From a spreadsheet to computer inventory

Context

I began recording the computers in my support area in an Excel file. I collected their addresses, inventory numbers, responsible staff, departments, and hardware details. When the university needed a common computer register, this file became its starting point.

My contribution and the team’s work

I created the initial data structure, gathered information in classrooms and offices, and defined practical requirements. My manager developed the server-side code in PHP and the web interface. An external developer wrote the utility that collected computer details through WMI.

I configured the utility to run at startup in new Windows images so the system could update hardware data. I also found a way to launch VNC from a computer’s record; my manager implemented the interface button.

Workflow

The utility supplied hardware details; responsible staff and departments were entered manually. Hardware maintenance records were added later. The system brought together computer inventory, hardware data collection, and VNC access within the local network.

The original spreadsheet, code, and documentation are not published on this site.

Outcome

The IT department and university management gained shared access to computer and hardware records.