Workforce Identity
Endpoint Management
Endpoint Detection & Response
Vulnerability Management
Compliance Automation
Trust Center
Challenges
As the company grew, their IT team faced significant challenges managing an increasing number of Apple devices. With over 100 Mac devices to set up and manage, initial device configurations were taking several hours per device. This manual process overwhelmed the single IT administrator, preventing focus on more critical tasks. The company urgently needed an efficient device management system to streamline device setup, improve security, and support their fast-paced expansion.
Solutions
After evaluating several MDM solutions, Octopus Energy Japan selected Iru for its comprehensive features and ease of use. Implementing Iru allowed them to automate device setup processes, significantly reducing the need for manual intervention.
Streamlining Device Management
Iru enabled Octopus Energy Japan to automate several critical tasks:
- Application Distribution and Automatic Updates: Using Apple Business Manager and Iru's Auto Apps, approximately 20 apps are automatically pre-installed on new company Mac devices. An additional 10 apps are available in Self Service for employees to download as needed. Updates are applied automatically based on predefined schedules, ensuring devices remain up-to-date without intervention.
- Automation of Settings: Mandatory Google Chrome extensions required for business operations are automatically distributed and configured via Iru, eliminating manual setup.
- OS and Software Updates Management: Iru's Managed OS and software update features streamline the process of keeping devices secure and current, saving significant time and enhancing efficiency.
Tasks that used to take over 2 hours to complete now take just 30 minutes. We used to create Mac setup manuals, but it became increasingly difficult to handle everything alone.
Tatsuya Nakamura
Head of TechOps
Enhancing Security
Security is a top priority for Octopus Energy Japan. By leveraging Iru's Blueprints with built-in security templates, the company optimized security settings and established a streamlined process for OS and application updates. This ensures the latest security patches are applied promptly, minimizing risks. Iru's integration with Okta Device Trust further reinforced device security, moving the company closer to a zero-trust environment.
Although I am an engineer, I had never used an MDM before, but I had no concerns during implementation. Creating the initial Blueprint was very smooth, and the preconfigured templates allowed for easy setup without requiring advanced security knowledge.
Tatsuya Nakamura
Head of TechOps
Managing iPad Devices
In addition to Mac devices, Octopus Energy Japan is expanding its use of iPad devices, managing approximately 50 devices used as kiosks and for external contractors. Iru ensures consistent management and security across these devices, with rapid response measures in place for lost devices. The company also distributes custom apps through Apple Business Manager and Iru, enabling employees to securely access all required applications within a controlled environment.
Results
By implementing Iru, Octopus Energy Japan dramatically simplified device management, reducing Mac setup times by over 75%. With automation of application distribution, settings configuration, and OS and software updates, the single IT administrator can effectively manage over 150 Apple devices. This allows the IT team to focus on more critical responsibilities, supporting the company's rapid growth in the Japanese market.
The company has introduced a new initiative where regular employees assist new hires and contractors with their device setup. This approach, combined with zero-touch deployments, has further reduced IT’s workload and fostered better communication within the team.
Conclusion
With Iru, Octopus Energy Japan achieved enhanced security and greater efficiency in device management, enabling smooth business expansion in the rapidly growing Japanese market. The automation and simplification of IT management processes freed up internal resources to focus on business-critical areas. Octopus Energy Japan appreciates Iru's user-friendly and automated features, finding it more intuitive and flexible than other MDM tools. Moving forward, they plan to continue leveraging Iru to strengthen their IT infrastructure and accelerate business growth.