Mechanisms for performing an inventory scan of target data processing systems for ascertaining the presence therein of prerequisite resources are provided. The prerequisite resources are resources necessary for the execution, by the target data processing systems, of predetermined activities. The mechanisms may send to a target data processing systems a request for performing a selected activity of the predetermined activities and associate with the request at least one signature of at least one prerequisite resource different from the prerequisite resources required for performing the selected activity. The signature may include information allowing the target data processing system to locate where the prerequisite resource is to be searched for. Upon receiving, from the target data processing systems a result of the search of the prerequisite resource, the mechanisms may further update information to indicate the presence of the prerequisite resource in the target data processing system.