---
sourceDocument: Australia ServiceNow AI Platform Capabilities
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/servicenow-platform

 Release :

    - australia

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Australia ServiceNow AI Platform Capabilities

ft:clusterId :

    - platcap

bundleId :

    - platcap

workflow :

    - Platform


---

# Location, catalog, category, and topic functions

# Location, catalog, category, and topic functions {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Australia  
Updated March 12, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 2 minutes to read
Summarize  
![AI sparkle icon](https://servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ai-sparkle-icon) Summarized using AI  
This content was generated using new OpenAI-powered functionality. Results are provided on an as is basis and are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete.  

## Summary of Location, catalog, category, and topic functions

This functionality simplifies the process of assigning catalog, category, and topic values to catalog items using plain language input.
Leveraging AI, it automatically matches and applies existing values, reducing manual effort.
However, AI assistance is limited to Topic, Catalog, and Category fields and does not generate or assign values for Location or other fields.
Show full answer Show less  

## Key Features

* **Automatic Matching:** When you enter a catalog, category, or topic value, AI searches for exact matches in existing entries.
* **Handling Matches:** If exactly one match is found, the value is applied automatically. If multiple or no matches are found, AI prompts you to select the appropriate value from a list, maintaining conversational flexibility.
* **Catalog and Category Relationship:** Categories must be linked to a parent catalog. AI verifies the validity of catalog-category pairs and guides you if the combination is invalid or incomplete.
* **Topic Assignment:** Topics can be assigned simply by mentioning them. AI searches attached taxonomies for valid topics, prompting you to add a taxonomy first if none is attached.
* **Multiple Values Support:** Catalog items can belong to multiple catalogs, categories, or topics. AI supports assigning multiple values in a single interaction for efficient updates.
* **Template Control:** If a catalog item is based on a template with preset values for catalog, category, or topic, those values are locked and cannot be changed. AI informs you when fields are locked and applies changes only to editable fields.

## Practical Implications for ServiceNow Customers

This AI-driven approach enables faster and more accurate catalog item creation and editing by minimizing manual data entry and reducing errors in assigning catalogs, categories, and topics. Customers benefit from guided, context-aware input handling, ensuring data consistency and simplifying management of complex catalog structures. The clear handling of template-controlled fields preserves integrity while allowing flexibility where permitted.  
When creating or editing a catalog item, you can use plain language to assign values for catalog, category, or topic. If the value you provide matches an existing entry, AI automatically applies it to the item. This streamlines
the process and reduces manual data entry.
Content generation by AI within Catalog Builder is limited to Topic, Catalog, and Category fields. It does not generate values for Location or other fields outside this set. Users can only select a Catalog, Category, or Topic from the list that
already exists.  
When you enter a value, AI searches for an exact match. The system handles the different scenarios as follows:

* Exactly one match found: The value is applied automatically, and no further action is needed.
* Multiple matches or no match found: AI does not guess. Instead, it notifies you and displays available options in the chat, allowing you to select the correct value yourself.

{#setting-location-catalog-category-and-topic-with-now-assist__ul_snj_djb_m3c}  
Note:  
While you resolve any ambiguity in the chat, the rest of your conversation with AI remains active. You can continue making other changes or asking questions at the same time.

Categories are associated with a catalog, creating a close relationship between the two. AI manages different input scenarios as follows:

## Providing both catalog and category together {#setting-location-catalog-category-and-topic-with-now-assist__section_x5j_rjb_m3c}

If you specify both a catalog and a category, AI checks whether the category belongs to the selected catalog.

* Valid combination: Both values are applied.
* Invalid combination: You're notified and prompted to select the correct and available values from the list.
{#setting-location-catalog-category-and-topic-with-now-assist__ul_tdv_tjb_m3c}

## Providing only a category {#setting-location-catalog-category-and-topic-with-now-assist__section_v5b_bmb_m3c}

When only a category is provided, AI searches under any catalogs already assigned to the item for a matching category.

* Exactly one match found: The category is applied automatically.
* Multiple matches found: AI asks to select the correct and available value from the list.
{#setting-location-catalog-category-and-topic-with-now-assist__ul_ezn_2mb_m3c}

## If no catalog has been assigned yet {#setting-location-catalog-category-and-topic-with-now-assist__section_wqb_zmb_m3c}

If no catalog is assigned when you specify a category, AI asks you to add a catalog first since a category must be linked to a parent catalog.

## Assigning topics {#setting-location-catalog-category-and-topic-with-now-assist__section_khn_2nb_m3c}

You can assign topics to a catalog item simply by mentioning them in your prompt. After AI recognizes valid topics, it adds them to the item automatically. Also, when a user tries to add a topic, AI searches in the attached
taxonomies. If there is no taxonomy attached to the item, then user would be prompted to add a taxonomy first and then a topic.

## Assigning multiple values {#setting-location-catalog-category-and-topic-with-now-assist__section_rd3_lnb_m3c}

A catalog item can belong to more than one catalog, category, or topic. AI supports assigning multiple values for these fields in a single interaction, making it efficient to update or create complex catalog items.

* When a template controls values:In cases where a catalog item is based on a template with pre-set values for catalog, category, or topic, those template values take priority and can't be changed. If you attempt to modify a
  locked field, AI informs you that the value is controlled by the template and can't be edited.

* When some fields are locked and others aren't:  
  If you request updates to multiple fields at once, and some of those fields are locked by a template while others aren't, AI will:
  * Apply the changes to any fields that are allowed to be updated.
  * Notify you about which fields could not be changed due to template control.
  {#setting-location-catalog-category-and-topic-with-now-assist__ul_vpv_pnb_m3c}
{#setting-location-catalog-category-and-topic-with-now-assist__ul_kws_nnb_m3c}