ITAM Mobile / Now Agent Mobile App – Update Existing Asset Record from Barcode Scan & Validate Input

[Shiv Choudhary]

Hi Experts,

I am currently working on a requirement in the ServiceNow Mobile App (IT Asset Management Mobile scope / Now Agent Mobile App) and would appreciate guidance on the recommended implementation approach and best practices.

Business Requirement

We have created an Input Form Screen in Mobile App Builder that allows technicians to scan and update asset information during physical asset verification activities.

Barcode Fields on Mobile Screen

1. Asset Tag
2. Serial Number
3. RFID Tag
4. Cubicle ID

Expected Process Flow

Step 1 – Scan Asset Tag

The technician scans the Asset Tag barcode.

The scanned Asset Tag should be used to identify an existing asset record in the alm_hardware table.

Step 2 – Scan Additional Values

After the asset is identified, the technician scans:

• Serial Number
• RFID Tag
• Cubicle ID(custom field created in alm_hardware table)

Step 3 – Update Existing Asset Record

The scanned values should update the corresponding asset record.

Field mapping requirements:

Scanned Value	Asset Field
Asset Tag	Used to identify the record
Serial Number	Serial Number field on Asset record
RFID Tag	RFID Tag field
Cubicle ID	Custom Cubicle ID field (new field to be created on Asset table)

Query/Questions?

1. Recommended Approach for Updating Existing Asset Records?

Once the asset is identified using the scanned Asset Tag, what is the recommended approach to update the existing alm_hardware record from a Mobile App Builder Input Form Screen?

I'm looking for a scalable and maintainable solution that follows ServiceNow mobile development best practices.

1. Barcode Input Validation?

We also need validation of the scanned barcode values before updating the asset record.

RFID Tag Validation

Cubicle ID Validation

1. Where Should Validation Be Implemented?

What is the recommended location for enforcing validation in Mobile App Builder?

Ideally, we'd like users to receive validation feedback immediately on the mobile app while also ensuring server-side enforcement.

Additional Considerations

• Has anyone implemented a similar asset verification or asset inventory scanning use case in Now Agent app?
• Are there any OOB patterns or reusable components available for barcode-driven asset updates?
• Any performance considerations when querying assets by Asset Tag from a mobile workflow?

Any implementation examples, architecture recommendations, screenshots, or best-practice patterns would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your guidance and suggestions.

#ServiceNow #ITAM #MobileAppBuilder #NowAgent #AssetManagement #BarcodeScanning #RFID #alm_hardware #MobileFunctions #WriteBack #CMDB #AssetInventory #ServiceNowCommunity

[Vikram Reddy]

Hi @Shiv Choudhary,

Skip the create-record pattern you've got on that "Create Asset" screen. In Mobile App Builder, add a Function of type Update bound to alm_hardware, attach your Input Form Screen to it, and mark Asset Tag as the lookup input so it runs a GlideRecord.get on asset_tag first, then the remaining scans update that same record via update().

Validation needs two layers, since g_form doesn't exist on mobile:

1. Client side: mobile client scripts only support the onChange trigger, so use MForm.setValue and addInfoMessage on RFID Tag and Cubicle ID for instant feedback as the tech scans.
2. Server side: put the real enforcement in a Script Include extending AbstractMobileCallableInclude, invoked via MobileScriptIncludeCaller, since client-only checks can be bypassed.

Double check RFID Tag is a custom field too, since it isn't OOB on alm_hardware.

References

• Platform Academy: Mobile client scripting with input form screens
• Mobile UI Rules
• Unlocking the Power of Mobile Callable Script Includes
• How to build a scanner in Now Agent mobile app to scan bulk assets

Thank you,
Vikram Karety
Octigo Solutions INC