Configure the entity filters

  • Release version: Australia
  • Updated March 12, 2026
  • 1 minute to read

    • Configure entity filters to define the records from ServiceNow tables that populate each entity type after setting up pillars and entity types. Entity filters use selection criteria to identify and pull relevant records automatically. You can build custom filter conditions tailored to your requirements or select from predefined (saved) queries for common scenarios.

    Before you begin

    Role required: sn_oper_res.admin, sn_oper_res.manager

    About this task

    Choose the appropriate method based on your specific filtering requirements and the complexity of your data selection criteria: build custom conditions for specific requirements or use predefined queries for standard scenarios.
    Table 1. Options to configure entity filters
    Options Use when Filter example
    Build custom conditions You need a specific, tailored criteria "Status=Active" AND "Region=US" AND "Cost Center=IT"
    Use predefined queries Standard filters meet your needs All Active Servers, All Business Services

    Procedure

    1. Build custom conditions as the recommended method for configuring entity filters.
      1. Open an Entity Type record and scroll to the Entity Filters related list.

        The Entity Filters related list is shown in the example.

        The Active check box is selected.
      2. To create a filter condition, select New.

        The example shows the dialog box.

        Entity filter.
      3. Select Build your own conditions in the Filter conditions section, choose Table to query (for example, cmdb_ci_server for servers), and add filter conditions using AND/OR logic.
        You can configure different conditions, for example, "Operational status" IS "Operational."

        The examples show the filter conditions section.

        Conditions.Assignment section.
      4. Select Pillar and then select Entity type in the Assignment section.
      5. Check the Active check box.
      6. Select Update.
    2. Optional: Select predefined queries as an option step for configuring entity filters.
      1. Open an Entity Type record and scroll to the Entity Filters related list.
      2. To create a filter, select New.
      3. Choose Select from predefined queries in the Filter conditions section and choose a saved query.)

        The example shows that you can select a saved query to set up the filter.

        Select from predefined queries.
      4. Select Pillar and then select Entity type in the Assignment section.
      5. Check the Active check box.
      6. Select Submit.
        Note:
        Entity filters must be activated to generate entities. Inactive filters don’t produce entities even if they’re properly configured.