Why is the firm implementing the Intune system?

We are working to expand your ability to work flexibly from different locations and using multiple tools. The goal is to allow you to have all the tools you need to accomplish your work without being locked into a location and eventually a specific device. The new mobile device system puts all your work info, data, and applications in one place and for many apps preconfigures them for you. The additional benefit is that all the data and systems are segregated from your personal and private apps and data. This helps us to protect client and firm data and helps you keep work and personal separate.

As a part of our efforts to enable you to work from remote we are also taking steps to better secure our client and Firm data. This new tool will bring together all the work apps and data you need in one place. In addition, it will allow us to sequester and protect the apps and data on your device to ensure the safety of your data and our clients data. This also means that firm and client data will no longer be intermingled with your personal data and information thus helping everyone maintain a healthy work life balance.


I already have a passcode, why do I have to change it?

You may not have to change it. If you already use a biometric lock (fingerprint, FaceID, or similar) then you are good to go and no phone lock changes are needed. However, if you are using a PIN code to unlock your code must meet the PIN code requirements to ensure we are protecting the data and to enable the ability to segregate your personal apps and data from work information.

Will the firm be able to see where I am or read my personal email or text messages?

Not at all. We are not tracking the location of your phone, looking at personal text messages, or personal phone calls (numbers, names, date, or times). We are only focused on client and Firm data and applications. Our goal is to keep the two separated and to make it easier for you to access and use. For this reason, if you lose your device, we will be unable to assist in locating or recovering it.


How will the Firm's Mobile Application system help me?

This should make it easier for you to access apps and data related to clients and the firm. You will be able to see a list of Firm suggested and installed applications and where possible we automatically sign you in to the application and configure them. This is very similar to the Single Sign On feature we offer with many online systems. This should make it easier for you access firm systems while remote.

Additionally, we are able to deploy out some applications and data that we would otherwise not be able to give access to such as the ability to unlock office doors with nothing more than your phone.


Why can’t I read my emails or notifications from the lock screen?

As a part of our work from remote policy we must take steps to keep our client’s data secure and confidential. As sometimes clients may message sensitive details that could be read on a lock screen, we are following the recommended best practices of blocking the message preview to prevent sensitive data from being observed.


What about my email signature?

Currently you can copy your existing signature into Outlook Mobile to setup a signature for emails sent from your mobile device. The firm is working on a fully integrated system for attaching signatures however currently it is not ready for deployment. When it is ready instructions will be sent on how to use the system going forward.


Who is allowed to access firm email or resources through their phone or tablet?

 The firm allows current employees to add firm resources to certain approved mobile devices. For more information on who can add devices, see our Mobile Policy.

What kinds of devices am I allowed to connect to the firm?

The firm allows most smart phones and tablets that are running the latest versions of Android or iOS/iPadOS. More details can be found in our Mobile Policy:

What can I do on my device once I've connected it to the firm?

You will be able to access your Smith & Howard email, contacts and calendar through the Outlook app. You can view Office documents and spreadsheets through the Office app. You can communicate using Teams or Zoom. And all of these apps will be able to share with each other and to your OneDrive. For information on using the firm's resources on your device:

How do I get to my email and why can’t my personal email and work email be together anymore?

You will now use the Outlook app on your device to access your email. If you have not already installed it, you will be able to install it from the Company Portal or from the Play Store. Your email will no longer be accessible through your device's native email app or the Gmail app.

By separating the two we can take steps to secure and protect client data without impacting your personal email, apps, or privacy. With them separated the system can monitor for phishing, virus, and other issues without infringing on your personal email messages or setup. Finally, separating them allows us to meet the more stringent data protection requirements many clients have and expect without requiring you to further lock down your phone.

Can I see my Smith+Howard contacts with my phone/personal contacts? Can I make my Smith+Howard contacts show in my phone dialer?

Yes, you can synchronize your contacts from the Outlook app to your Contacts app native to your device. For information on that process:


I'm not seeing notifications for my app?

This can be a few different things. 

  • Once your device is enrolled in the firm's management policies, new security settings are applied to your device. One of these policies will prevent detailed notifications from work apps from showing on your device's screen until the device is unlocked
  • Some apps will need to have their notifications set up again once they are set up with the management policies, as they are essentially new apps. Teams is one that this applies to.

(Android) Why is my keyboard different in Work apps?

The Work Profile that was set up during the enrollment process essentially creates a new phone within the Work Profile. This can default to a very basic keyboard within that profile. We have made another keyboard available to download through the firm's Play Store.

(Android) Can I change sound alerts for apps in my Work Profile?

Answer: Control work profile notifications - Android Enterprise Help (google.com) 

Where can I get an account to use for my personal email, contacts, or calendar?

You can sign up with an account through these providers. With each you will get personal email, contacts, and calendar:



Should you run into any issues or need assistance, please contact the help desk. You can submit a ticket HERE , by emailing the help desk at [email protected], or by calling 404.879.3434/ x3434.