How you use LANDesk Asset Lifecycle Manager in your organization depends on the tasks that need to be done, who those tasks are assigned to, and which users are given which rights. Rights are assigned in the Design console, using the Roles dialog box.
Asset Lifecycle Manager includes a set of pre-defined roles, each with a functional or descriptive name, based on the common tasks performed by those roles. These roles are configured and ready to use, and are included in the product to make it easier for you to assign common tasks, to understand and manage their function, and to relate each role to the ITAM priorities in your organization. The roles include:
It is important to understand these roles because all ALM tasks and functions are fulfilled by individuals or groups assigned to them. Role definitions and assignments can be changed by the ALM administrator, and you can create additional roles based on your needs. However, because many of the capabilities enabled in the Asset Content pack are dependent on the assigned roles, it is strongly suggested that you work with LANDesk Professional Services if you want to make changes to these roles or their functionality.
The Roles tab in the Design console (Tools > Settings > Roles) is used to specify the level of access that is allowed for users who are assigned to these roles. You can use these settings to allow or deny access to specific views and features, including which consoles (Design console or Web console) users can see.
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Allows users to access the Asset tab in the Web console to add and modify assets. |
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Allows users to access the settings menu in the Design console, for advanced settings. |
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Allows users to access the Process tab in the Web console to modify requests entered into the system. |
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Allows users to access the Synchronization tab in the Web console to create, edit, run, or manage synchronization jobs. |
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Access console (scroll > to display) |
The ALM Administrator role has access to every area in the system. It is the only role with built-in access to the Design console, and is responsible for managing the configuration of the product. The ALM Administrator is generally responsible for technical aspects of the product such as assigning rights, defining forms and resources, setting up catalog items and state transition maps, creating report views, designing and configuring workflows, and for defining e-mail templates, audit history settings, and so on.
As the person in charge of assets, the Asset Manager uses the Web console to access information about assets, contracts, and vendors. This information can be accessed through reports or directly in the Web console window. The Asset Manager role has access to both the Asset and Process tabs in the Web console, as well as to all reports available in the Asset Content pack.
The IT Management role is used for monitoring asset creation and lifecycle states. This individual has access only to the Web console’s Asset tab. The IT Management role should be assigned to individuals who need to be able to view asset-related data and activity taking place within the system, such as asset requests, changes in the assignment of assets, state changes, purchase or order information, and a variety of asset and inventory reports. This is a management role for viewing data points and getting information from the system.
The IT Technician role only has access to the Asset tab in the Web console. This role is responsible for receiving assets and updating lifecycle states. When an asset requires repair or is returned to the vendor for warranty service, it is the IT Technician who updates the asset's lifecycle state.
The Manager role represents the user who is expected to initiate and/or approve asset requests such as a phone, computer, software, etc. for a specific cost center. This user has access to the Home tab, where asset requests can be initiated, their current status can be reviewed, and requests can be approved.
The Network Manager manages adding and removing machines on the network, including virtual machines. This role is used in the Server rack request and the Virtual server request processes, which are included in the Asset Content pack.
The Ordering Agent role is responsible for procuring assets and fulfilling requests that require a purchase. This individual needs to be able to gather from the system, the information necessary to generate purchase orders for approved asset requests. Access is limited to the Web console’s Asset tab and to Purchasing, Supporting Resources, and Vendor Supporting Resources reports.
The Process Manager role is used to track the progress of existing requests that have been made for new assets. This information is provided on the Process tab in the Web console, which is the only access granted to this role by default. From this location, the Process Manager can see the status of requests in workflows currently in progress.
Depending on who you assign to this role, it may include everyone in the organization or be limited only to certain users. The Requester role gives users rights only to the Home tab in the Web console to submit asset requests or to request that a new asset type be added to the Item Catalog. This role cannot create an asset record in the system.
This role uses the Web console to manage patch deployment and user authentication/credentials for machines on the network. The Security Administrator role is used in the Server rack request and Virtual server request processes, which are included in the Asset Content pack.
The Software Asset Manager role only has access to the Asset tab in the Web console, and allows the individual to manage software licenses and view usage data for assets.
Virtual Machine Administrator
The Virtual Machine Administrator role has access to the Asset tab and the Synchronization tab in the Web console, to manage virtual machines and their required data centers and hosts. This role is used in the Virtual server request process, which is included in the Asset Content pack.
Viewing and editing roles in Asset Lifecycle Manager requires ALM Administrator rights. By default, the ALM Administrator can add, remove, and modify roles within the system.
To view or edit roles and permissions, open the Design console and click Tools > Settings. Click the Roles tab to see a list of the above roles and the access assigned. To edit a role, click to highlight it and select Edit. For more information about the different rights, and how to make changes, see "Configuring roles" in the Designer's Guide.