Optimizing Asset Management with Part Number and Normalization Suggestions

[Sean_Walker]

Optimizing Asset Management with Part Number and Normalization Suggestions

Effective software asset management relies on accurate and consistent data, particularly when dealing with custom part numbers and normalization of discovery models. Understanding and leveraging Part Number suggestions and Normalization Suggestions can significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of your asset management processes.

For a deeper understanding of how to leverage Normalization and Part Number Suggestions, be sure to watch the “Ask a Ranger: Software Asset Management” video series Evaluating and Addressing Normalization and Part Number Suggestions

Part Number Suggestions

Part Number suggestions help streamline the process of managing and integrating custom part numbers within your asset management system. Here's how it works:

• Availability of Suggestions: Part Number suggestions are generated only when a corresponding match is found for your custom part numbers in the Content Service. These suggestions help ensure that custom part numbers are correctly mapped and integrated into your system.
• Storage of Suggestions: The suggestions are recorded in the Part Number Suggestions [samp_sw_part_number_suggestion] table. This table serves as a repository for tracking and managing part number recommendations.
• Opting In and Enabling Services: To receive Part Number suggestions, you must opt in to the Content Services and enable the Part Numbers and Discovery Maps option. This action will upload any custom part numbers, Discovery Maps, and products to the Content Services team for review. This review process helps ensure that your custom entries are accurately represented and integrated.

Normalization Suggestions

Normalization Suggestions play a crucial role in maintaining consistency between your discovery models and the values specified in package or pattern rules. Here's how this process works:

• Purpose of Normalization Suggestions: Normalization Suggestions are created when there are discrepancies between field values in your discovery models and those in the established package or pattern rules. These suggestions help correct any inconsistencies and ensure data accuracy.
• Creation of Suggestions: During the weekly normalization process, the system compares manually normalized values for Publisher, Product, Version, Edition, Platform, and Language against the corresponding values in the package or pattern rules. If discrepancies or updates are identified, a Normalization Suggestion record is created.
• Evaluation and Action: You have the option to evaluate these suggestions to address any manual normalization errors. Suggestions can be:
• Accepted: This will update the Discovery Model with the correct values, aligning it with the package or pattern rules.
• Rejected: This will leave the manually normalized values unchanged if they are deemed correct despite the suggestions.

Best Practices for Managing Suggestions

• Regular Review: Frequently review Part Number and Normalization Suggestions to ensure that your asset management data remains accurate and up-to-date.
• Integration with Content Services: Opt in to the Content Services and ensure that the relevant options are enabled to facilitate the submission and review of custom entries.
• Evaluate Suggestions Thoroughly: Assess each Normalization Suggestion carefully to determine whether updates are necessary or if the existing manual values are accurate.

Conclusion

Part Number and Normalization Suggestions are essential tools in maintaining the accuracy and efficiency of your software asset management system. By leveraging these suggestions, organizations can ensure that custom part numbers are properly integrated and that discovery models are consistently normalized. Regular review and appropriate action on these suggestions will contribute to a more streamlined and effective asset management process.

To better understand the details of this topic, please watch the video below.

Evaluating and Addressing Normalization and Part Number Suggestions