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Greg Shields

Explore the data collection and presentation side of Configuration Manager in this course as you customize hardware and software inventory, create queries and collections, and get to know the CMPivot tool.

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Explore the data collection and presentation side of Configuration Manager in this course as you customize hardware and software inventory, create queries and collections, and get to know the CMPivot tool.

The previous course finishes most of the foundational configurations to get an MECM primary site operational. But one final preparation involves the settings required to configure and customize hardware and software inventory collection. Enabling this data collection delivers access to an impressive range of machine characteristics. Understanding both the art and the science of then querying that data is arguably the most important and the most difficult part of the job.

In this fourth course out of sixteen, Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Inventory, Queries/Collections, and CMPivot with MECM, you'll begin by walking through the enabling and customization of hardware and software inventory on attached clients. Then, you'll dig deeply into the practices -- and the creativity -- in building useful queries that can be turned into ConfigMgr collections. Next, for those situations when you need absolute real-time client data, you'll see how CMPivot can accomplish the task. Then, you'll explore MECM's reporting engine and how to customize reports. Finally, you'll explore some special use cases for this collected data with Asset Intelligence andf Software Metering. By then end of this course, you'll have a better understanding of the settings required to configure and customize hardware and software inventory collection.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
Introduction
Configure MECM Hardware and Software Inventory
Construct MECM Queries and Collections
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Explore CMPivot
Explore MECM Reports
Configure Asset Intelligence and Software Metering

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops skills in extracting and querying hardware and software inventory from managed devices, which is core skill for system administration
Taught by Greg Shields, who are recognized for their work in systems management
Provides hands-on experience with CMPivot, a valuable tool for real-time data collection
Covers advanced topics such as Asset Intelligence and Software Metering, which can enhance asset management
Requires familiarity with MECM, making it suitable for intermediate learners or those intending to pursue MECM system administration
Focuses on the technical aspects of inventory collection and querying, which may not be of interest to all IT professionals

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Inventory, Queries/Collections, and CMPivot with MECM with these activities:
Review course materials
Reviewing the course materials will help you familiarize yourself with the concepts that will be covered in this course.
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Show steps
  • Read the course syllabus and learning objectives.
  • Review the instructor's resume and other materials.
  • Gather any necessary supplies such as a notebook, pen, and computer.
Review PowerShell basics
Sharpen your PowerShell skills to effectively manage MECM inventory.
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Show steps
  • Review PowerShell syntax and commands
  • Test PowerShell scripts in a test environment
Review hardware system management
Build a stronger foundation in system management to better prepare for this course.
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  • Review Configuration Manager hardware inventory
  • Research best practices for hardware inventory collection
13 other activities
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Create a Cheat Sheet for Query Syntax
Reinforce understanding of query syntax by creating a concise reference guide.
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  • List the Basic Query Operators (AND, OR, NOT)
  • Describe the Use of Wildcards in Queries
  • Provide Examples of Common Query Structures
Collaborate with peers on inventory optimization
Engage with peers to share knowledge, discuss best practices, and optimize inventory collection.
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Show steps
  • Join online forums or discussion groups related to MECM inventory
  • Participate in peer-to-peer discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions
Practice Queries and Collections
Build proficiency in using queries and collections by performing repetitive exercises.
Show steps
  • Create a Query to List All Computers with a Specific BIOS Version
  • Create a Collection to Group Computers by Operating System Version
  • Create a Query to List All Software Installed on a Specific Computer
Practice WMI queries
Enhance understanding of WMI queries, which are essential for MECM inventory collection.
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Show steps
  • Create WMI queries to gather hardware and software information
  • Test and refine WMI queries for accuracy and efficiency
Practice queries and collections
Practicing queries and collections will help you develop the skills necessary to effectively manage your MECM environment.
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Show steps
  • Create a new collection based on a specific criteria.
  • Modify an existing collection to add or remove members.
  • Create a query to retrieve information about a specific set of devices.
Follow a tutorial on CMPivot
Following a tutorial on CMPivot will help you learn how to use this powerful tool to troubleshoot and manage your MECM environment.
Show steps
  • Find a tutorial on CMPivot.
  • Follow the steps in the tutorial.
  • Experiment with CMPivot on your own.
Explore the Microsoft Docs on CMPivot
Gain a deeper understanding of CMPivot by following official documentation and tutorials.
Show steps
  • Read through the Microsoft Docs page on CMPivot Overview
  • Follow a Step-by-Step Tutorial on Using CMPivot Queries
Use MECM Console and PowerShell for inventory management
Become proficient in using MECM tools for inventory management.
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Show steps
  • Follow tutorials to navigate the MECM Console for inventory configuration
  • Learn PowerShell commands for inventory management tasks
Join a Study Group for CMPivot Practice
Enhance CMPivot skills by collaborating and practicing with peers in a study group.
Show steps
  • Find or Form a Study Group with Other Course Participants
  • Set Regular Meeting Times to Practice CMPivot Queries Together
  • Share Tips, Techniques, and Best Practices
Create a Report on Hardware Inventory Data
Solidify knowledge of hardware inventory by creating a comprehensive report that analyzes and presents the data.
Show steps
  • Gather Hardware Inventory Data from MECM
  • Use Excel or Power BI to Create Visualizations and Charts
  • Write a Report Summarizing the Findings and Insights
Create a report on hardware and software inventory
Creating a report on hardware and software inventory will help you understand the assets in your MECM environment and identify any potential issues.
Show steps
  • Configure MECM to collect hardware and software inventory.
  • Create a report that displays the hardware and software inventory data.
  • Analyze the report to identify any potential issues.
Create custom reports for inventory data
Develop skills in creating custom reports to analyze and present inventory data.
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Show steps
  • Design custom reports for specific inventory data requirements
  • Use MECM Reporting Engine to generate and export reports
  • Interpret and analyze report data to identify trends and patterns
Contribute to open-source projects related to MECM inventory
Enhance understanding of MECM inventory management by contributing to open-source projects.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Identify open-source projects related to MECM inventory
  • Fork and clone the project repository
  • Contribute code, documentation, or bug fixes to the project

Career center

Learners who complete Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Inventory, Queries/Collections, and CMPivot with MECM will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
IT Systems Administrator
IT Systems Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of an organization's computer systems and networks. To be successful in this role, IT Systems Administrators use a variety of tools to manage and maintain these systems, including hardware and software inventory, queries, reporting, and custom dashboards. This course on Microsoft Endpoint Manager covers the basics of these tools. Thus, it may be helpful for an IT Systems Administrator looking to expand their skillset.
IT Manager
IT Managers are responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and maintenance of an organization's computer systems and networks. To be successful in this role, IT Managers use a variety of skills to manage their teams and projects, including hardware and software inventory, queries, reporting, and custom dashboards. This course on Microsoft Endpoint Manager covers the basics of these tools. Thus, it may be helpful for an IT Manager looking to expand their skillset.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts help protect an organization's computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. To be successful in this role, Information Security Analysts use a variety of tools to monitor and detect security breaches, including hardware and software inventory, queries, reporting, and custom dashboards. This course on Microsoft Endpoint Manager covers the basics of these tools. Thus, it may be helpful for an Information Security Analyst looking to expand their skillset.
IT Security Analyst
IT Security Analysts help protect an organization's computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. To be successful in this role, IT Security Analysts use a variety of tools to monitor and detect security breaches, including hardware and software inventory, queries, reporting, and custom dashboards. This course on Microsoft Endpoint Manager covers the basics of these tools. Thus, it may be helpful for an IT Security Analyst looking to expand their skillset.
Risk Analyst
Risk Analysts identify, assess, and mitigate risks to an organization's computer systems and networks. To be successful in this role, Risk Analysts use a variety of tools to analyze these risks, including hardware and software inventory, queries, reporting, and custom dashboards. This course on Microsoft Endpoint Manager covers the basics of these tools. Thus, it may be helpful for a Risk Analyst looking to expand their skillset.
IT Auditor
IT Auditors evaluate an organization's computer systems and networks to ensure that they are operating in accordance with the organization's policies and procedures. To be successful in this role, IT Auditors use a variety of tools to audit these systems, including hardware and software inventory, queries, reporting, and custom dashboards. This course on Microsoft Endpoint Manager covers the basics of these tools. Thus, it may be helpful for an IT Auditor looking to expand their skillset.
IT Support Specialist
IT Support Specialists typically provide technical support to a company's employees, which may include answering support questions and troubleshooting computer issues. To be successful in this role, IT Support Specialists use a variety of tools to resolve issues, including hardware and software inventory, queries, and reporting. This course on Microsoft Endpoint Manager covers the basics of these tools. Thus, it may be helpful for an IT Support Specialist looking to expand their skillset.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data in various forms, both structured and unstructured. Data Scientists use a variety of tools to collect, clean, and analyze data, including custom queries, inventory collection, and reporting. This course on Microsoft Endpoint Manager covers the basics of data collection, querying, and reporting. Thus, it may be helpful for a Data Scientist looking to expand their skillset.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts help maximize the value of an organization's data through the analysis of data. They can work in any industry but may be a crucial part of a larger IT team within their organization. To be successful in this role, Data Analysts use a variety of tools to collect, clean, and analyze data, including custom queries, inventory collection, and reporting. This course on Microsoft Endpoint Manager covers the basics of data collection, querying, and reporting. Thus, it may be helpful for a Data Analyst looking to expand their skillset.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts help businesses improve their performance by analyzing data and recommending solutions. They use a variety of tools to collect, clean, and analyze data, including custom queries, inventory collection, and reporting. This course on Microsoft Endpoint Manager covers the basics of data collection, querying, and reporting. Thus, it may be helpful for a Systems Analyst looking to expand their skillset.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help businesses improve their performance by analyzing data and recommending solutions. They use a variety of tools to collect, clean, and analyze data, including custom queries, inventory collection, and reporting. This course on Microsoft Endpoint Manager covers the basics of data collection, querying, and reporting. Thus, it may be helpful for a Business Analyst looking to expand their skillset in data analysis and reporting.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators are responsible for the maintenance and administration of databases. They use a variety of tools to manage and maintain these databases, including hardware and software inventory, queries, reporting, and custom dashboards. This course on Microsoft Endpoint Manager covers the basics of these tools. Thus, it may be helpful for a Database Administrator looking to expand their skillset.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They use a variety of tools to design, code, test, and deploy software, including hardware and software inventory, queries, and reporting. This course on Microsoft Endpoint Manager covers the basics of these tools. Thus, it may be helpful for a Software Engineer looking to expand their skillset.
Network Engineer
Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They use a variety of tools to manage and maintain these networks, including hardware and software inventory, queries, reporting, and custom dashboards. This course on Microsoft Endpoint Manager covers the basics of these tools. Thus, it may be helpful for a Network Engineer looking to expand their skillset.
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts test software to ensure that it meets the requirements and specifications. They use a variety of tools to test software, including hardware and software inventory, queries, and reporting. This course on Microsoft Endpoint Manager covers the basics of these tools. Thus, it may be helpful for a Quality Assurance Analyst looking to expand their skillset.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Microsoft Endpoint Manager: Inventory, Queries/Collections, and CMPivot with MECM.
PowerShell powerful scripting language that can be used to automate Configuration Manager tasks. provides a comprehensive overview of PowerShell, from its basics to advanced concepts.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Microsoft Endpoint Manager. It covers all aspects of Endpoint Manager, from installation to management to troubleshooting. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
Provides valuable insights into SQL Server query performance tuning. This knowledge can be applied to optimizing queries used in Configuration Manager reports and data gathering.
Similar to the previous book, this book delves into Kubernetes and container orchestration. By understanding Kubernetes, IT professionals can better leverage it with Configuration Manager.
Although this book does not specifically focus on Configuration Manager, it provides valuable insights into Docker and containerization. This knowledge is useful for IT professionals looking to leverage Docker with Configuration Manager.
Provides a comprehensive overview of security engineering principles. It explores topics such as threats, vulnerabilities, and security measures. This knowledge is valuable for understanding the security aspects of Configuration Manager.
Provides insights into DevOps principles and practices. It explores topics such as collaboration, automation, and continuous improvement. This knowledge can be applied to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Configuration Manager deployments.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer networks and networking principles. This background knowledge is helpful for understanding the network infrastructure and protocols used in Configuration Manager.

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