---
sourceDocument: Brazil Impact
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/impact

 Release :

    - brazil

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Brazil Impact

ft:clusterId :

    - ipact

bundleId :

    - ipact


---

# Scan Engine definitions

# Scan Engine definitions {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Brazil  
Updated September 29, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
The Scan Engine uses a large set of definitions to correct coding and workflow findings in real-time and perform scans across your entire instance to detect existing findings.

## Pre-defined definitions {#scan-engine-definitions__section_kwm_mth_dhc}

There are various types of definitions available as a baseline in the Impact
Scan Engine. Category weighting reflects how much risk each area typically represents across the check library. These weights are applied only at the final roll-up step, so a change in one category's findings
won't distort the calculated health of another category.
{#scan-engine-definitions__table_zby_my2_m2c__entry__3}

| Category | Weight | Description |
|-|-|-|
| Security | * \~40% * The highest-consequence category, encompassing breach risk, compliance violations, and access-control vulnerabilities. | Measures implementation of protocols across a ServiceNow instance to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, cyber attacks, and potential vulnerabilities. |
| Performance | * \~22% * Affects every user on the instance and compounds if left unaddressed. | Measures the efficiency of a ServiceNow instance, encompassing aspects such as speed, responsiveness, resource utilization, and overall dependability. |
| Manageability | * \~19% * The largest category by volume, impacting administration and supportability. | Measures the extent to which ServiceNow instances, applications, or infrastructure can be effectively monitored, configured, and maintained. |
| Upgradeability | * \~9% * Smaller in volume, but can block or delay version upgrades. | Assesses the ease of enhancing a ServiceNow instance or application with new features, improvements, security patches, or compatibility adjustments. |
| User Experience | * \~9% * Important to adoption and satisfaction, but carries the lowest urgency overall. | Evaluates the quality of user interactions with applications. Considers the ease of use, efficiency, design, responsiveness, accessibility, and its emotional and functional impact. |
[Table 1. Scan Engine definition categories]

{#scan-engine-definitions__table_zby_my2_m2c}  
Note:  
For a complete explanation of how these weights are applied in your overall Instance Health Score calculation, see [Platform Health score calculation model](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/F7qiIl3J44Nkm7noFnyyzQ "Your Platform Health score is the foundation for understanding instance risk. The score reflects platform risk through a four-step, category-weighted calculation that combines findings into a single 0–100 health metric.").

## Custom definitions {#scan-engine-definitions__section_sbn_55h_dhc}

Users can create their own custom definitions. For more information, see [Create custom Scan Engine definitions](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/GPFayrAOUjit2S2u9~bkgQ#create-scan-engine-definitions "The Scan Engine contains preexisting base system definitions and you can create your own.").  
Note:  
The number of custom definitions that is permitted varies based on your Impact package. For more information, see [Impact packages](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/ZTw8MB6U8lkVhrEXDTV_UA "ServiceNow Impact is available in core packages, Guided and Total, with optional add-on packages to extend your entitlements.").

## Scan Engine definition suites {#scan-engine-definitions__section_ybx_vvh_dhc}

Definition suites are groupings of similar definitions that allow administrators to target specific areas or functions of code during scans.

For more information, see [Customize Scan Engine definition suites](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/jHnME5grqwtj~vGX4Nt73A#create-scan-engine-definition-suites "Follow these steps to create or modify Scan Engine definition suites.").