Case Study: Large Canadian Public School District achieves streamlined iOS deployment and stronger device security with Cisco Meraki Systems Manager

Finding the right network that can handle 26k iPads and 900 iPhones across 270 sites

Large Canadian Public School District operates a massive, decentralized iOS deployment—over 26,000 iPads and 900 iPhones across 270 school sites serving roughly 200,000 students, teachers, and admins—and needed a robust enterprise mobility management solution to replace a “Wild West” approach where individual schools managed devices independently. After an RFP and pilot process the district selected Cisco Meraki and its Systems Manager product to centrally manage apps, profiles, and security for the fleet.

Cisco Meraki’s Systems Manager was rolled out using network tagging and Apple’s Volume Purchasing Program to silently provision apps and Wi‑Fi/profiles in bulk, while messaging, remote lock/locate, and automated update workflows improved security and compliance. The deployment now manages 26,000 iPads and 900 iPhones district-wide, sped up provisioning for new schools, enabled repurposing of older iPhones (saving money), and reduced manual configuration and support overhead for the district.