Asset Models

Asset Models play a crucial role in ensuring discovered devices are correctly categorized and mapped to your CMDB. An asset model defines the characteristics of a hardware or software asset. It can include:

  • Manufacturer/Brand (e.g., Cisco, HP)

  • Model Number (e.g., HP LaserJet P1102w)

  • Asset Type (e.g., HP Printer)

  • SNMP OID - A unique identifier in SNMP used for device classification during Asset Discovery

  • Depreciation type and lifecycle info

Understanding SNMP OID-based Classification and Asset Models

Devices can be classified using SNMP OIDs. ChangeGear/ADE allows Exact Match for precise classification and Starts With for broader grouping of devices. This flexibility lets admins classify devices as specifically or broadly as needed, improving asset tracking and management.

  • Equals (Exact Match) is recommended when you need strict matching to ensure that only devices with a specific OID are classified under an asset model. This mode requires the SNMP OID received during discovery to exactly match the OID specified in the asset model. It is useful when an exact one-to-one correspondence between the device's SNMP OID and the asset model is needed. For instance, if an asset model is defined for a specific firewall with OID 1.3.6.1.4.1.25461, only devices returning exactly this OID will be matched to that model.

  • Starts With (Partial Match) offers more flexibility and is useful for grouping similar devices that share a common OID prefix, reducing the need to create multiple asset models for slightly different OIDs. The system matches a device if its SNMP OID starts with the OID specified in the asset model. This allows for more flexible matching, accommodating OID variations at the end. This mode is helpful when multiple versions or models of a device share the same OID prefix but differ slightly in the last part. For example, if all devices of a certain type have OIDs starting with 1.3.6.1.4.1.25461, this mode ensures that any device with an OID starting with that prefix is classified under the same asset model.

Example workflow: 

  1. During a discovery scan, an SNMP-enabled UPS device is detected.

  2. The device's SNMP OID is 1.3.6.1.4.1.318.1.3.8, matching the APC Environment Monitor in the Asset Models lookup list.

  3. The discovered property, such as Device.Model, is mapped to the Type Full Path field, Facility:Environment Monitor, using the Mapped CI Field in the data model.

  4. The device is automatically categorized as an Environment Monitor, simplifying asset tracking and ensuring consistent CMDB classification.

Managing Asset Models in ChangeGear/ADE

You can create and manage the list of existing asset models and their attributes, including the associated SNMP OIDs, manufacturer, etc. and define new asset models for classification.

To create and edit Asset Models:

  1. In Design Studio, click All Apps or select either the Asset or CMDB app. Select Lookup Lists. Double-click the Asset Models lookup list or hover over the row and click Configure to add/edit the item.

  1. To add a new Asset Model, click Add a row (+).

    -OR-

    to edit an existing Asset Model, double-click the row in the grid or hover over the row and click Edit for the asset model you wish to update.

  2. Add/update the classification rules in the form as needed. Fields indicated with an asterisk (*) are required before you can save the form.

    1. Name* - A unique identifier for the asset model.

    2. Description - A short description of the asset model's purpose.

    3. Manufacturer - Specify the device manufacturer (e.g., Palo Alto, Cisco).

    4. SNMP OID - The identifier used to classify devices during discovery.

    5. Match Using - Select Equals to match devices with the exact SNMP OID or Starts With to match devices with OIDs sharing a common prefix.

    6. Asset Type - High-level classification (e.g., Firewall, Printer)

    7. Deprecation Type - Optional metadata for tracking the asset lifecycle (e.g., Active, Obsolete).

    8. Useful Life Estimate - Estimated operational lifespan of the asset.

    9. Salvage Amount - The residual value of the asset after its lifecycle.

    10. Icon Name - Select an icon or upload an image to visually represent the asset model.

  3. Click Save.

  4. To delete an asset model, hover over the row of the item you wish to remove and click Delete .

The system automatically ensures that any changes made are reflected in the centralized repository.