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# When to use the tool

The Configuration Manager reduces the time it takes to manage configuration information by automating many of the required steps. Review the following scenarios to understand when to use the tool.

Note: To use the Configuration Manager to upgrade or migrate an existing power monitoring system to PME 8.2, you must install it on both the source and target power monitoring systems that you want to work with.

Note: Configuration Manager does not read, save, or write all component customizations. See Supporting Guides for detailed information on how to assess and prepare both systems, as well as how to manually complete the version upgrade.

Note: Configuration Manager does not transfer Power Monitoring Expert licenses, nor does it provide warnings about licensing issues.

## Server Migration

### Off-site configuration

Perform the off-site configuration of a Power Monitoring Expert version 8.2 system, and then transfer the configuration information into a new, non-configured Power Monitoring Expert version 8.2 system.

### Configuration Library

You can use the Configuration Manager to create a set of system configurations that can be used as templates for Power Monitoring Expert deployments. Doing so simplifies and speeds up the deployment by providing a base configuration that can then be customized and built upon.

See PME Exchange Community (external link, requires registration) for details on the Basic Power Monitoring Expert System Tested, Validated, Documented Architecture.

### Backup and restore

You can use Configuration Manager to back up and restore a configuration from an archived configuration. For example, you can recover a newly-deployed system that crashes shortly after you deploy it.

## Version Upgrade

You can use the Configuration Manager to transfer the configuration of an older Power Monitoring Expert system into a newly installed PME 8.2 system. See Requirements for supported upgrade paths.

Note: Configuration Manager does not read, save, or write all component customizations. See Supporting Guides for detailed information on how to assess and prepare both systems, as well as how to manually complete the version upgrade.