How to Efficiently Configure Laptops for Remote Employees (2024)

Are you concerned about how to ensure that laptops for your remote employees arrive ready and secure? Proper configuration is essential to avoid security issues and ensure a smooth start.

In this article, we guide you step-by-step from preparing laptops for remote work to enrolling them in systems like Apple Business Manager with zero touch. Discover how quipteams can simplify this process, delivering fully configured laptops ready to be used anywhere.

Configuring laptops for remote employees is more than just sending a device; it's about ensuring it is ready to use, secure, and efficient from day one. If not configured correctly, employees may face issues that affect their productivity and the company's security.

The risk is real: without proper configuration, devices can be vulnerable to attacks and hinder access to essential tools. Moreover, resolving technical problems remotely is complicated and resource-consuming.

That's why using zero-touch solutions is key. These ensure that laptops reach employees ready to work, complying with all security and operational policies. Here we show you how to efficiently configure laptops for remote employees and avoid issues from day one.

Assessment of Needs Prior to Configuration

Before sending a laptop to a remote employee, it is crucial to identify and comply with the company's specific security policies and technical requirements. This step ensures that the device is ready for use and complies with all security regulations from day one.

Security Policies:

First, define the security policies that will apply to the device:

• Full disk encryption: Protects all data stored on the laptop.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Adds a second verification step when logging in.
• Password policies: Defines the minimum length, complexity, and change frequency.
• Installation of security software: Includes anti-malware, firewall, and other protection tools.

Technical Requirements:

Additionally, ensure that the laptop meets the necessary technical requirements for remote work:

• Operating systems and software: Ensure the operating system is up-to-date and that all necessary applications are pre-installed.
• Network configuration: Set up secure configurations, such as VPNs, for remote access.
• Permissions and access: Configure the appropriate permissions so the employee only accesses the resources they need.

Conducting this assessment ensures that the laptop is fully ready and meets the security and operational standards before being sent to the employee. This proactive approach helps avoid security and technical issues, ensuring that the employee can start working without any hitches.

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Configuration Process: Step by Step

Effectively configuring laptops for remote employees is key to ensuring they can start working smoothly from day one. Here is a step-by-step guide to the configuration of devices for remote work:

1. Operating System Configuration:
   • Ensure the operating system is updated to the latest available version. This not only enhances security but also optimizes performance.
   • Install security patches and any critical updates necessary for the device's smooth operation.
2. Installation of Essential Software:
   • Pre-install the necessary corporate applications, such as productivity suites, communication tools, and specialized software that the employee will use.
   • Set up the appropriate permissions and access for each application, ensuring the employee has everything they need to be productive from the start.
3. Implementation of Security Policies:
   • Apply security policies such as full disk encryption and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect corporate data.
   • Establish secure password policies and set up automatic backup systems to protect critical information.
4. Enrollment in MDM and Activation:
   • Enroll the laptop in a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution, such as Apple Business Manager or Microsoft Intune. This will enable remote management of the device, ensuring it remains secure and up-to-date.
5. Network and Connectivity Configuration:
   • Set up secure connections to corporate networks, such as VPNs, so employees can securely access company resources from anywhere.
   • Ensure all network configurations are optimized for efficient and secure use of the device.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure that laptops for remote employees are fully prepared for a remote work environment.

This process not only enhances security and operability but also eases the transition to remote work, ensuring employees can be productive from day one.

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Selecting MDM Solutions for Laptop Configuration

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When it comes to configuring laptops for remote employees, choosing the right Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution is crucial.

This choice not only impacts the security of corporate data but also how easily employees can start working from anywhere.

There are several MDM solutions on the market, each with its own features and benefits. Here are some options that are especially useful for configuring devices for remote work:

1. Apple Business Manager (ABM): Ideal for companies using Apple devices, ABM facilitates the automatic enrollment of devices in the MDM, allowing them to arrive already configured and ready to be used. This solution is key to ensuring that the company’s security policies are applied without the end user’s manual intervention.

2. Microsoft Intune: This platform is an excellent option for companies managing a combination of Windows, Android, and iOS devices. Intune allows the management of devices, applications, and security policies from a single console, making the setup of laptops for remote work efficient and secure.‍

3. VMware Workspace ONE: Known for its flexibility, this solution allows for the management of a wide variety of devices and operating systems. In addition to remote device configuration, it offers tools for application management and security policy implementation.

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Shipping the Laptops and Continuous Support

Once the laptops are configured, it’s important to ensure they arrive in perfect condition to the employee and are ready for immediate use.

Proper shipping and continuous support play a crucial role in this process.

Secure and Efficient Shipping:

• Packaging and Protection: Ensure that the laptops are well protected during shipping to avoid damage. Use appropriate packaging and track the shipment to ensure delivery.
• Clear Instructions: Include a quick start guide with simple instructions so that the employee can set up their workspace and connect without complications.

Remote and Continuous Support:

• Troubleshooting: Provide remote support to resolve any issues that may arise during the initial setup or daily use of the device.
• Updates and Maintenance: Keep the laptops updated with the latest software versions and security patches, using remote management tools to perform these tasks without user intervention.

This approach ensures that even after delivery, laptops for remote employees continue to operate optimally, and employees can work without interruptions, backed by reliable and proactive technical support.

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quipteams for Configuring Your Remote Employees’ Laptops

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If your company operates in multiple countries and needs to ensure that each employee receives their laptop fully configured and ready to work from day one, quipteams has the perfect solution.

We have worked with multinational technology companies that face the challenge of shipping laptops to remote employees, ensuring that each device meets security and operational standards without the need for manual intervention.

Using our zero-touch solution, quipteams manages the configuration of devices for remote work (among many other benefits).

This includes pre-configuring the operating system, installing essential software, and enrolling in MDM platforms such as Apple Business Manager.

Thanks to our management, the laptops arrive to employees already ready to be used, without requiring additional adjustments by the IT team.

This solution has allowed our clients to significantly reduce implementation time and avoid technical complications that could delay productivity.

The devices arrive at their destinations in different countries, fully configured and secure, allowing employees to connect and start working immediately.

Proper configuration of laptops for remote employees is vital to ensuring security and operational efficiency from day one.

This process includes everything from installing the operating system and essential applications to implementing security policies and using MDM solutions.

‍quipteams simplifies this process for your company, ensuring that each laptop arrives fully ready to use, without the need for additional intervention.

Our experience in managing the preparation of laptops for remote work in companies operating in multiple countries allows us to offer customized solutions that optimize the operability and security of your devices.

Trust quipteams to facilitate the configuration and shipping of laptops to your remote employees, ensuring they are ready to be productive from day one.