Using Get-MgReportEmailActivityCount in Graph PowerShell

The Get-MgReportEmailActivityCount cmdlet is a powerful tool in Microsoft Graph PowerShell for administrators to generate and download email activity reports. This cmdlet provides insights into user email behavior such as the number of emails sent, received, and read over a specified period. This data can be invaluable for monitoring email usage trends and ensuring effective communication within the organization.

Cmdlet Syntax

Get-MgReportEmailActivityCount -Period  -OutFile 

Parameters:

• -Period: Specifies the time duration for which the report is generated. Valid values include D7, D30, D90, and D180, representing the last 7, 30, 90, and 180 days respectively.
• -OutFile: Specifies the file path where the report will be saved. This parameter is required.

Usage Example

Here is a basic usage example of the Get-MgReportEmailActivityCount cmdlet. This command retrieves the email activity report for the past 7 days and saves it to the specified location on your system.

Get-MgReportEmailActivityCount -Period D7 -OutFile "C:\Reports\EmailActivityReport.csv"

Understanding the Report Fields

The report generated by the Get-MgReportEmailActivityCount cmdlet includes the following fields:

• Report Refresh Date: The date when the report data was last refreshed.
• Send: The total number of emails sent by users in the specified period.
• Receive: The total number of emails received by users in the specified period.
• Read: The number of emails read by users during the period.
• Meeting Created: The count of calendar meetings created by users.
• Meeting Interacted: The number of meeting interactions, such as responses to meeting invites.
• Report Date: The date for which the report data is relevant.
• Report Period: The duration of the reporting period (e.g., D7, D30).

Cmdlet Tips

• Parameter Usage: Always specify the -OutFile parameter to ensure that the report is saved to your desired location.
• Data Availability: The report data is available for up to 180 days (D180). If you attempt to fetch data beyond this range (e.g., D270), the cmdlet will throw an error.
• Report Refresh: The data in the report is typically refreshed once every 24 hours, so ensure to schedule report generation accordingly.

Possible Errors & Solutions

Error	Cause	Solution
Invalid period specified error	Specifying a period beyond D180	Ensure that you specify a period within the allowable range (D7, D30, D90, D180).
Access Denied error	Insufficient permissions to access the email activity report	Verify that you have the necessary permissions to run the cmdlet and access email activity data.
OutFile path not found error	The specified file path does not exist	Provide a valid file path where the report can be saved. Make sure the directory exists.

Use Cases for Get-MgReportEmailActivityCount

• Monitoring Email Usage Trends: Administrators can use this cmdlet to identify trends in email usage within the organization, such as peak email activity times or periods of low engagement.
• Identifying Inactive Users: The report helps to quickly identify users who aren't reading or responding to emails, which can indicate a lack of engagement or potential issues with communication.
• Optimizing Email Communication Strategy: By analyzing the number of meetings created and interacted with, businesses can refine their meeting scheduling practices to improve overall efficiency.
• Security Monitoring: By monitoring email send and receive counts, administrators can detect unusual spikes in activity that may suggest a potential security breach or phishing attack.

Conclusion

The Get-MgReportEmailActivityCount cmdlet is an essential tool for administrators looking to analyze email activity and communication patterns within their organization. By understanding the cmdlet’s capabilities and limitations, you can leverage it effectively for reporting and strategic decision-making. Make sure to adhere to the supported period range and always use a valid file path for saving your reports to avoid errors.