# Software Metering

This module is used to monitor and analyze application usage across devices. It provides visibility into **application usage frequency, duration, and activity at the process level,** helping organizations understand actual software consumption.

This feature is primarily used for:

* Tracking how often an application is used
* Measuring time spent on each application
* Identifying underutilized or unused software
* Supporting license optimization and cost control

Software metering uses **agent-based tracking,** in which installed agents continuously monitor application activity on devices. The data collected is processed and displayed in both summary and detailed views.

Metering is configured through **rules,** where one or more applications are grouped and tracked across selected devices or environments.

## **How Does it Work**

Software Metering works through **agent-based tracking combined with rule configuration.** Once a metering rule is created, it is pushed to the Inventory Agents installed on devices. These agents continuously monitor application usage (based on process activity) and send the collected data to the platform, where it is aggregated and displayed in summary and detailed views for analysis.

Key Points:

* Rule-Based Tracking: Applications are monitored based on configured Software Metering rules.
* Agent Dependency: Tracking is performed by Inventory Agents installed on devices.
* Continuous Monitoring: Usage is captured when the application process is running, even if it is not actively used.
* Sync Functionality: The Sync option ensures newly added or updated rules are applied to all agents and devices.
* New Application Handling: Newly installed applications are tracked only if they are part of an existing rule.
* New Device Handling: New devices start tracking only after receiving the configured rules (via sync or default push).
* No Scheduling Required: Once configured, tracking runs automatically without manual intervention.

## **What you see on the screen**

The Software Metering screen displays all configured **Software Metering Rules** along with their associated applications. It provides options for searching, filtering, creating, and managing rules, as well as synchronizing configurations with agents to ensure accurate tracking.

Software Metering **| Basic Details**

<table><thead><tr><th width="154.60003662109375">Label</th><th width="142.39996337890625">Action</th><th>Description / Example</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Search</strong></td><td>Enter keyword</td><td>Allows you to search Software Metering rules using Rule Name or Application details.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Filter</strong></td><td>Apply filter conditions</td><td>Refines the list based on conditions.<br><br><strong>Fields:</strong> Software<br><strong>Conditions:</strong> in, not in, equal to, not equal to, contains, not contains</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Sync</strong></td><td>Click to sync</td><td>Updates and pushes the latest Software Metering rules to all agents. Ensures newly added or updated rules are applied to devices and tracking starts accordingly.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>+ Create Rule</strong></td><td>Click to create</td><td>Opens the Create Rule configuration to define a new Software Metering rule with selected applications.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Column Details</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Rule Name</strong></td><td>View / Sort</td><td>Displays the name of the Software Metering rule. Helps identify the tracking configuration.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Application List</strong></td><td>View</td><td>Shows the list of applications included in the rule. Multiple applications can be grouped under a single rule.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Comment</strong></td><td>View</td><td>Displays additional notes or descriptions provided during rule creation.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Actions</strong></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Edit</strong></td><td>Click to modify</td><td>Allows you to update the selected rule, such as modifying applications or comments.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Delete</strong></td><td>Click to remove</td><td>Deletes the selected Software Metering rule from the system.</td></tr></tbody></table>

## **Create Rule**

* To create a new Software Metering rule, click on **+ Create Rule** located at the top right corner of the page. A configuration panel opens, where you can define which applications to track and the rule's scope.
* A rule is typically created per application or specific use case, making it easier to identify and analyze usage.

**Create Rule |** Basic Details

<table><thead><tr><th width="141.800048828125">Label</th><th width="174.199951171875">Action</th><th>Description / Example</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Rule Name</strong></td><td>Enter value</td><td>Specify a unique and meaningful name for the rule, ideally based on the application being tracked.<br><br><strong>Example:</strong> Microsoft Edge Usage Tracking</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Software</strong></td><td>Select from the list</td><td>Select one or more applications to be tracked under this rule. The list is populated from agent-discovered software.<br><br><strong>Example:</strong> Microsoft Edge</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Comment</strong></td><td>Enter value</td><td>Add optional notes describing the purpose of the rule.<br><br><strong>Example:</strong> Monitor browser usage for analysis</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Applicable For</strong></td><td>Select from the dropdown</td><td><p>Defines the scope of the rule.<br><br><strong>Options:</strong><br></p><ul><li>All – Applies to all devices with agents</li><li>Selected Device – Applies only to chosen devices</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %}
Once all details are entered, click **Save** to create and activate the rule.
{% endhint %}

![](/files/193ecf2054e8d1a70b35889376c543f18641ba9f)


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