Learn the answers to frequently asked questions about Assignment Maps
Can I manage my entire fleet using one Assignment Map?
Yes, there is no technical reason to need multiple Assignment Maps, however, we expect many customers to have a small number of them to provide strict lines of demarcation between use cases. Device family, geography, or varying compliance needs may be examples of reasons to create multiple maps.
Can I create a map that splits my deployment based on device family (i.e., iPad on one branch and Mac on another)?
Assignment Maps respect the Installs On setting configured at the Library Item level all throughout the map. This means you don’t have to duplicate logic across multiple branches on a map for a single use case just because of the device family. For example, if there are apps for Marketing that vary based on device family, you can make a single Assignment Node for Marketing and assign all Mac and iPad Library items to it, and Assignment Maps will ensure only the applicable Library Items are assigned to the applicable device families.
If you still have a workflow in mind where you’d like to be able to create a branch based on the device family, please submit a feature request in the Kandji web app with more details.
How often are map rules evaluated?
Like Assignment Rules on Classic Blueprints, the rule evaluation frequency depends on the type of Library Item. For Agent-backed Library Items like Custom Scripts and Custom Apps are evaluated every 15 minutes on the Agent check-in. MDM-backed library items are evaluated on a 24-hour daily MDM check-in. For any nodes based on user attributes, the data must have first synced into Kandji from the IdP, otherwise, the changes will apply on the next check-in interval post-sync into Kandji. Making an edit to an Assignment Map also forces a just-in-time reevaluation of all of the rules.
Can I convert a Classic Blueprint to an Assignment Map?
The Library Item Bank supports filtering Library Items by the currently assigned blueprint. This makes it easy to select all (click on the first item and then shift+click on the last item) to simply drag and drop them into your preferred Assignment Node.
Parameters can also be imported from one other Classic Blueprint.
Do I have to drag Library Items one by one?
No way! Assignment Maps supports multi-select, which closely mimics Finder in macOS. You can command+click individual items, click and then shift+click to select several items in a row, and filter, search, and multi-select all together.
Can I apply different parameters to different Assignment Nodes?
Currently, Parameters are still a per-Blueprint setting and would apply to all Mac computers assigned to the Assignment Map.
Can I use the Enterprise API with Assignment Maps?
Yes! See our Assignment Maps and the Enterprise API support article for more details.
How do I know if a map was changed?
The Activity tab will show an Assignment Map changed entry with details.
Do Assignment Maps define the order in which Library Items are installed?
No, devices “collect” Library Items to be installed throughout their evaluation of the map, but the order in which they are installed is not directly tied to the layout of a map. Order determines priority for conflicts for Self-Conflicting Library Items, like Managed OS, in that the map will ensure the device always receives the one farthest on the map. However, that does not mean other Library Items of different types that are not considered conflicting that are placed further will be installed first.
Are Classic Blueprints still supported?
At this time, Classic Blueprints and Assignment Rules on Classic Blueprints are still fully supported. We will make every effort to ensure that upcoming additions to Assignment Rules are provided for both types of Blueprints. However, we encourage all Kandji customers to create an Assignment Map and explore the unparalleled flexibility and clarity they provide!
If you have further questions regarding Assignment Maps, please contact support.
Further Reading
To learn more about Assignment Maps, check out our other articles: