Optimizing Apple device deployments in aviation
Learn how Jamf helps airlines get the most out of their Apple devices.
Most workers today don’t work behind a desk. And many of them — especially in the aviation industry — are constantly on the move and rely on mobile devices to get work done. Making sure your device fleet is connecting to company resources in a secure, reliable way wherever they are can be a challenge. Devices that are deployed for a purpose (e.g. – like an iPad for point-of-sale) need to be provisioned to simplify work for end users, but also easily configure, secure and maintain for the teams in charge of those devices.
The iPad is the leading device for electronic flight bags (EFBs), with more than 80% of airlines using iOS devices for EFBs. But iPad and iPhone can be applied to other use cases to support mechanics, gate agents and flight attendants. To fully optimize mobile devices, airlines need to be able to trust that their devices are operational and compliant to keep things running smoothly. This means that their software and applications are up to date and that the device is meeting security baselines. Beyond security compliance, airlines need to be able to make sure these devices are being used appropriately within data and acceptable use policies.
Is managing data for your airline a challenge?
Check out our blog on managing data consumption in aviation.
Airlines choose Apple devices for efficient operations – for example, to reduce minutes during the turn. Jamf extends what Apple devices can do in aviation with tools that enhance the Apple platform. These workflows have a foundation in Jamf’s leading Apple device management with capabilities like:
- Inventory reporting
- OS upgrades and device compliance
- App patching and compliance
- Zero-touch device deployments
In this blog, we’ll highlight how Jamf workflows, apps and utilities introduce new use cases and how our experts help airlines get the most out of Apple devices.
Jamf Setup and Jamf Reset
Jamf has been at the forefront of supporting multi-user environments on iOS and iPadOS devices for years. The Jamf Setup and Jamf Reset apps, combined with unique industry-specific workflows, have allowed for access to distinct configurations and apps based on the user's role. Jamf Setup quickly provisions a device for a specific purpose with minimal downtime while Jamf Reset digitally sanitizes the device.
On-duty/off-shift device utilization
Devices used in-flight for work purposes may also be used during a layover to watch movies or call for ground transport to a hotel. Jamf can help organizatoins allow or disallow access to certain apps based on whether the employee is on or off duty — so no access to company apps when not they aren’t on the clock, and no access to leisure apps when they are. Organizations can also elevate an employee’s device rights when they are off shift to enhance their experience.
Shared devices
Not all devices have a single user. When devices are shared between employees, like for customer service or temporary loaners devices, they can quickly be set up and configured to the user’s role. Organizations can either completely wipe the device with Jamf Reset, or return the device to service, ready for the next user. This is done with Return to Service..
Return to Service
Apple introduced the Return to Service feature for iOS 17 and iPadOS 17. It completely automates resetting and re-enrolling devices into Mobile Device Management (MDM) systems.
The feature removes the need for frontline staff to select the language, region and Wi-Fi profile during Setup Assistant. (Removing the requirement to select a Wi-Fi profile is critical since a Wi-Fi profile is required to activate the device.)
With Return to Service, the device automatically enrolls into MDM and is ready for the next user.
There are two ways to access Return to Service in Jamf Pro: via the Jamf Pro API or with the Return to Service app.
The Return to Service app opens up opportunities for organizations to reduce the time and effort it takes to re-provision mobile devices. And for organizations with shared devices deployed for a purpose, reducing re-provision times is critical.
Training and classroom devices
Return to Service is a great tool for training and classroom devices. Employees can use a device for the duration of their training, then organizations can automatically – or, if they want to provide more control to frontline users, manually – re-provision the device with the Return to Service workflow to get it ready for the next training class or use case.
Jamf Mobile Assist
The Jamf Mobile Assist app allows managers without access to Jamf Pro to do basic troubleshooting. This proves useful for tech ops, customer service supervisors, supervising ramp agents, cabin leads and flight planning area leads.
When a user selects an option in the Jamf Mobile Assist app, Jamf Pro triggers actions on the target device. These remote actions can include updates or workflows that automatically change the device state in real-time.
This is all done wirelessly, without help from IT.
Frontline devices
Tasks that would otherwise require minimal IT intervention, like a password reset or device restart, can be taken care of by an employee’s immediate supervisors. This Tier 0 support empowers users to take care of certain device issues, minimizing the time and effort required to remediate.
Jamf APIs
The Jamf API, third-party apps in the Jamf Marketplace and our partner products mean the workflow possibilities are endless. For example:
- Using OneGlobal and FirstNet to securely activate eSIMs
- Taking advantage of location-aware device workflows
- Storing devices in lockers with LocknCharge
- Barcode scanning, text and object recognition, and augmented reality to interface with physical objects with Scandit
Jamf experts
Jamf’s dedicated industry and technical teams work with your organization to provide wide-ranging expertise and resources to help your organization find the solution that best fits your specific needs. Jamf’s engineers understand the Apple framework; how to maximize iPhone and iPad for shared-device use cases; and how to extend Apple’s MDM framework with workflows that make end users connecting to work feel like connecting to consumer applications. And more than that, our data policy and network experts help organizations manage data pools across their ecosystem.
Deploying devices is more than just purchasing an iPhone or iPad from Apple or an authorized reseller. It also means configuring devices to be ready to use, ‘right out of the box.’ Jamf’s experts understand how to implement, deploy and manage mobile devices for a deskless workforce, creating experiences that simplify work for the teams in charge of devices, and those that use them every day.
Interested in learning how you can extend Apple use cases?