Could anyone please tell me what the best ways to add IT Assets into ServiceNow.

pdurgapavan
Tera Contributor

Could anyone please tell me what the best ways to add IT Assets into ServiceNow from other systems.

@Community Alums 

@Sohail Khilji 

@Sandeep Rajput 

@James Chun 

@Dr Atul G- LNG 

@Abhishek_Thakur 

@Community Alums 

@Ankur Bawiskar 

@SAI VENKATESH 

@Anurag Tripathi

 

 

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Abhishek_Thakur
Mega Sage

Hello @pdurgapavan ,

 

Populating asset data into ServiceNow from other systems can be done through various methods, each suitable for different scenarios based on factors like the volume of data, frequency of updates, and the complexity of data integration. Here are the best approaches:

ServiceNow IntegrationHub and REST APIs:

  • REST API Integration: Use ServiceNow’s REST API to programmatically insert, update, or retrieve asset records. This method is flexible and can be integrated with virtually any system that supports RESTful APIs.
  • IntegrationHub: ServiceNow’s IntegrationHub provides a low-code environment to connect ServiceNow with other systems. It simplifies complex integrations and can handle data transfers seamlessly.

Import Sets:

  • Scheduled Data Import: Use Import Sets to bring in data from external sources like CSV files, Excel spreadsheets, or databases. Scheduled data imports are useful for periodic updates.
  • Transform Maps: Define transform maps to map data from the import set tables to the target asset tables. This process allows for data cleansing and transformation during the import.

MID Server:

  • Direct Database Access: If the source system’s database is accessible, a MID (Management, Instrumentation, and Discovery) Server can be used to pull data directly from the database and import it into ServiceNow. This method is suitable for on-premises systems.
  • File Transfer Protocol (FTP/SFTP): The MID Server can also be used to transfer files from external systems to ServiceNow securely via FTP/SFTP, which can then be processed using import sets.

Data Source Integrations:

  • LDAP Integration: For systems that support LDAP, ServiceNow can integrate directly to import user and asset data.
  • Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP): Legacy systems that use SOAP for communication can be integrated using ServiceNow’s SOAP API.

Third-Party Integration Tools:

  • Integration Platforms: Tools like MuleSoft, Dell Boomi, and others provide middleware that can bridge various systems with ServiceNow, handling complex data transformation and transfer requirements.
  • ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) Tools: Use ETL tools to extract data from the source system, transform it as needed, and load it into ServiceNow.

Custom Scripting:

  • Business Rules and Scripted REST APIs: Advanced use cases might require custom scripting within ServiceNow using business rules, Scripted REST APIs, or scheduled jobs to process and import data in a highly customized manner.

Best Practices:

  • Data Quality: Ensure data is clean and validated before importing it into ServiceNow to prevent data integrity issues.
  • Security: Use secure methods (e.g., encrypted data transfer, secure APIs) to protect sensitive information.
  • Incremental Updates: For large datasets, consider incremental updates rather than full loads to improve efficiency and performance.
  • Error Handling: Implement robust error handling and logging to monitor and address issues during the data import process.
  • Documentation: Document the integration process, mappings, and configurations to facilitate maintenance and troubleshooting.

Please mark my answer as accepted solution and give thumbs up, if it helps you.

View solution in original post

3 REPLIES 3

Abhishek_Thakur
Mega Sage

Hello @pdurgapavan ,

 

Populating asset data into ServiceNow from other systems can be done through various methods, each suitable for different scenarios based on factors like the volume of data, frequency of updates, and the complexity of data integration. Here are the best approaches:

ServiceNow IntegrationHub and REST APIs:

  • REST API Integration: Use ServiceNow’s REST API to programmatically insert, update, or retrieve asset records. This method is flexible and can be integrated with virtually any system that supports RESTful APIs.
  • IntegrationHub: ServiceNow’s IntegrationHub provides a low-code environment to connect ServiceNow with other systems. It simplifies complex integrations and can handle data transfers seamlessly.

Import Sets:

  • Scheduled Data Import: Use Import Sets to bring in data from external sources like CSV files, Excel spreadsheets, or databases. Scheduled data imports are useful for periodic updates.
  • Transform Maps: Define transform maps to map data from the import set tables to the target asset tables. This process allows for data cleansing and transformation during the import.

MID Server:

  • Direct Database Access: If the source system’s database is accessible, a MID (Management, Instrumentation, and Discovery) Server can be used to pull data directly from the database and import it into ServiceNow. This method is suitable for on-premises systems.
  • File Transfer Protocol (FTP/SFTP): The MID Server can also be used to transfer files from external systems to ServiceNow securely via FTP/SFTP, which can then be processed using import sets.

Data Source Integrations:

  • LDAP Integration: For systems that support LDAP, ServiceNow can integrate directly to import user and asset data.
  • Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP): Legacy systems that use SOAP for communication can be integrated using ServiceNow’s SOAP API.

Third-Party Integration Tools:

  • Integration Platforms: Tools like MuleSoft, Dell Boomi, and others provide middleware that can bridge various systems with ServiceNow, handling complex data transformation and transfer requirements.
  • ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) Tools: Use ETL tools to extract data from the source system, transform it as needed, and load it into ServiceNow.

Custom Scripting:

  • Business Rules and Scripted REST APIs: Advanced use cases might require custom scripting within ServiceNow using business rules, Scripted REST APIs, or scheduled jobs to process and import data in a highly customized manner.

Best Practices:

  • Data Quality: Ensure data is clean and validated before importing it into ServiceNow to prevent data integrity issues.
  • Security: Use secure methods (e.g., encrypted data transfer, secure APIs) to protect sensitive information.
  • Incremental Updates: For large datasets, consider incremental updates rather than full loads to improve efficiency and performance.
  • Error Handling: Implement robust error handling and logging to monitor and address issues during the data import process.
  • Documentation: Document the integration process, mappings, and configurations to facilitate maintenance and troubleshooting.

Please mark my answer as accepted solution and give thumbs up, if it helps you.

Dr Atul G- LNG
Tera Patron
Tera Patron

Hi @pdurgapavan 

 

Greetings!!

 Even though answer is already given by @Abhishek_Thakur , not sure he wrote or its chatGpt but yes valid answer.

 

According to me, it depend on use case

If data is small , then go for manual but if regular update are there

- Use Import Set

- Use Integration ( API)

these 2 are main, also make sure these assets must have CI in SN. As per SN , create CI and then it will create Asset OOTB but for few classes only.

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Dr. Atul G. - Learn N Grow Together
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Community Alums
Not applicable

Hi @pdurgapavan ,

You can use Import sets/transform map - It lets you link fields between tables, making data flow smoother and more efficient. It also maintains data quality.

 

Please mark my answer correct and helpful if this works for you

Thanks and Regards 

Sarthak