Jamf Now is a powerful tool for managing Apple devices in your organization. One of its key features is the ability to configure Blueprints, which are collections of settings and apps that can be applied to devices. This blog post will guide you through the process of creating and configuring Blueprints in Jamf Now, ensuring that your devices are set up efficiently and effectively.
What is a Blueprint?
A Blueprint in Jamf Now is essentially a template that defines how a specific group of devices should be configured. Blueprints serve as templates for managing Apple devices. They allow administrators to set up settings such as Wi-Fi, email accounts, app installations, and restrictions. By using Blueprints, you can streamline the setup process for multiple devices, ensuring consistency across your organization.
Step 1: Creating a New Blueprint
To create a new Blueprint in Jamf Now, follow these steps:
- Log into Jamf Now:
- Start by logging into your Jamf Now account.
- Start by logging into your Jamf Now account.
- Navigate to Blueprints:
- From the dashboard, click on the “Blueprints” tab located in the left sidebar.
- Add a New Blueprint:
- Click on the “+ New Blueprint” button.
- Enter a name for your Blueprint that reflects its purpose (e.g., “Developer Team Devices”).
- Configure Settings:
- Once the Blueprint is created, you can start adding configurations.
- You will see various options such as Wi-Fi, Email, Apps, Restrictions, and more.
- Click on each section to customize settings according to your needs.
- Save Your Changes:
- After configuring all desired settings, make sure to save your changes by clicking the “Save” button at the bottom of the page.
Step 2: Assigning Blueprints to Devices
To assign a Blueprint to devices in Jamf Now, follow these steps:
- Go to the Devices Tab:
- Start by navigating to the Devices tab in Jamf Now.
- Select a Device:
- Click on the device you want to manage.
- Apply a Blueprint:
- Under the device details, locate the Blueprint dropdown menu.
- Choose the Blueprint you want to assign to the device.
- Sync Changes:
- Once the Blueprint is applied, ensure the device is connected to the internet to receive the configuration updates.
Step 3: Syncing a Blueprint
To sync a Blueprint and ensure updates are applied to assigned devices, follow these steps:
- Update the Blueprint:
- If you’ve made changes to a Blueprint (e.g., added new apps or adjusted restrictions), ensure you save the updates.
- Navigate to the Blueprints Tab:
- Go to the Blueprints tab in Jamf Now.
- Select Sync:
- Click on the Blueprint you want to sync.
- Click the Sync button to push the updated configuration to all assigned devices.
- Verify Sync:
- Check the devices assigned to the Blueprint to confirm that they have received the updates.
Best Practices for Using Blueprints
- Use Descriptive Names: Clearly label each Blueprint based on its purpose (e.g., “App Developers Team” or “Marketing Team”).
- Test Before Deployment: Apply Blueprints to a test device before rolling them out to multiple devices.
- Regularly Update Blueprints: Keep Blueprints up-to-date with the latest apps, settings, and restrictions.
- Monitor Device Compliance: Use the Devices tab to ensure devices remain compliant with their assigned Blueprint.
Wrapping Up
Configuring Blueprints in Jamf Now streamlines device management, saving time and ensuring consistency across your organization. By following the steps outlined above, you can efficiently create, configure, and sync Blueprints tailored to your organizational needs. For more information, refer to the official Jamf Now documentation:
