Model classification

  • Release version: Australia
  • Updated March 12, 2026
  • 2 minutes to read

    • Use model classification to organize and categorize enterprise models and their associated assets in a structured, consistent way across the ServiceNow platform.

    Overview of classification

    Classification codes are structured identifiers assigned to enterprise models. After assigned to a model, a classification code is automatically inherited by all assets created from that model. Classification codes serve a descriptive purpose — supporting reporting, analysis, and grouping — distinct from model categories, which serve a technical purpose by binding model, asset, and CI class tables together.
    Table 1. Model categories vs. Model classifications
    Characteristic Model categories Model classifications
    Purpose Technical — bind model, asset, and CI class tables Business — organize and classify models for reporting and management
    Seeded out-of-the-box Yes — 9 parent, approximately 95 child categories No — imported or created by an administrator
    Standard Platform-defined Industry standard or customer-defined
    Drives Discovery routing, asset-CI synchronization Filtering, reporting, and taxonomy

    Classification behavior

    Assigning classification to models
    Classifications are assigned directly to a model record. Only classifications valid for the model's category are selectable. After assignment, the classification applies automatically to all associated assets.
    Model category field
    A classification with a model category defined is only available to models within that category. A classification without a model category applies to all models.
    Multi-tier hierarchy
    Classifications support a parent-child hierarchy. Parent classifications represent higher-level categories; child classifications inherit attributes including source and model category. Each child code can have only one parent. Ancestor lists are automatically generated and updated when parent relationships change.

    Classifications in reporting and dashboards

    Classifications can be used as filters in:
    • Enterprise asset overview
    • Enterprise asset dashboard
    • Inventory
    • Enterprise model management
    • Enterprise asset estate

    Filtering by a parent classification includes all models and assets associated with that code and all child codes. If the parent is not itself assigned to any model, results still show assets from child codes.

    Industry classification systems

    The Enterprise Model Classification table is not seeded out-of-the-box. Organizations can adopt an industry-standard taxonomy or define their own custom system.

    Table 2. Commonly used industry classification systems
    Classification system Description Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) example
    CSI OmniClass Classification of construction elements Standardized categories for air-distribution components (ducts, diffusers, fans)
    CSI UniFormat Classification of buildings by functional elements, systems, and assemblies Groups elements such as substructure, shell, interiors, and services consistently
    ECRI Healthcare equipment classification Classifies MRI machines, ventilators, and infusion pumps for conformance and patient safety
    GICS Global industry standard Classifies turbines and substations in energy companies for external reporting
    ISO 14224 Reliability and maintenance data collection Monitors failure rates and downtime for robotic arms, conveyors, and CNC machines
    NAICS US, Canada, and Mexico industry classification Maps conveyors, HVAC, or facility systems into industry codes for reporting
    UNSPSC Global goods and services taxonomy Confirms pumps and compressors are consistently classified in procurement workflows

    Examples of classification systems applied in EAM

    Table 3. Uniformat II applied to a hospital facility
    Level 1 code Level 2 category Hospital-specific examples
    A Substructure Foundations, basements for imaging or radiation therapy rooms
    B Shell Structural frames, exterior walls, windows, and roofing
    C Interiors Patient rooms, nurse stations, operating rooms, and ICU units
    D Services (MEP systems) Specialized HVAC, medical gases, emergency power, plumbing, and fire protection
    E Equipment and furnishings MRI, X-Ray, surgical tables, patient beds, and clinical furniture
    F Special construction Radiation shielding, clean rooms, and isolation rooms
    G Building sitework Ambulance entrances, helipads, parking lots, and landscaping
    Z General General conditions, overhead, administration, and contingency