Will an alm_asset record always have a corresponding cmdb_ci record?

SB87 · ‎01-08-2024

I was told by a colleague the following:

cmdb_ci records can be standalone and might not have a corresponding alm_asset record (i.e. if the configuration item is not an asset)
All asset records (every record in the alm_asset table) will have a corresponding cmdb_ci record

Is the above statements correct?

p_tishberg · ‎01-08-2024

The short answer is no.

Here are two exceptions to the "rule" your colleague has stated:

Software License Entitlements: They have an asset (Display Name is the entitlement for the asset and the class is Software Entitlement) but they have NO corresponding CI. (They are not "operational and subject to change”)

Virtual Clients (think VM images acting like virtual machines, whether hosts or clients). They are associated in a dependency relationship with the physical server hosting them (like an ESX host server). Still, they DO NOT have an asset record (the VMs) that corresponds to a CI record for those "Virtual Assets".

This on the base level is clear and understood, however, many organizations overthink this or attempt to muddle those waters when it comes to matching the AMDB and the CMDB.

I suggest not applying overarching blanket statements to these various classes and their relationships. However, clearly define for your organization what is what and then codify it with process, and governance and occasionally revisit it; at least to figure out if the same logic is still applicable today based on the firms’ needs and the information being maintained for reporting and ongoing understanding for the use of the AMDB and CMDB.

One additional note to the comment from JaeggerLegane shown below:

BY Definition: A CONSUMABLE SHOULD NOT BE VIEWED AS AN ASSET (Per se), it is a consumable with its properties unlike a Software or a Hardware asset which could potentially have a matching CI, Consumables are not asset tracked (no asset tag) and are only tracked items as in a bulk inventory manner (ie: a computer mouse - there will be 20 in a stockroom and the only measure of usage is a decrease in the count or an increase at a certain depletion point that you determine to keep in stock (on hand) for a replaceable item that is not considered an asset.

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Dr Atul G- LNG · ‎01-08-2024

Hi @SB87

cmdb_ci records can be standalone and might not have a corresponding alm_asset record (i.e. if the configuration item is not an asset)

Atul: Yes, agree it depends on the class you select and OOTB configuration.

All asset records (every record in the alm_asset table) will have a corresponding cmdb_ci record

Atul: Yes,.

not every Configuration Item (CI) can be considered an asset in ServiceNow. In ServiceNow, CIs represent any IT component that needs to be managed and tracked in the Configuration Management Database (CMDB), such as hardware, software, applications, and services.

https://www.servicenow.com/community/developer-forum/can-every-ci-can-be-considered-as-asset-why/m-p....

check thsi BR

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Dr. Atul G. - Learn N Grow Together
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Scott Halverson · ‎01-08-2024

It depends:-). The syncronization is controlled by the Model Category mappings. So it depends on which model is selected upon creation of the asset and/or CI. https://docs.servicenow.com/bundle/vancouver-it-asset-management/page/product/enterprise-asset-manag...

Dr Atul G- LNG · ‎01-08-2024

Hi @SB87

https://youtu.be/6sIr5vWcGfU

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If my response proves useful, please indicate its helpfulness by selecting " Accept as Solution" and " Helpful." This action benefits both the community and me.

Regards
Dr. Atul G. - Learn N Grow Together
ServiceNow Techno - Functional Trainer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dratulgrover
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LearnNGrowTogetherwithAtulG
Topmate: https://topmate.io/atul_grover_lng [ Connect for 1-1 Session]

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JaeggerLegane · ‎01-08-2024

The above answer is not entirely correct but close.

1. Yes, CI's can be standalone without a related asset
This can be configured in 2 ways:
- Via the model category, using the checkbox "Enforce CI Verification"

- Directly on the product model, via the field "Asset tracking strategy":

2. No, not all assets have a corresponding CI record.
For example a consumable (e.g. laptop charger) is an asset, but will not be linked to a CI.

I would recommend the HAM course on Now Learning to learn more.

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