Automation for iPads

[P40]

Hello everyone!

Currently I have to setup iPads constantly, Logging into apps like outlook, creating folders, saving files, updating contact list, just to name a few things. Every time we get a new iPad or have to reset one I have to go through the whole process over and over. Was wondering if anyone had any ideas on how to automate this process? I was looking at meraki cli but that seems like its just for automating the meraki dashboard. Ansible isnt possible, was looking at appium but that seems to only be for testing a specific app. Is this even possible to achieve or I will have to manually setup the iPads every time? Any help is always greatly appreciated! 

Thanks!

[RWelch · Accepted solution]

Apple Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) 
General Systems Manager Configuration 

SM - Endpoint Management 

[P40]

Thank you so much! I'll look into these!

[RWelch]

@P40 A suggestion would be for you to contact your Sales Representative, reach out to the Sales Team, or visit meraki.cisco.com/eval to register for a free evaluation of a Cisco Meraki product (i.e., systems manager) and give it a try to see if it fits your organizational needs vs the laborious process of resting/configuring iPads over and over.

[BlakeRichardson]

@P40 Much of this can be automated although logging into apps are you logging in on behalf of the user or is it a generic login across all devices? 

Creating folders on the home screen can be easily solved using the home screen layout payload. 

If you are not currently using an MDM then you need to because even if you only cross off 50% of what your trying to achieve thats still a massive time saver. Are you a business or in education?

[P40]

Thank you! Even if I can automate some of it thats better then 0. I work for a business and I am now in charge of the iPad setup so trying any way to save myself a little time and frustration of doing the same thing over and over lol. 

[PaulF]

I would also consider Managed App Configuration: https://documentation.meraki.com/SM/Profiles_and_Settings/Configuration_Settings_Payloads#Managed_Ap...

This will allow you to "configure" an application

This is very much application specific, as each application developer decides what can be configured, but this should really be a help for you

[P40]

Thank you I will look into this!

[PriscillaX]

Hello @P40 , thank you for submitting your post! Did @RWelch response assist you with finding ways to automate the iOS enrollment and remote management? Do you have any further questions regarding this process? 

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