Inventory Module Overview | CXTech
Inventory Module Overview
Document ID: L2A-001
Module: Certero for Enterprise ITAM > Inventory
Database Schema: C_Data\Inventory
Entities: 269+ tables
Overview
The Inventory module is the foundation of the Certero Unified Platform, providing comprehensive discovery and tracking of IT assets across multiple operating systems. It collects hardware specifications, software installations, system configurations, and user information from managed endpoints.
Data is collected via the Certero Client Agent installed on endpoints, through agentless discovery via connectors, or imported from external sources.
Navigation
Menu Path: Main Menu → Computer Systems → [OS Type]
Key Concepts
Supported Operating Systems
Data Model
Core Entity Hierarchy
Primary Entities
Related Entities
Entity Relationships
User Interface
Screen: Computer Systems (All)
Navigation: Main Menu → Computer Systems → All Systems
Purpose: Unified view of all discovered computer systems regardless of OS.
Key Columns:
Actions Available:
Screen: System Properties
Navigation: Click on any computer system row
Tabs Available:
Data Collection
Agent-Based Collection
Process:
Certero Client Agent installed on endpoint
Agent runs inventory scan (scheduled/triggered)
Data uploaded to Endpoint Server
Endpoint Server processes and stores in C_Data
Data available in UI
Data Collected (Windows):
Agentless Collection
Sources:
Configuration Rules
Navigation: Main Menu → Client Management → Client Rules
Configuration Rules determine what data the agent collects and how often.
Key Settings:
Archiving
What is Archiving?
Archiving is a soft-delete that hides systems from default views while preserving data.
When to Archive:
Decommissioned systems
Systems offline for extended period
Duplicate records
Archive Behavior:
System hidden from default grids (filter: IsArchived = 0)
Data preserved in database
Can be unarchived if needed
Archived systems excluded from compliance calculations
How to Archive:
Navigate to Computer Systems grid
Right-click system(s)
Select "Archive"
Confirm action
Troubleshooting
Issue: System Not Appearing in Inventory
Symptoms:
Agent installed but system not visible
Last Inventory date not updating
Causes & Resolution:
Issue: Stale Inventory Data
Symptoms:
Last Inventory date is old
Data doesn't reflect recent changes
Resolution:
Check agent service status
Verify inventory schedule in Configuration Rules
Check Endpoint Server connectivity
Review agent logs: C:\ProgramData\Certero\Agent\Logs\
Manually trigger inventory: Agent tray icon → Inventory Now
Issue: Duplicate Systems
Symptoms:
Same system appears multiple times
Different system IDs for same computer
Cause: System rebuilt/renamed without proper cleanup.
Resolution:
Identify correct/current record
Archive duplicate records
Review "Duplicate Systems" report: Miscellaneous → Duplicate Systems
Integration Points
Related Modules
Dynamic Groups
Inventory data can be used in Dynamic Group criteria:
OS version
Hardware specifications
Software installed
Last inventory date
Zone membership
Related Documentation
Computer Systems | CXTech - OS-specific details
Hardware Discovery | CXTech - Hardware inventory
Software Discovery | CXTech - Software inventory
Client Agent Configuration - Agent setup