Single Admin User, 4 machines, Home folders and Best Practices

I’m managing four Macs (an M4 Mac mini, an M2 Mac mini, an iMac, and a MacBook Air), all using different Computer names but logged in as me (full name). result is homer folder different on each machine. ser account with the same username (admin) across all devices. Each machine has a unique computer name. I’m looking for advice and best practices regarding home folders and system setups. please see attached image for more info:"

Here’s my setup and the questions I’m trying to resolve:

1. Home Folder Consistency:

• Since the home folder is named after the user (admin), I want to ensure portability across devices, especially for paths that reference the home directory.

• I’m aware that $HOME or ~ works for most apps and scripts, but I’d like confirmation if this approach is reliable for all scenarios (e.g., iCloud integrations, app configurations).

2. iCloud Drive and Shared Data:

• My iCloud Drive has aliases pointing to key folders (Applications, Music, Documents, etc.) to maintain a consistent structure. Is this a recommended approach, or are there better practices for managing shared data across machines?

3. Configuration Management:

• I plan to use tools like Apple Remote Desktop and iMazing Configurator to streamline setup and ensure consistency across devices. Are there specific considerations for managing user accounts, home folder permissions, and iCloud Drive syncing in this context?

4. Tagging and Organization:

• I’m implementing a tagging system for iCloud Drive to organize files by type (e.g., music, code, documents). Any tips for automating or optimizing this process across devices?

5. Future-Proofing:

• What should I keep in mind if I decide to introduce additional users or experiment with network-based home directories (e.g., a centralized storage solution)?

I’d appreciate insights from anyone managing multiple Macs or using a similar setup. Suggestions for avoiding potential pitfalls or improving the overall workflow would be especially helpful!

Thank you in advance!