Rippling

Overview

Rippling enables automated Mac and Windows device setup by integrating its HR platform with its IT management module, creating a 'zero-touch' deployment workflow that is triggered by details from a new hire's offer letter. This process leverages HR data, such as the employee's role, department, and location, as the single source of truth to determine the appropriate device, software, and security configurations. The automation is facilitated through deep technical integrations with industry-standard device enrollment programs: Apple Business Manager (ABM) for macOS and iOS devices, and Windows Autopilot for Windows devices. This unified approach allows an organization to ship a pre-configured computer directly to a new employee, who can simply unbox it, connect it to the internet, and have it automatically set up according to their specific job requirements without any manual intervention from the IT department.

Key Features

This configuration is highly specific and is determined by the policies associated with the employee's role. The automated setup includes a comprehensive suite of actions. Department-specific software and applications are automatically installed. Critical security baselines are enforced, such as enabling FileVault full-disk encryption for macOS and BitLocker for Windows, with recovery keys securely escrowed in Rippling for administrative access. Network settings, including Wi-Fi profiles and VPN configurations, are deployed to the device. Rippling's Cloud RADIUS feature allows employees to authenticate to these networks using their standard Rippling login credentials. The system also handles identity and access management by provisioning accounts for Single Sign-On (SSO) and integrated applications like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365. For more advanced needs, administrators can deploy custom scripts, such as Bash for macOS or PowerShell for Windows, to perform bespoke setup tasks.

Technical Specifications

How It Works

The operational sequence begins the moment a candidate signs their offer letter within Rippling. This action serves as the trigger for the entire device provisioning workflow. Based on predefined rules linked to the offer letter's data—for instance, a 'Software Engineer' in the 'New York' office—the system can automatically order the correct device model from the Rippling Device Store or assign one from the company's existing inventory. Rippling acts as an authorized reseller for Apple and PC devices, and any hardware purchased through its store is automatically registered in the corresponding ABM or Windows Autopilot program. This pre-registration is a critical prerequisite for enabling zero-touch enrollment. For devices acquired elsewhere, an administrator can manually add them to ABM or Autopilot to include them in the automated workflow.

Once the device is assigned, Rippling's logistics and warehousing service manages the physical handling. With warehouses in the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, and other countries, Rippling can store, inspect, and ship devices globally, directly to the new hire's home address. When the employee receives the device and powers it on for the first time, the enrollment process begins. The device connects to Apple's or Microsoft's activation servers, recognizes its registration in ABM or Autopilot, and is directed to enroll in Rippling's Mobile Device Management (MDM) system. The Rippling Agent is then silently installed, and the device begins receiving its assigned configuration profile.

Use Cases

Limitations and Requirements

There are several limitations and prerequisites for this process. The primary requirement is that the device must be present in Apple Business Manager or Windows Autopilot. The new hire must have an active internet connection during the first boot for the device to contact the enrollment servers and download its configuration. Organizations may also need to ensure their network firewalls allow traffic to specific Apple and Microsoft endpoints. While the process is automated, the initial setup of device configuration profiles, application packages, and policy rules within Rippling requires planning and configuration by an IT administrator.

Comparison to Alternatives

Summary

In conclusion, Rippling's automated device setup transforms a traditionally manual IT task into a streamlined, HR-driven workflow. By using offer letter details as the trigger and integrating deeply with Apple and Microsoft's enrollment programs, Rippling ensures that new employees receive a secure, compliant, and role-appropriate device on their first day. This system not only improves the onboarding experience but also significantly reduces the administrative burden on IT teams, enhances security posture through enforced policies, and provides a scalable solution for managing a distributed workforce's hardware.