DeviceInformation

MDM command that queries the device for hardware details, OS version, network info, installed apps, and security status.

What to Know

DeviceInformation is the foundation of MDM visibility and compliance enforcement. Without regular device queries, IT has no way to verify whether devices match policy requirements, detect security risks, or track asset inventory. This command provides the raw data that powers compliance dashboards, security reports, patch management workflows, and asset tracking systems. Every “Is FileVault enabled?” or “Which devices are running outdated iOS versions?” query ultimately traces back to DeviceInformation responses.

Beyond compliance, DeviceInformation queries also enable reactive support scenarios. When a user reports “my device isn’t working,” IT can query the device to instantly see battery health, storage capacity, network configuration, installed certificates, and MDM profile status — critical diagnostic data that would otherwise require verbal interrogation of non-technical users or physically examining the device.

Common Scenarios

Enterprise IT: Schedule automated DeviceInformation queries to maintain an up-to-date inventory of hardware models, OS versions, and security compliance status. Use query results to identify devices eligible for OS upgrades, flag devices with low storage that need attention, or detect unauthorized apps installed outside of approved channels. Trigger immediate queries when investigating security incidents to capture device state in real time.

MSP: Use DeviceInformation queries to populate client reporting dashboards with real-time device health metrics, warranty status, and compliance posture. Schedule recurring queries to detect when client devices drift out of compliance with service level agreements (SLA), triggering automated remediation workflows or escalation to client contacts when devices require attention.

Education: Query student devices before each semester to verify they’re running supported OS versions and have adequate storage for new course materials. Use queries to detect when shared iPads are running low on storage or battery health, triggering maintenance workflows before devices fail during class. Query classroom devices remotely to troubleshoot connectivity issues without disrupting instruction.

In Addigy

Addigy automatically issues DeviceInformation queries on a scheduled basis to keep device facts current in Addigy. Admins can also manually trigger immediate queries through the device details page or via the Addigy API for on-demand diagnostics. Addigy processes DeviceInformation responses and surfaces the data through Facts (structured device attributes), custom attributes, and compliance policies. Key device information is indexed for searching and reporting, allowing admins to quickly build Smart Groups based on hardware model, OS version, security status, or any other attribute returned by the DeviceInformation command.