Manual "data collect" specific objects

[bdamian]

I'm orchestrating the hole infrastructure:

1. AD to create users and groups for entitlements
2. vCenter to create Resource Pools
3. NSX to create networks
4. vRealize Automation to create:

• machine prefix
• Business group
• Reservation

But when I try to create the Reservation, the Resource Pool and networks are not in vRealize Automation inventory. I can't start a data collection every time I do this process so I would like to add this objects manually (like a DEM worker).

Is this possible? Can I force the collection of specific objects into vRealize Inventory on demand?

Thanks a lot,

D.

[abhilashhb]

There is workflow that comes packaged with vCO plugin for vCAC which you can convert into a catalog item to trigger a data collection whenever needed.

Hopefully that solves your issue.

[bdamian]

Thanks Abhilashhb,

Could you give me the name of the workflow? I can't find it.

Thanks a lot,

D.

[bdamian]

I found it. I will do some tests and then I tell you.

Thanks again,

D.

[bdamian]

Hi Abhilashhb,

I've tested the workflow but I can't find a way to know if the data collection is in progress. This workflow only calls for a data collection, but doesn't wait until finishes.

Is there a way to know the status of data collection just like the console shows?

Thanks a lot,

D.

[abhilashhb]

Like the work flow says, it's just a way to force the data collection. This takes into account that it is working fine. Only way to find out id to give it a minute and then get the inventory using the fabric groups page.

[bdamian]

I've done this, I even create a workflow to wait until the data collection is finished. But it seems rather wrong to force a data collection every time I need to do this. In large infrastructures this is a heavy process.

Another aproach is to pre-create all the resources I could need to this process, but again it seems to be wrong due to the waste of unused resources.

The best scenario (to me) is to use the same methods that the worker does. Just to add the objects that I've created. ¿Is that possible?

Thanks a lot,

D.

[GrantOrchardVMw]

Can you explain what you're actually trying to achieve here? Why do you need to run an inventory collection so often? I'm not understanding what the outcome is here, if you can explain it there may be another way to achieve what you're looking for.

[bdamian]

Hi GrantOrchardVMware,

I'm orchestrating the creation of a new "client" and that means:

1) Create AD objects

2) Create resource pool on vCenter

3) Create networks on NSX

4) Create MachinePrefix, BusinessGroup on vRealize Automation

5) Create Reservation on vRealize Automation.

When I reach the point 5, the resource pool and nsx networks are not on the vRealize Automation inventory.

My best option is to manually add those objects into vRealize (like the worker does), but I couldn't find a way to do it. So, my only choice was to execute a Data Collection.

My last resort is to pre-create those objects far before the creation of a new client, but it is a waste of resources.

Thanks for your help.

D.

[poorem]

In a similar vein, we have a Service Blueprint that creates a new network (including an NSX virtual wire and vCenter portgroup). To allow that network to be used for provisioning VMs, it must also be enabled in the relevant Reservations. We've also had to execute a data collection in the workflow that underpins the Service Blueprint to do that.

It works but doesn't scale very well. I have plans to refine it but haven't looked any further in to it yet.

[GrantOrchardVMw]

Ah, I've got you now. Basically you're automating the tenant configuration.

I'll read back through this and post something when my brain is in better working order

Grant