Update Group for Software Updates in SCCM Transformed into a Baseline Tool
In the realm of Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), there isn't a specifically named tool to automate the conversion of Software Upgrade Groups (SUGs) to Configuration Baselines. However, with a bit of scripting and understanding of SCCM principles, it's possible to create such a process.
The Process
To begin, you'll need to understand the context: SCCM Software Upgrade Groups are collections of software updates grouped for deployment, while Configuration Baselines in SCCM are collections of configuration items used to assess and enforce configuration compliance on devices.
Running the Tool
To convert an SCCM Software Upgrade Group to a Configuration Baseline, run the script within PowerShell. Include the desired Software Update Group name as the argument. You can also pipe the SUG name into the tool.
Remember, this process should be initiated on a computer that has the SCCM Console installed and from an account that can make WMI queries against the SCCM Site Server.
Tool Requirements
Before running the tool, ensure you've downloaded and unzipped the required file into a directory of your choice. The tool requires the module to function correctly.
Tool Functionality
The tool builds a Configuration Baseline XML and XML Resource File (.RESX) with those items. It can automate the conversion of multiple Software Update Groups to Configuration Baselines and gathers Software Updates within a Software Update Group via queries to WMI on your SCCM site server.
Customising the Tool
After downloading and unzipping the tool, you'll need to edit and update the line at the very end of the script to include the SCCM Site Server (ProviderMachineName), siteCode, and the Software Update Group Name (SUGName).
Additional Functionality
The tool can be used to target a specific Client Setting or Application based on computers which fail compliance for a particular Software Update Group to a collection. It also allows for the automation of creating a Configuration Baseline on a schedule in the background.
Importing the Baseline
Successful execution of the tool creates importation files in the chosen directory (default: C:\SUG if none is chosen). These files can either be compressed as a .CAB file for direct importing via the SCCM Console GUI or imported through a WMI instance POST.
Replacing the Baseline
To automatically replace the baseline without prompting, modify the Function's if logic.
Understanding the XML
The tool generates an XML of the Software Updates that will be imported back into SCCM, in the same format as a Configuration Baseline CAB file exported from the Console. Understanding the XML file created by the tool or a Configuration Baseline export can be useful for manipulating the files.
Possible Automation Approaches
If you cannot find a specific tool, consider the following possible automation approaches:
- Scripting with PowerShell and SCCM Cmdlets: SCCM provides PowerShell cmdlets for managing software updates and configurations. You could write scripts to enumerate Software Update Groups, extract update deployment data and criteria, and programmatically create Configuration Items and assemble them into Configuration Baselines reflecting the same updates or compliance checks.
- Use SCCM SDK or REST APIs: If SCCM version supports it, utilize SDK or APIs to automate reading SUG membership details and creating corresponding baselines.
- Third-Party or Community Tools: Check forums or community repositories for scripts or utilities created for this purpose.
Remember, automating this process requires carefully mapping software update compliance to configuration compliance. SUGs focus on patch deployment, whereas baselines typically evaluate configuration state. Testing automation in a lab environment before production is essential.
For detailed guidance, consult your organization's SCCM documentation, community scripts, or Microsoft's SCCM PowerShell documentation.
In the absence of a dedicated tool within Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) for automating the conversion of Software Upgrade Groups (SUGs) to Configuration Baselines, one can utilize scripting and PowerShell, thus leveraging data-and-cloud-computing technology, to create such a process. The script automatically builds a Configuration Baseline XML and XML Resource File (.RESX) from SUGs, and offers additional functionality for automating the creation of Configuration Baselines on a schedule or targeting specific client settings or applications.
