What is the use of 'product_instance_id' on IRE rule?

[Suggy]

On CI identifiers, I see that a new identifier entry is introduced. What is the use of it ? when do we use it?

[M Iftikhar]

Hi @Suggy ,

Use of product_instance_id in IRE rule

• It’s an extra unique key used by IRE (Identification and Reconciliation Engine) to identify a CI.

• Normal identifiers (like serial number, hostname) sometimes aren’t enough.

• product_instance_id helps when a device has multiple instances of the same product (e.g., multiple Oracle DBs on one server).

Why introduced?

• To avoid duplicate CIs in CMDB.

• Makes sure each product instance is matched correctly during discovery/integration.

When do we use it?

• When Discovery or integrations (like SCCM, cloud, Service Mapping) provide a unique instance ID.

• Especially for databases, middleware, clustered apps, or multiple software installs on one machine.

In short: product_instance_id ensures each product instance on a CI is uniquely identified and prevents duplicates in CMDB.


Thanks & Regards,
Muhammad Iftikhar
If my response helped, please mark it as the accepted solution so others can benefit as well.

[Suggy]

Hi @M Iftikhar 

1. Is there any docs/post on this topic? If yes, can you please share.

2. Does ServiceNow Discovery or OOTB SG connectors use this? or is it just a new attribute added for customer to use it if required? (Basically want to know if this is used OOTB already anywhere)

[Pratiksha]

read this : https://www.servicenow.com/docs/bundle/zurich-it-asset-management/page/product/hardware-asset-manage...

[Suggy]

So that basically for Medical devices category models then..