How to Create a Device Collection in SCCM
In the realm of IT management, System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) is a powerful tool that helps organizations manage and deploy software, manage devices, and ensure compliance with organizational policies. One of the fundamental tasks in SCCM is creating device collections. Device collections are a way to group devices based on certain criteria, making it easier to manage and deploy software or policies to those devices. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a device collection in SCCM.
Understanding Device Collections
Before diving into the creation process, it is essential to understand what a device collection is. A device collection is a set of devices that are grouped together based on specific criteria, such as device name, operating system, or location. By creating device collections, administrators can efficiently manage and deploy software, policies, and updates to a targeted group of devices.
Creating a Device Collection
To create a device collection in SCCM, follow these steps:
1. Open SCCM Console and navigate to the “Devices” workspace.
2. Right-click on “Collections” and select “Create Collection.”
3. In the “Create Collection” wizard, choose “Device” as the collection type and click “Next.”
4. Enter a name for your device collection and provide a description if needed. Click “Next.”
5. Select the criteria for your device collection. You can choose from various options such as device name, operating system, hardware IDs, and more. Configure the criteria based on your requirements and click “Next.”
6. Review the collection properties and click “Finish” to create the device collection.
Configuring Collection Membership
Once your device collection is created, you may need to add devices to it. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Right-click on the device collection and select “Manage Collection.”
2. In the “Manage Collection” window, click on the “Add Rule” button.
3. Choose the criteria for adding devices to the collection, such as device name, operating system, or location. Configure the rule based on your requirements and click “OK.”
4. Repeat the process for each additional rule you want to add.
5. Click “OK” to close the “Manage Collection” window.
Using Device Collections
After creating and configuring your device collection, you can use it to manage and deploy software, policies, and updates to the targeted group of devices. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Navigate to the “Software Library” or “Configuration Items” workspace in SCCM.
2. Right-click on the software or configuration item and select “Deploy.”
3. In the “Deploy Software” or “Deploy Configuration Item” wizard, select the device collection as the target group and click “Next.”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the deployment process.
By following these steps, you can create a device collection in SCCM and use it to manage and deploy software, policies, and updates to a targeted group of devices. This will help streamline your IT management process and ensure that your organization’s devices are up-to-date and compliant with organizational policies.
