diff --git a/cmd/collect.go b/cmd/collect.go
index a9c831d..0dccd70 100644
--- a/cmd/collect.go
+++ b/cmd/collect.go
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ var collectCmd = &cobra.Command{
 		// get probe states stored in db from scan
 		probeStates, err := sqlite.GetProbeResults(dbpath)
 		if err != nil {
-			l.Log.Errorf("could not get states: %v", err)
+			l.Log.Errorf("failed toget states: %v", err)
 		}
 
 		// try to load access token either from env var, file, or config if var not set
@@ -63,10 +63,10 @@ var collectCmd = &cobra.Command{
 		}
 		magellan.CollectAll(&probeStates, l, q)
 
-		// confirm the inventories were added
-		err = smd.GetRedfishEndpoints()
-		if err != nil {
-			l.Log.Errorf("could not get redfish endpoints: %v", err)
+		// add necessary headers for final request (like token)
+		headers := make(map[string]string)
+		if q.AccessToken != "" {
+			headers["Authorization"] = "Bearer " + q.AccessToken
 		}
 	},
 }
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ func init() {
 	collectCmd.PersistentFlags().IntVarP(&smd.Port, "port", "p", smd.Port, "set the port to the smd API")
 	collectCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVar(&user, "user", "", "set the BMC user")
 	collectCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVar(&pass, "pass", "", "set the BMC password")
-	collectCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVar(&protocol, "protocol", "https", "set the Redfish protocol")
+	collectCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVar(&protocol, "protocol", "https", "set the protocol used to query")
 	collectCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVarP(&outputPath, "output", "o", "/tmp/magellan/data/", "set the path to store collection data")
 	collectCmd.PersistentFlags().BoolVar(&forceUpdate, "force-update", false, "set flag to force update data sent to SMD ")
 	collectCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVar(&preferredDriver, "preferred-driver", "ipmi", "set the preferred driver to use")
diff --git a/cmd/list.go b/cmd/list.go
index 9ad54bb..c5ce1c4 100644
--- a/cmd/list.go
+++ b/cmd/list.go
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ var listCmd = &cobra.Command{
 	Run: func(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) {
 		probeResults, err := sqlite.GetProbeResults(dbpath)
 		if err != nil {
-			logrus.Errorf("could not get probe results: %v\n", err)
+			logrus.Errorf("failed toget probe results: %v\n", err)
 		}
 		for _, r := range probeResults {
 			fmt.Printf("%s:%d (%s)\n", r.Host, r.Port, r.Protocol)
diff --git a/cmd/root.go b/cmd/root.go
index 2223ea1..bb38247 100644
--- a/cmd/root.go
+++ b/cmd/root.go
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ func Execute() {
 
 func LoadAccessToken() (string, error) {
 	// try to load token from env var
-	testToken := os.Getenv("OCHAMI_ACCESS_TOKEN")
+	testToken := os.Getenv("MAGELLAN_ACCESS_TOKEN")
 	if testToken != "" {
 		return testToken, nil
 	}
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ func LoadAccessToken() (string, error) {
 	if testToken != "" {
 		return testToken, nil
 	}
-	return "", fmt.Errorf("could not load token from environment variable, file, or config")
+	return "", fmt.Errorf("failed toload token from environment variable, file, or config")
 }
 
 func init() {
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ func init() {
 	rootCmd.PersistentFlags().IntVar(&threads, "threads", -1, "set the number of threads")
 	rootCmd.PersistentFlags().IntVar(&timeout, "timeout", 30, "set the timeout")
 	rootCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVarP(&configPath, "config", "c", "", "set the config file path")
-	rootCmd.PersistentFlags().BoolVarP(&verbose, "verbose", "v", true, "set verbose flag")
+	rootCmd.PersistentFlags().BoolVarP(&verbose, "verbose", "v", false, "set verbose flag")
 	rootCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVar(&accessToken, "access-token", "", "set the access token")
 	rootCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVar(&dbpath, "db.path", "/tmp/magellan/magellan.db", "set the probe storage path")
 
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ func SetDefaults() {
 	viper.SetDefault("threads", 1)
 	viper.SetDefault("timeout", 30)
 	viper.SetDefault("config", "")
-	viper.SetDefault("verbose", true)
+	viper.SetDefault("verbose", false)
 	viper.SetDefault("db.path", "/tmp/magellan/magellan.db")
 	viper.SetDefault("scan.hosts", []string{})
 	viper.SetDefault("scan.ports", []int{})
diff --git a/cmd/scan.go b/cmd/scan.go
index f190d21..ca2fdd0 100644
--- a/cmd/scan.go
+++ b/cmd/scan.go
@@ -58,14 +58,16 @@ var scanCmd = &cobra.Command{
 			threads = mathutil.Clamp(len(hostsToScan), 1, 255)
 		}
 		probeStates := magellan.ScanForAssets(hostsToScan, portsToScan, threads, timeout, disableProbing)
-		for _, r := range probeStates {
-			fmt.Printf("%s:%d (%s)\n", r.Host, r.Port, r.Protocol)
+		if verbose {
+			for _, r := range probeStates {
+				fmt.Printf("%s:%d (%s)\n", r.Host, r.Port, r.Protocol)
+			}
 		}
 
 		// make the dbpath dir if needed
 		err := os.MkdirAll(path.Dir(dbpath), 0766)
 		if err != nil {
-			fmt.Printf("could not make database directory: %v", err)
+			fmt.Printf("failed tomake database directory: %v", err)
 		}
 
 		sqlite.InsertProbeResults(dbpath, &probeStates)
@@ -86,6 +88,6 @@ func init() {
 	viper.BindPFlag("scan.subnets", scanCmd.Flags().Lookup("subnet"))
 	viper.BindPFlag("scan.subnet-masks", scanCmd.Flags().Lookup("subnet-mask"))
 	viper.BindPFlag("scan.disable-probing", scanCmd.Flags().Lookup("disable-probing"))
-	
+
 	rootCmd.AddCommand(scanCmd)
 }
diff --git a/cmd/update.go b/cmd/update.go
index bd64986..c099fe0 100644
--- a/cmd/update.go
+++ b/cmd/update.go
@@ -49,19 +49,19 @@ var updateCmd = &cobra.Command{
 		if status {
 			err := magellan.GetUpdateStatus(q)
 			if err != nil {
-				l.Log.Errorf("could not get update status: %v", err)
+				l.Log.Errorf("failed toget update status: %v", err)
 			}
 			return
 		}
 
 		// client, err := magellan.NewClient(l, &q.QueryParams)
 		// if err != nil {
-		// 	l.Log.Errorf("could not make client: %v", err)
+		// 	l.Log.Errorf("failed tomake client: %v", err)
 		// }
 		// err = magellan.UpdateFirmware(client, l, q)
 		err := magellan.UpdateFirmwareRemote(q)
 		if err != nil {
-			l.Log.Errorf("could not update firmware: %v", err)
+			l.Log.Errorf("failed toupdate firmware: %v", err)
 		}
 	},
 }
diff --git a/internal/api/dora/dora.go b/internal/api/dora/dora.go
index 880ac7b..b113cf6 100644
--- a/internal/api/dora/dora.go
+++ b/internal/api/dora/dora.go
@@ -43,15 +43,15 @@ func ScanForAssets() error {
 func QueryScannedPorts() error {
 	// Perform scan and collect from dora server
 	url := makeEndpointUrl("/scanned_ports")
-	_, body, err := util.MakeRequest(url, "GET", nil, nil)
+	_, body, err := util.MakeRequest(nil, url, "GET", nil, nil)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("could not discover assets: %v", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed todiscover assets: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	// get data from JSON
 	var res map[string]any
 	if err := json.Unmarshal(body, &res); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("could not unmarshal response body: %v", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed tounmarshal response body: %v", err)
 	}
 	data := res["data"]
 
diff --git a/internal/api/smd/smd.go b/internal/api/smd/smd.go
index ca0a606..370841d 100644
--- a/internal/api/smd/smd.go
+++ b/internal/api/smd/smd.go
@@ -1,13 +1,18 @@
 package smd
 
 // See ref for API docs:
-//	https://github.com/Cray-HPE/hms-smd/blob/master/docs/examples.adoc
-//	https://github.com/alexlovelltroy/hms-smd
+//	https://github.com/OpenCHAMI/hms-smd/blob/master/docs/examples.adoc
+//	https://github.com/OpenCHAMI/hms-smd
 import (
+	"crypto/tls"
+	"crypto/x509"
 	"fmt"
+	"net"
+	"net/http"
+	"os"
+	"time"
 
 	"github.com/OpenCHAMI/magellan/internal/util"
-	// hms "github.com/alexlovelltroy/hms-smd"
 )
 
 var (
@@ -16,40 +21,90 @@ var (
 	Port         = 27779
 )
 
-func makeEndpointUrl(endpoint string) string {
-	return Host + ":" + fmt.Sprint(Port) + BaseEndpoint + endpoint
+type Option func(*Client)
+
+type Client struct {
+	*http.Client
+	CACertPool *x509.CertPool
 }
 
-func GetRedfishEndpoints() error {
+func NewClient(opts ...Option) *Client {
+	client := &Client{
+		Client: http.DefaultClient,
+	}
+	for _, opt := range opts {
+		opt(client)
+	}
+	return client
+}
+
+func WithHttpClient(httpClient *http.Client) Option {
+	return func(c *Client) {
+		c.Client = httpClient
+	}
+}
+
+// This MakeRequest function is a wrapper around the util.MakeRequest function
+// with a couple of niceties with using a smd.Client
+func (c *Client) MakeRequest(url string, method string, body []byte, headers map[string]string) (*http.Response, []byte, error) {
+	return util.MakeRequest(c.Client, url, method, body, headers)
+}
+
+func WithCertPool(certPool *x509.CertPool) Option {
+	return func(c *Client) {
+		c.Client.Transport = &http.Transport{
+			TLSClientConfig: &tls.Config{
+				RootCAs:            certPool,
+				InsecureSkipVerify: true,
+			},
+			DisableKeepAlives: true,
+			Dial: (&net.Dialer{
+				Timeout:   120 * time.Second,
+				KeepAlive: 120 * time.Second,
+			}).Dial,
+			TLSHandshakeTimeout:   120 * time.Second,
+			ResponseHeaderTimeout: 120 * time.Second,
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func WithSecureTLS(certPath string) Option {
+	cacert, _ := os.ReadFile(certPath)
+	certPool := x509.NewCertPool()
+	certPool.AppendCertsFromPEM(cacert)
+	return WithCertPool(certPool)
+}
+
+func (c *Client) GetRedfishEndpoints(headers map[string]string, opts ...Option) error {
 	url := makeEndpointUrl("/Inventory/RedfishEndpoints")
-	_, body, err := util.MakeRequest(url, "GET", nil, nil)
+	_, body, err := c.MakeRequest(url, "GET", nil, headers)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("could not get endpoint: %v", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed toget endpoint: %v", err)
 	}
 	// fmt.Println(res)
 	fmt.Println(string(body))
 	return nil
 }
 
-func GetComponentEndpoint(xname string) error {
+func (c *Client) GetComponentEndpoint(xname string) error {
 	url := makeEndpointUrl("/Inventory/ComponentsEndpoints/" + xname)
-	res, body, err := util.MakeRequest(url, "GET", nil, nil)
+	res, body, err := c.MakeRequest(url, "GET", nil, nil)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("could not get endpoint: %v", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed toget endpoint: %v", err)
 	}
 	fmt.Println(res)
 	fmt.Println(string(body))
 	return nil
 }
 
-func AddRedfishEndpoint(data []byte, headers map[string]string) error {
+func (c *Client) AddRedfishEndpoint(data []byte, headers map[string]string) error {
 	if data == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("could not add redfish endpoint: no data found")
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed toadd redfish endpoint: no data found")
 	}
 
 	// Add redfish endpoint via POST `/hsm/v2/Inventory/RedfishEndpoints` endpoint
 	url := makeEndpointUrl("/Inventory/RedfishEndpoints")
-	res, body, err := util.MakeRequest(url, "POST", data, headers)
+	res, body, err := c.MakeRequest(url, "POST", data, headers)
 	if res != nil {
 		statusOk := res.StatusCode >= 200 && res.StatusCode < 300
 		if !statusOk {
@@ -60,19 +115,23 @@ func AddRedfishEndpoint(data []byte, headers map[string]string) error {
 	return err
 }
 
-func UpdateRedfishEndpoint(xname string, data []byte, headers map[string]string) error {
+func (c *Client) UpdateRedfishEndpoint(xname string, data []byte, headers map[string]string) error {
 	if data == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("could not add redfish endpoint: no data found")
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed to add redfish endpoint: no data found")
 	}
 	// Update redfish endpoint via PUT `/hsm/v2/Inventory/RedfishEndpoints` endpoint
 	url := makeEndpointUrl("/Inventory/RedfishEndpoints/" + xname)
-	res, body, err := util.MakeRequest(url, "PUT", data, headers)
+	res, body, err := c.MakeRequest(url, "PUT", data, headers)
 	fmt.Printf("%v (%v)\n%s\n", url, res.Status, string(body))
 	if res != nil {
 		statusOk := res.StatusCode >= 200 && res.StatusCode < 300
 		if !statusOk {
-			return fmt.Errorf("could not update redfish endpoint")
+			return fmt.Errorf("failed to update redfish endpoint (returned %s)", res.Status)
 		}
 	}
 	return err
 }
+
+func makeEndpointUrl(endpoint string) string {
+	return Host + ":" + fmt.Sprint(Port) + BaseEndpoint + endpoint
+}
diff --git a/internal/collect.go b/internal/collect.go
index 4a2189a..d97b6e6 100644
--- a/internal/collect.go
+++ b/internal/collect.go
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@ package magellan
 import (
 	"context"
 	"crypto/tls"
-	"crypto/x509"
 	"encoding/json"
 	"fmt"
 	"net/http"
@@ -19,7 +18,6 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/Cray-HPE/hms-xname/xnames"
 	bmclib "github.com/bmc-toolbox/bmclib/v2"
-	"github.com/jacobweinstock/registrar"
 	_ "github.com/mattn/go-sqlite3"
 	"github.com/stmcginnis/gofish"
 	_ "github.com/stmcginnis/gofish"
@@ -52,56 +50,6 @@ type QueryParams struct {
 	AccessToken  string
 }
 
-func NewClient(l *log.Logger, q *QueryParams) (*bmclib.Client, error) {
-
-	tr := &http.Transport{
-		TLSClientConfig: &tls.Config{InsecureSkipVerify: true},
-	}
-	httpClient := http.Client{
-		Transport: tr,
-	}
-
-	// init client
-	clientOpts := []bmclib.Option{
-		// bmclib.WithSecureTLS(nil),
-		bmclib.WithHTTPClient(&httpClient),
-		// bmclib.WithLogger(),
-		bmclib.WithRedfishHTTPClient(&httpClient),
-		// bmclib.WithDellRedfishUseBasicAuth(true),
-		bmclib.WithRedfishPort(fmt.Sprint(q.Port)),
-		bmclib.WithRedfishUseBasicAuth(true),
-		bmclib.WithIpmitoolPort(fmt.Sprint(IPMI_PORT)),
-		bmclib.WithIpmitoolPath(q.IpmitoolPath),
-	}
-
-	// only work if valid cert is provided
-	if q.CaCertPath != "" {
-		pool := x509.NewCertPool()
-		data, err := os.ReadFile(q.CaCertPath)
-		if err != nil {
-			return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not read cert pool file: %v", err)
-		}
-		pool.AppendCertsFromPEM(data)
-		// a nil pool uses the system certs
-		clientOpts = append(clientOpts, bmclib.WithSecureTLS(pool))
-	}
-	url := ""
-	fmt.Println(url)
-	if q.User != "" && q.Pass != "" {
-		url += fmt.Sprintf("%s://%s:%s@%s", q.Protocol, q.User, q.Pass, q.Host)
-	} else {
-		url += q.Host
-	}
-	client := bmclib.NewClient(url, q.User, q.Pass, clientOpts...)
-	ds := registrar.Drivers{}
-	for _, driver := range q.Drivers {
-		ds = append(ds, client.Registry.Using(driver)...) // ipmi, gofish, redfish
-	}
-	client.Registry.Drivers = ds
-
-	return client, nil
-}
-
 func CollectAll(probeStates *[]ScannedResult, l *log.Logger, q *QueryParams) error {
 	// check for available probe states
 	if probeStates == nil {
@@ -115,16 +63,20 @@ func CollectAll(probeStates *[]ScannedResult, l *log.Logger, q *QueryParams) err
 	outputPath := path.Clean(q.OutputPath)
 	outputPath, err := util.MakeOutputDirectory(outputPath)
 	if err != nil {
-		l.Log.Errorf("could not make output directory: %v", err)
+		l.Log.Errorf("failed to make output directory: %v", err)
 	}
 
-	found := make([]string, 0, len(*probeStates))
-	done := make(chan struct{}, q.Threads+1)
-	chanProbeState := make(chan ScannedResult, q.Threads+1)
-
 	// collect bmc information asynchronously
-	var offset = 0
-	var wg sync.WaitGroup
+	var (
+		offset         = 0
+		wg             sync.WaitGroup
+		found          = make([]string, 0, len(*probeStates))
+		done           = make(chan struct{}, q.Threads+1)
+		chanProbeState = make(chan ScannedResult, q.Threads+1)
+		client         = smd.NewClient(
+			smd.WithSecureTLS(q.CaCertPath),
+		)
+	)
 	wg.Add(q.Threads)
 	for i := 0; i < q.Threads; i++ {
 		go func() {
@@ -146,14 +98,9 @@ func CollectAll(probeStates *[]ScannedResult, l *log.Logger, q *QueryParams) err
 				}
 				offset += 1
 
-				// bmclibClient, err := NewClient(l, q)
-				// if err != nil {
-				// 	l.Log.Errorf("could not make client: %v", err)
-				// }
-
 				gofishClient, err := connectGofish(q)
 				if err != nil {
-					l.Log.Errorf("could not connect to bmc (%v:%v): %v", q.Host, q.Port, err)
+					l.Log.Errorf("failed to connect to bmc (%v:%v): %v", q.Host, q.Port, err)
 				}
 
 				// data to be sent to smd
@@ -171,21 +118,11 @@ func CollectAll(probeStates *[]ScannedResult, l *log.Logger, q *QueryParams) err
 				// unmarshal json to send in correct format
 				var rm map[string]json.RawMessage
 
-				// inventories
-				// if bmclibClient != nil {
-				// 	inventory, err := CollectInventory(bmclibClient, q)
-				// 	if err != nil {
-				// 		l.Log.Errorf("could not query inventory (%v:%v): %v", q.Host, q.Port, err)
-				// 	}
-				// 	json.Unmarshal(inventory, &rm)
-				// 	data["Inventory"] = rm["Inventory"]
-				// }
-
 				// chassis
 				if gofishClient != nil {
 					chassis, err := CollectChassis(gofishClient, q)
 					if err != nil {
-						l.Log.Errorf("could not query chassis: %v", err)
+						l.Log.Errorf("failed to query chassis: %v", err)
 						continue
 					}
 					json.Unmarshal(chassis, &rm)
@@ -194,7 +131,7 @@ func CollectAll(probeStates *[]ScannedResult, l *log.Logger, q *QueryParams) err
 					// systems
 					systems, err := CollectSystems(gofishClient, q)
 					if err != nil {
-						l.Log.Errorf("could not query systems: %v", err)
+						l.Log.Errorf("failed to query systems: %v", err)
 					}
 					json.Unmarshal(systems, &rm)
 					data["Systems"] = rm["Systems"]
@@ -217,27 +154,29 @@ func CollectAll(probeStates *[]ScannedResult, l *log.Logger, q *QueryParams) err
 
 				body, err := json.MarshalIndent(data, "", "    ")
 				if err != nil {
-					l.Log.Errorf("could not marshal JSON: %v", err)
+					l.Log.Errorf("failed to marshal JSON: %v", err)
 				}
 
 				if q.Verbose {
 					fmt.Printf("%v\n", string(body))
 				}
 
-				// write JSON data to file
-				err = os.WriteFile(path.Clean(outputPath+"/"+q.Host+".json"), body, os.ModePerm)
-				if err != nil {
-					l.Log.Errorf("could not write data to file: %v", err)
+				// write JSON data to file if output path is set
+				if outputPath != "" {
+					err = os.WriteFile(path.Clean(outputPath+"/"+q.Host+".json"), body, os.ModePerm)
+					if err != nil {
+						l.Log.Errorf("failed to write data to file: %v", err)
+					}
 				}
 
 				// add all endpoints to smd
-				err = smd.AddRedfishEndpoint(body, headers)
+				err = client.AddRedfishEndpoint(body, headers)
 				if err != nil {
 					l.Log.Error(err)
 
 					// try updating instead
 					if q.ForceUpdate {
-						err = smd.UpdateRedfishEndpoint(data["ID"].(string), body, headers)
+						err = client.UpdateRedfishEndpoint(data["ID"].(string), body, headers)
 						if err != nil {
 							l.Log.Error(err)
 						}
@@ -274,19 +213,18 @@ func CollectAll(probeStates *[]ScannedResult, l *log.Logger, q *QueryParams) err
 	close(chanProbeState)
 	wg.Wait()
 	close(done)
+
 	return nil
 }
 
 func CollectMetadata(client *bmclib.Client, q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
-	// client, err := NewClient(l, q)
-
 	// open BMC session and update driver registry
 	ctx, ctxCancel := context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), time.Second*time.Duration(q.Timeout))
 	client.Registry.FilterForCompatible(ctx)
 	err := client.Open(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		ctxCancel()
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not connect to bmc: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to connect to bmc: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	defer client.Close(ctx)
@@ -294,14 +232,14 @@ func CollectMetadata(client *bmclib.Client, q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 	metadata := client.GetMetadata()
 	if err != nil {
 		ctxCancel()
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not get metadata: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to get metadata: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	// retrieve inventory data
 	b, err := json.MarshalIndent(metadata, "", "    ")
 	if err != nil {
 		ctxCancel()
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not marshal JSON: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to marshal JSON: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	ctxCancel()
@@ -315,13 +253,13 @@ func CollectInventory(client *bmclib.Client, q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 	err := client.PreferProvider(q.Preferred).Open(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		ctxCancel()
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not open client: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to open client: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	inventory, err := client.Inventory(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		ctxCancel()
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not get inventory: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to get inventory: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	// retrieve inventory data
@@ -329,7 +267,7 @@ func CollectInventory(client *bmclib.Client, q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 	b, err := json.MarshalIndent(data, "", "    ")
 	if err != nil {
 		ctxCancel()
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not marshal JSON: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to marshal JSON: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	ctxCancel()
@@ -342,13 +280,13 @@ func CollectPowerState(client *bmclib.Client, q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 	err := client.PreferProvider(q.Preferred).Open(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		ctxCancel()
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not open client: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to open client: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	powerState, err := client.GetPowerState(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		ctxCancel()
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not get inventory: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to get inventory: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	// retrieve inventory data
@@ -356,7 +294,7 @@ func CollectPowerState(client *bmclib.Client, q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 	b, err := json.MarshalIndent(data, "", "    ")
 	if err != nil {
 		ctxCancel()
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not marshal JSON: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to marshal JSON: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	ctxCancel()
@@ -371,7 +309,7 @@ func CollectUsers(client *bmclib.Client, q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 	err := client.Open(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		ctxCancel()
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not connect to bmc: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to connect to bmc: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	defer client.Close(ctx)
@@ -379,7 +317,7 @@ func CollectUsers(client *bmclib.Client, q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 	users, err := client.ReadUsers(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		ctxCancel()
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not get users: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to get users: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	// retrieve inventory data
@@ -387,7 +325,7 @@ func CollectUsers(client *bmclib.Client, q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 	b, err := json.MarshalIndent(data, "", "    ")
 	if err != nil {
 		ctxCancel()
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not marshal JSON: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to marshal JSON: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	ctxCancel()
@@ -397,7 +335,7 @@ func CollectUsers(client *bmclib.Client, q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 func CollectBios(client *bmclib.Client, q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 	// client, err := NewClient(l, q)
 	// if err != nil {
-	// 	return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not make query: %v", err)
+	// 	return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to make query: %v", err)
 	// }
 	b, err := makeRequest(client, client.GetBiosConfiguration, q.Timeout)
 	return b, err
@@ -406,7 +344,7 @@ func CollectBios(client *bmclib.Client, q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 func CollectEthernetInterfaces(c *gofish.APIClient, q *QueryParams, systemID string) ([]byte, error) {
 	systems, err := c.Service.Systems()
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not query storage systems (%v:%v): %v", q.Host, q.Port, err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to query storage systems (%v:%v): %v", q.Host, q.Port, err)
 	}
 
 	var interfaces []*redfish.EthernetInterface
@@ -419,13 +357,13 @@ func CollectEthernetInterfaces(c *gofish.APIClient, q *QueryParams, systemID str
 	}
 
 	if len(interfaces) <= 0 {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not get ethernet interfaces: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to get ethernet interfaces: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	data := map[string]any{"EthernetInterfaces": interfaces}
 	b, err := json.MarshalIndent(data, "", "    ")
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not marshal JSON: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to marshal JSON: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	return b, nil
@@ -434,13 +372,13 @@ func CollectEthernetInterfaces(c *gofish.APIClient, q *QueryParams, systemID str
 func CollectChassis(c *gofish.APIClient, q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 	chassis, err := c.Service.Chassis()
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not query chassis (%v:%v): %v", q.Host, q.Port, err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to query chassis (%v:%v): %v", q.Host, q.Port, err)
 	}
 
 	data := map[string]any{"Chassis": chassis}
 	b, err := json.MarshalIndent(data, "", "    ")
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not marshal JSON: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to marshal JSON: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	return b, nil
@@ -449,12 +387,12 @@ func CollectChassis(c *gofish.APIClient, q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 func CollectStorage(c *gofish.APIClient, q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 	systems, err := c.Service.StorageSystems()
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not query storage systems (%v:%v): %v", q.Host, q.Port, err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to query storage systems (%v:%v): %v", q.Host, q.Port, err)
 	}
 
 	services, err := c.Service.StorageServices()
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not query storage services (%v:%v): %v", q.Host, q.Port, err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to query storage services (%v:%v): %v", q.Host, q.Port, err)
 	}
 
 	data := map[string]any{
@@ -465,7 +403,7 @@ func CollectStorage(c *gofish.APIClient, q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 	}
 	b, err := json.MarshalIndent(data, "", "    ")
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not marshal JSON: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to marshal JSON: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	return b, nil
@@ -474,7 +412,7 @@ func CollectStorage(c *gofish.APIClient, q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 func CollectSystems(c *gofish.APIClient, q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 	systems, err := c.Service.Systems()
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not query systems (%v:%v): %v", q.Host, q.Port, err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to query systems (%v:%v): %v", q.Host, q.Port, err)
 	}
 
 	// query the system's ethernet interfaces
@@ -495,7 +433,7 @@ func CollectSystems(c *gofish.APIClient, q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 	data := map[string]any{"Systems": temp}
 	b, err := json.MarshalIndent(data, "", "    ")
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not marshal JSON: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to marshal JSON: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	return b, nil
@@ -504,13 +442,13 @@ func CollectSystems(c *gofish.APIClient, q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 func CollectRegisteries(c *gofish.APIClient, q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 	registries, err := c.Service.Registries()
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not query storage systems (%v:%v): %v", q.Host, q.Port, err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to query storage systems (%v:%v): %v", q.Host, q.Port, err)
 	}
 
 	data := map[string]any{"Registries": registries}
 	b, err := json.MarshalIndent(data, "", "    ")
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not marshal JSON: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to marshal JSON: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	return b, nil
@@ -518,7 +456,7 @@ func CollectRegisteries(c *gofish.APIClient, q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 
 func CollectProcessors(q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 	url := baseRedfishUrl(q) + "/Systems"
-	res, body, err := util.MakeRequest(url, "GET", nil, nil)
+	res, body, err := util.MakeRequest(nil, url, "GET", nil, nil)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("something went wrong: %v", err)
 	} else if res == nil {
@@ -537,7 +475,7 @@ func CollectProcessors(q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 	for _, member := range members {
 		var oid = member["@odata.id"].(string)
 		var infoUrl = url + oid
-		res, _, err := util.MakeRequest(infoUrl, "GET", nil, nil)
+		res, _, err := util.MakeRequest(nil, infoUrl, "GET", nil, nil)
 		if err != nil {
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("something went wrong: %v", err)
 		} else if res == nil {
@@ -550,7 +488,7 @@ func CollectProcessors(q *QueryParams) ([]byte, error) {
 	data := map[string]any{"Processors": procs}
 	b, err := json.MarshalIndent(data, "", "    ")
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not marshal JSON: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to marshal JSON: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	return b, nil
@@ -563,7 +501,7 @@ func connectGofish(q *QueryParams) (*gofish.APIClient, error) {
 	}
 	c, err := gofish.Connect(config)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not connect to redfish endpoint: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to connect to redfish endpoint: %v", err)
 	}
 	if c != nil {
 		c.Service.ProtocolFeaturesSupported = gofish.ProtocolFeaturesSupported{
@@ -578,39 +516,23 @@ func connectGofish(q *QueryParams) (*gofish.APIClient, error) {
 
 func makeGofishConfig(q *QueryParams) (gofish.ClientConfig, error) {
 	var (
-		client = &http.Client{}
-		url    = baseRedfishUrl(q)
-		config = gofish.ClientConfig{
-			Endpoint:            url,
-			Username:            q.User,
-			Password:            q.Pass,
-			Insecure:            q.CaCertPath == "",
-			TLSHandshakeTimeout: q.Timeout,
-			HTTPClient:          client,
-			// MaxConcurrentRequests: int64(q.Threads),  // NOTE: this was added in latest gofish
-		}
-	)
-	if q.CaCertPath != "" {
-		cacert, err := os.ReadFile(q.CaCertPath)
-		if err != nil {
-			return config, fmt.Errorf("failed to read CA cert file: %v", err)
-		}
-		certPool := x509.NewCertPool()
-		certPool.AppendCertsFromPEM(cacert)
-		client.Transport = &http.Transport{
-			TLSClientConfig: &tls.Config{
-				RootCAs: certPool,
+		client = &http.Client{
+			Transport: &http.Transport{
+				TLSClientConfig: &tls.Config{
+					InsecureSkipVerify: true,
+				},
 			},
 		}
-	}
+		url = baseRedfishUrl(q)
+	)
 	return gofish.ClientConfig{
 		Endpoint:            url,
 		Username:            q.User,
 		Password:            q.Pass,
-		Insecure:            q.CaCertPath == "",
+		Insecure:            true,
 		TLSHandshakeTimeout: q.Timeout,
 		HTTPClient:          client,
-		// MaxConcurrentRequests: int64(q.Threads),  // NOTE: this was added in latest gofish
+		// MaxConcurrentRequests: int64(q.Threads),  // NOTE: this was added in latest version of gofish
 	}, nil
 }
 
@@ -620,7 +542,7 @@ func makeRequest[T any](client *bmclib.Client, fn func(context.Context) (T, erro
 	err := client.Open(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		ctxCancel()
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not open client: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to open client: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	defer client.Close(ctx)
@@ -628,7 +550,7 @@ func makeRequest[T any](client *bmclib.Client, fn func(context.Context) (T, erro
 	response, err := fn(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		ctxCancel()
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not get response: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to get response: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	ctxCancel()
@@ -638,7 +560,7 @@ func makeRequest[T any](client *bmclib.Client, fn func(context.Context) (T, erro
 func makeJson(object any) ([]byte, error) {
 	b, err := json.MarshalIndent(object, "", "    ")
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not marshal JSON: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to marshal JSON: %v", err)
 	}
 	return []byte(b), nil
 }
diff --git a/internal/config.go b/internal/config.go
index 74df39b..82df93c 100644
--- a/internal/config.go
+++ b/internal/config.go
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ func LoadConfig(path string) error {
 		if _, ok := err.(viper.ConfigFileNotFoundError); ok {
 			return fmt.Errorf("config file not found: %w", err)
 		} else {
-			return fmt.Errorf("could not load config file: %w", err)
+			return fmt.Errorf("failed toload config file: %w", err)
 		}
 	}
 
diff --git a/internal/db/sqlite/sqlite.go b/internal/db/sqlite/sqlite.go
index 564fd0d..213b2f3 100644
--- a/internal/db/sqlite/sqlite.go
+++ b/internal/db/sqlite/sqlite.go
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ func CreateProbeResultsIfNotExists(path string) (*sqlx.DB, error) {
 	// TODO: it may help with debugging to check for file permissions here first
 	db, err := sqlx.Open("sqlite3", path)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not open database: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed toopen database: %v", err)
 	}
 	db.MustExec(schema)
 	return db, nil
@@ -45,12 +45,12 @@ func InsertProbeResults(path string, states *[]magellan.ScannedResult) error {
 		VALUES (:host, :port, :protocol, :state);`
 		_, err := tx.NamedExec(sql, &state)
 		if err != nil {
-			fmt.Printf("could not execute transaction: %v\n", err)
+			fmt.Printf("failed toexecute transaction: %v\n", err)
 		}
 	}
 	err = tx.Commit()
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("could not commit transaction: %v", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed tocommit transaction: %v", err)
 	}
 	return nil
 }
@@ -61,20 +61,20 @@ func DeleteProbeResults(path string, results *[]magellan.ScannedResult) error {
 	}
 	db, err := sqlx.Open("sqlite3", path)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("could not open database: %v", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed toopen database: %v", err)
 	}
 	tx := db.MustBegin()
 	for _, state := range *results {
 		sql := `DELETE FROM magellan_scanned_ports WHERE host = :host, port = :port;`
 		_, err := tx.NamedExec(sql, &state)
 		if err != nil {
-			fmt.Printf("could not execute transaction: %v\n", err)
+			fmt.Printf("failed toexecute transaction: %v\n", err)
 		}
 	}
 
 	err = tx.Commit()
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("could not commit transaction: %v", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed tocommit transaction: %v", err)
 	}
 	return nil
 }
@@ -82,13 +82,13 @@ func DeleteProbeResults(path string, results *[]magellan.ScannedResult) error {
 func GetProbeResults(path string) ([]magellan.ScannedResult, error) {
 	db, err := sqlx.Open("sqlite3", path)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not open database: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed toopen database: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	results := []magellan.ScannedResult{}
 	err = db.Select(&results, "SELECT * FROM magellan_scanned_ports ORDER BY host ASC, port ASC;")
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not retrieve probes: %v", err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed toretrieve probes: %v", err)
 	}
 	return results, nil
 }
diff --git a/internal/scan.go b/internal/scan.go
index 68e8f4f..2b8c14e 100644
--- a/internal/scan.go
+++ b/internal/scan.go
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ func ScanForAssets(hosts []string, ports []int, threads int, timeout int, disabl
 					probeResults := []ScannedResult{}
 					for _, result := range scannedResults {
 						url := fmt.Sprintf("https://%s:%d/redfish/v1/", result.Host, result.Port)
-						res, _, err := util.MakeRequest(url, "GET", nil, nil)
+						res, _, err := util.MakeRequest(nil, url, "GET", nil, nil)
 						if err != nil || res == nil {
 							continue
 						} else if res.StatusCode != http.StatusOK {
diff --git a/internal/update.go b/internal/update.go
index ce5c544..e6ed6b3 100644
--- a/internal/update.go
+++ b/internal/update.go
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ func UpdateFirmware(client *bmclib.Client, l *log.Logger, q *UpdateParams) error
 	err := client.Open(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		ctxCancel()
-		return fmt.Errorf("could not connect to bmc: %v", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed toconnect to bmc: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	defer client.Close(ctx)
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ func UpdateFirmware(client *bmclib.Client, l *log.Logger, q *UpdateParams) error
 	file, err := os.Open(q.FirmwarePath)
 	if err != nil {
 		ctxCancel()
-		return fmt.Errorf("could not open firmware path: %v", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed toopen firmware path: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	defer file.Close()
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ func UpdateFirmware(client *bmclib.Client, l *log.Logger, q *UpdateParams) error
 	taskId, err := client.FirmwareInstall(ctx, q.Component, constants.FirmwareApplyOnReset, true, file)
 	if err != nil {
 		ctxCancel()
-		return fmt.Errorf("could not install firmware: %v", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed toinstall firmware: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	for {
@@ -137,9 +137,9 @@ func UpdateFirmwareRemote(q *UpdateParams) error {
 	}
 	data, err := json.Marshal(b)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("could not marshal data: %v", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed tomarshal data: %v", err)
 	}
-	res, body, err := util.MakeRequest(url, "POST", data, headers)
+	res, body, err := util.MakeRequest(nil, url, "POST", data, headers)
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("something went wrong: %v", err)
 	} else if res == nil {
@@ -153,7 +153,7 @@ func UpdateFirmwareRemote(q *UpdateParams) error {
 
 func GetUpdateStatus(q *UpdateParams) error {
 	url := baseRedfishUrl(&q.QueryParams) + "/redfish/v1/UpdateService"
-	res, body, err := util.MakeRequest(url, "GET", nil, nil)
+	res, body, err := util.MakeRequest(nil, url, "GET", nil, nil)
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("something went wrong: %v", err)
 	} else if res == nil {
@@ -180,7 +180,7 @@ func GetUpdateStatus(q *UpdateParams) error {
 // 	// load file from disk
 // 	file, err := os.ReadFile(q.FirmwarePath)
 // 	if err != nil {
-// 		return fmt.Errorf("could not read file: %v", err)
+// 		return fmt.Errorf("failed toread file: %v", err)
 // 	}
 
 // 	switch q.TransferProtocol {
diff --git a/internal/util/util.go b/internal/util/util.go
index bed13a7..f385746 100644
--- a/internal/util/util.go
+++ b/internal/util/util.go
@@ -15,8 +15,12 @@ import (
 
 func PathExists(path string) (bool, error) {
 	_, err := os.Stat(path)
-	if err == nil { return true, nil }
-	if os.IsNotExist(err) { return false, nil }
+	if err == nil {
+		return true, nil
+	}
+	if os.IsNotExist(err) {
+		return false, nil
+	}
 	return false, err
 }
 
@@ -36,24 +40,31 @@ func GetNextIP(ip *net.IP, inc uint) *net.IP {
 	return &r
 }
 
-func MakeRequest(url string, httpMethod string, body []byte, headers map[string]string) (*http.Response, []byte, error) {
-	http.DefaultTransport.(*http.Transport).TLSClientConfig = &tls.Config{InsecureSkipVerify: true}
+// Generic convenience function used to make HTTP requests.
+func MakeRequest(client *http.Client, url string, httpMethod string, body []byte, headers map[string]string) (*http.Response, []byte, error) {
+	// use defaults if no client provided
+	if client == nil {
+		client = http.DefaultClient
+		client.Transport = &http.Transport{
+			TLSClientConfig: &tls.Config{InsecureSkipVerify: true},
+		}
+	}
 	req, err := http.NewRequest(httpMethod, url, bytes.NewBuffer(body))
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("could not create new HTTP request: %v", err)
+		return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to create new HTTP request: %v", err)
 	}
 	req.Header.Add("User-Agent", "magellan")
 	for k, v := range headers {
 		req.Header.Add(k, v)
 	}
-	res, err := http.DefaultClient.Do(req)
+	res, err := client.Do(req)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("could not make request: %v", err)
+		return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to make request: %v", err)
 	}
 	b, err := io.ReadAll(res.Body)
 	res.Body.Close()
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("could not read response body: %v", err)
+		return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to read response body: %v", err)
 	}
 	return res, b, err
 }
@@ -65,19 +76,19 @@ func MakeOutputDirectory(path string) (string, error) {
 	final := path + "/" + dirname
 
 	// check if path is valid and directory
-	pathExists, err := PathExists(final); 
+	pathExists, err := PathExists(final)
 	if err != nil {
-		return final, fmt.Errorf("could not check for existing path: %v", err) 
+		return final, fmt.Errorf("failed to check for existing path: %v", err)
 	}
 	if pathExists {
 		// make sure it is directory with 0o644 permissions
 		return final, fmt.Errorf("found existing path: %v", final)
 	}
-	
+
 	// create directory with data + time
 	err = os.MkdirAll(final, 0766)
 	if err != nil {
-		return final, fmt.Errorf("could not make directory: %v", err)
+		return final, fmt.Errorf("failed to make directory: %v", err)
 	}
 	return final, nil
 }