# Schedule an Inventory Scanning

## Table of contents

1. [What is a scheduled inventory scanning?](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/help/inventory/schedule_inventory_scanning.html#what-is-scheduled-inv-scan)
2. [What are the types of scheduled inventory scanning?](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/help/inventory/schedule_inventory_scanning.html#types-of-scheduled-inv-scan)
3. [What is automated inventory scanning?](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/help/inventory/schedule_inventory_scanning.html#automated-inv-scan)
4. [What is automated file scanning?](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/help/inventory/schedule_inventory_scanning.html#automated-file-scanning)

## What is a scheduled inventory scanning?

Scheduled inventory scanning from Endpoint Central is the method by which IT administrators can automate their inventory scanning process. Scanning systems over a stipulated period of time with accuracy might be challenging for an IT administrator. IT administrators and technicians can automate the asset scanning workflow with this technique.

## What are the types of scheduled inventory scanning?

Endpoint Central allows IT administrators to create two types of automated inventory scanning workflow.

- Automated Inventory Scanning
- Automated File Scanning

## What is automated inventory scanning?

As the name suggests, this process will automatically fetch the details and post it to the central server using Endpoint Central agent. To configure:

- Navigate to **Inventory -> Actions/Settings -> Schedule Scan -> Inventory Scan -> Configure Schedule**.
- Customize the options according to your requirement and initiate the scan.

## What is automated file scanning?

Endpoint Central supports file scanning process, where IT administration team can probe for any specific file type and perform desired actions to it. With the help of this feature, you can view the count and memory usage of these files.

- To automate your file scan, navigate to **Inventory -> Actions/Settings -> Schedule Scan -> File Scan -> Configure Schedule**.
- Once a schedule is configured, navigate to **Inventory -> Actions/Settings -> File Scan Rules -> Add Rule**.
- You can create a rule here and deploy it to the targeted machines.

Click here to watch the video:

### Inventory File Scan

[Link](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/demo/inventory/file-scan.html?feature_page_thumbnail)

## Related Articles

- [Inventory Scan](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/help/inventory/scan_systems_for_inventory.html)
- [Inventory Scan Settings](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/help/inventory/asset-scan-settings.html)