Custom Definition - SW Usage

Products

• CA Client Automation - IT Client Manager

Issue/Introduction

How to create a custom SW definition, e.g., Visio.exe?

Environment

Release: All versions.

Component: CA Client Automation

Resolution

STEPS TO CREATE A CUSTOM SIGNATURE:

1.Open the DSM Explorer and drill down to Software->Definitions-> Categories.
Right-click All Definitions and select 'New Product'.

2.Give a Name, Version, and Manufacturer, and click OK.

3.You will be prompted to add a new release. Click on 'Yes'

4.\Under the 'Recognition' tab browse to the file that is to be associated with the release and proceed as prompted.

You can limit the search to be able to select different versions by selecting the following:
Size range
Version Range
Creation Date:
Modified Date:

5.If you select the Advanced Tab you can also search by:
Registry Entry
SD Package

The next step is to either wait for the machines to start collecting the software, from the signature made above.
(usually takes a day)

OR

Force a scan to get the software quicker.

TO MANUALLY FORCE A SOFTWARE COLLECTION FROM THE AGENT OR DM

6.On the agent run the following command to do a full collection of Software:
caf start agent -args /rescan_inventory /rescan_software /collect

7.On the DM
Right Click on agent ->Select Asset Jobs Activate ->Job Check
Then select Rescan Software Inventory and Recollect

ENABLE SOFTWARE USAGE :

8.Under All Computers or a single agent
Look under Software Discovered Software
Select the Software you want to Enable Usage on and
Right-click and select Enable Usage Monitoring….

After a few days, you can start seeing the Software Usage

Select All Computers -> {Group Details}->Software -> Usage

If you right-click on Usage and select View

You will get a Graph view of Software Usage.

HOW TO CREATE THE SOFTWARE USAGE REPORT

Open DM Reporter
Right Click on Report Template -> Pick new Report Template

Pick Asset and User Report Click OK

Name Report whatever you want to name it.

Click on the Fields tab
Then click Add (this will bring up the Field Browser Window)
Click on Software Icon ( on the left)
Click on the Usage tab at the Top
Then one by one add the fields that you want, then Hit OK

(I always recommend adding all the fields, then view the report and decide which ones you need and don’t need.)

You probably also want to change the

Calculate metering for 3 days (s) using a delay of 1 day(s).

Since most users might not use the software for 3 days, you might want to set the parameter to at least 30-60 days,
so you get a better overall view of who is using the software.

Then Run the new Report you created

Then you can either view the results or Right click on auto History and Export to Excel.