Integrating Custom Inventory Data into the Computer View

Products

IT Management Suite Inventory Solution

Issue/Introduction

The new IT Management Suite (ITMS) 8.8 release introduced a valuable feature allowing administrators to view collected Custom Inventory data directly within the Symantec Management Console's Computer Inventory View (Resource Manager). Previously, this data was only accessible via complex custom SQL reports.

The reported issue is two-fold:

Administrators cannot find the dedicated view for their custom data classes in the Resource Manager.
The custom data classes are missing from the filter criteria when attempting to build targeted filters.

Environment

ITMS 8.8
Inventory Solution 8.8

Cause

ITMS 8.8 automatically creates a dedicated flipbook/tab for each Custom Inventory Data Class in the Computer Inventory View once data is successfully collected. However, to ensure the data class appears and can be used for filtering, the data class definition must be configured to be associated with the Computer Resource Type. If the custom data class was created in a previous version and is not configured correctly, it will be missing from the new view and filter options. The resolution involves editing the data class definition to explicitly add the Computer resource type.

The confirmed root cause for data classes not appearing in the Resource Manager view or filter criteria is a product defect/design limitation in the initial implementation prior to ITMS 8.8 release, particularly affecting older, existing custom data classes. The system requires an explicit association:

Missing Resource Type Association: For a data class to be surfaced within the Computer Resource Manager (a primary view for the Computer resource type), it must be explicitly defined to relate to the Computer resource. Older custom data classes may not have this association defined by default, rendering them invisible to the new console feature.

Resolution

Refer to IT Management Suite 8.8 Release Notes (Details for the "Display Custom Inventory Data in Computer View" feature).

The resolution involves modifying the Custom Data Class definition to ensure it is correctly associated with the Computer resource type.

Step 1: Access the Custom Data Class Management Console

On the SMP Console, navigate to Settings > All Settings.
In the left pane, expand Discovery and Inventory > Inventory Solution.
Click on Manage Custom Data Classes.

Step 2: Edit the Data Class Definition

Locate the custom data class that is currently missing from the Computer Inventory View (e.g., "WebCamera Details").
Select the data class, right-click, and select Open.
On the data class configuration page, locate the Resource Types section.
Click the Add button (blue plus sign).
In the Select Resource Types dialog box, search for "Computer".
Select the Computer resource type and click > (Add), then click OK.
The Computer resource type will now be listed in the Resource Types section for your custom data class.
Click Save changes.

Custom Data Class Issue	Required Action in Manage Custom Data Classes
Missing from Resource Manager View	Explicitly add `Computer` to the Resource Types list.
Missing from Filter Criteria	Explicitly add `Computer` to the Resource Types list (resolves visibility for filtering).

Tip: A data class name (e.g., "WebCamera Details") is used by the database to create a table named Inv_WebCamera_Details. Ensure your custom inventory script is successfully sending data to this data class before troubleshooting console visibility. (Reference Introduction to Custom Inventory in Notification Server 8.x for general custom inventory scripting).

Step 3: Verification in the Computer Inventory View

After adding the Computer resource type and ensuring at least one client has successfully reported the custom inventory data:

On the SMP Console, navigate to Manage > Computers.
Right-click a test computer and select Resource Manager.
In the Resource Manager, click the View > Inventory tab.
Validation: Look for a new flipbook/tab (a dedicated section) at the top of the Inventory panel titled with the name of your custom data class (e.g., WebCamera Details).
Click the custom tab to confirm the inventoried data is displayed.

Step 4: Verification in Filter Criteria

You can now use this custom data to create precise filters:

Navigate to a filter creation area, such as Manage > Filters.
Create a New > Filter > Expand 'Query Builder' Filter section.
In the filter criteria pane, click Add Filter Criteria.
In the resulting dialog, expand Data Classes and search for your custom data class (e.g., WebCamera Details).
Validation: Confirm that the custom data class is now available for selection, allowing you to build filters based on its attributes (e.g., find all computers where "WebCamera Details.Model" equals "E500").