ADE Profile Workflows

What

Having ADE (formerly known as DEP) Profiles defined is one thing, but having them assigned to devices is another...and critical.  ADE Profile workflows allow us to automatically assign ADE profiles based on programmatic criteria.

When/Why

Automatic assignment reduces repeated manual work and can prepare a profile before a new device is unboxed. It depends on the device being assigned to FileWave in Apple School Manager or Apple Business and synchronized into FileWave, and on the workflow matching the intended device. Review the resulting assignment rather than assuming that creating a rule guarantees the correct profile.

Reminder: ADE profile assignment, or changes in assignment impact nothing on the device's current state.  Those changes are only pertinent the NEXT time the device goes through the setup assistant.

You might find you only need one workflow, or you may find you need many...it tends to be driven by the number of ADE profiles you have.  In general, fewer ADE profiles is better (to reduce complexity).

How

Before creating a workflow, confirm that the intended device serials are present in FileWave's ADE data and that the target ADE profile already exists for the intended platform. If Apple assignment or synchronization is not yet configured, complete those prerequisites in Apple ADE Enrollment. An ADE profile controls enrollment and Setup Assistant; it is not a Profile Fileset for changing settings on an already enrolled device.

Create the workflow using criteria available before enrollment. The example uses Operating System from ADE Devices, supplied by synchronization with Apple, to match Apple TV devices. Normal device inventory is collected after enrollment, so it is not a substitute for ADE data when preparing an unopened device. Check the synchronized values and matching serials before saving; do not assume that an empty or incomplete ADE list proves there are no eligible devices.

The video shows the Apple TV example: set the ADE Operating System condition to is tvOS, choose the Apple TV Profile, and check the matching device in Preview before saving. Use your own approved profile and device criteria; the recording shows an earlier Anywhere interface.

After saving, confirm that the intended serials have the expected ADE profile assignment and that the assignment has synchronized to Apple before activation. Assignment is not proof that a device has completed enrollment. Validate Setup Assistant and the installed management profile on an approved test device using Apple ADE Enrollment; do not erase an in-use device merely to test a rule. For the separate FileWave Central controls, including rule order, default profiles and exclusions, see Automatically Assign ADE Profiles.