Using Asset Management

The Asset solution provides you with an overall view of the hardware, software, and fixed assets in your enterprise. The Asset solution is divided into the following areas:

Video: Asset Management Suite Overview (3:36)

 

When managing your assets, we recommend that you refer to our suggested best practices.

Systems

The Systems subtab allows you to automatically track and manage hardware assets for permanently and occasionally connected devices in your enterprise.

You can access the following types of asset summaries from the System Inventory menu on the Systems subtab:

You can also view system reports.

System Names Report

Follow these steps to list the asset inventory of individual systems by name:

  1. Under the Assets tab, click the Systems subtab.
  2. Point to the System Inventory menu and choose System Names to display the System Names report.

By default, the System Names report lists the following information about the systems included:

You can complete the following tasks from the System Names report:

Note: You cannot modify the System Names report; however, you can click the Save As button to use the report as a template from which to build a customized report to save and reuse in your report library.

The System Inventory page displays the following tabs:

Video: Inventory Reports (2:50)

The System Inventory page also displays a Create Ticket button, which allows you to create a ticket for that asset. For example, if you are managing a few servers and notice an issue while you are reviewing that server's system inventory page, you can create a ticket immediately for that server.

Viewing the System Information

The System tab displays the following information about the system:

Click the edit button Edit Button to modify this asset.

Click the remote button to control this asset remotely.

Click the PDF button at the top of the System Inventory page to view a PDF format copy of the system information that is suitable for printing. The PDF file opens in a separate browser window.

Editing the System Inventory Information

Follow these steps to edit the system inventory information:

  1. In the Asset Category field, use the down arrow to select a new asset category for the asset.
  2. In the Asset Status field, use the down arrow to select the appropriate asset status for the asset.
  3. In the Asset Tag field, enter a unique number for the asset.
  4. Edit the custom manufacturer criteria:

  5. Edit the custom model criteria:

  6. Edit the custom serial number criteria:

  7. In the custom text fields, enter a value to display for the appropriate custom text field.
  8. In the custom date fields, enter a date or select a date using the calendar button Calendar Button.
  9. In the custom select lists, select the items from the drop-down lists.
  10. Click the Save button to save the changes and return to the System tab.

Viewing the File Systems Information

The File Systems tab lists the following information about installed file systems, if it is available:

 

Viewing the Printers Information

The Printers tab lists the following information about printers installed on the system, if it is available:

 

Viewing & Editing the End Users Associated with an Asset

The End User Information tab lists the following information about end users associated with this asset:

Follow these steps to associate an end user with an asset:

  1. Click the search button Search Button to display Search for End User dialog box.
  2. In the Last Name field, enter the last name or first portion of the last name of the end user you wish to associate with the asset.
  3. In the E-mail field, enter the e-mail address or first portion of the e-mail address of the end user you wish to associate with the asset.
  4. Click the Search button to conduct your search.

    If you provide both last name and e-mail criteria, Systems Manager returns end users that match according to the specified last name or the specified e-mail.

    If you leave both Last Name and E-mail blank, Systems Manager returns all end users. If Systems Manager finds only one end user that matches the search criteria, it automatically adds that end user to the asset.
  5. Click the end user name to add it to the list on the End User Information tab.

Follow these steps to disassociate an end user from an asset:

  1. Click the delete button Delete Button next to the end user you want to remove.
  2. Click OK in the confirmation dialog box to remove the end user.

 

Viewing & Editing the Sub Assets Associated with an Asset

The Sub Assets tab lists the sub assets associated with this asset, if any. Click the sub asset name to display its System Inventory page.

 

Follow these steps to associate a sub asset with this asset:

  1. Click the search button Search Button to display the Search for Asset dialog box.
  2. In the System Name field, enter the system name or first portion of the system name to add as a sub asset.
  3. In the IP Range Start field, enter the start address of an IP address range for the asset to add as a sub asset. If the IP Range Start is equal to the IP Range End, only systems with the specified IP address will be returned.
  4. In the IP Range End field, enter the end address of an IP address range for the asset to add as a sub asset. If the IP Range Start is equal to the IP Range End, only systems with the specified IP address will be returned.
  5. Select the Include Fixed Assets check box to include fixed assets in your search. Examples of fixed assets include phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), server racks, monitors, and office furniture.
  6. Click the Search button to conduct your search.

    If you leave the search fields blank, Systems Manager returns all assets.
  7. Click the asset name to add it to the list on the Sub Assets tab.

Follow these steps to disassociate a sub asset from the asset:

  1. Click the delete button Delete Button next to the sub asset you want to remove.
  2. Click OK in the confirmation dialog box to remove the sub asset.

 

Viewing & Editing the Location & Department of an Asset

The Location/Department tab lists the location, department, and other details about the asset.

Follow these steps to edit the location and/or department information of an asset:

  1. Click the Edit button to display the Edit Location/Department page.
  2. In the Location field, use the down arrow to select the appropriate location for the asset.
  3. In the Department field, use the down arrow to select the department for the asset.
  4. In the Address field, enter the address information for the asset.
  5. In the Building field, enter the building where the asset is located.
  6. In the Room field, enter the room where the asset is located.
  7. In the Port field, enter the port you want to associate with the asset.
  8. Click the Save button to save the changes and return to the Location/Department tab.

 

Viewing & Editing the Financial Information for an Asset

The Financial tab displays the following information about an asset:

Follow these steps to edit the financial information for an asset:

  1. Click the Edit button to display the Edit Financial Information page.
  2. In the Department field, use the down arrow to select the financial department for the asset.
  3. In the Purchase Order field, enter the purchase order number used to purchase the asset.
  4. In the Acquisition Method field, use the down arrow to select the acquisition method used to acquire the asset.
  5. In the Acquisition Date field, enter the date on which the asset was acquired or select a date using the calendar button Calendar Button.
  6. In the Lease Renewal Date field, enter the date on which the asset is due for lease renewal (if applicable) or select a date using the calendar button Calendar Button.
  7. In the Retirement Date field, enter the date on which the asset is to be retired or select a date using the calendar button Calendar Button.
  8. In the Retirement Method field, use the down arrow to select the retirement method for the asset.
  9. In the Cost field, enter the original purchase cost of the asset.

    Note: The dollar sign ($) is required.
  10. In the Notes field, enter any other pertinent financial information about the asset.
  11. Click the Save button to save the changes and return to the Financial tab.

 

Viewing & Editing the Service/Vendor Information for an Asset

The Service/Vendor tab displays the following information about the vendors associated with the asset:

Follow these steps to associate a vendor with an asset:

  1. Click the Add button to display the Edit Service/Vendor Information page.
  2. From the Vendor drop-down list, select a vendor to associate with the asset.
  3. Enter a contract number.
  4. Enter a service expiration date or select a date using the calendar button Calendar Button.
  5. Click the Save button to return to the Service/Vendor tab and view the newly associated vendor.

Follow these steps to edit a vendor associated with an asset:

  1. Click the edit button Edit Button to display the Edit Service/Vendor Information page.
  2. In the Vendor field, use the down arrow to select the vendor for the asset.
  3. In the Contract Number field, enter the service contract identifier for the asset.
  4. In the Service Expiration field, enter the date on which the service contract expires for the asset or select a date using the calendar button Calendar Button.
  5. Click the Save button to save your changes and return to the Service/Vendor tab.

Follow these steps to disassociate a vendor from an asset:

  1. Click the delete button Delete Button next to the vendor you want to remove.
  2. Click OK in the confirmation dialog box to remove the vendor.

Viewing & Applying Missing Patches for an Asset

The Missing Patches tab lists all of the patches not yet applied to the asset. This tab includes the item severity, bulletin name, and category.

Note: This tab displays only if a patch scan has been performed.

Click a bulletin name to view details about the bulletin on the Microsoft TechNet website.

You can distribute patches to the asset.

You can also export data from this tab. 

 

Viewing Tickets Associated with an Asset

The Associated Tickets tab displays all of the open and closed tickets associated with that asset. The open tickets display first.

Click any ticket number to display the details of that problem ticket.

You can also export data from this tab.

 

Viewing Managed Software Titles Installed on an Asset

The Managed Software Titles tab lists the title, version, and publisher for each piece of installed software.

Click any software title to display the details of that title.

You can also export data from this tab.

Viewing Categorized Software for an Asset

The Categorized Software tab lists all of the software titles for the asset. This tab includes the following details for each software title:

You can also export data from this tab. 

Viewing the Software Change History of an Asset

The Software History tab tracks the following details for all software changes to the asset:

Note: You can click all of the column headings except Source to sort the information based on that heading. The arrow next to the heading indicates whether the sort order is ascending or descending. Click the column heading to reverse the sort order.

Video: HW & SW Change History Reports (2:51)

Viewing the Hardware Change History of an Asset

The Hardware History tab tracks the following details for all hardware changes to the asset:

You can click all of the column headings except Source to sort the information based on that heading. The arrow next to the heading indicates whether the sort order is ascending or descending. Click the column heading to reverse the sort order.

Video: HW & SW Change History Reports (2:51)

Viewing Network Monitoring for an Asset

The Network Monitoring tab displays the monitoring device details page for the asset.

Note: This tab displays only if the asset is being monitored.

Scanning Selected Systems

You can perform an immediate inventory scan on selected systems in your enterprise.

Follow these steps to select and scan systems:

  1. Select the check box next to the system name(s) you want to scan.
  2. Click the Scan Selected Systems button.

    The system notifies you that it might take a while to perform the scan.
  3. Click OK to start the scan.

Systems Manager starts the scan on the selected systems. Click Return to Previous Page to go back to the System Names report.

Adding Selected Systems to a Static Group

You can add selected systems as members to a static group. If any of the selected systems is already a member of the selected static group, the system simply remains a member of the static group.

Note: You can add systems to a static group only if you created the group or if you are an administrator and the group is available to all specialists.

Follow these steps to add selected systems to a static group:

  1. Click the Assets tab.

    The System Names report displays by default.
  2. Select the system name(s) to add as member(s) of the static group.
  3. Click the Add Selected to Group button and choose a group.
    4. Note: If no static groups are available, click the Close link and create a static group.

    Systems Manager adds the selected systems to the chosen static group and notifies you that adding the systems was successful.
  4. Click Return to Previous Page to go back to the previous report.

Operating Systems

The Operating Systems report lists the following information about the operating systems associated with the systems in your enterprise:

Follow these steps to display this report:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
    The Systems subtab displays by default.
  2. Point to the System Inventory menu and choose Operating Systems to display the Operating Systems report.

You can complete the following tasks from the Operating Systems report:

Note: You cannot modify the Operating Systems report; however, you can click the Save As button to use the report as a template from which to build a customized report to save and reuse in your report library.

Recent Hardware Changes

The Recent Hardware Changes report displays a list of all systems that have been added, removed, or changed within the past 14 days.

The Recent Hardware Changes report displays the following information about each system:

Follow these steps to display the Recent Hardware Changes report:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
    The Systems subtab displays by default.
  2. Point to the System Inventory menu and choose Recent Hardware Changes to display the Recent Hardware Changes report.

You can complete the following tasks from the Recent Hardware Changes report:

System Groups

The System Groups page allows you to view a listing of all available groups. You can group assets both statically and dynamically, and you can use these groups to perform actions or filter reports. A group is available on this page if you created the group or if the group is available to all specialists.

The System Groups page displays the following information about each group:

Follow these steps to display the System Groups page:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
    The Systems subtab displays by default.
  2. Point to the System Inventory menu and choose System Groups to display the System Groups page.

The System Groups page allows you to complete the following tasks:

Static Groups vs. Dynamic Groups

You can group system assets either statically or dynamically:

Creating System Groups

Follow these steps to create a system group:

  1. From the System Groups report, click the Create button to display the Create Group page.
  2. In the Name field, enter a name for the group.
  3. In the Description field, enter a description for the group.
  4. Select the Available to all specialists check box to provide access to all specialists.
  5. Click the Create Static Group button to create a static group.
    —OR—
    Click Create Dynamic Group to create a dynamic group.
    —OR—
    Click Cancel to return to the group list.

Video: Creating System Groups (2:35)

Creating Static Groups

To create a static group, follow the steps in Creating Groups, and click the Create Static Group button.

Editing Static Groups

Follow these steps to edit a static group:

  1. On the System Groups page, click the edit button Edit Button next to a static group to display the Edit Group page.
  2. In the Name field, enter a new name for the static group.
  3. In the Description field, enter a new description for the static group.
  4. Select the Available to all specialists option to make the group available to all specialists.
  5. Click the Save/Edit Subgroups and Members button to save your changes and display the Static Group Subgroups page.

Selecting Subgroups

Static groups can have other static groups as subgroups, which allows you to establish a parent-child relationship between groups. Subgroups have no effect when filtering a report by a group (only the members of the static group are shown, not the members of the subgroups); however, when performing actions on a group, the action is performed on all members of the group and all members of any nested subgroup.

Follow these steps to set the subgroups of a static group:

  1. Create or edit a static group.
  2. Select one or more static groups to be subgroups from the Select Subgroups list. To select multiple subgroups, press the Ctrl key while clicking the group to add as a subgroup.
  3. Click Save to save the subgroups.

Note: Clicking View Members, Set Members, or Set Members From Search will also save the selected subgroups.

Setting Static Group Members

Follow these steps to set the members of a static group:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Point to the Systems Inventory menu on the Systems subtab and choose System Names.
  3. Select the system name(s) to assign them as the members of the static group.
  4. Click the Add Selected to Group button and choose a group.
  5. Click the Return to Previous Page button to return to the subgroups page.

Viewing Static Group Members

Follow these steps to view the members of a static group:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Point to the System Inventory menu and choose System Groups to display the System Groups page.
  3. Click the action button Action Button to display the Group Actions page.
  4. Select the View group option.
  5. Click Continue to see a list of the group members.
  6. When you finish viewing the group, click Done to return to the previous page.

Creating Dynamic Groups

To create a dynamic group, follow the steps in Creating Groups, and click the Create Dynamic Group button.

When you work with dynamic groups, you can also preview them.

Adding Filters

Follow these steps to add a filter to a dynamic group:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Point to the System Inventory menu and choose System Groups to display the System Groups page.
  3. Click the edit button Edit Button next to a dynamic group to display the Edit Group page.
  4. Click Save/Edit Filters to display the Dynamic Group Filters page.
  5. Click New Filter to display the Add Filter page.
  6. In the Field field, select a field to filter on from the following:

  7. In the Operator field, select an operator to use to compare the selected field to the value.
  8. In the Value field, either enter a value or select a value from the drop-down menu for which to search.

    9. Note: Whether a text box or a drop-down list is displayed depends on the field you selected on which to filter.

  9. Click Save to add the filter to the dynamic group definition.

Note: You can also edit filters, delete filters, and join filters.

Editing Filters

Follow these steps to edit a filter for a dynamic group:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Point to the System Inventory menu and choose System Groups to display the System Groups page.
  3. Click the edit button Edit Button next to a dynamic group to display the Edit Group page.
  4. Click Save/Edit Filters to display the Dynamic Group Filters page.
  5. Click edit button Edit Button for the filter you want to edit.
  6. In the Operator field, select an operator to use to compare the selected field to the value.
    Note: For date conditions, if you selected the "in range" operator when you added the filter, you cannot change that operator when you edit the filter. Also, the "in range" operator is not available when you edit a filter where another date operator is specified. If you want to change to an "in range" operator, you must delete this filter and add a new one.
  7. In the Value field, either enter a value or select a value from the drop-down menu for which to search.

    Note: Whether a text box or a drop-down list is displayed depends on the field you selected on which to filter.
  8. Click Save to save the changes to the filter.

Deleting Filters

Follow these steps to delete a filter from a dynamic group:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Point to the System Inventory menu and choose System Groups to display the System Groups page.
  3. Click the edit button Edit Button next to a dynamic group to display the Edit Group page.
  4. Click Save/Edit Filters to display the Dynamic Group Filters page.
  5. Click the delete button delete button Delete Button to remove the filter.

Joining Filters

Dynamic group filters can be combined or joined using either the AND or OR operator. When using the AND operator, an asset must meet all filters to be a member of the dynamic group. When using the OR operator, an asset must meet one or more filters to be a member of the dynamic group.

Follow these steps to select the join operator:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Point to the System Inventory menu and choose System Groups to display the System Groups page.
  3. Click the edit button Edit Button next to a dynamic group to display the Edit Group page.
  4. Click Save/Edit Filters to display the Dynamic Group Filters page.
  5. Select the join type from the Join filters with drop-down list.
  6. Click Save.

Previewing a Dynamic Group

Follow these steps to preview a dynamic group:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Point to the System Inventory menu and choose System Groups to display the System Groups page.
  3. Click the edit button Edit Button next to a dynamic group to display the Edit Group page.
  4. Click Save/Edit Filters to display the Dynamic Group Filters page.
  5. Click Preview to see a list of the systems that meet the filters of the dynamic group.
  6. Click Done to return to the dynamic group filters page.

Editing System Groups

Follow these steps to edit a system group:

  1. From the System Groups page, identify the group you want to modify.
  2. Click the edit button Edit Button next to display the Edit Group page.
  3. Edit the group details:
  4. Click Save/Edit Subgroups and Members to save the changes for a static group.

    —OR—

    Click Save/Edit Filters to save the changes for a dynamic group.
  5. Edit the static group subgroups, static group members, dynamic group filters, dynamic group join operator, or all of the previous.

Deleting System Groups

Follow these steps to delete a system group:

  1. From the System Groups page, click the delete button next to the group you want to delete.
  2. Click OK in the confirmation dialog box, or click Cancel to cancel the request.

Group Actions

The Group Actions page displays a list of possible actions that you perform on a group. You can choose from the following options:

All actions except View Group operate on all group members and any members of nested static subgroups. Viewing a group displays only the direct members of that group.

Follow these steps to display the Group Actions page:

  1. From the System Groups page, identify the group with which you want to work.
  2. Click the action button Action Button next to the group to display the Group Actions page.

View System Group

Follow these steps to view a system group:

  1. From the Group Actions page, select the View Group option.
  2. Click Continue to display the View Members page.
  3. Click Done to return to the Group Actions page.

Perform Inventory Scan on Demand

Follow these steps to perform an inventory scan on demand for a system group:

  1. From the Group Actions page, select the Perform inventory scan on demand option.
  2. Click Continue, and Systems Manager starts the scan on the selected systems.
  3. Click Return to Previous Page to go back to the System Names page.

Set Custom Fields Information

Follow these steps to set custom fields information for all members of a system group at one time:

  1. From the Group Actions page, select the Set custom fields information option.
  2. Click Continue to display the Set Custom Fields Information page.
  3. Select the fields you want to update and enter the values for those fields.
  4. Click Save.
  5. Click OK on the confirmation pop to set the custom field information for all members and subgroup members of the group.

Set Financial Information

Follow these steps to set the financial information for all members of a system group:

  1. From the Group Actions page, select the Set financial information option.
  2. Click Continue to display the Edit Financial Information page.
  3. Set the desired financial information attributes.
  4. Click Save.
  5. Click OK on the confirmation popup to set the financial information for all members and subgroup members of the group.

Note: This operation can take a while to complete, depending on the number of members in the group.

Note: Systems Manager overwrites any existing financial information for all systems in the group.

Add Vendor Information

Follow these steps to add vendor information to all members of a system group:

  1. From the Group Actions page, select the Add vendor information option.
  2. Click Continue to display the Edit Service/Vendor Information page.
  3. Set the desired vendor information attributes.
  4. Click Save.
  5. Click OK on the confirmation popup to add the vendor information to all members and subgroup members of the group.

Note: This operation may take a while to complete, depending on the number of members in the group.

Set Department/Location Information

Follow these steps to set department/location information for all members of a system group:

  1. From the Group Actions page, select the Set department/location information option.
  2. Click Continue to display the Edit Location/Department page.
  3. Set the desired department/location attributes.
  4. Click Save.
  5. Click OK on the confirmation popup to set the department/location information for all members and subgroup members of the group.

Note: This operation may take a while to complete, depending on the number of members in the group.

Note: Any existing department/location information is overwritten for all systems in the group.

Perform Security Patch Scan

Follow these steps to perform a security patch scan on a system group:

  1. From the Group Actions page, select the Perform security patch scan option.
  2. Click Continue to display the Systems with Missing Bulletins report. After a few minutes, the report displays all security scans, including the ones you just invoked.
  3. Click the Refresh button periodically to obtain the most current information.

Note: This operation can take a while to complete, depending on the number of members in the group.

Distribute Packages

Follow these steps to distribute packages to a system group:

  1. From the Group Actions page, select the Distribute packages option and click Continue to display the Package View page.
  2. Select the packages you want to distribute.
  3. Optional: Set the schedule for the package.
  4. Click the Distribute Selected Package(s) button.
  5. Click OK in the confirmation dialog box to begin the distribution process and display the Action Status View page.

    Note: All packages download simultaneously.
  6. Click the Action Status menu link under the Packages heading to monitor the progress of your distribution.

Note: Systems Manager does not start the distribution process immediately. First, Systems Manager creates the Action Status objects, so it can take some time before the Action Status objects display an In Progress status.

Asset Advanced Search

The Advanced Search page allows you to search for system assets by specific criteria. The more information you enter, the narrower your search becomes.

Video: Advanced Search (1:37)

 

Note: You can enter a partial search string for the following fields:

Follow these steps to display the Asset Advanced Search page:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
    The Systems subtab displays by default.
  2. Point to the System Inventory menu and choose Advanced Search to display the Advanced Search page.

To perform an advanced search for asset inventory results, enter information into any of the following fields:

  1. In the System Name field, enter the name of the system whose inventory you want to view.

  2. In the Operating System field, use the down arrow to select an operating system.
  3. In the Operating System Version field, enter the operating system version.
  4. In the End User First Name field, enter the first name of a user.
  5. In the End User Last Name field, enter the last name of a user.
  6. In the User ID field, enter the login ID of a user.
  7. In the Asset Location field, use the down arrow to select a location.
  8. In the Asset Department field, use the down arrow to select a department.
  9. In the Asset Status field, use the down arrow to select a status.
  10. For the Asset Category, click the search button Search Button to complete the Search for Category dialog box.
  11. In the Manufacturer field, enter the manufacturer of the system.
  12. In the Model field, enter the model of the system.
  13. In the Serial Number field, enter the serial number of the system.
  14. In the Asset Tag field, enter the asset tag of the system.
  15. In the IP Address Start field, enter the start address of an IP address range.

    If the IP Address Start is equal to the IP Address End, only systems with the specified IP address will be returned.
  16. In the IP Address End field, enter the end address of an IP address range.

    If the IP Address Start is equal to the IP Address End, only systems with the specified IP address will be returned.
  17. In the Processor Model field, use the down arrow to select a processor model.
  18. For Processor Speed, select an operator (such as equals) from the drop-down list. Then, enter a processor speed in megahertz.
  19. For Memory, select an operator (such as greater than) from the drop-down list. Then, enter a memory size in megabytes.
  20. For the Date Last Scanned, select an operator (such as less than or equal to) from the drop-down list. Then, enter a date or select a date using the calendar button Calendar Button.
  21. If the custom text field(s) display, enter the value(s).
  22. If the custom date field(s) display, enter the date(s) or select the date(s) using the calendar button Calendar Button.
  23. Select the Display Detailed Report check box to display a report that includes all of the details about the asset except the operating system build number, the number of processors, and the processor manufacturer. Clear the check box to display a brief report.
  24. Click the Search button.

Systems Manager displays the Asset Advanced Search Results report and lists the names of the systems for which you searched.

You can view and edit the filters for the report.

You can click any of the column headings to sort the information based on that heading. The arrow next to the heading indicates whether the sort order is ascending or descending. Click the column heading to reverse the sort order.

From this report, you can perform an immediate inventory scan of selected systems.

You can also add selected systems to a static group

You can export data from the Asset Advanced Search Results report.

 

Systems Reports

The systems reports section includes a list of Systems Manager report folders, ordered alphabetically. This list includes two sets of pre-defined reports, contained in the Asset Summary Reports and Hardware Device Reports folders, and any custom report folders that contain the reports available to you.

The Asset Summary Reports folder includes the following pre-defined reports:

The Hardware Device Reports folder includes the following pre-defined reports:

Click the Edit button to modify any of these reports. To edit, create, and delete custom reports, go to the Reports tab.

Follow these steps to view a report from the systems reports menu:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
    The Systems subtab displays by default.
  2. Point to the Reports menu to view the report folder list.
  3. Point to the report folder you want to view and then choose a report to display.

Software

The Software subtab allows you to manage the following components:

You can also view software reports.

Software Catalog

The Systems Manager software catalog organizes the software titles within your environment, which allows you to view your software title inventory quickly and easily. The software catalog provides the following features:

The result is information streamlined for reporting. You can view the following reports on the Software Catalog subtab:

Video: Software Catalog (1:52)

Categorized Software

The Categorized Software report displays software titles in your environment, organized by category. Systems Manager groups all of the software installed on your network into logical categories such as FTP clients, Personal Use, Microsoft Office, and AntiVirus. This grouping allows you to quickly analyze the software in your environment and more easily manage and target your software distributions.

Video: Software Catalog (1:52)

Video: Managed SW Titles vs. Categorized SW (3:39)

 

If you know of software titles in your environment that do not display on the Categorized Software report, contact Support with the information so we can categorize the software for you.

 

Note: For AI Pro customers, this report displays by default when you click the Software subtab under the Assets tab.

 

Follow these steps to display the Categorized Software report:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.

    The Categorized Software report displays by default.

 

The Categorized Software report displays the following information about each category:

 

You can click any category name, publisher, or title to view a report filtered on that column. Click a link in the # Installed column to display a report filtered on all columns.

You can view and edit the filters for the Categorized Software report.

You can click any of the column headings to sort the information based on that heading. The arrow next to the heading indicates whether the sort order is ascending or descending. Click the column heading to reverse the sort order.

You can export data from the Categorized Software report.

Categorized Software Versions

The Categorized Software Versions report is similar to the Categorized Software report with the exception that it includes version data. You can see how many of each version installed and drill down into the Software Installations by System report to see which machines have what versions.

 

Follow these steps to display the Categorized Software Versions report:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Software Catalog menu and choose Categorized Software Versions to display the Categorized Software Versions report.

 

The Categorized Software Versions report displays the following information about each category:

 

You can view and edit the filters for the Categorized Software Versions report.

You can click any of the column headings to sort the information based on that heading. The arrow next to the heading indicates whether the sort order is ascending or descending. Click the column heading to reverse the sort order.

You can export data from the Categorized Software Versions report.

Software Usage

It is important for you to be aware of what software is installed in your environment; however, it is more important for you to know what's being used. This knowledge allows you to procure the correct number of licenses. You can obtain this knowledge in the Software Usage report, which displays the details of your license usage.

Video: Software Usage/Utilization (2:36)

 

Follow these steps to display the Software Usage report:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Software Catalog menu and choose Software Usage to display the Software Usage report.

 

The Software Usage report displays the following information:

 

You can view and edit the filters for the Software Usage report.

You can click any of the column headings to sort the information based on that heading. The arrow next to the heading indicates whether the sort order is ascending or descending. Click the column heading to reverse the sort order.

You can export data from the Software Usage report.

 

Example: If you have three installations of AutoCAD and only one machine is using it, the Software Usage report displays the percent used as 33%, in yellow. Yellow warns you that the software is not used efficiently. If the installations of AutoCAD are $3,000 each, and only one of the three is being used, you can harvest $6,000 worth of licenses.

 

To help you make the decision on harvesting those licenses, you can click the number link in the # Used column to see who is using the license, how many times they used it, and the last time they ran it. This information displays on the Use Count Per System report. You can also click the number link in the # Not Used column to see the machines that have not used the software and what versions they have. This information displays on the Unused Software Per System report. From this information, you can decide whether you want to harvest those licenses.

 

Software Versions Usage

The Software Versions Usage report displays all of the details of your license usage, which allow you to determine if you have purchased too many licenses for your needs. This report is similar to the Software Usage report; however, the Software Versions Usage report also includes the version of each software title. This information is helpful when you want to view the usage information for each version of a title, rather than for all versions.

Video: Software Usage/Utilization (2:36)

 

Follow these steps to display the Software Versions Usage report:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Software Catalog menu and choose Software Versions Usage to display the Software Versions Usage report.

 

The Software Versions Usage report displays the following information:

 

You can view and edit the filters for the Software Versions Usage report.

You can click any of the column headings to sort the information based on that heading. The arrow next to the heading indicates whether the sort order is ascending or descending. Click the column heading to reverse the sort order.

You can export data from the Software Versions Usage report.

 

Duplicate Categorized Installs

The Duplicate Categorized Installs report displays all of the categories, such as antivirus software, database tools, and graphics programs, in your company in which there are systems with duplicate installations of software. For example, this report allows you to see whether you have both McAfee and Semantec installed on a system, as determined by the Systems Manager software catalog. Since you only need one of the two antivirus software titles on a system, you can save money by using those licenses for other systems.

 

Note: This report does not include general categories such as driver, patch, or hotfix.

 

Follow these steps to display the Duplicate Categorized Installs report:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Software Catalog menu and choose Duplicate Categorized Installs to display the Duplicate Categorized Installs report.

 

You can view the following details about each system:

Duplicate Title Installs

The Duplicate Title Installs report displays a list of systems that include multiple installations of a single title. This report allows you to identify the systems that have multiple copies of a software title, such as Microsoft Office 2000 and Microsoft Office 2003, in order to harvest licenses.

 

Follow these steps to display the Duplicate Title Installs report:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Software Catalog menu and choose Duplicate Title Installs to display the Duplicate Title Installs report.

 

You can view the following details about each system: 

 

You can view and edit the filters for the Duplicate Title Installs report.

You can click any of the column headings to sort the information based on that heading. The arrow next to the heading indicates whether the sort order is ascending or descending. Click the column heading to reverse the sort order.

You can export data from the Duplicate Title Installs report.

Software Installations by System

The Software Installations by System report displays a list of systems that have a particular software title installed. This report can be helpful in identifying multiple installations of a single title on a machine.

 

You can click a # Installed link in any of the following reports to display the Software Installations by System report:

 

The Software Installations by System report displays the following information:

 

You can view and edit the filters for the Software Installations by System report.

You can click any of the column headings to sort the information based on that heading. The arrow next to the heading indicates whether the sort order is ascending or descending. Click the column heading to reverse the sort order.

You can export data from the Software Installations by System report.

Software Installations

The Software Installations report displays all categorized software for a particular publisher.

 

You can click a publisher name link in any of the following reports to display the Software Installations report:

 

The Software Installations report displays the following information:

 

You can view and edit the filters for the Software Installations report.

You can click any of the column headings to sort the information based on that heading. The arrow next to the heading indicates whether the sort order is ascending or descending. Click the column heading to reverse the sort order. 

You can export data from the Software Installations report.

 

Use Count Per System

The Use Count Per System report allows you to view who is using a software title, how many times they use it, and the last time they ran it. This information can help you determine any licenses that can be harvested for use on other machines.

Video: Software Usage/Utilization (2:36)

 

This report displays the following information for a software title on a system:

Note: The default filter on the Use Count Per System report is set to display the systems on which the software title is currently installed. You can change the Currently Installed filter to Select a Value, which essentially clears the filter and displays the systems that the software title is currently installed as well as the systems that used to have the software installed. Or, you can change the Currently Installed filter to False, which displays only those systems on which the software title used to be installed.

 

Follow these steps to display the Use Count Per System report:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Software Catalog menu and choose Software Versions Usage to display the Software Versions Usage report.
    —OR—
    Point to the Software Catalog menu and choose Software Usage to display the Software Usage report.
  4. Click a number link in the # Used column to display the Use Count Per System report.

Note: If you access this report from the Software Versions Usage report, you can see the use count for a specific version of a title.

If you access this report from the Software Usage report, you can see the use count for all versions of the title.

 

You can complete the following tasks on the Use Count Per System report:

Unused Software Per System

The Unused Software Per System report displays a list of all systems that have not used a software title since Systems Manager began scanning that system. This information allows you to identify unused licenses and harvest them for use on other machines.

Video: Software Usage/Utilization (2:36)

 

You can view the following details for each system listed on the Unused Software Per System report:

 

Follow these steps to display the Unused Software Per System report:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Software Catalog menu and choose Software Usage to display the Software Usage report.
    —OR—
    Point to the Software Catalog menu and choose Software Versions Usage to display the Software Versions Usage report.
  4. Click a number link in the # Not Used column to display the Unused Software Per System report.

Note: If you access this report from the Software Versions Usage report, you can see the unused software for a specific version of a title. If you access this report from the Software Usage report, you can see the unused software for all versions of the title.

 

You can complete the following tasks on the Unused Software Per System report:

Uncategorized Software

The Uncategorized Software report displays all of the software in your environment that is not assigned to a category in the software catalog. If you want these titles to display on the Categorized Software report, contact Support with the information so we can categorize the software for you.

 

Follow these steps to display the Uncategorized Software report:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Software Catalog menu and choose Uncategorized Software to display the Uncategorized Software report.
Note: The default filter only displays titles installed on 10 or more systems.

 

You can view the following details for each listing:

 

You can view and edit the filters for the report.

You can click any of the column headings to sort the information based on that heading. The arrow next to the heading indicates whether the sort order is ascending or descending. Click the column heading to reverse the sort order.

You can export data from the Uncategorized Software report.

Software Rosetta Stone

The Software Rosetta Stone report provides a blend of software catalog titles and managed software titles. This report allows you to compare the information provided by the software vendor to what is "normalized" in Systems Manager software catalog.

 

Follow these steps to display the Software Rosetta Stone report:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Software Catalog menu and choose Software Rosetta Stone to display the Software Rosetta Stone report.

 

The Software Rosetta Stone report displays the following information:

 

You can click any raw title to view the Software on Computers report.

You can view and edit the filters for the report.

You can click any of the column headings to sort the information based on that heading. The arrow next to the heading indicates whether the sort order is ascending or descending. Click the column heading to reverse the sort order.

You can export data from the Software Rosetta Stone report.

 

Software Licensing

The Software Licensing menu of the Software subtab allows you to view the following reports:

Software License Compliance

The Software License Compliance report displays all of your tracked software titles.

Note: You must select the option to track each title on the Admin Edit Software License page in order for the title to display on the Software License Compliance report.

You can also import software titles to display in this report.

Video: Software Compliance (1:44)

 

Follow these steps to display the Software License Compliance report:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Software Licensing menu and choose Software License Compliance to display the report.

 

The Software License Compliance report displays the following information for each title:

 

You can complete the following tasks on the Software License Compliance report: 

 

Note: You cannot modify the Software License Compliance report; however, you can click the Save As button to use the report as a template from which to build a customized report to save and reuse in your report library.

MS Office True-up Savings

The MS Office True-up Savings report provides Microsoft Office licensing information for compliance reporting as well as comprehensive usage information. You can use this information to produce recommendations for future purchases of Microsoft Office. Specifically, this report provides the information you need to reconcile true-up savings by analyzing the savings from synchronizing the number of licenses, changing users from Professional to Standard where possible, and uninstalling licenses not currently used.

 

Note: If you have not entered any software licenses and if you have the permissions to edit the number of licenses, the Edit Software Licenses page displays before you can view the MS Office True-up Savings report. If you do not have permissions to edit licenses, the report displays without the license information; contact your administrator to enter your Microsoft license entitlement.

Video: Microsoft Office True-up Analysis (2:18)

 

Follow these steps to display the MS Office True-up Savings report:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Software Licensing menu and choose MS Office True-up Savings to display the report.

 

The MS Office True-up Savings report displays the following information for each title:

 

You can complete the following tasks on the MS Office True-up Savings report:

 

Note: You can download scripts to uninstall Microsoft Office software from the Community tab.

Video: Microsoft Application Uninstall Scripts (1:45)

Edit Software Licenses

The Edit Software Licenses page allows you to edit the number of licenses you own for your software titles. The information you enter here is the same as Admin Edit Software Licenses page; however, the Assets Edit Software Licenses page allows you to edit multiple software titles at one time.

 

Note: If you modify the number of licenses for a software title using the Edit Software Licenses page, that software title displays on the Software License Compliance report.

 

Follow these steps to complete the Edit Software Licenses page:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Software Licensing menu and choose MS Office True-up Savings to display the report.
    OR
    Point to the Software Licensing menu and choose Software License Compliance to display the report.
  4. Select one or more software titles and click the Edit Selected Licenses button to display the Edit Software Licenses page.
  5. Modify the number in the # Licenses field for each title.
  6. Click Save to return to the MS Office True-up Savings or the Software License Compliance report.

Application Usage

The Application Usage report displays the individual Microsoft Office application usage on each system.

 

For example, if you see that 50 users are using Microsoft Office Premium (the report assumes that you cannot step them down to Microsoft Office Standard), you can view each of those machines, see which applications in each Microsoft Office suite they are using, and when they last used them. This information exposes users that may have Microsoft Office Premium or Microsoft Office Professional installed and used in the last six months but only used Microsoft FrontPage once five months ago.

 

In addition, evaluating individual Microsoft Office application usage also helps you make purchasing decisions. For example your company might say, "Google Apps has a free application that does X, so we can change from Microsoft Office Premium to Microsoft Office Standard and give our users X. This change allows us to save $65,000 on our EA true-up."

Note: You can view the usage for all applications and systems on the MS Office True-up Savings report.

 

Follow these steps to display the Application Usage report:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Software Licensing menu and choose MS Office True-up Savings to display the report.
  4. Click a number link in the # Used column to display the Application Usage report.

 

The Application Usage report displays the most recent usage for the following applications:

Note: Only the applications that have been used display in this report.

 

Click any date link to filter the report and view the details about the application.

Managed Software Titles

The Managed Software Titles menu of the Software subtab allows you to view the following reports:

You can also conduct an advanced search for managed software titles.

Video: Managed Software Titles (0:55)

Video: Managed SW Titles vs. Categorized SW (3:39)

Managed Software Titles

The Managed Software Titles report displays the following information about your managed software titles:

Follow these steps to browse managed software titles:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Managed Software Titles menu and choose Managed Software Titles to display the report.

The Managed Software Titles report allows you to complete the following tasks:

Note: You cannot modify the Managed Software Titles report; however, you can click the Save As button to use the report as a template from which to build a customized report to save and reuse in your report library.

Recent Software Changes

The Recent Software Changes report displays a list of all software titles that have been installed or removed within the past 14 days.

The Recent Software Changes report displays the following information about each software title:

Follow these steps to display the Recent Software Changes report:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Managed Software Titles menu and choose Recent Software Changes to display the Recent Software Changes report.

The Recent Software Changes report allows you to complete the following tasks:

Software Groups

The Software Groups page allows you to create groups of software titles in a way that is meaningful to your organization. A group is available on this page if you created the group or if the group is available to all specialists.

The Software Groups page displays the following information about each group:

Follow these steps to display the Software Groups page:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Managed Software Titles menu and choose Software Groups to display the Software Groups page.

The Software Groups page allows you to complete the following tasks:

Creating Software Title Groups

Follow these steps to create a software title group:

  1. From the Software Groups page, click the Create button to display the Create Groups page.
  2. In the Name field, enter a name for the group.
  3. In the Description field, enter a description for the group.
  4. Select the Available to all specialists check box if you want the group to be available to all specialists.
    Note: If you clear this check box, this group is available only to you.
  5. Click Create to create the software titles group.
    —OR—
    Click Cancel to return to the group list.

Refer to Creating Static Groups for detailed instructions on adding subgroups and members to your software titles group.

Editing Software Title Groups

Follow these steps to edit a software titles group:

  1. From the Software Groups page, click the edit button Edit Button next to the group name to display the Edit Group page.
  2. In the Name field, enter a name for the group.
  3. In the Description field, enter a description for the group.
  4. Select the Available to all specialists check box if you want the group to be available to all specialists.
  5. Click Save/Edit Subgroups and Members to save the changes and/or edit the static group subgroups or static group members.

Deleting Software Title Groups

Follow these steps to delete a software titles group:

  1. From the Software Groups page, click the delete button Delete Button next to the group you want to delete.
  2. Click OK in the confirmation dialog box to delete the group.
    —OR—
    Click Cancel to cancel the request.

Software Advanced Search

The Software Advanced Search page allows you to search for managed software titles that are currently installed on systems. The more information you enter, the narrower your search becomes.

Note: You can enter a partial search string for the following fields:

Entering partial strings returns all systems where the entered field starts with the given string. Searching on User ID returns matching managed software titles on all systems whose domain/user name contains the given search string.

Follow these steps to display the Software Advanced Search page:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Managed Software Titles menu and choose Advanced Search to display the Software Advanced Search page.

To perform an advanced search for software title results, enter information into any of the following fields:

  1. In the Software Title field, enter the software title.
  2. In the Software Version field, enter the software version.
  3. In the Publisher field, enter a publisher.
  4. In the Group field, use the down arrow to select a software group.
    Note: Select No Public Group to search on titles not assigned to a group.
  5. In the Discovery Type field, use the down arrow to select the type of software title.
  6. In the custom text fields, enter a value to display for the appropriate custom text field.
  7. In the custom date fields, enter a date or select a date using the calendar button Calendar Button.

    8. Note: The following fields apply to the systems that have a software title installed, not the software title itself.

  8. In the Operating System field, use the down arrow to select any or all of the available operating systems discovered during the previous inventory scan.
  9. In the End User First Name field, enter the first name of a user.
  10. In the End User Last Name field, enter the last name of a user.
  11. In the User ID field, enter the login ID of a user.
  12. In the Asset Location field, use the down arrow to select a location.
  13. In the Asset Department field, use the down arrow to select a department.
  14. In the Processor Model field, use the down arrow to select a processor type.
  15. For Processor Speed, select an operator (such as equals) from the drop-down list. Then, enter a processor speed in megahertz.
  16. For Memory, select an operator (such as greater than) from the drop-down list. Then, enter a memory size in megabytes.
  17. For the Date Last Scanned, select an operator (such as less than or equal to) from the drop-down list. Then, enter a date or select a date using the calendar button Calendar Button.
  18. Select the Display Asset Details check box to display a report that includes all of the details about the software title. Clear the check box to display a brief report.
  19. Click the Search button to display the results of the search.

Systems Manager displays the Software Advanced Search Results report and lists the names of the systems for which you searched.

You can view and edit the filters for the report.

You can click any of the column headings to sort the information based on that heading. The arrow next to the heading indicates whether the sort order is ascending or descending. Click the column heading to reverse the sort order.

You can also add selected software titles to a static group. For more information on adding selected systems to a static group, see Adding Selected Systems to a Static Group.

You can export data from the Software Advanced Search Results report.

Note: You cannot modify the Software Advanced Search Results report; however, you can click the Save As button to use the report as a template from which to build a customized report to save and reuse in your report library.

 

Security Assessment

The Security Assessment menu of the Software subtab allows you to view the following reports:

Video: PC Security Risk Assessment Reports (2:16)

Security Assessment Summary

The Security Assessment Summary report allows you to quickly view the type of vulnerabilities and number of affected machines based on the security category in your environment. This report provides a list of the following security issues:

This report also displays the number of affected machines, as well as the total assets report.

Follow these steps to display the Security Assessment Summary report:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Security Assessment menu and choose Security Assessment Summary to display the Security Assessment Summary report.

You can export data from the Security Assessment Summary report.

AntiVirus and AntiSpyware Software Report

The AntiVirus and AntiSpyware Software report displays all of the antivirus and antispyware products installed on your network. This report also displays the number of machines on which these products are installed.

 

This report lists the following information for each title:

 

Follow these steps to display the AntiSpyware and AntiVirus Software report:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Security Assessment menu and choose AntiSpyware/AntiVirus to display the AntiSpyware and AntiVirus Software report.

 

You can click any of the headings to sort the information based on that heading. The arrow next to the heading indicates whether the sort order is ascending or descending. Click the column heading to reverse the sort order.

You can also click any title to view the Software on Computers report.

You can export data from the AntiSpyware and AntiVirus Software report.

Software on Computers

The Software on Computers report displays a list of the computers on which the title is installed. This report lists the following information for each computer:

Follow these steps to display the Software on Computers report:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Security Assessment menu and choose AntiSpyware/AntiVirus to display the AntiSpyware and AntiVirus Software report.
  4. Click a raw title to display the Software on Computers report.

You can click any of the headings to sort the information based on that heading. The arrow next to the heading indicates whether the sort order is ascending or descending. Click the column heading to reverse the sort order.

You can export data from the AntiSpyware and AntiVirus Software report.

Note: You cannot modify the Software on Computers report; however, you can click the Save As button to use the report as a template from which to build a customized report to save and reuse in your report library.

Out of Date AntiVirus Definition Summary

The Out of Date AntiVirus Definition Summary provides a list of machines that have a known antivirus client but an out-of-date signature definition file. This report provides the following information for each antivirus title:

Follow these steps to display the Out of Date AntiVirus Definition Summary report:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Security Assessment menu and choose Out of Date A/V Definitions to display the Out of Date AntiVirus Definition Summary report.

You can complete the following tasks on the Out of Date AntiVirus Definition Summary report:

Unprotected Machines Report

The Unprotected Machines report displays a list of all machines that are missing antivirus clients, antispyware software, or critical Microsoft patches.

Follow these steps to display the Unprotected Machines report:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Security Assessment menu and choose Unprotected Machines to display the Unprotected Machines report.

Click a system name link to display the asset detail view.

You can click any of the column headings to sort the information based on that column. The arrow next to the heading indicates whether the sort order is ascending or descending. Click the column heading to reverse the sort order.

You can also add selected systems to a static group.

You can export data from the Unprotected Machines report.

PC Security Risk Assessment Report

The PC Security Risk Assessment report provides a summary view of the security of your network. This report allows you to see the risk level of your environment at a glance.

The following list identifies the Systems Manager risk levels:

Systems Manager calculates the risk for each machine based on the following columns of the report:

Follow these steps to display the PC Security Risk Assessment report:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Security Assessment menu and choose PC Security Risk Assessment to display the PC Security Risk Assessment report.

By default, Systems Manager lists the affected machines in descending order by risk value. If the risk value is the same for more than one machine, Systems Manager lists those machines alphabetically.

Click a system name link to display the asset detail view.

You can click any of the headings to sort the information based on that heading. The arrow next to the heading indicates whether the sort order is ascending or descending. Click the column heading to reverse the sort order.

You can also add selected systems to a static group.

You can export data from the PC Security Risk Assessment report.

Software Reports

The software reports section includes any custom report folders that contain the reports available to you.

Note: This menu does not display if no custom software reports exist.

Click the Edit button to modify any of these reports. To edit, create, and delete custom reports, go to the Reports tab.

Follow these steps to view a report from the systems reports menu:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Software subtab.
  3. Point to the Reports menu to view the report folder list.
  4. Point to the report folder you want to view and then choose a report to display.

Fixed Assets

Fixed Assets provides the ability to track and manage assets in your enterprise that are not able to be automatically tracked as a System. Phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), server racks, and office furniture are all examples of fixed assets. Fixed assets can be created manually or imported through the Systems Manager portal.

Within Fixed Assets, you can complete the following tasks:

You can also view fixed assets reports.

Create Fixed Asset

Follow these steps to create a fixed asset:

  1. Under the Assets tab, click the Fixed Assets subtab.
  2. Point to the Fixed Assets menu and choose Create Fixed Asset to display the Create Fixed Asset page.
  3. In the Asset Name field, enter the name of the asset.
  4. From the Asset Category drop-down list, select an asset category for the asset.
  5. From the Asset Status drop-down list, select a status for the asset.
  6. In the Asset Tag field, enter a unique number for the asset.
  7. In the Manufacturer field, enter the name of the manufacturer of the asset.
  8. In the Model field, enter the model of the asset.
  9. In the Serial Number field, enter the serial number of the asset.
  10. In any custom text fields, enter a value to display for the appropriate custom text field.
  11. In any custom date fields, enter a date or select a date using the calendar button Calendar Button.
  12. From any custom select list fields drop-down lists, select an item from the list.
  13. Click the Save button to create the fixed asset and return to the Fixed Assets report.

All Fixed Assets

Follow these steps to view a list of all fixed assets:

  1. Under the Assets tab, click the Fixed Assets subtab.
  2. Point to the Fixed Assets menu and choose All Fixed Assets to display the Fixed Assets report.

The Fixed Assets report lists the following information:

You can click any of the headings to sort the information based on that heading. The arrow next to the heading indicates whether the sort order is ascending or descending. Click the column heading to reverse the sort order.

Follow these steps to delete a fixed asset:

  1. Select the check box(es) next to the fixed asset(s) you want to delete.
  2. Click the Delete button.
  3. Click OK in the confirmation dialog box.

To view details about a fixed asset, click an asset name to display the Fixed Asset page.

You can view and edit the filters for the report.

You can also export data from the All Fixed Assets report.

Note: You cannot modify the All Fixed Assets report; however, you can click the Save As Button to use the report as a template from which to build a customized report to save and reuse in your report library.

 

Fixed Asset Detail Page

The Fixed Asset page displays the following tabs:

You can click any of these tabs to view the details.

Editing the General Information for a Fixed Asset

Follow these steps to edit the general information for a fixed asset:

  1. On the fixed asset detail General tab, click the edit button Edit Button next to the asset name to display the Editable Fields page.
  2. In the Asset Name field, enter a new name for the asset.
  3. From the Asset Category drop-down list, select a new asset category for the asset.
  4. From the Asset Status drop-down list, select the appropriate asset status for the asset.
  5. In the Asset Tag field, enter a unique number for the asset.
  6. In the Manufacturer field, enter the name of the manufacturer of the asset.
  7. In the Model field, enter the model of the asset.
  8. In the Serial Number field, enter the serial number of the asset.
  9. In any custom text fields, enter a value to display for the appropriate custom text field.
  10. In any custom date fields, enter a date or select a date using the calendar button Calendar Button.
  11. From any custom select list fields, select an item from the list.
  12. Click the Save button to save the changes and return to the General tab.

Editing the End Users Associated with an Asset

Follow these steps to associate an end user with an asset:

  1. On the fixed asset detail End Users tab, click the search button Search Button to display Search for End User dialog box.
  2. In the Last Name field, enter the last name or first portion of the last name of the end user you wish to associate with the asset.
  3. In the E-mail field, enter the e-mail address or first portion of the e-mail address of the end user you wish to associate with the asset.
  4. Click the Search button to conduct your search.
    If you provide both last name and e-mail criteria, Systems Manager returns end users that match according to the specified last name or the specified e-mail.
    If you leave both Last Name and E-mail blank, Systems Manager returns all end users.
  5. Click the end user name to add it to the list on the End User Information tab.

Follow these steps to disassociate an end user from the asset:

  1. On the fixed asset detail End Users tab, click the delete button Delete Button next to the end user you want to remove.
  2. Click OK in the confirmation dialog box to remove the end user.

Editing the Sub Assets Associated with an Asset

Follow these steps to associate a sub asset with an asset:

  1. On the fixed asset detail Sub Assets tab, click the search button Search to display the Search for Assets dialog box.
  2. In the System Name field, enter the system name or first portion of the system name to add as a sub asset.
  3. In the IP Range Start field, enter the start address of an IP address range for the asset to add as a sub asset. If the IP Range Start is equal to the IP Range End, only systems with the specified IP address will be returned.
  4. In the IP Range End field, enter the end address of an IP address range for the asset to add as a sub asset. If the IP Range Start is equal to the IP Range End, only systems with the specified IP address will be returned.
  5. Select the Include Fixed Assets check box to include fixed assets in your search. Examples of fixed assets include phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), server racks, and office furniture.
  6. Click the Search button to conduct you search.
    If you leave the search fields blank, Systems Manager returns all assets.
  7. Click the asset name to add it to the list on the Sub Assets tab.

Follow these steps to disassociate a sub asset from the asset:

  1. On the fixed asset detail Sub Assets tab, click the delete button Delete Button next to the sub asset you want to remove.
  2. Click OK in the confirmation dialog box to remove the sub asset.

Editing the Location and Department of an Asset

Follow these steps to edit the Location and/or Department of an asset:

  1. On the fixed asset detail Location/Department tab, click the Edit button to display the Edit Location/Department page.
  2. From the Location drop-down list, select the appropriate location for the asset.
  3. From the Department drop-down list, select the department for the asset.
  4. In the Address field, enter the address information for the asset.
  5. In the Building field, enter the building where the asset is located.
  6. In the Room field, enter the room where the asset is located.
  7. In the Port field, enter the port you want to associate with the asset.
  8. Click the Save button to save the changes and return to the Location/Department tab.

Editing the Financial Information for an Asset

Follow these steps to edit the financial information for an asset:

  1. On the fixed asset detail Financial tab, click the Edit button to display the Edit Financial Information page.
  2. From the Department drop-down list, select the appropriate financial department for the asset.
  3. In the Purchase Order field, enter the purchase order number used to purchase the asset.
  4. From the Acquisition Method drop-down list, select the acquisition method used to acquire the asset.
  5. In the Acquisition Date field, enter the date on which the asset was acquired or select a date using the calendar button Calendar Button.
  6. In the Lease Renewal Date field, enter the date on which the asset is due for lease renewal (if appropriate) or select a date using the calendar button Calendar Button.
  7. In the Retirement Date field, enter the date on which the asset is to be retired or select a date using the calendar button Calendar Button.
  8. From the Retirement Method drop-down list, select the retirement method for the asset.
  9. In the Cost field, enter the original purchase cost of the asset.
    Note: The dollar ($) sign is required.
  10. In the Notes field, enter any other pertinent financial information necessary about the asset.
  11. Click the Save button to save the changes and return to the Financial tab.

Editing the Service/Vendor Information for an Asset

Follow these steps to add a vendor or service information to an asset:

  1. On the Service/Vendor tab, click the Add button to display the Edit Service/Vendor Information page.
  2. From the Vendor drop-down list, select the vendor for the asset.
  3. In the Contract Number field, enter the service contract identifier for the asset.
  4. In the Service Expiration field, enter the date on which the service contract expires for the asset or select a date using the calendar button Calendar Button.
  5. Click the Save button to save your changes and return to the Service/Vendor tab.

Follow these steps to edit the service/vendor information for an asset:

  1. On the fixed asset detail Service/Vendor tab, click the edit button Edit Button to display the Edit Service/Vendor Information page.
  2. From the Vendor drop-down list, select the vendor for the asset.
  3. In the Contract Number field, enter the service contract identifier for the asset.
  4. In the Service Expiration field, enter the date on which the service contract expires for the asset or select a date using the calendar button Calendar Button.
  5. Click the Save button to save your changes and return to the Service/Vendor tab.

Follow these steps to remove a vendor from an asset:

  1. On the fixed asset detail Service/Vendor tab, click the delete button Delete Button next to the vendor you want to remove.
  2. Click OK in the confirmation dialog box to remove the vendor.

Viewing Open Tickets Associated with an Asset

The All Tickets page allows you to view all of the open Help Desk tickets associated with the asset. You can click a ticket number to view the ticket details or you can export the ticket data.

Importing Fixed Assets

In addition to creating fixed assets in the Systems Manager portal, you can import fixed assets from a Comma Separated Value (CSV) file.

Follow these steps to import fixed assets from a CSV file:

  1. Under the Assets tab, click the Fixed Assets subtab.
  2. Point to the Fixed Assets menu and choose Import Fixed Assets to display the Select a Fixed Asset CSV File page.
  3. Click the Browse button to locate the CSV file to import.
    Note: Select a CSV file from your hard drive that at a minimum has a fixed asset name. The CSV file should use double-quote delimiters and comma separators.
  4. Click the Preview button to upload the file and display the Select Fixed Asset Importing Options page.
  5. Select the options to use to import the fixed assets from the CSV:

  1. Click the Import button to import the assets from the CSV file and display the Fixed Asset Import Results page.

Fixed Asset Import Status

The Fixed Asset Import Status page allows you to track the following details about the current status of the fixed asset import:

At any time during the import process, you can click Stop Import to terminate import processing.

Fixed Asset Import Results

The Fixed Asset Import Results page allows you to view the following details from importing fixed assets from the CSV file:

You can also complete the following tasks on the Fixed Asset Import Results page:

Fixed Assets Reports

The fixed assets reports section includes any custom report folders that contain the reports available to you.

Note: This menu does not display if no custom fixed assets reports exist.

Click the Edit button to modify any of these reports. To edit, create, and delete custom reports, go to the Reports tab.

Follow these steps to view a report from the systems reports menu:

  1. Click the Assets tab.
  2. Click the Fixed Assets subtab.
  3. Point to the Reports menu to view the report folder list.
  4. Point to the report folder you want to view and then choose a report to display.