Dynamic Client Desktop Inventory Script Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for maintaining computer inventory in large organizations are inefficient, as they lack a centralized and accurate repository for computer configurations, requiring manual collection and resulting in significant time and resource expenditure, especially when dealing with thousands of computers.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a dynamic client desktop inventory script that periodically collects and updates hardware and software configuration information from computers, storing it in a centralized SQL database, allowing for automated deployment and reducing manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual collection of computer configuration information is performed, then specific configuration details can be obtained, but significant time and resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration information accuracyVSAvoidtime for information collection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables computers to automatically report their own configuration information to a centralized database. Each computer acts as a self-service node that periodically collects and transmits its hardware, software, and user configuration data without requiring manual intervention from technical support staff.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual collection process with an automated electronic system. A centralized database receives configuration data automatically from computers through network communication, eliminating the need for physical visits and manual data entry by technical support personnel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If technical support staff physically visit user computers to collect information, then accurate configuration data can be gathered, but user and staff time is significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration data accuracyVSAvoidtechnical support efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Computers automatically populate a centralized database with their configuration information, eliminating the need for technical support staff to physically visit each machine. The system self-updates with hardware, software, and user configuration changes without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A centralized database acts as an intermediary between computers and technical support staff. Instead of direct interaction requiring physical visits, the database automatically receives and stores configuration data from all computers, making information accessible to support staff without time-consuming field trips.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If fragmented manual information gathering is performed across large groups, then some configuration information can be obtained, but the process becomes nearly impossible to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration information completenessVSAvoidinventory management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates scattered configuration information from thousands of computers into a single centralized database. This unified repository combines hardware, software, user, and environmental configuration data from across the entire organization, making comprehensive inventory management feasible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized database serves multiple functions: storing hardware configurations, software inventories, user information, and environmental settings. It acts as a universal repository that handles all types of computer configuration data in a standardized format, simplifying diverse inventory management into a single system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8682943B1Dynamic client desktop inventory
Publication Date: 2014.03.25 BANK OF AMERICA CORP
  • US8682943B1 patent drawing
  • US8682943B1 patent drawing
  • US8682943B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Various examples of systems and methods are described that may allow for a computer inventory solution. Such a solution may involve, for example, periodically determining which of a plurality of users is currently logged in to a computer. The solution may further involve, for each of those of the users determined to be logged in to the computer: querying a database, via a network external to the computer, to determine whether that user and the computer are associated together in the database, and responsive to determining that the user and the computer are associated together in the database, incrementing a counter.