🛠️ 1. Platform Overview
- Understand the architecture of Endpoint Central (on-premise vs cloud).
- Navigate the web console effectively.
- Learn about the various modules: MDM, Patch Management, Asset Management, Remote Control, etc.
📱 2. Mobile Device Enrollment
- Enrollment methods:
- Self-enrollment
- Admin-enrollment
- Apple DEP (Device Enrollment Program)
- Android Zero-touch & Knox
- Key tasks:
- Sending invites
- Approving/rejecting enrollments
- Monitoring enrollment status
🧩 3. Device Grouping & Role Management
- Create and manage device groups (by department, platform, etc.).
- Define and assign roles and permissions:
- Administrator
- Technician
- Auditor
- Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) for security.
⚙️ 4. Policy & Profile Configuration
- Create device profiles for:
- Wi-Fi/VPN settings
- Email configuration
- Restrictions (camera, app store, screen lock, etc.)
- Certificates
- Assign policies to device/user groups.
- Ensure compliance policies are in place (e.g., password strength, encryption, OS version control).
📦 5. Application Management
- Distribute public & enterprise apps (APK, IPA, etc.).
- Configure app settings and restrictions (e.g., block gaming or social apps).
- Monitor app usage and compliance.
- Integrate with Apple VPP and Managed Google Play.
🔒 6. Security Management
- Configure and enforce:
- Password policies
- Encryption
- Remote lock/wipe
- Jailbreak/root detection
- Configure Geofencing and Lost Mode
- Enable secure browsing and content filtering
🔔 7. Alerts & Notifications
- Set up alerts for:
- SIM changes
- Device unmanagement
- Jailbreak/rooted status
- Certificate expiry
- Customize alert recipients
- Ensure mail server settings are configured
📊 8. Reporting & Auditing
- Use built-in reports: Device inventory, non-compliance, app installation, etc.
- Schedule and export reports (PDF/CSV).
- Audit logs for changes made by users/admins.
- Monitor license usage and compliance.
🔁 9. Automation & Scheduling
- Automate tasks like:
- Device scans
- Patch deployments
- Compliance checks
- Schedule reports and profile updates
🌐 10. Integration & APIs
- Integrate with:
- Active Directory
- Apple Business Manager / Android EMM
- Helpdesk tools (like ServiceDesk Plus)
- Use REST APIs for:
- Automating device actions
- Data retrieval and reporting
🧯 11. Backup & Disaster Recovery
- Regularly back up:
- MDM configurations
- Device inventory data
- Understand failover and disaster recovery options (especially for on-premise)
👥 12. User Communication
- Configure mail server for:
- Enrollment invites
- Compliance warnings
- Alerts and reports
- Educate users on policies and procedures
✅ ManageEngine MDM Admin Checklist
| Category | Task Description | Frequency | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform Setup | Understand Endpoint Central architecture | One-time | ☐ | |
| Set up admin accounts and roles | One-time | ☐ | ||
| Enrollment | Configure enrollment methods (self, admin, DEP, etc.) | One-time/update | ☐ | |
| Monitor enrollment status | Weekly | ☐ | ||
| Device Grouping | Create and assign device/user groups | As needed | ☐ | |
| Policies & Profiles | Configure Wi-Fi/VPN/email/app restrictions | As needed | ☐ | |
| Apply compliance policies | As needed | ☐ | ||
| Review and update profiles | Monthly | ☐ | ||
| Application Management | Add/distribute public and enterprise apps | As needed | ☐ | |
| Integrate with Apple VPP / Managed Google Play | One-time | ☐ | ||
| Security Management | Configure password/encryption policies | One-time | ☐ | |
| Set up remote wipe/lock/lost mode | As needed | ☐ | ||
| Monitor root/jailbreak alerts | Weekly | ☐ | ||
| Alerts & Notifications | Set up SIM change/jailbreak/cert expiry alerts | One-time | ☐ | |
| Test and validate email server setup | One-time | ☐ | ||
| Reporting & Auditing | Generate compliance and inventory reports | Weekly/Monthly | ☐ | |
| Review admin action logs | Monthly | ☐ | ||
| Automation | Schedule device scans and patch jobs | Monthly | ☐ | |
| Integration | Integrate AD, Apple, Android EMM systems | One-time/update | ☐ | |
| Use API for automation or data extraction | As needed | ☐ | ||
| Backup & DR | Set up backup schedules (on-prem) | Weekly | ☐ | |
| Document disaster recovery steps | One-time | ☐ | ||
| User Communication | Configure email alerts and enrollment invites | One-time/update | ☐ | |
| Train users on compliance expectations | Quarterly | ☐ |
✅ Final Tips for Admins
- Stay up to date with product updates and security patches.
- Regularly audit your environment for inactive/unmanaged devices.
- Test changes in a pilot group before organization-wide deployment.
- Join ManageEngine user communities and forums for tips and support.
🔔 Essential MDM Alerts for Administrators
1. Device Enrollment Alerts
- Purpose: Notify when a new device is enrolled or enrollment fails.
- Why: Helps track unauthorized or problematic enrollments.
- Alert Types:
- Successful Enrollment
- Enrollment Failure (e.g., device not compliant, user not authorized)
2. Compliance Violation Alerts
- Purpose: Alert when a device violates security or compliance policies.
- Why: Immediate awareness of policy breaches like jailbreaking, encryption disabled, outdated OS.
- Common Triggers:
- Jailbroken/rooted device detected
- Password policy violation
- OS not updated
- Encryption turned off
3. App Management Alerts
- Purpose: Inform about unauthorized app installations or updates.
- Why: Prevent data leaks or non-compliant software.
- Examples:
- Blacklisted app installation
- Unauthorized app usage
4. Device Inactivity or Lost Contact
- Purpose: Alert if a device hasn’t synced with MDM in X days.
- Why: Could indicate loss, theft, or user tampering with MDM.
- Typical Alert Window: 3 to 7 days of inactivity
5. Data Wipe / Lock Actions
- Purpose: Confirm when a device wipe, lock, or reset is executed.
- Why: Critical for auditing and avoiding accidental data loss.
6. Location Tracking & Geofence Breach
- Purpose: Notify when a device enters/exits a defined geographic boundary.
- Why: Helps monitor device movement (especially for sensitive operations).
7. Certificate Expiry Alerts
- Purpose: Alert when APNs, SCEP, or SSL certificates are nearing expiration.
- Why: Prevent device management failures due to expired certificates.
8. Patch / OS Update Failures
- Purpose: Alert when patch deployment or OS updates fail.
- Why: Important for maintaining secure, up-to-date devices.
9. Admin Login Attempts / Changes
- Purpose: Notify of successful/failed admin login attempts or privilege changes.
- Why: Prevent and detect unauthorized administrative access.
🔧 How to Set Alerts in ManageEngine Endpoint Central MDM
- Log in to Endpoint Central web console.
- Navigate to:
Admin > NotificationsorReports > Alertsdepending on version. - Configure Alert Rules:
- Choose Event Type (e.g., device non-compliance)
- Set thresholds if needed (e.g., 3 days of inactivity)
- Choose notification method: Email, SMS, Webhooks
- Assign Recipients:
- Add relevant admin emails or distribution lists.
✅ Best Practices
- Regularly audit alert settings.
- Use severity levels (Critical, Warning, Info) to prioritize.
- Integrate with SIEM tools for centralized monitoring (if applicable).
- Enable email digest to avoid alert fatigue.