Configuration Manager Solutions for Off-Network Productivity

The Customer

A leading relocation management company in the United States.

The Project

Configuration Manager Solutions for Off-Network Productivity

Overview

The Customer approached Improving with a specific problem: they wanted to implement InTune Autopilot provisioning for their Windows 10 devices. However, upon further assessment, it became clear that the Customer was not in a position to proceed with the intended solution. Instead, Improving pivoted and provided an assessment and recommendations session for their implementation of Configuration Manager (SCCM). This allowed the Customer how to effectively manage and maintain their off-network devices during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Challenge

The Customer's initial request for InTune Autopilot provisioning stemmed from their need to streamline the process of getting Windows 10 devices from OEMs directly into the hands of users. However, due to the devices being off-network, the Customer faced challenges in leveraging InTune effectively. They needed a solution to manage and maintain these off-network devices, ensuring they remained patched, compliant, and secure.

The Solution

Upon realizing that InTune Autopilot was not viable for the Customer's current situation, Improving shifted gears to focus on their existing Configuration Manager environment. The team conducted a thorough discovery and assessment of the Customer's Configuration Manager setup, identifying areas for improvement and making recommendations to optimize its functionality. By leveraging Configuration Manager, the Customer could effectively manage and maintain their off-network devices, ensuring their productivity and security.

The Technologies & Methodologies

• Configuration Manager: Improving utilized the Customer's existing Configuration Manager environment to optimize device management and maintenance.

• InTune: Although not directly implemented in this project, InTune was initially considered and later deemed unsuitable for the Customer's off-network device management needs.

The Business Benefits

• Enabled the Customer to maintain and manage off-network devices: The recommendations provided by Improving allowed the Customer to effectively manage their devices, regardless of their location. This ensured uninterrupted productivity for their employees, even when working remotely.

• Enhanced device patching and software delivery: With the optimized Configuration Manager environment, the Customer gained the ability to patch devices and deliver software updates seamlessly. This helped them maintain a secure and up-to-date technology infrastructure.

• Improved compliance monitoring: the Customer could now monitor the compliance status of their off-network devices, ensuring they adhered to organizational policies and security standards.

• Increased operational efficiency: By leveraging Configuration Manager, the Customer streamlined their device management processes, reducing manual efforts and improving overall operational efficiency.

Lessons Learned

The key lesson learned from this project is the importance of truly listening to the client and evaluating their needs. While the Customer initially sought InTune Autopilot provisioning, Improving recognized that their current situation required a different approach. By actively engaging with the client and providing informed recommendations, Improving built trust and delivered a solution that addressed the Customer's challenges effectively. This highlights the significance of understanding the client’s context and guiding them toward the right solution, even if it deviates from their initial request.

Why Improving?

In conclusion, Improving’s collaboration with the Customer on their InTune Autopilot Discovery and Design project showcased the ability to adapt and provide valuable solutions tailored to the client’s specific needs. By leveraging their existing Configuration Manager environment, the Customer gained the ability to manage and maintain their off-network devices, ensuring productivity, security, and operational efficiency. This successful project exemplifies Improving’s commitment to understanding clients’ challenges and delivering impactful solutions that drive their business forward.