Naming Format for Computer Table in CMDB to Avoid Duplicates

[Service now11]

Hi,

How should we assign a naming format for the computer table in the CMDB? We have more than 40 records with the same "Name" value. Is there a specific naming format we should follow to avoid duplicate names?

Thanks.

[Maik Skoddow · Accepted solution]

Basically the IP address and/or the Serial Numbers are the unique criteria for computers, so it wouldn't be required to have unique names also. But if you are concerned, you have to add any other additional criteria to the names which makes them unique. It's up to you what you select, as it depends on what you have available.

[Ashok Sasidhara]

Duplicate Names by itself should not be a concern as there will be other unique identifiers like Serial Number. But avoiding duplicate records in general is important. You need to review the identification rule of the 'Computer' class (and any other CI classes where you find duplicates) and then modify it (if needed) by considering the unique attributes from all the data sources which are populating that class. In the following article, I have explained this concept in detail.

https://servicenowguru.com/cmdb/servicenow-cmdb-identification-and-reconciliation-engine-ire/

[Service now11]

Hi @Ashok Sasidhara 

From this IRE, are we able to delete CIs? If not, can you please provide the method for deleting duplicate CIs?

I am not able to identify the unique attributes in the cmdb table. So how can I identify this.

Thanks.

[Service now11]

Hi @Ashok Sasidhara 

From this IRE, are we able to delete existing duplicate CI records? If not, can you please provide the method for deleting duplicate CIs?

I am not able to identify the unique attributes in the cmdb table. So how can I identify this.

Thanks.