Welcome back to the Syncro Power Hour! For our third session, our awesome partner Jasper Grewal, from ROI Technology, to tackle the complexities (and secrets) of smarter device management head-on.
In our last episode, we learned how to solve the chaos of managing multiple Microsoft 365 and Entra ID tenants. The key takeaway was to stop chasing data across different portals. This week, we’re applying that same Secure, Simplify, and Scale philosophy to another critical area of your business: device management.
Managing devices for multiple clients doesn’t have to be a chaotic, reactive process. The crux of this Power Hour session, led by Jasper, was dedicated to discussing how to transform device management into a proactive, policy-driven strategy. His approach, honed through real-world experience at ROI Technology, is all about organization and automation.
Beyond the Chaos: Policy-Driven Device Management
The key to Jasper’s strategy is a well-organized policy hierarchy. He explained that by structuring policy folders logically, MSPs can achieve greater scalability and consistency. Instead of a flat, unorganized list of policies, he demonstrated a tiered approach:
Top-Level Policies: These are broad policies for different asset types, such as “Servers,” “Workstations,” and “Laptops.” These policies establish a baseline for all devices within that category.
Client-Specific Policies: Within the top-level folders, you can create subfolders for each client. This allows you to apply client-specific configurations that inherit from the top-level policy, ensuring a standardized yet customized approach.
“Canary” Policies: A particularly insightful tip was the use of a “Canary” policy. This is a policy applied to a small, isolated group of devices, allowing you to test new scripts, patches, or configuration changes in a controlled environment before a full-scale rollout. This method, inspired by the practice of using canaries in coal mines to detect danger early, ensures that potential issues are caught before they impact your entire client base.
Automate Insights with Smart Scripting
Policies provide the framework, but custom scripting is the engine that drives proactive device management. Jasper shared how his team at ROI Technology uses custom scripts within Syncro to automate the collection of critical device data, turning manual checks into automated processes that run in the background.
Some of the powerful scripts discussed include:
- BitLocker Recovery Key Script: This script automatically detects and retrieves the BitLocker recovery key for a device. By storing this information in a custom field within Syncro, you can quickly access it when needed, eliminating the frantic search for a lost key and turning a potential emergency into a simple, documented procedure.
- Battery Health Script: For managing laptops, this script is a game-changer. It analyzes a laptop’s battery health and records the data in a custom field. You can then configure alerts to notify you when a battery’s health drops below a certain threshold, allowing you to proactively recommend a replacement to your client before the battery fails completely.
- Other Data Collection: The presentation also touched on collecting other data, such as warranty information and software licensing details. By automating this collection, you ensure your device data is always up-to-date and accurate, which is essential for reporting and informed decision-making.
The beauty of these scripts is that they feed directly into Syncro’s automated actions. You can set up workflows to trigger a specific response when a script returns a certain value. For example, a script that checks for a failed hard drive can trigger a low-stock alert in your inventory management system, automatically creating a task for a technician to order a new drive. This is what it truly means to be a “force multiplier” for your business.
Real-World Success: Insights from the Community
The power of Syncro’s platform is best demonstrated by the success of our partners. Jasper’s presentation offered a clear, real-world example of an MSP that is “Built to Build” by leveraging the platform’s full capabilities. His approach to policy organization and scripting not only simplifies device management, but it also positions ROI Technology as a proactive, high-value partner to its clients.
The key takeaway is that by adopting a structured approach and utilizing Syncro’s scripting and automation features, MSPs can:
- Increase Efficiency: Automate repetitive tasks, freeing up technicians for more profitable project work.
- Enhance Security: Implement consistent policies and proactively detect issues before they become major problems.
- Improve Client Relationships: Provide a higher level of service by being proactive rather than reactive, building trust and credibility.
Up Next: Power Hour Ep. 4
Be sure to join our next Power Hour session on Friday, August 22, at 3 PM ET / 12 PM PT. Discover powerful, time-saving automations that can transform the way you work.
Here’s a sneak peek of what we’ll cover:
- A live Q&A with Syncro’s Senior Sales Engineer, Daniel Hedges, to get your automation questions answered.
- Automated Remediation: Fix issues before they become problems so you can focus on proactive work, not break-fix fire drills.
- Intelligent Ticket Automations: Streamline dispatching, improve data entry, enhance communication, and classify tickets automatically.
- Real-world tips to work smarter, not harder.
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