Octopusenergy Japan Streamlines Device Management Amid Rapid Growth

Octopusenergy Japan, a joint venture between UK-based Octopusenergy and Tokyo Gas, is transforming the Japanese energy market with efficient and eco-friendly power services. Founded in 2021 with just 20 team members, the company has rapidly expanded to over 100 employees focused on sustainable energy in Japan. To support this growth, they needed an efficient device management solution for their expanding fleet of Apple devices.

Challenges

As the company grew, their IT team faced significant challenges managing an increasing number of Apple devices. With over 100 Macs 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, Octopusenergy Japan selected Kandji for its comprehensive features and ease of use. Implementing Kandji allowed them to automate device setup processes, significantly reducing the need for manual intervention.

Streamlining Device Management

Kandji enabled Octopusenergy Japan to automate several critical tasks:

1. Application Distribution and Automatic Updatesr: Using Apple Business Manager and Kandji's Auto Apps, approximately 20 apps are automatically pre-installed on new company Macs. 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.
2. Automation of Settings: Mandatory Google Chrome extensions required for business operations are automatically distributed and configured via Kandji, eliminating manual setup.
3. OS and Software Updates Management: Kandji’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, Octopusenergy Japan

Enhancing Security

Security is a top priority for Octopusenergy Japan. By leveraging Kandji’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. Kandji'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, Octopusenergy Japan

Managing iPads

In addition to Macs, Octopusenergy Japan is expanding its use of iPads, managing approximately 50 devices used as kiosks and for external contractors. Kandji 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 Kandji, enabling employees to securely access all required applications within a controlled environment.

Results

By implementing Kandji, Octopusenergy 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 Kandji, Octopusenergy 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. Octopusenergy Japan appreciates Kandji’s user-friendly and automated features, finding it more intuitive and flexible than other MDM tools. Moving forward, they plan to continue leveraging Kandji to strengthen their IT infrastructure and accelerate business growth.