Automation Manager

There are many frequent, mundane and time-consuming jobs performed on a regular basis. These soak up time and resources that could be spent dealing with more pressing issues.

Rather than manually carry out these tasks, we have included the ability to automate them on Windows computers. Use default or create custom scripts then applying them as Script Checks or Automated Tasks.

As not everyone has scripting or programming experience, we have introduced the Automation Manager (previously known as the Script Builder and based on technology licensed from SolarWinds). Its intuitive interface allows you to easily create and test your own custom policies (a collection of tasks) before deploying them on Windows computers.

The Automation Manager is only required on the script author's computer. It is not needed on every endpoint running the .amp scripts. Once deployed, these scripts use a component bundled in the Windows Monitoring Agent from 10.3.4.

To create an Automation Manager policy, drag and drop the target objects (scripting components) onto the Policy Builder in their run order. This includes any conditionals (If or For Each objects).

Once in place, link and configure the objects (including the policy's Input Parameters). Test the policy to ensure there are no problems. Upload the generated .amp file to the Dashboard for deployment as a Script Check or Automated Task.

The Automation Manager includes over 600 pre-built objects grouped under functional headings. Event Log includes Create Event and Get Events; Control Flow has For Each and If / Else.

Automation Manager policies are based on PowerShell. In addition to the default objects, you can also add your own PowerShell script using the Run PowerShell Script object. This ensures the created script exactly matches your requirements.

No coding experience is necessary to use the Automation Manager. However, you may need domain knowledge, an understanding of Windows as well as a familiarity with its terms, concepts and technologies depending on the selected objects.

Requirements

The following requirements apply when running .amp scripts on an endpoint or testing the scripts locally.

  • Windows Operating System:
    • Workstation: Microsoft Windows 7 (32/64-bit) or later
    • Server: Microsoft Windows Server 2008 (32/64-bit) or later
  • Windows Monitoring Agent v10.3.4 or later
  • .NET Framework 4.5.1 or above
  • PowerShell 2.0 or above
  • Office 365: the device must have either Microsoft Online Services Object for Windows PowerShell or Windows Azure Active Directory Object for Windows PowerShell installedwhen running scripts that include an Office 365 object

Windows only: as Automation Manager creates PowerShell they are not compatible with Linux or Mac Operating Systems.

Dashboard Permissions

The Automation Manager and Script Manager are only available when logged into the Dashboard as a user with the Custom Scripts permissions enabled.

The Automation Manager may be slow to respond when creating a policy with a large number of objects. We suggest splitting these larger policies into smaller ones then use the Run Policy object in Extensions to combine them.

Unexpected errors can occur if you attempt to run two policies containing SSH objects at the same time. For example, the first policy sends commands in the SSH session created by the second policy. These errors occur because a class which handles the SSH connection is static.

Requirements on device running the script:

SSH, Telnet, or Wake on LAN Policies:

  • Professional or Enterprise license

Office 365 Policies:

  • Professional License Model
  • Microsoft Online Services Sign-In Assistant Installed
  • Microsoft Online Services for Windows PowerShell or Windows Azure Active Directory Module for Windows PowerShell Installed

What do you want to do?