Understanding the Difference Between Configuration Item (CI) and Asset in ServiceNow

When working with ServiceNow, understanding the distinction between a Configuration Item (CI) and an Asset is fundamental to effectively managing IT services, infrastructure, and resources. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they serve distinct purposes within IT Service Management (ITSM).

What is a Configuration Item (CI)?

A Configuration Item (CI) is any component or service that needs to be managed in order to deliver IT services. This includes hardware, software, applications, network components, and more. CIs are tracked and managed in the Configuration Management Database (CMDB), which provides a comprehensive view of the IT environment.

Characteristics of a CI:

• Focus: CIs are concerned with service delivery and IT operations.
• Relationships: CIs maintain relationships with other CIs, enabling impact analysis and dependency mapping.
• Attributes: A CI contains detailed technical data, such as configurations, versions, dependencies, and operational status.
• Examples:

What is an Asset?

An Asset represents any resource that has value to the organization and is tracked for financial, procurement, or lifecycle management purposes. Assets are managed in the Asset Management module of ServiceNow and are often tied to procurement and depreciation processes.

Characteristics of an Asset:

• Focus: Assets are primarily concerned with financial and lifecycle management.
• Ownership and Costs: Assets track purchase details, warranties, costs, and depreciation.
• Categories: Assets can be IT assets (e.g., laptops, software licenses) or non-IT assets (e.g., office furniture).
• Examples: a purchase laptop assigned to an employee, a perpetual license for a software application, an office printer with a lease agreement

Identifying CIs and Assets

To identify whether an entity is a CI, an Asset, or both, consider the following:

1. Purpose: If the entity’s primary purpose is to support IT operations and deliver services, it is a CI. If it is tracked for financial purposes, it is an Asset.
2. Overlap: Many entities are both CIs and Assets. For example, a server can be a CI in the CMDB for operational tracking and an Asset for procurement and cost tracking.
3. Data Requirements: Evaluate the type of data you need to track. Technical and operational data point to a CI, while financial and lifecycle data point to an Asset.

Examples in Practice

• Server: A server in the data center is a CI in the CMDB, capturing details like its IP address, installed software, and relationships to applications. The same server is also an Asset, tracking its purchase cost, warranty, and depreciation schedule.
• Software License: A software license can be an Asset in the Asset Management module to track costs and renewals. If the software is installed on critical systems, it can also be a CI in the CMDB.
• Office Desk: An office desk is an Asset for tracking purposes but is not a CI since it does not contribute directly to IT service delivery.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between Configuration Items and Assets in ServiceNow is crucial for effective IT and financial management. While CIs focus on the operational and technical aspects of service delivery, Assets emphasize financial and lifecycle tracking. Recognizing their distinctions and overlaps allows organizations to manage their resources comprehensively, ensuring efficiency and accountability in IT operations and beyond.