MISSING: Check for missing items

Use the MISSING function in a situation to compare the data sample with a list of text entries. If no match is found, a situation event is opened.

Check for Missing Items

Compares the value of the specified text attribute with a list of values you supply. The condition is true when the value does not match any in the list. This function is useful when you want notification that something is not present in your system.

Examples

An event opens when the anti-virus scanning program is not available.

MISSING (ProcessName) == (VirusGone.exe)

This example builds on the last one. Two names were added to the Missing List and a system name specified with a wildcard. An event will open if any of these processes is missing on any system whose name starts with SERVER (such as SERVER_BLDG100 or SERVERSOUTH). If you wanted to be notified when this is the case, you could add a notification action to be executed when the situation becomes true.

(MISSING (ProcessName)== (VirusGone.exe,DBServer.exe,iexplore.exe))AND 
ServerName == SERVER*

Restrictions

You can have only one MISSING function in a situation.

The MISSING function must be written on row 1 of the formula editor; all subsequent rows are disabled.

You cannot combine the MISSING function with any grouping functions like MAX or COUNT but you can combine it with value-type functions like VALUE, SCAN, DATE, etc.

Wildcards

You can use an * asterisk wildcard to begin or end the attribute value. You can also use the ? question mark wildcard for a single character at that position.

Tip

If the formula is for a multiple-row attribute group, add a display item (in the Condition tab, click Advanced) if you want the situation to continue testing for missing items after opening an event for the first one.