I'm setting up an imaging station in an IT closet for frequent system deployments. Most software is deployed during Autopilot, but access to Intune is limited and changes can take time.
Any recommendations for an HDMI KVM or other hardware that would make it easier to work on several computers at once? A way to do bare metal deployments would be useful too.
I'd look at how many machines you actually need to control at once, then price an HDMI KVM with enough ports and USB connections for the keyboard and mouse. Check the cable requirements and the video outputs on your machines before ordering. A cheaper VGA switch can get awkward fast if every machine needs an adapter.
A KVM makes switching between computers easier, but it won't automate the imaging itself. It is still handy for firmware settings, boot selection, and troubleshooting machines that don't come up cleanly.
You might not need one big KVM. A few monitors with multiple video inputs and built-in USB hubs can make a practical bench. Plug a keyboard and mouse into each monitor's hub, then bundle the video and USB cables so it's obvious which set belongs to which screen.
That gives you a few machines visible at the same time instead of switching back and forth. Check which video connections your machines use when choosing the monitors.
For bare metal imaging, take a look at FOG and network booting. That is a different job from using Intune policies to configure a running Windows installation. A reset or wipe through a management tool may not be the same as deploying a fresh image to a disk.
It would be worth testing the network boot process on the models you support before building the whole station around it. You can still use a KVM or a couple of screens for the machines that need attention.
A golden image is another route. Acronis Snap Deploy can deploy one from USB or PXE, with scripts afterward to install endpoint-specific software such as security and remote management agents.
That does leave you with an image to maintain, so I'd compare the work involved with what Autopilot already handles before deciding which parts need a separate process.
Canonical MAAS is worth a look if server deployments are also part of the plan. It supports network booting and server-oriented features such as power control through IPMI. For a station mainly handling client computers, FOG may be a more suitable place to start.
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mildly__tucked_away:
USB boot is another option if network booting isn't available or a particular machine gives you trouble.