Mansfield ISD Addresses Active Directory Management Challenges with ADManager Plus

The Problem

Mansfield Independent School District, with its vast network of users, faced multifaceted challenges in efficiently managing its Active Directory. The district's reliance on Microsoft's built-in tools meant that the IT team was constantly bogged down with routine tasks. Resetting passwords, moving objects, and other such tasks, which might seem trivial in isolation, cumulatively consumed a significant portion of their workday. This not only hampered their productivity but also limited their ability to focus on other strategic and pressing projects.

Furthermore, the district's cybersecurity posture was at risk. In an era where cyberthreats are omnipresent, the lack of a comprehensive monitoring and reporting system left the district vulnerable. The need for scheduled reports on specific activities, such as new user creation and password changes, was not just a matter of convenience but a critical requirement to ensure the security and integrity of its network.

Kim Pollard, the network administrator, shared her experience, stating, "There were definitely challenges. Using the built-in tools meant we were often in reactive mode, rather than being proactive. And while we tried to delegate tasks to individuals in the district, the lack of a streamlined system meant that there were inefficiencies and potential for errors." She further emphasized the importance of scheduled reports, adding, "Without a system like ManageEngine, we were essentially flying blind. We had instances that raised alarms, and if not for the reports, we might have missed them, potentially leading to security breaches."

The outcome

Upon implementing ADManager Plus, the transformation in Mansfield Independent School District's Active Directory management was palpable. The solution's ability to delegate tasks meant that the IT team could distribute responsibilities efficiently, leading to significant improvements in time management. Routine tasks that previously consumed hours were now handled swiftly, freeing up the team to focus on more strategic initiatives.

Moreover, the cybersecurity team found a reliable ally in ADManager Plus. The scheduled reports feature became an indispensable tool, offering insights and alerts that were previously unavailable. This proactive approach meant that potential security threats were identified and addressed promptly, fortifying the district's cybersecurity defenses.

Pollard expressed her satisfaction with the solution, saying, "ADManager Plus has been a game changer for us. The time we've saved and the improvements in our cybersecurity posture are evident." However, she also highlighted the need for better training on the products, suggesting that while the tool is powerful, maximizing its potential requires adequate training and support.

In conclusion, while Mansfield Independent School District is still exploring the full range of capabilities offered by ADManager Plus, its experience so far has been overwhelmingly positive. The district has not only streamlined its Active Directory management processes but also strengthened its cybersecurity defenses, setting a strong foundation for future growth and security.

About ADManager Plus

ADManager Plus is an identity governance and administration (IGA) solution that simplifies identity management, ensures security, and improves compliance. With ADManager Plus, manage the user life cycle from provisioning to deprovisioning, run access certification campaigns, orchestrate identity management across enterprise applications, and protect data on your enterprise platforms with regular backups. Use over 200 reports to gain valuable insights into identities and their access rights. Improve the efficiency of your IGA operations with workflows, automations, and role-based access control policies. ADManager Plus' Android and iOS applications help with on-the-go AD and Azure AD management. For more information about ADManager Plus, visit manageengine.com/products/ad-manager/.