Chrome OS: FileWave Inventory Extension Behavior (FAQ)
What
The FileWave Chromebook Inventory extension collects Chromebook inventory details that are not available from the Google Admin console alone. This FAQ explains when the extension reports data and why FileWave inventory dates may differ from Google Admin console dates.
When/Why
Use the Inventory extension to collect additional Chromebook inventory, request updated inventory, and start remote control sessions.
How does it work?
Q: How do I install the Inventory extension?
A: Use the Quick Start Guide for Chromebooks.
Q: What does the Inventory extension do?
A: See Chrome OS: FileWave Inventory Extension Capabilities for the full capability list.
Q: How frequently does the extension report data?
A: The extension reports data based on the frequency in the JSON configuration file. The default is once per day, and you can change it in the JSON.
Q: Will the extension send data no matter what?
A: No. These conditions must be true before the extension can send data:
-
The device is on and connected to a network.
-
The device is not asleep.
-
A user is logged in, because the extension runs in the user context.
-
The extension is installed for that user.
-
The endpoint can reach the FileWave server. For off-network devices, that means the FileWave server must be reachable from the internet path the Chromebook is using.
Q: What happens if the device is offline, off, or asleep when it should send inventory?
A: Nothing happens immediately. When the device comes back online with a user logged in, it should submit inventory right away.
Q: Will the Inventory extension work if Chrome is not open?
A: No. The Inventory extension is a browser extension, so it works only when a user is logged in and Chrome is open.
Q: Why are Last Sync and Last Connected different in inventory?
A: Last Connected is usually the more useful value. It shows when the device last talked directly to your FileWave server through the extension. Last Sync shows when the device last checked in with the Google Admin console.
Q: How frequently does FileWave receive data from the Google Admin console?
A: By default, the FileWave server synchronizes with Google nightly at midnight. You can force an on-demand synchronization from the Google preferences tab.
Q: Why does Google Admin console data differ from FileWave inventory?
A: The data probably changed after the last Google-to-FileWave synchronization. The device checks in with Google on one schedule, and FileWave synchronizes with Google on another. A manual synchronization should bring the data up to date.