Model classification

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

Related tasks

• Create a source for classification codes
• Import classification codes