how to override the Business Unit field ref. in cmdb_ci_business_app table using Dictionary Override

[mihirgupta]

Hi, I need some help with a configuration in ServiceNow.

In the cmdb_ci_business_app table, the Business Unit field (inherited from the base table cmdb_ci) currently references the Business Unit (cmn_business_unit) table.

As per the new business requirement, for the Business Application table only, the Business Unit field should instead reference the Department (cmn_department) table.

Since this field is inherited from the base table, I understand this change can be achieved through a Dictionary Override on the business_unit field.

Could you please guide me on how to override the reference so that it points to the Department table instead of Business Unit?

In the Dictionary Override form for a reference field,
you don’t see a “Reference” field (like you do in the main dictionary entry).

Instead, you only see “Reference qualifier” and related options —
because “reference” (the table that field points to) is not one of the directly editable override fields by default in the UI.

[YaswanthKurre]

Hi @mihirgupta ,

You are correct that the standard Dictionary Override form does not directly expose the "Reference" (reference table) field for overriding. 

Try the below steps:

• Dictionary Overrides related list on the parent dictionary form.

• Click the New button.

• Fill out the Dictionary Override form:

  • Table: Select the target child table: Business Application (cmdb_ci_business_app).

  • Check the Override attributes box.

  • Do not check the Override reference qualifier box.

• After checking Override attributes, the Attributes field will appear.

• In the Attributes field, enter the following string:

  • ref_contributes=table;ref_table=cmn_department

  • This string tells the system to change the reference table for this specific child table to cmn_department.

• Click Submit to save the Dictionary Override record.

• Try clearing cache or logout and login
• Now Validate the field on your child table and see cmn_dept values are showing.

Mark this as helpful and correct if this helps you.

Thanks,

Yaswanth.

[mihirgupta]

Hi Yaswanth,

Thank you for your quick response.

Unfortunately, the provided solution doesn’t seem to work for me. Even after refreshing the cmdb_ci_business_app table, the Business Unit field is still referencing the Business Unit table.

If you have any other suggestions or thoughts, please share them.

Thanks and regards,
Mihir

[YaswanthKurre]

Hi @mihirgupta ,

Then unfortunately, we cannot override the table at child level.

Please close the thread by marking this as correct and helpful.

Thanks & regards,

Yaswanth

[Ankur Bawiskar · Accepted solution]

@mihirgupta 

I already informed yesterday this is not possible.

You cannot change the table being referred by reference field for child table.

If my response helped please mark it correct and close the thread so that it benefits future readers.