Custom Fields in Level provide a flexible and powerful way to manage and organize device-specific data within your IT environment. This feature allows Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT departments to create unique data points that apply across device groups and down to individual devices, ensuring consistent information flow and structured data management.
Key Features
Global and Group-Level Configuration: Custom Fields are created globally and can be assigned default values, which will automatically populate across all devices. These defaults can be customized at the group and device levels, allowing you to adjust data to fit the specific needs of each layer in your device hierarchy.
Security Control: You can designate fields as “Admin Only,” restricting view and edit permissions to account administrators. Sensitive data, such as passwords, is further protected by obscuring values from general visibility.
Automation-Friendly: Custom Fields can be read and updated through automation scripts, providing a seamless way to manage data dynamically across your devices.
Examples of Custom Field Use Cases
BitLocker Recovery Key: Securely store and automate the retrieval of BitLocker recovery keys.
License Keys: Keep track of software licenses (e.g., antivirus, Office) across devices.
Maintenance Window: Define permissible downtime windows for updates on a group or device level.
Asset Tags and Serial Numbers: Assign unique asset tags or serial numbers for easy tracking.
Device Install Dates and Warranties: Store installation dates and warranty expiration information for lifecycle management.
Working with Custom Fields
Accessing Custom Fields
Navigate to Custom Fields by clicking on your account profile in the top-right corner and selecting Custom Fields from the dropdown.
On this page, you can view all existing fields, set global default values, and configure security settings such as the “Admin Only” restriction.
Creating a Custom Field
Click Add Custom Field and provide a unique name for the field.
Optionally, select Admin Only to restrict access to the field’s data to administrators only. This setting is ideal for sensitive information like passwords, as it obscures values on the UI.
Managing Custom Fields in Groups
For group-specific customization, go to the group settings by clicking on the three dots next to the group in the device listing, then choose Settings > Custom Fields.
Here, you can override global default values for a specific group or its children, enabling hierarchical data management.
Device-Level Overrides
You can override Custom Field values at the individual device level. This is useful when a device requires specific information that deviates from group or global settings.
Using Custom Fields in Automation
Reading Custom Fields in Scripts
Custom Fields can be read within scripts. To retrieve a Custom Field, use the Variable button in the script editor to insert the field, which will dynamically replace the variable with its corresponding value during execution.
Example Script for Retrieving Asset Tag:
#!/bin/bash
ASSET_TAG={{cf_asset_tag}}
echo "Asset Tag for this device is: $ASSET_TAG"
Writing to Custom Fields in Automations
Automations can also write or update device-specific Custom Fields, allowing for data updates in real-time as conditions change. The Set Custom Field action in automation enables the script to save outputs to specific Custom Fields.
Example: Automating BitLocker Recovery Key Retrieval
Create a Custom Field:
Name it “BitLocker Recovery Key” and set it as Admin Only for secure storage.
Automation Setup:
Trigger: Set up a scheduled trigger to run weekly on Windows devices.
Shell Action: Add a Shell action to retrieve the BitLocker recovery key. Use PowerShell with the command:
(Get-BitLockerVolume -MountPoint "C:").KeyProtector | Where-Object {$_.KeyProtectorType -eq "RecoveryPassword"} | Select-Object -ExpandProperty RecoveryPasswordAssign Output: Assign the output to a variable, e.g.,
BitLockerRecoveryKey.Set Custom Field: Use the Set Custom Field action to save the retrieved recovery key into the “BitLocker Recovery Key” field.
Run the Automation:
To execute the automation immediately, exit edit mode and select Run trigger now from the automation trigger settings.
Summary
Custom Fields are a versatile tool in Level for IT professionals seeking to add flexibility, automation, and security to their device management practices. By creating fields for specific data points and utilizing automations, you can streamline device management processes, store sensitive information securely, and adapt to various operational needs.