment, there are numerous ways an MDM can create unnecessary administrative burdens. While we don’t claim there’s a single “right” way to configure MDM, we strongly advocate for making full use of automation.
Streamlining MDM with Automation
The goal is to establish an MDM system that runs with minimal hands-on management. Below is a broad framework to accomplish this. The focus should always be on automating processes whenever feasible.
Important Factors to Consider
At every step, look for opportunities to make processes automatic—this will enhance efficiency and reduce human error.
Device Procurement and Enrollment
Most carriers and vendors support automatic enrollment into Zero-Touch Enrollment Programs (ZTEPs). While major carriers are familiar with this process, some third-party vendors may require manual intervention, such as adding devices to Apple Business Manager (ABM) at checkout. This reliance on human action increases the risk of mistakes. Ideally, vendors should handle this step seamlessly without requiring extra steps from your procurement team.
Automating Enrollment Profiles
Every device manufacturer provides a mechanism to automatically assign devices to an MDM system. If your organization still relies on manually setting up enrollment profiles, it’s time to transition to an automated workflow.
User Integration and Device Assignment
Most MDMs allow integration with identity providers, requiring authentication during device enrollment. This ensures users are automatically linked to their devices, eliminating the need for manual user setup or assignment. By leveraging authentication-based assignments, organizations can streamline user management.
Application and Configuration Deployments
Some configurations—such as Wi-Fi settings, applications, and policies—are universally applied to all users and devices. However, certain applications may only be necessary for specific departments. Instead of manually assigning users to groups, consider using dynamic groups that sort users based on identity provider attributes like job title or department. This approach minimizes administrative overhead while maintaining accuracy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Beyond best practices, there are pitfalls that administrators should steer clear of. Some MDM documentation can inadvertently lead users toward needlessly complex configurations.
Installing Apps on iOS Devices
New administrators may assume they should manually add applications within the MDM platform. However, this often leads to requiring Apple ID credentials from end users. Instead, use Apple Business Manager’s Volume Purchasing Program (VPP) to allow seamless, silent app installations without requiring Apple IDs.
Pre-Stage Enrollment and Over-Configuration
Some MDMs offer pre-stage enrollment identifiers to assign users to devices ahead of time. While this might seem helpful, it often introduces unnecessary complexity. Devices added to Apple Business Manager are generally approved automatically, and user assignments occur at authentication. Despite what some support articles suggest, pre-stage enrollment identifiers are often unnecessary.
The Drawbacks of Managed Apple IDs
At first glance, Managed Apple IDs appear to be a convenient solution, but they come with limitations. Most notably, they prevent users from downloading apps from the App Store, which can be a dealbreaker for organizations that allow personal device usage. Apple also provides an enrollment method tied to Managed Apple IDs (previously known as Apple User Enrollment), but it grants businesses even less control over their devices. User assignments remain essential, but they don’t need to be tied to Apple IDs.
Setting Aggressive Cleanup Policies
While keeping an MDM environment organized is important, aggressive device removal settings can cause unintended problems. A cleanup rule of around 365 days may be reasonable, but anything shorter can create issues. If a device loses connection to MDM, administrators may lose access to critical tools like Activation Lock Bypass, which is essential for unlocking devices when the original Apple ID is unavailable. Some MDMs, such as Microsoft Intune, remove this bypass code when deleting device records. Additionally, if a token expires and devices stop connecting, overly aggressive cleanup rules could lead to mass deletions before the issue is detected.
Partner with BrainCloud for Expert Guidance
BrainCloud is committed to helping organizations optimize their MDM environments through automation and best practices. Whether it’s evaluation or implementation we are here to help and are agnostic when it comes to MDM (Intune, MaaS360, ManageEngine, VMware Airwatch, SOTI, Jamf, 42Gears, etc). Our team provides tailored strategies to minimize manual intervention and enhance overall efficiency. Let us help you build a seamless, automated MDM experience.
To speak to a BrainCloud MDM expert contact us today!
