MDM options for Zebra terminals
To extend the device management capabilities and simplify the deployment of applications and profiles, Zebra provides the manufacturer-specific API and software. The following options are available:
- Installing MDM via StageNow profile
- Configuring the device by deploying a DataWedge profile
- Configuring the device by setting up OEMConfig parameters
Installing MDM via StageNow profile
If a recommended MDM enrollment method by scanning a QR code is not available on the terminal, you can still install MDM by the StageNow software.
1. Download and install Zebra StageNow (this is a PC software).
2. Click the IP address selection at the top, and select the IP address used to access the Internet.
3. In the StageNow admin app, click “Create new profile”.
4. Select the MX version (it can be determined on a device through StageNow – … – View Client Info, or in Settings – About – SW Components).
5. Select the wizard type “Enroll in an MDM” (more info here).
6. Follow the MDM setup wizard (below is the explanation of ambiguous choices).
6.1. Do you want to install the MDM Agent Support app – No
6.2. Do you want to download an MDM configuration file – No
6.3. Download MDM: specify the target path on a device: /sdcard/hmdm.apk, and URL of the Headwind MDM launcher
6.4. App Feature Action: Do nothing
6.5. Launch MDM Agent APK: Yes (Package Name: com.hmdm.launcher, Class Name: com.hmdm.launcher.ui.MainActivity)
7. Click “Complete profile”
8. Select a barcode type (for example, PDF417) and test it by scanning via StageNow mobile app
Once you publish a profile, you will be able to install Headwind MDM by scanning a barcode.
Notice: Headwind MDM will be installed in the “application mode” with limited capabilities, for example, you need to confirm the application installation.
Configuring the device by deploying a DataWedge profile
DataWedge is the Zebra application allowing the administrator to configure a device. Once a profile is configured, it can be applied to other devices via Headwind MDM.
1. Launch the DataWedge application on a sample device and configure the profile.
2. Click … – Settings, and select Export. Export the profile to a file dwprofile_xxx.db (the profile file name will contain the profile name).
3. Upload this file to the Headwind MDM web panel, in the Files section. As a path on device, choose: //enterprise/device/settings/datawedge/autoimport/dwprofile_xxx.db (two slashes before `enterprise`).
4. Assign the file to the required configurations.
The profile should be auto-imported by devices.
Notice: after importing, profile files disappear from the /enterprise/device/settings/datawedge/autoimport/ directory. Headwind MDM doesn’t know this feature, and it will attempt to upload a file each hour. To avoid looping, unlink the file from the configuration after the profile is imported.
Configuring the device by OEMConfig
OEMConfig is a Zebra application allowing the administrator to remotely configure device settings. This application is useful because an MDM application has very limited access to Android settings.
OEMConfig is available on Zebra terminals running Android 10 and above.
1. Get the OEMConfig APK on the official download website (choose the version matching your terminal)
2. Upload the application in the Headwind MDM web panel, Applications section. Install it in the device configuration.
Once the OEMConfig application is installed on devices, you can configure the device from the Headwind MDM web panel. Available configuration keys and values are listed here. Once you find the key for a setting, add its value in Headwind MDM, Configuration details, Application settings:
Application: com.zebra.oemconfig.release
Key: (key name from the Zebra docs)
Value: (value according to the Zebra docs)
Save the configuration to deliver the settings to devices.