GLPi Asset Management and ITSM (English)- Part 1

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of GLPi, an open-source asset management and IT service management (ITSM) tool. GLPi is designed to help organizations manage their IT resources effectively while adhering to the ITIL framework. In this guide, we will explore the key features of GLPi and how to set it up for your organization.

Step 1: Understanding GLPi Features

Before diving into setup, familiarize yourself with the core features of GLPi:

• Asset Management: Track hardware and software assets, including detailed specifications and lifecycle management.
• Incident Management: Manage IT incidents efficiently to minimize downtime and improve service quality.
• Change Management: Control changes to IT services and infrastructure, ensuring minimal disruption.
• Knowledge Base: Create a repository for documentation, FAQs, and solutions to common problems.

Practical Advice

• Review the ITIL framework basics, as GLPi aligns closely with these principles to enhance service management.

Step 2: Installing GLPi

To get started with GLPi, follow these installation steps:

1. System Requirements:

   • Ensure your server meets the requirements (PHP, MySQL, Apache/Nginx).

2. Download GLPi:

   • Visit the GLPi official website and download the latest version.

3. Upload to Server:

   • Use FTP or SSH to upload the GLPi files to your web server's document root.

4. Create Database:

   • Access your MySQL database and create a new database for GLPi:

     CREATE DATABASE glpidb;
     

   • Create a new user and grant it permissions:

     CREATE USER 'glpiuser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'yourpassword';
     GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON glpidb.* TO 'glpiuser'@'localhost';
     

5. Configure Web Server:

   • Ensure your web server is configured to serve GLPi correctly.
   • Set proper permissions for the GLPi directories:

     chown -R www-data:www-data /path/to/glpi
     chmod -R 755 /path/to/glpi
     

6. Run Installation Script:

   • Navigate to your GLPi URL in a web browser and follow the installation instructions provided by the setup wizard.

Common Pitfalls

• Ensure your PHP version is compatible with GLPi.
• Double-check database permissions if you encounter connection issues during setup.

Step 3: Initial Configuration

After installation, perform the initial configuration of GLPi:

1. Access GLPi Dashboard:

   • Log in using the default admin credentials.

2. Configure General Settings:

   • Navigate to Setup > General to customize settings like language, timezone, and notification preferences.

3. Set Up User Accounts:

   • Go to Administration > Users to create and manage user accounts with appropriate roles and access levels.

4. Import Assets:

   • Use the import feature under Assets to add hardware and software inventories.

Practical Advice

• Regularly back up your GLPi database to prevent data loss.

Conclusion

GLPi provides a robust platform for asset and IT service management, aligning with ITIL standards. After understanding its features and completing the installation and initial configuration, you can start leveraging GLPi to improve your organization's IT processes.

Next Steps

• Explore more advanced features like reporting and integration with other tools.
• Consider training sessions for your team to maximize the use of GLPi in your operations.