An unenrolled Mac is like an office without a lock.
You hired someone new, gave them a brand-new Mac, and a month later that person left the company. The computer is still working, but now it is out of your control: no remote access, no monitoring, no possibility of recovering it. What happened? It was not enrolled in Apple Business Manager.
In this article, we tell you what it is, how it works, and why it can be key to your IT strategy.
What is Apple Business Manager?
Apple Business Manager (ABM) is a web-based platform designed by Apple that allows you to manage all of your company's Apple devices from one place.
By integrating it with your MDM (Mobile Device Management) system, you can:
Automatically enroll any Apple device you purchase
Preconfigure access, apps, and permissions without touching the device
Assign devices to specific users or departments
Enforce remote monitoring and ensure traceability
Lock or wipe devices in case of loss or theft
Every Apple device you hand out goes 100% under your control.
The Relationship Between ABM and MDM
Apple Business Manager (ABM) and Mobile Device Management (MDM) are complementary tools that work together to streamline the management of Apple devices within organizations.
ABM acts as the foundation, allowing automatic device enrollment into the MDM system upon activation. This is achieved through Apple's MDM server or a third-party MDM server.
It also facilitates the bulk purchase of applications and content, which are then distributed to devices or users through the MDM solution.
Common mistakes we see (and how to avoid them)
Not using Apple Business Manager
Consequence: unenrolled equipment, without security, without traceability.
Solution: register your company in ABM (it's free) and link it to your provider.
Purchases through unofficial channels
Consequence: they cannot be automatically enrolled in ABM.
Solution: work with an official Apple Reseller that allows you to register the equipment in your ABM.
Not integrating it with MDM
Consequence: you have ABM but without real leverage.
Solution: connect your ABM to solutions like Intune, Kandji, or Jamf to configure everything remotely.
Concrete benefits of using Apple Business Manager
Time savings in configurations
Reinforced security from the very first use
Total traceability of each device
Longer lifespan of devices
Remote and error-free activation for new hires
In remote environments or those with high turnover, having control straight out of the box is essential.
How do we solve it at First Plug?
At First Plug, we are an Apple Reseller. That means every device you purchase from us can come already registered to your ABM, with no extra steps.
Additionally:
We help you register your company in Apple Business Manager
We advise you on integrating it with your MDM system
We configure the devices before shipping them
We guarantee traceability from day one
Your IT team shares the plan with us. We take care of everything.
In summary
Apple Business Manager is not just for large or technical companies. It is for any organization that wants to have full control over their Apple devices.
Because in today's world, an unenrolled device is an unnecessary risk. And with First Plug, it's a problem that is solved before you even start.
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