Custom Asset Type

[DTCLARK]

So here the Situation,

In order to distinguish between Apple MAC Workstations and Apple MAC Servers we created a Custom Asset type of "Apple Mac Server" Unfortunately when we change the asset type of one of the Servers from straight old built in "Apple MAC" to our Custom asset type of "Apple MAC Server" Lansweeper no longer displays all the collected information, so we no longer see Drives, Software, Display or anything at all under the Config Tab. If we change it Back to the Built in "Apple MAC" all the information once again shows as it should.

So question is why? And how can we tell Lansweeper that the Custom Asset Type of "Apple MAC Server" is indeed an Apple MAC system and Lansweeper should display all the information that is in the Database about said system....


Dave

[DTCLARK]

You initial reply of "We would recommend distinguishing between Apple workstations and servers based on naming conventions rather than asset type." is a change to the way things are done in our environment.

And don't get me wrong, Lansweeper is an excellent product and does an amazing job of Network inventory. But some things that Lansweeper does, specifically this instance where Lansweeper has the Information in the Database but will not display it when the Asset Type is changed is just Odd and non-nonsensical, why can we not tell Lansweeper that "Custom Asset Type "A" in indeed this type of asset (Printer / MAC / Linux / Windows / Whatever)

You also Stated in your latest reply "This means we unfortunately cannot realistically implement every request that is put forward". So I would ask how long does it take to implement something that has been asked for? LSPush for Linux comes to mind..

https://www.lansweeper.com/Forum/yaf_postst7079_lspush-for-linux.aspx#post30046

Originally posted in 2013, and added to the mysterious "Wish List". Again Lansweeper is a great Inventory tool, best one by far, but how long will we have to wait to see some sort of movement on something which has been on the "Wish List" for over 4 Years now.

Anyway, as to my current issue I'll find a way to work around the limitations and internal 'quirks' of Lansweeper to get the results we need. Sorry for venting my frustrations..

[Bruce_B]

We have thousands of customers all with their individual needs and requirements. This means we unfortunately cannot realistically implement every request that is put forward, we have to analyze the average need of our customers and prioritize as development time is limited. Additionally, a solution that may work for one customer may run against another customer's set procedure. This may mean though that a feature may be unimplemented for a long time.

We're not asking you to conform to anything, we're merely offering a possible solution. Asset groups will work perfectly fine to distinguish your Mac clients from your Mac servers. We're not quite sure which process this would be changing as setting a different asset type was never possible in the context you're looking to use it.

[Bruce_B]

Linux is actually the exception here rather than the rule. Most asset types that can have certain asset specific data scanned for them, will not display this data when the asset type has changed. For instance only Printer asset types can display toner information.

That said though, using one of the asset grouping features should not take any longer than manually changing the asset type for specific Mac server assets.

[DTCLARK]

Bruce.B wrote:
Linux is actually the exception here rather than the rule. Most asset types that can have certain asset specific data scanned for them, will not display this data when the asset type has changed. For instance only Printer asset types can display toner information.

That said though, using one of the asset grouping features should not take any longer than manually changing the asset type for specific Mac server assets.

MAC's 'are' linux for the most part when you get down to it. And like I said, Lansweeper recognizes the asset as a MAC, can sere that the NIC is manufactured by Apple. And Lansweeper has all the information about the device in the Database regarding the Asset but simply refuses to display it.

IMHO asking clients to conform to, or basically change their processes, infrastructure, methods to suit the needs of Lansweeper is not a reasonable answer. And not to put to fine a point on it, but a lot of the requests from clients seem to disappear into the "Black Hole" called a wish list, take the Linux Scanning agent for example, it's only been four years people have been waiting for that.

[Bruce_B]

We would recommend distinguishing between Apple workstations and servers based on naming conventions rather than asset type. Asset type does indeed determine which information is displayed, it's currently not possible to duplicate a built-in asset type.

Alternatively you could use one of the asset grouping features to be able to easily retrieve your workstations or your servers.

[DTCLARK]

Bruce.B wrote:
We would recommend distinguishing between Apple workstations and servers based on naming conventions rather than asset type. Asset type does indeed determine which information is displayed, it's currently not possible to duplicate a built-in asset type.

Alternatively you could use one of the asset grouping features to be able to easily retrieve your workstations or your servers.

Re-Naming all of our servers would be a difficult task indeed. And using a Group, although possible would once again create a lot of work. And it still does not answer the question of why when Lansweeper knows that the device is indeed a MAC it does not display the asset as such. We did the same thing with Linux Servers, (Created a custom Asset type of "Linux Server") and the information displays properly. So why does it not do the same for MACs'?