Add devices
Choose the right pre-registration device creation flow and verify the result.
Use Add devices to create device records before the devices contact the server.
This page helps you choose the right onboarding method and verify the result.
Use this page when
Use Add devices when:
the device record must exist before first contact
you need to add one device or many devices
you already know the target placement for the new records
Use Registering the device instead when the device should create its own record during first contact.
Decide before you add anything
Choose the creation flow that matches the operational need:
use manual add when accuracy for one device matters more than speed
use bulk import when the device data is already prepared in a file
use registration instead when the device should create the record itself
Choose the right method
Use the method that matches your task:
Add a single device — add one device when you want to review each value before saving
Bulk import devices — add many devices from one CSV or XML file
Use manual add when the device count is small or each device needs individual review.
Use bulk import when the device data is already prepared and the same workflow applies to many devices.
Before you start
Confirm that:
your role allows device creation
the device does not already exist in Device Management
you know whether you are adding one record or many
you know the target hierarchy and reference set
Prepare these details for any add flow:
Serial Number
Device ID
Model
target Hierarchy
target Reference set
If you are importing many devices, also prepare a supported CSV or XML file.
Do not add a device manually or by import if it should auto-register on first contact.
Required values
Every new device record needs enough data to identify the device and place it correctly.
At minimum, prepare:
Serial Number
Device ID
Model
Hierarchy
Reference set
If any of these values are wrong, registration or later management can fail.
Validate your inputs first
Before you continue, check these items:
each device has a unique identifier set
the model matches the device you plan to deploy
the hierarchy exists and you can place devices there
the reference set is ready for the target device
the import file only includes devices you want to create now
For bulk import, also confirm that the file uses the required import structure for your flow.
Prevent duplicate records
Search for the Serial Number and Device ID before creating a record.
Stop if either search returns an existing record. Review that record first.
Do not use a new record to correct a placement or configuration mistake.
Understand the result you want
Use these outcome checks before you start:
the device record should exist before first contact
the device should appear in the correct hierarchy
the selected reference set should match the device you plan to deploy
Add devices flow
What happens next
After the records are created:
manually added devices are ready for first-time registration
imported devices appear after import processing completes
both flows continue into the same registration and management workflow
Keep a record of the creation method, expected count, and target hierarchy.
This gives the operations team a clear baseline during registration.
Choose the next step after creation
After the record exists:
use Registering the device when the device is ready for first contact
use View devices when you need to verify the saved record
use Device details when you need a field-level review
Troubleshooting
Check these common outcomes first:
A device record already exists — review the device list before you create or import the record again
The device appears in the wrong hierarchy — review the placement values used during add or import
The import result is incomplete — review the file format, required values, and completion status in Notifications
The record exists but the device still does not connect — continue to Registering the device and Device heartbeats
Result
The required device records are created and ready for registration, review, and later device management.
Next steps
Add a single device — add one device manually
Bulk import devices — upload many devices from one file
Registering the device — complete first-time device contact
View devices — verify the new records
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