This article discusses best practices for managing iPads running your SIE Kiosk app (formerly Traction Guest). It also contains links to Apple’s recommendations for Mobile Device Management.
Related Content
The sections covered below include:
When you purchase Sign In Enterprise, we recommend that you purchase a new iPad directly from Apple.
We support any iPads that Apple currently supports through their latest iOS. That is, if the iPad is able to download Apple's latest iOS updates, we will support it as well. We cannot guarantee that the app can be installed on IOS versions that Apple no longer actively supports.
Having the latest iOS updates on your iPads ensures that the latest security updates and bug fixes are installed in a timely manner. As part of our focus on data security and performance, we are committed to ensuring that Traction Guest app fully supports the current major iOS version and all of its associated minor versions (eg. The latest version of iOS is 18.2. whereby "18" is the current Major version and "2" is the current Minor version) and we encourage you to upgrade to the latest iOS version.
You can find Apple's list of supported iPads for iOS 18 here: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/ipad/ipad213a25b2/ipados
It does not matter what storage size you choose, so we recommend that you save your money and get the smallest storage size available for the iPad type that you choose.
The Kiosk App will work with an LTE iPad (you are responsible for purchasing and maintaining a mobile plan from your local carrier) and each sign-in record consumes roughly 1mb of bandwidth if you are on a metered plan.
iPads can be used wirelessly, or with an adapter available from Apple, can be used on a wired network via Ethernet (See THIS article for more information).
Mobile Device Management
We highly recommend using Mobile Device Management (MDM) if you plan to use more than 5 iPad Devices. This allows you to centrally control app updates throughout all your devices for ease of use and security.
For an in-depth overview on MDMs, check out THIS guide from Apple.
According to the article, Apple states: “Mobile device management lets you securely and wirelessly configure devices, whether they’re owned by the user or your organization. MDM includes updating software and device settings, monitoring compliance with organizational policies, and remotely wiping or locking devices. Users can enroll their own devices in MDM, and organization-owned devices can be enrolled in MDM automatically using Apple School Manager or Apple Business Manager.”
Apple also offers deployment and volume purchase guides on their website:
Apart from Apple Business Manager, there are many other MDMs such as JAMF, Intune, or Mosyle.
Note: Each iPad's date/time setting should match the timezone setting within the web portal of your Visitor Management location. Otherwise, you may encounter discrepancies within your Guestbook log.
Registering an Apple IDWhen you are prompted to register your iPad with an Apple ID, we highly recommend using a company-owned Managed Apple ID/email address (eg. [email protected]). Otherwise, you may not be able to change the Apple ID ownership if it is registered under an employee-specific ID who leaves the company.
All app purchases, updates, and downloads triggered directly from the iPad requires confirmation of a valid Apple ID to proceed (This will vary depending if use an MDM).
Managing iPads Without an MDM
If you do not have an MDM, you can still centrally control multiple iPads through iOS settings by following these steps:
1. Set up a service account: (eg. [email protected]). This will allow you to use the same Apple ID on multiple iPads simultaneously. This is particularly useful for syncing your apps with our SIE updates across all your devices.
2. Sign In with the Same Apple ID: On each iPad, go to Settings. Tap on your Apple ID (located at the top). Select iCloud.Sign in with the same Apple ID on all iPads.
3. Sync Data: Once signed in, you can choose which data to sync across devices (such as contacts, calendars, photos, etc.) by toggling the relevant options in iCloud settings.
4. App Store and Purchases: Using the same Apple ID allows you to share app purchases. When you download an app on one iPad, it will be available for download on the other iPads associated with the same Apple ID.
iOS and App Updates
You can enable automatic iOS and App Updates directly from the Settings app on your iPad. Alternatively, an MDM allows you to force enable/disable these settings for your devices.
We highly recommend keeping your iOS and SIE Kiosk app up-to-date when possible. However, automatically pushing updates may not suit your use-case, especially if these updates are pushed during visiting hours for one of your locations. Additionally, some clients prefer trialing these updates on test devices before pushing it out to all remaining iPads account-wide. Whichever method you decide to use, ensure that this policy is communicated to the proper stakeholders across your account.
To automatically toggle iOS updates directly from the iPad, go to Settings>General>Software Update>Automatic Updates - ON:
To automatically toggle app updates, go to Settings>Apps> App Store> App Updates - ON:
Guided Access and Auto-Lock Settings
We recommended enabling Guided Access on your iPad to prevent a guest from closing out of SIE. For further instructions, check out this article: How Do I Stop a Guest From Closing The App?
Additionally, to prevent the iPad from falling asleep, we recommend turning Auto-Lock to Never from the Settings App, alongside setting Display Auto-Lock to Never if using Guided Access. For further instructions, check out this article: Why is my iPad going to sleep?
SIE Kiosk (Traction Guest) Camera Permissions
SIE Kiosk explicitly needs your permission to use the iPad’s camera in-app. This will be used for scanning QR codes and taking photos of your guests. You should be prompted to enable this when you first open the app, but to enable it manually, you can access the setting from the iPad’s Settings app.
In the Settings App, scroll down the left navigation bar until you reach the SIE Kiosk app. Then, ensure that the Camera toggle is on.
Visitor Management (Formerly Sign In Enterprise) Updates
Visitor Management releases app and web updates on an ad hoc basis, depending on when feature releases and bug fixes are approved for production. Release notes are published to our status page on monthly basis. You can subscribe to our release notes here: https://updates.signinenterprise.com/
Kiosk App Updates
Once our team has completed a new Kiosk App update, the build is submitted to Apple for review. Once approved, the update will be released to the App Store. This review process typically takes 2-5 business days. The app can then be updated through the app store or through your MDM.
Web Updates
Updates made to the web portal are automatically pushed into your account and do not require any changes on your side to be made available. These updates can include non-visible system maintenance, new feature updates, or smaller UI changes.