Managing Apple Mac devices in an organizational environment can be a daunting task without the right tools and processes. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough of leveraging Apple Business Manager (ABM) and Jamf Pro to streamline device enrollment, application deployment, and security compliance. By following these instructions, IT administrators can automate workflows, enhance security, and reduce manual overhead.

Table of Contents

1. 1. Overview
   2. Prerequisites
   3. Apple Business Manager Setup
   4. Jamf Pro Setup
   5. Integrating ABM with Jamf Pro
   6. Device Enrollment Program (DEP) Configuration
   7. Creating & Deploying Configuration Profiles
   8. Application Management (Apps and VPP)
   9. Security Best Practices
   10. Ongoing Management and Monitoring
   11. Appendix: Troubleshooting Tips

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1. Overview

This guide walks you through the process of setting up device management for Apple Mac computers using Apple Business Manager (ABM) and Jamf Pro. By following these steps, your organization can:

• Automate device enrollment and configuration.
• Push apps and settings remotely.
• Enforce security policies and compliance.
• Streamline onboarding and reduce manual IT overhead.

2. Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have the following:

• An Apple Business Manager account: https://business.apple.com
• A valid Jamf Pro instance (Cloud-hosted or on-premises).
• Admin-level access to both ABM and Jamf Pro.
• A registered Apple Push Notification service (APNs) certificate.
• A volume purchasing account integrated with ABM (for apps/licenses).
• Mac devices that support automated MDM enrollment (macOS 10.13+).

3. Apple Business Manager Setup

Step 1: Enroll in Apple Business Manager

• Sign up at: https://business.apple.com
• Complete verification with Apple (DUNS number required).

Step 2: Add Users and Admins

• Navigate to Accounts > Add Users.
• Assign roles such as Administrator, Device Enrollment Manager, or Content Manager.

Step 3: Link to MDM Server

• Go to Settings > MDM Servers > Add MDM Server.
• Name your MDM server (e.g., “Jamf Pro Server”).
• Download the Public Key from Jamf Pro (see below).
• Upload it to ABM to create the connection.
• Download the Server Token (.p7m) to upload to Jamf Pro.

4. Jamf Pro Setup

Step 1: Upload ABM Server Token

• In Jamf Pro: Settings > Global Management > Automated Device Enrollment.
• Upload the .p7m token from ABM.
• Give the server a name and enable the connection.

Step 2: Upload APNs Certificate

• Download a certificate signing request (CSR) from Jamf.
• Upload to Apple’s Push Certificate Portal: https://identity.apple.com/pushcert
• Download the APNs cert and upload to Jamf.

5. Integrating ABM with Jamf Pro

Once the MDM server is added in ABM and the token is in Jamf Pro:

• Assign devices in ABM to the MDM server (MacBooks, iMacs, etc.).
• These devices will now auto-enroll into Jamf Pro during Setup Assistant.

6. Device Enrollment (DEP) Configuration

Step 1: Create a PreStage Enrollment in Jamf

• Navigate to Devices > PreStage Enrollments > New.
• Name it (e.g., “Mac Onboarding”).
• Configure settings:

  • Require MDM enrollment.
  • Supervise devices.
  • Skip setup screens (Apple ID, Siri, etc.).
• Assign to the MDM server and target devices.

7. Configuration Profiles

Use Configuration Profiles to push settings to devices.

Common Profiles:

• Wi-Fi: Auto-connect to internal wireless networks.
• VPN: For remote access to internal resources.
• Security: Enforce FileVault, Gatekeeper, password policies.
• Restrictions: Disable App Store, limit system preferences.
• Certificates: Distribute root/intermediate certs.

How to Create:

• Go to Computers > Configuration Profiles > New.
• Use Jamf's UI to configure payloads and assign to smart/static groups.

8. Application Management (VPP & Custom Apps)

Step 1: Configure Volume Purchasing

• In ABM: Settings > Apps and Books > Connect VPP Account
• Download the location token (.vpptoken) and upload to Jamf:
  Settings > Global Management > Volume Purchasing

Step 2: Assign and Deploy Apps

• Jamf Pro > Computers > Mac App Store Apps
• Choose apps from ABM, assign to users or devices.
• Use Smart Groups for conditional deployments.

9. Security Best Practices

• Enable FileVault with institutional or personal recovery keys.
• Restrict USB and peripheral access as needed.
• Use Jamf Compliance Reporter or 3rd-party integrations for compliance.
• Monitor app usage and system updates.
• Implement Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA).

10. Ongoing Management and Monitoring

• Set up smart groups to dynamically organize Macs.
• Automate actions using policies and scripts (e.g., update OS, install software).
• Enable Jamf Self Service for user-initiated app installs and resources.
• Use Jamf Pro API for integrations and reporting.

11. Appendix: Troubleshooting Tips

By following these steps, organizations can seamlessly manage their fleet of Apple Mac devices while ensuring compliance, security, and efficiency. Whether you’re setting up your first deployment or refining an existing one, this guide serves as a comprehensive resource for mastering Apple device management with JAMF Pro!