Learn what agents are and how they collect data for Intelogos.
To collect productivity data in Intelogos — such as time worked, application usage, and activity levels — you need to deploy a tracking agent on each computer you want to monitor. Without an agent installed, Intelogos has no source of data for that device.
There are two types of tracking agents: Desktop agents and Background agents. Each serves a different use case, and the right choice usually depends on how much control you want users to have and how you prefer to manage deployment.
Intelogos analyzes work patterns, time, and tool usage to generate productivity insights. All of this data originates from a lightweight agent running on the user's computer. The agent tracks:
No agent means no data. Deploying agents is one of the first steps after inviting your team to the platform.
| Desktop Agent | Background Agent | |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Fully visible — shows a timer or icon on the user's computer | Runs in the background — no timer or visible UI |
| Who installs it | The user downloads and installs it themselves | An Admin deploys it (locally or remotely) |
| User control | Users can start, stop, or quit the agent at any time | Users do not control the agent |
| Often used for | Personal computers | Company-owned computers |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS |
| Deployment method | User self-service via invitation link | Admin deploys via scripts (PowerShell, Terminal) or MDM/RMM tools |
Desktop agents are usually the best starting point when team members work on personal computers. Because the agent is visible and the user controls when tracking is active, they can make sure only work time is captured and no personal activity is recorded unintentionally.
Desktop agents tend to be a good fit when:
Background agents are often the better choice for company-owned computers. They are significantly easier to deploy and maintain across a large number of devices — especially when using MDM or RMM tools — and they run automatically without requiring any action from the user.
Background agents tend to be a good fit when:
https://team.intelogos.com/backgroundagentsNote: Only Owners and Admins can deploy and manage background agents. Admin rights are required on the target machines.
Yes. You can use desktop agents for some team members and background agents for others within the same organization. For example, you might deploy background agents on company-issued office machines while asking remote employees on personal laptops to install the desktop agent.
Once agents are deployed and sending data, you can:
Data from both agent types feeds into the same analytics — the difference is only in how the agent is deployed and who controls it.
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Desktop Agents →