Build Me Up: Mobile Device Management with Jamf

Now more than ever, it seems that we are glued to our phones. It is easy to take for granted that we can conduct a meeting, stream content, and stay connected to people from around the world, all from the device in our hands. The concept of mobile device management (MDM) may seem trivial, but the technology behind it is what keeps a company running. And it all falls on the shoulders of Kraus-Anderson’s Mobile Technology Coordinator, Judd Jennrich.

In the latest episode of Build Me Up, we discuss KA’s new innovative MDM model, spearheaded by Judd Jennrich and KA Project Manager Mike Stark, with consultation from Jamf, a mobile device management solution for businesses.

Below: VP of Information Technology Tony Peleska (left) presents Judd Jennrich with KA’s Core Value Award for his work with mobile technology. 

IT Director Tony Peleska with Judd Jennrich

[perfectpullquote align=”left” bordertop=”false” cite=”Ryan Ward” link=”” color=”#CC0202″ class=”” size=”18″]”Think about Apple’s software as the brain of the operation, and Jamf as the body. The brain tells you to do one thing, but you need an arm and a leg to move … Jamf executes on the commands.”[/perfectpullquote]

Under KA’s previous MDM model, Judd was solely responsible for registering mobile devices for every employee that needed one, downloading necessary apps that are used across the company. Depending on the employee’s comfortability with the technology, it may also include sitting down and walking through basic iPhone functions. Not to mention troubleshooting for employees that lost or damaged their phone on a busy jobsite or long weekend. All of this takes time, and as a one person department, Judd was stretched thin.

Below: A stack of iPhones ready to be activated. In the previous system, it took Judd about one hour to set up each phone. 

stack of iphones

 

Jamf’s mobile device management system eliminates a lot of the time consuming aspects of Judd’s role. And it happened to fall amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the world to adapt quickly to a remote workforce. Jamf’s system automates the set-up process on iPhones, which allows an employee to receive a iPhone that is ready to use without any outside contact.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”Mike Stark” link=”” color=”#CC0202″ class=”” size=”18″]”The way you manage and collaborate with your stakeholders is no different whether you’re building a building or if you’re rolling out an MDM system.”[/perfectpullquote]

It was a collaborative process to determine the best MDM solution for KA. Not only was senior leadership involved in the process, but people across the company, from IT to operations. Mike Stark’s project management experience helped determine the best solution for PMs who are often on the go, splitting time between the office and jobsites. The result is an efficient system that allows easy access for every employee, no matter how involved with the technology they may be.

Tune in to the latest episode of Build Me Up for a more in-depth discussion on mobile device management. You can subscribe to Build Me Up wherever you listen to your podcasts.