What is Michigan Software Labs?
Name: Michigan Software Labs |
Established over a decade ago, MichiganLabs began its journey during the heyday of "there's an app for that." As the market evolved, the company expanded its services to include backend and website development, but its primary focus has remained on mobile applications.
Goals
Apple computers are the only viable option for developing iOS applications using native technologies, so having a Mac shop was essential for MichiganLabs. The company had less than 100 people and most employees worked in the office, so it handled Apple device management on an ad hoc basis.
However, when a project to develop a custom-built kiosk for a book publishing company came up, MichiganLabs signed up for SimpleMDM to help effectively manage the iPads that would be used to display content. Shortly after that project, MichiganLabs continued to grow and hire more diverse roles beyond programmers. The ad hoc approach to IT management became unsustainable.
Recognizing the need for a dedicated IT role, Chris Carr, a developer with previous experience in Apple device management, volunteered to take on these responsibilities.
Solutions
MichiganLabs previously relied on shell scripts and manual configurations for ad hoc device management. Moving to SimpleMDM offered the company a more structured and streamlined approach to managing its Apple devices.
Automated Device Enrollment
With no remote employees, there was never an expectation for zero-touch enrollment. However, Chris saw the benefit of enrolling via ADE. Now, the company’s new devices purchased directly from Apple or an Apple-authorized reseller are automatically linked to Apple Business Manager and SimpleMDM.
Enrollment settings
During automated enrollment, various settings are applied to devices to optimize and simplify the initial setup process. This includes creating a macOS local user account (either automatically or prompting the user), enforcing a specified OS version to complete enrollment, and skipping unnecessary panes of the Setup Assistant experience. Additional configurations vary based on the assigned group, with some requiring more detailed setup according to department and role.
Custom user onboarding
To further customize the onboarding experience, MichiganLabs presents a branded welcome screen to users. This screen displays the company logo, a welcome message, and the acceptable use policy, helping users get acquainted with MichiganLabs’ IT guidelines as soon as they have their devices in hand.
Configuration profiles
MichiganLabs leverages both native and custom configurations to apply settings and policies across its fleet, including enforcing a passcode policy, enabling FileVault encryption, and configuring Wi-Fi settings and restrictions. Chris has also uploaded several custom configurations tailored to specific needs, deploying a handful of Zoom room configurations and Nudge, an open-source tool for encouraging the installation of macOS security updates.
App management
Chris uses Munki to manage and distribute applications to macOS devices, ensuring essential apps are readily available by automatically installing default software packages on every device. He also occasionally pushes out applications from the Shared Apps directory, a library of commonly used macOS software his team maintains to keep apps up to date. Although he has AutoPkg set up, Chris hasn’t automated it because he distributes a limited number of custom apps outside the Shared Apps directory.
“I first started using Munki right after you guys made it available. It worked out really well.”
Benefits
Chris highlighted several key benefits MichiganLabs has enjoyed since adopting SimpleMDM: the centralized interface for managing devices, the ability to automate tasks when needed, and the comprehensive inventory and management features. All these capabilities give Chris a level of confidence in addressing potential issues and ensuring devices remain secure.
These features have enabled MichiganLabs to automate and streamline the setup process, while saving time and improving user experience.
To see how SimpleMDM can help you streamline and simplify your Apple device management workflows, start a free 30-day trial or request a demo.
