View Dependencies

 Note: Configuration item dependencies are currently manually maintained, so not all CIs will have up-to-date relation information. 

Overview

Configuration items (i.e. servers, racks, applications) that are dependent on the function of other configuration items, have a link that is called a dependency. Often, it is necessary to view all of the dependencies of a configuration item in order to see how changes to one item will affect all of the others it is related to. An example of this is could be a scheduled replacement of a server. When that server is taken offline, all of the applications that it runs will also go down. ServiceNow allows users to view these dependencies in a visual map so that OIT can plan ahead and avoid unforeseen changes. There are two ways to view this map, detailed below.

Using the Dependency Views Application

1. Use the filter navigator to search for View map.
2. Under Dependency Views, click on View Map.
   
   
   
   
3. A new screen will appear that should be either blank (if you've never loaded a dependency view) or display the last dependency loaded.
   
   
   
   
4. At the top right of the content frame, use the search bar to search for a CI.
   
   
   
   
5. Select your desired CI. Immediately after doing so, you should see a tree appear if the CI has dependencies.
   
   
   
   

Viewing Dependencies via a Configuration Item

1. Search for a configuration item of your choosing by following the Search for a Configuration Item guide. In this example, we are searching for the same LDAP directory server searched for above.
2. Once you have opened your configuration item record, scroll down to the Related Items section.
   
   
   
   
3. Select the tree symbol in the top right corner of the related items section.
   
   
   
   
4. After clicking the icon, you should see a new window appear with the map view of the CI's dependencies.