4.1.1 Managing devices
Asset Console can centrally manage the devices on a network. This section explains the types of devices that can be managed, and the types of information that can be managed in connection with these devices.
Device types and related information can be used as the attribute information of the devices, for stocktaking. Additionally, when managed along with contract information, device types and related information can be used in various types of work, such as troubleshooting. Therefore, investigate and decide what level of management and what information are required.
The following figure shows the concept of utilizing the device information in various types of work. In this example, the attribute information of the devices is used in contract and problem management.
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![[Figure]](GRAPHICS/ZUCN0020.GIF)
- Organization of this subsection
(1) Device types
Device types can be classified into the following three categories: computing, accessories, and networking, each of which can be further classified into detailed categories. The default device types are listed in the table below.
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Device type |
Detailed category |
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Computing |
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Accessories |
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Networking |
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By precisely managing device types, you can retrieve the desired device information quickly from a device management job, and can also simplify contract and license management. Furthermore, if management history information is used for preventive maintenance, precise management of device types makes thorough security measure implementation possible.
You can use device type information to delete unnecessary types from the management targets or to add necessary types. For details about how to change the default types, see 16.8 Adding and changing types and statuses (Code).
(2) Information associated with devices
Asset Console can efficiently manage devices by associating information such as group names and location names with devices and managing such information. The following types of information can be associated with devices and managed:
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Group name, user, and location name
You can manage the names of groups that use a device, the device users, and device locations. Group names, users, and location names can be used in all device management jobs, including stocktaking of devices and quick troubleshooting.
Not only can you use window operations to register the group names, users, and location information, but you can also acquire this information from JP1/IT Desktop Management 2 - Manager. Furthermore, you can automatically set the corresponding group and location names from IP addresses.
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Contract information
You can use contract information to manage device maintenance as well as lease and rental contract details. By registering the contract information, you can manage it in association with the devices covered by the contract.
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Problems
When an error occurs in a device, you can register the error details as problems and manage them. You can use this information to devise countermeasures against the same kind of problem, or use it in device purchasing or replacement jobs.
You can also register JP1 events of JP1/IM and share the problems on the asset management system. For details about linkage to JP1/IM, see 4.2.1 Managing problems by linking to JP1/IM.
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Network information
You can manage a network configuration by associating it with network information such as IP addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways.
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Related devices
You can manage devices by establishing parent-child relationships among them. By searching for devices that are related and registering them as related devices, you can easily keep track of the devices that are related to the device of interest.