Inventory

Lanview inventory collects hardware and software information from managed Windows devices and presents it in Lanview Studio.

Inventory helps administrators understand what is installed, what hardware is in use, which devices may need attention and how the device estate is changing over time.

Inventory data reflects the last collection or refresh. It should not be treated as live data unless the page clearly shows that a refresh has just completed.

Inventory areas

Lanview provides inventory information in two main ways:

• per-device inventory from the Device Window
• aggregate inventory views from the Studio Inventory module

Per-device inventory is useful when investigating one computer.

Aggregate inventory is useful when reviewing hardware or software across many devices.

Hardware Inventory

Hardware Inventory can include information such as:

• system manufacturer and model
• operating system details
• processor and memory
• memory modules
• drives, volumes and disks
• network adapters
• video cards
• monitors
• printers
• battery information
• security related device information
• driver warnings
• inventory metadata

The exact information available depends on what the Windows device reports and what Lanview Client can collect.

Software Inventory

Software Inventory shows installed software information collected from managed devices.

This can help with application review, support investigation, software standardisation and deployment planning.

Software inventory should be handled as operationally sensitive data. It can reveal installed applications, versions and device usage patterns.

Refreshing inventory

Inventory can be refreshed from Lanview Studio where the user has permission.

Refresh types may include:

• mini inventory
• full hardware inventory
• software inventory

Inventory refresh can be requested for an individual device or for a group.

Refresh Inventory results appear when the Client completes the collection and sends the updated data to Lanview Server.

Exports

Where export is available, exported inventory data should be treated carefully.

Inventory exports can include device names, hardware identifiers, installed software, operating system details and other information that may be sensitive inside an organisation.

Do not place exported inventory files in public locations or attach them to support requests unless the content has been reviewed.

Permissions

Inventory permissions separate viewing and refresh actions.

Additional permissions may apply to exports or aggregate inventory views depending on the current Lanview configuration.

Audit behaviour

Lanview audits inventory refresh requests.

Read-only inventory viewing is normally treated differently from state-changing actions. Use the current permission and audit configuration before relying on export behaviour for compliance reporting.

Console commands

Related console commands include:

inventory.show <deviceId|machineName>
inventory.refresh <deviceId|machineName> /type mini|full|software
group.inventory.refresh <groupId|groupName> /type mini|full|software

Common problems

Inventory appears out of date

Inventory reflects the last successful collection. Request a refresh if current information is required.

Software is missing from the list

Software inventory depends on what Windows reports and what Lanview Client can collect. Some applications may not appear in the same way across all installation methods.

A group refresh takes time

Group refreshes can affect many devices. Results are returned as each device completes the request.

Guidance

Use inventory to support decisions, not as the only source of truth for every asset, licence or compliance question.

If inventory data is used for formal reporting, define the refresh schedule, export process and review responsibility clearly.