cmdb_ci_printer use count historical report

[Adam M]

I am looking to create monthly reporting on the use_count field of all in use printers, I am not finding any OOTB solution at this time without complex scripts.

[M Iftikhar]

Hi Adam,

Great question! 

Here’s a simple and clean approach to achieve this without complex scripting:

Create a new custom table (e.g., u_printer_use_history) with the following fields:

• u_printer (Reference [cmdb_ci_printer])

• u_use_count (Integer)

• u_date_captured (Date/Time)

Use a Scheduled Flow or Scheduled Script that runs monthly (or daily if preferred).

• It fetches all “In Use” printers from the cmdb_ci_printer table.

• Inserts a record into the u_printer_use_history table for each printer, storing its current use_count and the current date.

Build a Report on the u_printer_use_history table:

• Report Type: Line or Bar Chart (You can use any chart you want)

• Group by: u_date_captured

• Metric: Average or Sum of u_use_count

• Filter by: printer, location, or any other field if needed.

Just Create Table, Flow and Report! This approach lets you easily generate historical or monthly trend reports on printer usage,fully automated and maintenance-free once set up.
Hope this helps!
Thanks & Regards,
Muhammad Iftikhar
If my response helped, please mark it helpful & accept the solution so others can benefit as well.

[ChallaR]

HI @Adam M ,

Recommended Approach: Use Performance Analytics or Scheduled Snapshots

Option 1: Performance Analytics (PA)

If you have Performance Analytics enabled:

• Create an Indicator Source for cmdb_ci_printer where install_status = In Use.
• Track the use_count field as an Indicator.
• Set up Daily or Monthly Snapshots.
• Use Time Series Widgets to visualize trends.

🔗 Learn more about PA Indicators [iwconnect.com]

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Option 2: Scheduled Data Capture with Reporting

If you don’t have PA, you can simulate it using:

• A custom table (e.g., u_printer_usage_log)
• A Scheduled Job or Flow Designer that runs monthly:
  • Queries all In Use printers
  • Captures use_count, printer name, and timestamp
  • Inserts into the log table

Then, create a report on u_printer_usage_log:

• Group by Month
• Show trends or totals

Option 3: UI Builder Dashboard

Once you have the data:

• Use UI Builder to create a dashboard.
• Add List, Bar Chart, or Time Series components.
• Filter by Month, Printer, or Location.

If my response helped please mark it correct and close the thread so that it benefits future readers.

Thanks,

Rithika.ch