Configuration Item Attributes and Attribute Sets in CMDB

A CI attribute represents a single piece of data that describes a configuration item. Each CI can have multiple attributes depending on its type. For example, a workstation CI may include attributes such as operating system, serial number, hostname, and assigned user.

Attribute sets are reusable collections of attributes that apply to one or more CI types. They help standardize how attributes are grouped and displayed. Admins can assign attribute sets to CI types to ensure all related CIs follow a common structure.

Use the CI Attributes Manager to create and manage attributes and attribute sets from a unified workspace.

Example Group Server Attributes into a Set

A system administrator manages various types of servers in the CMDB. To maintain consistency, they define a set of attributes that every server must have such as CPU Type, RAM Size, operating system, IP Address, and datacenter location.

Instead of adding each attribute manually for every new server CI type, the admin creates an attribute set named base server specs. The admin can assign this set to all relevant CI types. Every CI linked to those types now includes the same structured set of attributes.

• Create a Configuration Item Attribute Set
  Use attribute sets to organize metadata into logical sections for faster navigation and improved readability. Logical sections include system details, installed software, license information, and other related groups. Attribute sets group related configuration item (CI) attributes together so they appear as collapsible sections on the CI record.
• Create a Configuration Item Attribute
  Capture specific asset metadata, such as license details, application name, and hardware identifiers. Each attribute defines a field on the CI record. You can reuse an attribute across multiple configuration item types.
• Add Attributes to a Configuration Item Type
  Use the Attributes tab in a configuration item (CI) type to define the fields that appear on CI records of that type. Organize metadata into clear, collapsible sections to improve usability and make configuration data easier to read. Attributes helps your team focus on the most relevant information when managing CIs.