When do you use Configurator vs a MDM? Or is it both at the same time?

At first, I thought that if you move to a MDM you no longer need Apple Configurator, but lately I've been seeing a few things (without much clarity) mention that you use them together.

Configurator is an mdm.

If you have a MDM what role does Apple Configurator play?

Some people use Configurator to set up their mdm software, configure wifi, etc. They use configurator just enough to get their mdm to work with their devices.

If you have 500 untouched iPads, what's the process you should be using to get them deployed?

What's the general workflow?

It would be best if the ipads were in dep. You need to buy ipads that support dep. 😎 Not all ipads support dep.

"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 deployment

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/

Using Apple Configurator 2

See ccsdtech writeup on page 5

See weinsteinbevit plus Meraki MDM on page 5

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7302890?answerId=29798579022#29798579022&tstart=0#29798579

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MDM -- Mobile Device Management

MDMs

Airwatch, Meraki, MobileIron, Profile Manager on OS X Server, or Zenprise

For a comparison see this page:

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

Airwatch

http://www.air-watch.com/

Apple Configurator and Apple Profile Manager

"Apple Configurator makes it easy for anyone to mass configure and deploy iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch in a school, business, or institution." Limited to Macs. Connects via USB cable.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/apple-configurator/id434433123?mt=12

"Profile Manager lets you configure OS X and iOS devices so they�re set up to use your company or school resources and have the settings, apps, and books your organization requires. Profile Manager creates settings and preference bundles for devices and deploys them to devices via the Mobile Device Management (MDM) service." Requires OS X server.
http://www.apple.com/uk/support/osxserver/profilemanager/

GroundControl is an alternative to Apple Configurator. "Enterprise-scale iOS provisioning, update, supervision, intelligent policies...all in the cloud."

https://www.groundctl.com/

Meraki -- A free MDM [ expect lots of email and phone calls about upgrades ]

Read the product overview. Click on "get started now" to sign up.

https://meraki.cisco.com/products/systems-manager/?ref=YZRzCR

Video's on how to setup and use Meraki.

https://meraki.cisco.com/blog/2012/08/how-to-get-the-most-from-meraki-systems-ma nager/

MobileIron

http://www.mobileiron.com/

Zenprise

http://www.zenprise.com/

The short answer is that you use Configurator initially, to update iOS, to enrol in MDM and, perhaps most importantly, to turn on Supervised mode. MDM can take care of everything else, provided there is an adequate wifi network and internet speed.

The only time to use Configurator from there on, is to quickly and easily update iOS.

I hope that helps.