Implementing Asset Management after CMDB

[sathish_anoor]

Hello,

We are in the process of implementing our CMDB.   For the most part, we are populating our data from various sources using automation.   Our scope just widened to include Assets, to track all Laptops , Projectors etc.

One of the thought that is being kicked around is:   Is it even possible to continue to use our CMDB for Asset tracking purposes?   Are there any known pit falls?   Has anyone done with no heartaches?

On the other hand, if we do start using Asset Management for Asset tracking, is there a recommended way to populate our Assets from our CMDB records?

Feel free to add any pitfalls and gotchas anyone might have had during their Asset implementation.  

Sathish

[Community Alums · Accepted solution]

Sathish,

I highly recommend getting educated in Asset Management in ServiceNow. This topic is covered extensively.

That being said, here are a couple quick pointers:

• Do not track asset data in the CMDB. While these might align in many situations, there are some things that should be assets but not CIs and vice versa. Tracking asset details in a CI record then requires you to have a CI for things that should only be assets.
• The key to populating assets from your CI records is Model categories. Define these and new CIs will automatically create corresponding assets.
• With the Model categories defined, you can prevent asset creation with the Enforce CI verification option on the Model category or the Asset tracking strategy on the Model records.

Ben

[sathish_anoor]

Ben,

Thank you for your detailed reply.   Is there a way to "back fill" our existing CMDB CIs as Assets?   We already have some of the CIs created and I would like to populate the asset records for them.

Sathish

[Damhoej]

When starting to build an Asset Management Database (AMDB) you should start with Life Cycle Management (LCM).

The LCM proces keep a flow of your assets through their life in your company.

I have learned that you need to build a solid procurement proces, and make use of ServiceNow workflows..

So as Ben stated join the Asset Management course, it is an excellent training. But first get in touch with ServiceNow philosophy.

Her are some links:

https://community.servicenow.com/community?id=community_blog&sys_id=4fdd2ae9dbd0dbc01dcaf3231f9619ef&view_source=searchResult

https://community.servicenow.com/community?id=community_blog&sys_id=246d6a29dbd0dbc01dcaf3231f9619d9

http://www.provance.com/resources/blog/postid/113/dont-confuse-it-asset-management-and-configuration-management

http://www.provance.com/resources/white-papers/itam-whitepaper-gartner

These links and this community has helped me a lot.. beside the training from ServiceNow.