What Sets the Request Item [sc_req_item] Short Description out-of-box?

[Nia McCash]

Our-of-box, ServiceNow is setting the Request Item [sc_req_item] Short Description field to the short description of the item being ordered.  If the item does not have a short description, then the Request Item's short description is set to the item name.  

Where is this default behavior defined?  Is it a Business Rule? A workflow?

I am trying to override the default behavior but I can't seem to figure out where the default is defined. I've tried creating a before Business Rule (as per this thread and this thread) to set a custom short description but it doesn't seem to be working as expected.  

The end goal is to be able to parameterize the Request Item short description so that it can be specific and different depending on the item being ordered.  Has anyone done this who would be willing to share the solution?

[Allen Andreas]

Not exactly sure what is auto-setting it, but I definitely know what you're talking about.

Check this thread for ways to populate it with what you want though: https://community.servicenow.com/community?id=community_question&sys_id=aa9ecf21dbdcdbc01dcaf3231f96...

Actually, it looks like it's coming from the catalog task activity for the REQ? Click advanced checkbox and you'll see the script there, looking like: task.short_description = "Service Request - " + current.cat_item.getDisplayValue();

[Nia McCash]

HI Allen,

Not sure where you are seeing:  task.short_description = "Service Request - " + current.cat_item.getDisplayValue();

I am trying to set sc_req_item.short_description field, not the sc_task.short_description field.

[Community Alums]

Hi, I ran into the same issue and still looking for where that OOTB logic is. Any clue?