How to Set Up Apple Business Manager for Remote Employees (2024)

With Apple Business Manager, you can efficiently manage remote configurations, ensuring that each device is ready for use from the very first moment.

In this article, we show you how to set up Apple Business Manager step by step to optimize Apple device management in your company.

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How to Set Up Apple Business Manager for Remote Employees

ABM combines device, application, and account management functionalities, facilitating the distribution of hardware and software, as well as the implementation of security policies, all from a single interface.

What is Apple Business Manager?

Apple Business Manager (ABM) is a web-based platform that allows companies to centrally and efficiently manage all Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and Apple TVs, used within an organization.

For companies with remote employees, setting up Apple Business Manager is essential because it automates the process of configuring and deploying Apple devices, ensuring that each device is ready for use from the first moment, without the need for manual intervention.

This is especially important in a remote work environment, where devices need to be operational and secure from the moment they are delivered to the employee.

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Risks of Not Setting Up Apple Business Manager

Not setting up Apple Business Manager can pose several risks for companies using Apple devices. Here are some of them:

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• Lack of centralized control: Without Apple Business Manager, you won’t have a centralized platform to manage and monitor all Apple devices in your company. This can make inventory tracking, application distribution, and security policy management more difficult. You would still need an in-house team for tracking and controlling this inventory or hire a service like quipteams to handle the initial setup and ongoing support.

• Difficulties in device deployment: Automatic deployment and configuration of new devices become complicated. Apple Business Manager allows automated configuration, saving time and reducing errors. Without it, each device must be configured manually, which is slow and prone to mistakes.

• Loss of security: Without Apple Business Manager, you cannot ensure that devices are configured according to company security policies from the first power-up. This can leave devices vulnerable to unauthorized access or misconfigurations.

• Application and license management: Apple Business Manager facilitates the distribution and management of applications, as well as software licenses. Without it, large-scale app distribution is more difficult, and licenses may not be correctly managed, which could lead to additional costs or compliance issues.

• Difficulty recovering devices: In case of loss or theft, Apple Business Manager allows more effective device tracking and locking. Without this tool, recovering and protecting data on lost or stolen devices is harder to manage.

• Problems integrating with MDM: Apple Business Manager facilitates integration with mobile device management (MDM) solutions. Without this integration, managing policies, configuration profiles, and restrictions on devices may be less efficient.

• Incompatibility with educational or business programs: If your company participates in Apple’s educational or business sales programs, not having Apple Business Manager may limit access to certain features and benefits offered by these programs.

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Key Benefits of Using ABM in a Remote Work Environment

Automated enrollment

With ABM, Apple devices can be automatically enrolled in the company’s Apple device management (MDM) solution from the moment they are first powered on.

This eliminates the need for employees to manually configure devices, saving time and reducing configuration errors.

Application and content distribution:

ABM facilitates the distribution of applications and content to devices in any location. This ensures that all employees have access to the necessary tools for their work, regardless of where they are located.

Centralized and simplified management

Through a single console, IT administrators can manage all the Apple devices in the organization, apply security policies, and perform software updates remotely. If you don’t have a dedicated team, contact us, and we can help with this management.

Increased security

ABM allows companies to ensure that all devices comply with corporate security policies from the first moment.

Features such as remote wipe and multi-factor authentication (MFA) are easy to implement and manage, protecting corporate data even if a device is lost or stolen.

As you can see, configuring Apple Business Manager for remote employees is a necessity for any company that wants to ensure efficient, secure, and centralized management of Apple devices, especially in an environment where remote work is the norm.

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Requirements for Configuring Apple Business Manager

Before configuring Apple Business Manager for remote employees, it is essential to ensure that your company meets certain prerequisites. These are the key elements to keep in mind:

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• Apple ID accounts: Each team member who will use ABM must have an Apple ID account. These accounts will be used to access ABM and manage the company’s Apple devices. It is important that these accounts are associated with the corporate domain to maintain proper control.

• Permissions and roles: Define roles and permissions within ABM. This includes assigning administrators who will have full access to manage all devices and configurations, as well as defining other roles, such as device and content managers, who will have specific permissions.

• Service agreement with Apple: Make sure your company has an active service agreement with Apple to use Apple Business Manager. This may require the acceptance of specific terms and conditions related to the management and security of Apple devices.

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Preparing the IT Environment for Apple Business Manager Implementation

Once you have met all the above requirements, it is important to prepare your IT environment for the effective implementation of ABM. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Domain verification: Ensure that your company’s corporate domain is verified in Apple Business Manager. This is crucial so that the Apple ID accounts are correctly linked with the organization and to ensure that device management is secure and centralized.

• Integration with MDM (Mobile Device Management): Set up ABM integration with an Apple device management solution, such as an MDM system. This will allow Apple devices to be automatically enrolled in the MDM when they are first powered on, immediately applying corporate security policies and configurations.

• Network preparation: Configure the company’s internal networks to support remote management and device configuration through ABM. This includes ensuring that connections are secure and that employees can access company resources from any location.

• IT team training: Ensure that the IT team is well-trained in using Apple Business Manager. This includes familiarizing themselves with the administration console, understanding how to assign roles and permissions, and learning how to manage the remote enrollment and configuration of devices.

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Properly preparing for the implementation of Apple Business Manager ensures that the remote configuration process is smooth and efficient, allowing Apple devices to reach employees fully ready to be used, with all security and operational policies in place.

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Step by Step to Create and Manage Employee Accounts in ABM

1. Access Apple Business Manager:

Log in to the Apple Business Manager portal with your administrator account.

Navigate to the main menu and select the “Accounts” option.

2. Creating accounts:

Click on the “Add” button to create new employee accounts.

Enter the necessary information, such as full name, email address associated with the corporate domain, and specific roles.

Set the initial password, which the employee can change on their first login.

3. Managing accounts:

Review the existing accounts in ABM to ensure that each employee is correctly configured.

You can use filters to organize accounts by roles, departments, or geographic locations.

4. Assigning roles and permissions:

Within the account settings, assign the appropriate roles (administrator, device manager, content manager, etc.) depending on the employee’s responsibilities.

Define specific permissions to control access to critical functions, such as device management or application distribution.

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Configuration and Assignment of Roles and Permissions to Different Users Within the Organization

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• Administrator: Has full access to all ABM functions, including account creation, device management, and policy configuration.

• Device Manager: Responsible for the enrollment and management of Apple devices. Ideal for IT teams.

• Content Manager: In charge of purchasing and distributing applications and content, suitable for purchasing or content departments.

• Basic User: An employee who will use the device for daily tasks, with limited access to configuration and management.

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Assigning the correct roles from the beginning ensures that each employee has the necessary level of access to perform their functions without compromising system security.

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Integration of Apple Devices with Apple Business Manager

Here you will see how to register and enroll devices in ABM to ensure their remote management from day one:

1. Registration of new devices:
   • Apple devices purchased through authorized resellers can be automatically registered in ABM. During the purchase, make sure the reseller associates the devices with your ABM account.
   • When the device is powered on for the first time, it will automatically enroll in the company's MDM solution and apply predefined configurations.
2. Enrollment of existing devices:
   • For devices that are already in use, you can manually register them in ABM.
   • Access the "Devices" section in ABM and select "Enroll Device".
   • Follow the instructions to connect the device to the network and complete the enrollment process.

Differences in the Enrollment Processes for Existing and New Devices:

New Devices: These devices are automatically registered and enrolled in ABM from the moment of purchase. This ensures that the device is ready to be remotely managed and that all security policies are in place from the first use.

Existing Devices: These require a manual registration and enrollment process, which may include reinstalling the operating system to sync the device with ABM policies. This process is more complex and may require assistance from the IT team.

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Remote Configuration of Devices via ABM

When it comes to configuring Apple devices for remote employees, Apple Business Manager (ABM) simplifies the process so that devices are ready from the first use.

When an Apple device is powered on for the first time, it automatically connects to ABM and enrolls in the company’s Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution.

This ensures that all necessary configurations, such as network settings, permissions, and security policies, are applied without manual intervention.

Syncing with corporate Apple ID accounts is another crucial step, allowing employees to securely access internal resources and corporate applications from the outset. This initial setup eliminates complications and ensures that the device is operational and secure.

Application of Security Policies and Configuration of Applications

One of the main advantages of using ABM is the ability to automatically apply security policies. This includes data encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and the configuration of strong passwords, all essential for protecting information in a remote environment.

Additionally, ABM allows for the remote installation of corporate applications, ensuring that each employee has the tools they need for their job from day one.

Administrators can also adjust specific settings to comply with company policies, such as VPN configurations or restricting the use of certain applications.

All of this is managed centrally, ensuring that all devices align with corporate standards.

Continuous Management of Apple Devices with ABM

Once devices are enrolled in ABM, management does not end there. ABM offers real-time monitoring capabilities, allowing administrators to track device status, monitor application usage, and receive alerts for any unusual behavior.

This continuous monitoring is key to maintaining the security and functionality of devices in a remote environment.

Configurable alerts in ABM allow for a quick response to potential threats or technical issues, minimizing downtime and keeping employees productive.

Remote Updates and Changes

ABM facilitates the management of software updates, ensuring that all devices have the latest versions of iOS, macOS, and other critical applications. These updates are implemented automatically and remotely, reducing the need for employee intervention.

Additionally, if it’s necessary to make changes to configurations or reassign devices to new users, ABM allows this to be done securely and efficiently.

Devices can be wiped and reconfigured to suit a new user, ensuring that each device always complies with company policies.

With Apple Business Manager, managing Apple devices in a remote environment becomes a smooth and secure process, ensuring that all devices are optimized for productivity and protected against threats, no matter where employees are located.

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Conclusion

Apple Business Manager (ABM) transforms the way companies manage their Apple devices, especially in remote work environments. ABM ensures that all devices are configured and ready for use from the first power-on, guaranteeing that each one complies with corporate security policies.

Moreover, it facilitates the installation of applications, the implementation of software updates, and the management of settings remotely, ensuring that employees can work productively and securely, no matter where they are.

At quipteams, we not only understand the importance of efficient remote management of Apple devices, but we also take care of the entire process for you.

From the initial setup to continuous management, we ensure that every Apple device we deliver to your employees arrives ready to use, with all necessary configurations already applied.

This not only reduces the workload of your IT team but also ensures that all devices are always aligned with your company's security and operational standards.

By choosing quipteams, you are opting for a comprehensive solution that simplifies device management, enhances security, and optimizes your team's productivity, allowing you to focus on what really matters: growing your business.

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