Users Guide

Getting Started
Topics:
• How OpenManage Ansible Modules works
•
Running your first Playbook
How OpenManage Ansible Modules works
OpenManage Ansible modules uses iDRAC REST APIs based on Redfish standards and Server Configuration Profiles (SCP)
for automated configuration, deployment and update of PowerEdge servers. An SCP contains all BIOS, iDRAC, Network and
Storage settings of a PowerEdge server. You can apply them to multiple servers, enabling rapid, reliable, and reproducible
configuration.
You can perform an SCP operation using any of the following methods:
● Export to or import from a remote network share via CIFS, NFS. Ensure that the remote network share is mounted on the
Ansible controller with read-write privileges for user running the Ansible playbooks.
● Export or import via local file streaming (for iDRAC firmware 2.50.50.50 and above).
Setting up a local mount point for a remote network share
Mount the remote network share (CIFS or NFS) locally on the Ansible controller where you want to run the playbook or
modules. Local mount point should have read-write privileges in order for OpenManage Ansible modules to write an SCP file to
remote network share that will be imported by iDRAC.
NOTE: Refer to Linux man pages for mounting an NFS or CIFS network share on Ansible control machine.
Running your first Playbook
To run a playbook:
1. Run the following command on the Ansible control machine:
ansible-playbook playbookname.yml
2. Press Enter.
With OpenManage Ansible Modules, you can construct a playbook with a set of modules resulting in a automation workflow for
configuration, deployments, and updates of PowerEdge Servers.
To view the list of all available modules:
1. Run the following command on the Ansible control machine:
ansible-doc -l | grep "dellemc"
2. Press Enter.
List of the available modules is displayed.
To view the documentation of a module:
1. Run the following command on the Ansible control machine:
ansible-doc <module name>
2. Press Enter.
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6 Getting Started