Bulk input wizard

You can use a bulk input rule as a quick way to enter custom data for new and existing device records using a spreadsheet-like format. For example, this rule would be useful if you need to update records by adding the departments your organization's devices belong to. Instead of going into inventory for each device and adding that information, you could configure this rule to create a spreadsheet that helps you complete this task efficiently.

Open the wizard by right-clicking Bulk Input in the DTS tree and selecting New rule. Enter a unique name and description for this rule, then select the database where the rule will store the data it gathers. On the continuing wizard pages, enter the following information:

Add new machines: Enables you create new records for devices that don't already exist in the inventory database.

Modify existing machines: Enables you to edit data for existing device records in the inventory database.

  • Database attribute: The key attribute that DTS uses to look up the device record being modified. If the key attribute isn't specified, you'll receive an error message and won't be able to make the changes. Click the ellipsis (…) button to select the attribute from the attribute browser.

Use this page to select the database attributes you want to edit.

In the resulting spreadsheet, if the attribute already exists in the inventory database, its value will become whatever you enter. If the attribute doesn't exist, it will be created and its value will become whatever you enter.

The Attribute column shows the name of the attribute you selected as the key attribute (always first in the list and in blue) and any others you added by clicking the Add button. The Type column shows the data type of the attribute (STRING, DATE, and so on).

Perform a bulk input right now: Creates the bulk-input spreadsheet as soon as you click the Next button. A spreadsheet will appear where you can enter and save your custom data. Your new rule will appear in the Bulk Input > All Rules folder.

If you don't select Perform a bulk input right now, click the Finish button. Your new rule will appear in the Bulk Input > All Rules folder.