---
sourceDocument: Brazil IT Operations Management
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/it-operations-management

 Release :

    - brazil

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Brazil IT Operations Management

ft:clusterId :

    - itom

bundleId :

    - itom

workflow :

    - Technology


---

# Configure the serial number type for Linux Server discovery

# Configure the serial number type for Linux Server discovery {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Brazil  
Updated September 10, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
Control which serial number type populates the Serial Number field on discovered Linux server CIs by configuring the sn_itom_pattern.linux_server_preferred_serial_number_type system property.

## Before you begin

Verify that you have at least version 6.35.0 of Visibility Content.

Role required: admin

## About this task

By default, Discovery populates the Serial Number field on the Linux Server \[cmdb_ci_linux_server\] table with the first available serial number found on each discovery run. The
sn_itom_pattern.linux_server_preferred_serial_number_type system property enables you to specify which serial number type to use. If the preferred type isn't found on a given host, Discovery falls back to the first available serial number. The value is empty by default.

## Procedure

1. In the navigation filter, enter <kbd class="ph userinput">sys_properties.list</kbd>.
2. In the Name column, search for <kbd class="ph userinput">sn_itom_pattern.linux_server_preferred_serial_number_type</kbd>.
3. Select the sn_itom_pattern.linux_server_preferred_serial_number_type system property.
4. In the Value field, enter one of the following serial number types:
   * <kbd class="ph userinput">system</kbd>
   * <kbd class="ph userinput">chassis</kbd>
   * <kbd class="ph userinput">board</kbd>
   * <kbd class="ph userinput">bios</kbd>

   {#configure-linux-serial-number-type__choices_upl_yht_3kc}  
   To revert to the default behavior and use the first available serial number, leave the value empty.
5. Select Update.

## What to do next

Run Discovery again to apply the change.
**Related reference**   

* [Linux discovery](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/ZKhCy22~BZha_jNCjqyToA "Discovery and Service Mapping applications use probes and patterns to discover and map information about Linux computers and servers. The information is populated in the CMDB. Discovering some of these resources might require updating to the latest version of the Discovery and Service Mapping Patterns application from the ServiceNow Store.")