Difference Between Model Categories

[vikramboorl]

Can anyone help me in getting difference between the Model categories in CMDB tables:
Software-Software Model
Hardware- Hardware Model;
Service- Service Model
Contract- Contract Model
Consumable- Consumable Model

[Sanjay191]

Hi @vikramboorl 

In Simple Model Category in CMDB is used to define the type of product.
For example, Computer, Server, Network Gear, Printer are model categories. A Model is a specific product under that category, like Dell Latitude 5420 under Computer. A CI is the actual item in your environment, like LAP-001, and an Asset is used for financial tracking of that same item.
In short: Model Category = product type, Model = specific product, CI = actual device, Asset = financial record.

Also you can refer the below thread as well
https://www.servicenow.com/community/in-other-news/models-vs-model-categories-model-management-part-...

If my answer has helped with your question, please mark my answer as accepted solution and give a thumb up.
Thank You

[M Iftikhar · Accepted solution]

Hi @vikramboorl,

Here is the difference between these specific Model types:

• Hardware Models: For physical devices like laptops and servers. These use a Model Category to automatically create both a CI and an Asset record.

• Consumable Models: For items depleted over time, like toner or cables. These also use a Model Category for inventory tracking.

• Software Models: Represent licensed software (OS, Applications). These are tracked for licensing (SAM) and usually do not create Assets/CIs via a category.

• Service Models: Cover business services like Email or HR Portals. These are tracked as CIs only.

• Contract Models: Manage agreements like support or warranty. These are strictly for documentation and financials, not CIs.

In Short Models define the specific product (e.g., Dell Latitude), while Model Categories (mainly for Hardware) tell ServiceNow to create the corresponding Asset and CI records.

If my response helped, please mark it as the accepted solution so others can benefit as well.