Device preparation

Before shipping devices to customers, prepare a repeatable image that includes the Dataplicity agent and operational basics.

Golden image checklist

1. Install the agent during image build or first-boot provisioning - not manually in the field
2. Configure NTP - devices without an RTC need accurate time for HTTPS
3. Set hostname and identity - use meaningful names or serial-based naming
4. Apply tags - customer, site, firmware version, and deployment stage
5. Configure logs and monitors - before the device ships, not after the first support call
6. Test first-boot connectivity - confirm the device appears online in your dashboard
7. Document the image version - tag devices with image:2026-03-v1 or similar

Install the agent in your image

Use your account's install command in your provisioning script:

Generate the current install command from Add device in the Dataplicity app and run it unchanged on the staging device. Do not put the provisioning credential in source control or public build logs.

For mass production, see installing for mass production.

Network reconnect handling

Field devices lose connectivity. Add the network reconnect scripts from Improving reliability to your image.

Production readiness checks

• Install the agent through your repeatable image or first-boot process
• Configure NTP on embedded hardware
• Test on a network that mimics customer firewall restrictions
• Add customer and site tags before shipping

Related

• Security model
• Mapping devices to customers