Final answer:
In VMware Update Manager, scanning evaluates the inventory object against both the baseline and the baseline group to ensure compliance with necessary software levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
In regards to VUM, also known as VMware Update Manager, "scanning" evaluates the inventory object against both, the baseline and the baseline group. When the scan is performed, VUM checks the components of the inventory object, such as ESXi hosts, virtual machines, or virtual appliances, to determine compliance with the patches, extensions, or upgrades listed in the baseline or baseline group. Baselines can be pre-defined or custom defined, and can include critical patches, non-critical patches, upgrades, and extensions. Baseline groups allow administrators to organize multiple baselines into a single entity for easier management. During the scan process, each object is assessed to see if it meets the criteria established in the baselines or baseline groups, thus ensuring systems are up to date with the necessary software levels.