Researching and purchasing a screen monitoring software can be quite stressful if you’ve never looked for one. It seems that the providers are endless, the prices vary drastically, and a simple answer to what the best monitoring software is just doesn’t exist.
Most options you stumble upon will have versions both for Windows and Mac, and maybe even some mobile devices, so you’re not even limited by your operating system.
The question remains – how do you find the right software, and what are the things you should pay attention to while looking? Let’s see.
Features
This seems obvious, but yes, the features are the first thing you should consider when looking for a screen monitoring software. Basic features are the same with each provider – you’re monitoring which apps and websites your employees are using. However, additional features are very different with each option.
Lucky for you, there’s a simple system that will help you discover what are the features you’ll need.
Think about what it is that you’re trying to achieve with the screen monitoring software (increasing productivity, optimizing processes, etc.) This goal should be related to your overall business goals. Once you’ve laid down the details of your goals, you’ll see exactly which features will be useful in the process. For example, if you’re looking to increase productivity, a billing feature isn’t necessary for you, but a time tracking feature is.
Price
Set up your maximum budget from the get-go. Most monitoring software options are subscription-based, so you’ll pay per employee per month. Some options have lifetime deals, but be careful with those, make sure you test the software before you make the final purchase.
Subscription-based software also gives discounts if you purchase an annual subscription, and you’ll probably end up paying 20% of the regular price.
When determining your maximum budget, take into account how many employees you’ll be monitoring, as well as which features you need. The more advanced your prefered features are – the more expensive the software will be.
Deployment and Installation Options
Depending on the provider you select, you might be able to choose whether you want to store the data on your own servers (on-premise), or in the cloud. On-premise installation will probably set you back a bit more, and it’s usually reserved for companies with over 100 employees. Yet, this option gives you more control over the data, and a piece of mind when it comes to data security.
You can usually install screen monitoring software on employees’ computers by inviting them via email to download the installation file. But, if you want to install the software yourself, you’ll need to find a way to mass install it on all devices if your team is remote or has many members.
You should also be able to add or remove employees easily in case they leave the company, or that someone new comes aboard.
Final Thoughts
Get ready to spend a lot of time researching different screen monitoring software options that are available for MacOS before you make the purchase. Take a look at your options, test your favorites, gather feedback from the employees, and then make your final decision.
Good luck!
