Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM) is a robust tool that empowers IT administrators to manage a broad range of endpoint platforms. It does this by configuring and deploying policies and applications to users and devices from the cloud. To fully leverage its capabilities, it’s essential to adhere to some best practices. Here are the top 5 best practices for MECM:
#1 Enroll Users and Set Up Certificates
The initial step in managing your endpoints involves enrolling users and setting up certificates. This procedure includes assigning access rights and permissions, as well as multiple application assignments. It’s advisable to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for both users and administrators to enhance security. MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to verify their identity using at least two different forms of authentication.
#2 Understand Collection Evaluation
Comprehending the collection evaluation graph is vital in designing an appropriate collection structure. It’s important to note that full collection evaluation doesn’t always update all collections. If an incrementally updated collection updates on a schedule, referencing collections that aren’t enabled for incremental updates may not update. This understanding can help you manage your resources more efficiently.
#3 Configure Maintenance Window for Updates
You can configure maintenance windows for device collections to limit the times that Configuration Manager can install software on these devices. If you configure the maintenance window to be too small, the client may not install critical software updates, leaving the client vulnerable to the issues the update mitigates. Therefore, it’s crucial to set an adequate maintenance window that allows for all necessary updates.
#4 Avoid Frequent Collection Evaluation
In a busy Configuration Manager environment, you can enhance collection evaluation performance by scaling back schedules to avoid repeated collection evaluations. In a deep tree, you can decrease collection evaluation frequency as the collections descend deeper in the tree because higher-level collection evaluations will also trigger lower-level collection evaluations. This practice helps maintain system performance.
#5 Optimize SQL Server Settings
Optimizing SQL Server settings is another best practice for MECM. This includes enabling options like ‘optimize for ad hoc workloads’ and ‘forced parameterization’, setting up a SQL maintenance plan, configuring Windows operating system power saving settings, setting up antivirus exclusions, and properly sizing virtual machines. These optimizations can significantly improve the performance and reliability of your MECM environment.
By adhering to these best practices, you can ensure that your MECM environment operates smoothly and efficiently, providing optimal service to your users.
If you’re interested in learning more about Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager and how to implement these best practices in your organization, consider enrolling in our 5-day training course “Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager”. This comprehensive course will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage your endpoints using MECM.