Applications Systems

Self-Led Project Plan for Server Configuration Monitor

This article provides a self-led project plan for onboarding SolarWinds Server Configuration Monitor (SCM), covering installation prerequisites, platform setup, configuration of monitored nodes and profiles, baseline creation, change detection, dashboards and visualizations, alerting, and reporting to help track configuration changes, support compliance, and improve operational visibility.

First published date

8/20/2025 4:14 PM

Last published date

8/20/2025 4:14 PM

Overview

Installation & Setup

Prepare to Install SCM

Ensure that System Requirements are met
SolarWinds Platform requirements

Confirm SCM Installation

Ensure SCM is installed and ready for configuration.
SCM Installation Guide

Configuration & Monitoring

Add Nodes and Manage Configurations

Add devices to SCM and configure monitoring of server and application configuration files/registry.
Add a node to SCM

Configure Profiles & Policies

Create configuration profiles and assign them to nodes to monitor critical files, registry settings, and services.
Server configuration profiles in SCM

Monitor Compliance

SCM offers a policy engine that enables you to monitor compliance of your servers, databases, and applications.
Monitor compliance with the SCM policy engine

Baseline & Detect Changes

Establish baselines and track configuration changes over time.
Learn about baselines in SCM

Dashboards & Visualization

Analyze Changes

Use comparison tools to see what changed, who made the change, and when it occurred.
Compare configurations over time in Server Configuration Monitor (SCM)

Alerts & Reporting

Configure Alerts

Set up alerts on configuration changes, file integrity monitoring, and policy violations.
Use alerts to monitor your environment with the SolarWinds Platform
Alert on SCM data

SCM Reports

Generate and schedule predefined SCM reports for audits and compliance requirements.
Create a web-based report in the SolarWinds Platform
Report on Server Configuration Monitor (SCM) data

Notes

This plan is designed for customers who prefer a self-paced onboarding experience.
- Self-Led Project Plans
For assisted onboarding, refer to SolarWinds Deployment Services.
- Deployment Scope
For troubleshooting, contact SolarWinds Support.
- Submit a Ticket

Product section

Server Configuration Monitor

Disclaimer: Please note, any content posted herein is provided as a suggestion or recommendation to you for your internal use. This is not part of the SolarWinds software or documentation that you purchased from SolarWinds, and the information set forth herein may come from third parties. Your organization should internally review and assess to what extent, if any, such custom scripts or recommendations will be incorporated into your environment. You elect to use third-party content at your own risk, and you will be solely responsible for the incorporation of the same if any.