sccm task sequence variable wildcard

3 min read 01-10-2024

When working with System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) Task Sequences, one topic that often surfaces is the utilization of task sequence variables. Specifically, the use of wildcards in these variables can significantly enhance your Task Sequences' flexibility and efficiency. In this article, we will explore how wildcards work with SCCM Task Sequence variables, provide practical examples, and offer some insights that go beyond the basic documentation available on GitHub.

What are SCCM Task Sequence Variables?

SCCM Task Sequence variables are essentially key-value pairs that store data and modify the behavior of a Task Sequence. They can hold information about the deployment, such as the target system's settings or the installation status of software.

Why Use Wildcards?

Wildcards allow you to create more dynamic Task Sequences by matching variable names or values that may change or be partially unknown. This can be particularly useful in environments with numerous devices or varying configurations.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How do wildcards work with Task Sequence variables?

A wildcard in SCCM Task Sequences is typically represented by the * symbol. When used in variable names or values, it can match zero or more characters. For instance, if you have multiple applications named "App1", "App2", and "App3", you could use the variable App* to reference all of them in a single operation.

Q2: Can I use wildcards in conditions for Task Sequences?

Yes! Wildcards can be used in conditions to evaluate whether a Task Sequence should run. For example, you might check if a variable exists using a condition like VariableName like 'App*'. This will allow you to create conditions that apply to multiple variables without listing each one explicitly.

Q3: Are there any limitations to using wildcards?

While wildcards add flexibility, they can also introduce complexity. Care must be taken to ensure that the conditions you create using wildcards do not unintentionally include or exclude variables. Additionally, extensive use of wildcards may lead to performance issues or debugging difficulties.

Practical Example

Imagine you are deploying software to various devices in your organization, and you want to install all applications that start with "Finance". You can set a Task Sequence variable to reference these applications using a wildcard:

Set Variable: FinanceAppList = "Finance*"

Then, in the condition where you're deploying the applications, you can check if any application matches this pattern:

Condition: ApplicationName like 'Finance*'

This setup allows you to add or remove applications that start with "Finance" without having to modify your Task Sequence each time.

Best Practices for Using Wildcards in Task Sequences

Limit Wildcard Usage: While they offer flexibility, excessive wildcards can make Task Sequences harder to read and maintain. Use them judiciously.
Testing: Always test your Task Sequences in a safe environment before rolling them out widely. Ensure that your conditions evaluate as expected.
Documentation: Keep detailed documentation of your variables and wildcards used. This will assist you and your team in understanding how your Task Sequences operate.
Avoid Ambiguity: When using wildcards, ensure your conditions are specific enough to avoid unintended matches that could lead to errors during deployment.

Conclusion

Using wildcards in SCCM Task Sequence variables can greatly enhance the power and flexibility of your deployment strategies. By understanding how to properly implement and manage these wildcards, you can create more efficient and effective Task Sequences tailored to the needs of your organization.

For further learning, don't forget to explore Microsoft Docs for comprehensive documentation and updates regarding SCCM and Task Sequences.

Additional Resources

GitHub Discussions: Engage with the community on GitHub to discover how others are using wildcards and Task Sequence variables.
Forums: Visit forums such as TechNet or Spiceworks for community insights and shared experiences.

With these tools and insights, you can leverage the full potential of SCCM and enhance your IT management capabilities. Happy sequencing!