If computers are moved without making any changes in LabStats, the computers will continue reporting to their previous location. Use Hardware Reallocation to maintain accuracy.
Computer labs are becoming more dynamic. When a computer is moved to another location or becomes obsolete, it’s important to ensure your data remains correct. The Hardware Reallocation tool helps reflect these changes in your LabStats data.
Did you move any computers on campus last semester? Imagine reviewing the Peak Usage History report for Glacier Lab, when mid-semester 10 computers were moved from Glacier to Highland Lab. If no one performed hardware reallocation to reassign those machines to the Highland group in LabStats, 10 machines would be reporting data to the wrong group. Your Peak Usage History would be incorrect, due to a simple oversight.
Why do I need to refresh hardware with LabStats?
Hardware reallocation keeps your data clean (accurate). When you change or move machines around campus, it’s important to reflect those changes in LabStats so that the machines continue to report to the appropriate groups.
What is the Hardware Reallocation tool?
The Hardware Reallocation tool allows you to make changes in LabStats to reflect your environment.
When should I use the Hardware Reallocation tool?
If you remove a computer
If you move a computer to another location
Tip: Have LabStats open on a laptop while you’re rearranging computers so you can update your instance in real time and ensure that your data is as accurate as possible.
How do I refresh hardware with LabStats?*
Use the Hardware Reallocation tool in LabStats.
Navigate to Admin
Click Hardware Reallocation
Follow the wizard
*Make sure that the hardware reallocation has been physically completed before using the tool.
Move computers
What are types of hardware reallocation?
Replace
Existing hardware was replaced (either by new or existing hardware)
Choose this option if computers have been replaced with new or existing equipment.
Move
Existing hardware was simply moved to a new location and did not replace any hardware in its new location.
Choose this option if hardware has been moved from one lab to another lab. This leaves the data that occurred in the previous lab alone and starts a new record in the new lab.
Decommission
Existing hardware was taken out of service; it isn’t being replaced and it isn’t being used elsewhere.
Choose this option if a station is being removed and not replaced.
What if I don’t perform hardware reallocation?
If computers are moved without making any changes in LabStats, the computers would continue reporting to their previous location. This can disrupt reports and lead to “dirty data.” It’s much harder to gain insights and make decisions if you’re not keeping your data squeaky clean.
Additional Resources:
Get step-by-step instructions on hardware reallocation:
