how to manage multiple apple devices in a business

There are several options. Including Apple's own Configurator.

https://www.apple.com/support/business-education/apple-configurator/

Many businesses and schools also use things like Meraki.

https://meraki.cisco.com/solutions/mobile-device-management

I'll have this post moved to the iPad in Business & Education forum so you can get more accurate and topical answers.

iPad in Business and Education

iPhone in Business and Education

There are several ways to manage Apple devices. Here is a link to Apple's Enterprise Management page:

https://www.apple.com/ipad/business/it/#management

Carefully read through the Enterprise Deployment PDF (link at the bottom of the page above). It's extremely important to determine the type of device distribution the business intends to manage before the devices are distributed. If the devices are already deployed then the device management choices may be limited.

"This document offers guidance on some important considerations for getting the most out of your iOS deployment." Covers: Prepare your infrastructure. Set up devices. Configure and manage devices. Deploy apps and content. Plan for support.

https://www.apple.com/business/docs/iOS_Enterprise_Deployment_Overview.pdf

Quick overview of zero touch deplayment

http://www.apple.com/education/it/dep/

Consider DEP, Device Enrollment Program. Use VPP, Volume Purchase Program. Select an MDM, Mobile Device Management.

Overview of ipad & iphone deployment.

It's education focused.

http://www.apple.com/education/it/

Writing you own app for your business:

https://developer.apple.com/enterprise/

MDM -- Mobile Device Management

https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/wwdc2015-301/

For a comparison see this page:

http://www.enterpriseios.com/wiki/Comparison_MDM_Providers

VPP -- Volume Purchase Program

http://www.apple.com/business/vpp/

http://www.apple.com/education/it/vpp/