Classifications overview
Classifications identify and characterize similar objects.
A building, a notebook computer, and a centrifugal pump are types
of classifications. A classification can also describe an event, such
as a broken window or a hard disk failure. You use the Classifications
application to create classifications and to establish classification
hierarchies.
Classification paths and hierarchies
You can develop a classification structure by joining two or more classifications into a hierarchy. In a classification hierarchy, the next level up is called the parent, and the next level down is called the child. Each child (which is also a classification) can become a parent and can have its own child levels. This pattern can continue indefinitely. The structure from the top-level parent to the child is called the classification path.
Generate Description option
On the Classifications tab of the Classifications application, the Generate Description option and the Use Classification option provide varying results. The results depend on the option that you select.
Associations of records with classifications
You can associate types of records, such as assets, items, or solutions, with specific classifications. You modify the Use With settings in the Classifications application to associate records with classifications.
Classification searches
You can search classification structures and attributes that have associated values. You can search for values in records that you created for items, locations, configuration items, work orders, tickets, and so on.
Actual and authorized configuration item classifications
You can define associations between actual configuration item (CI) classifications and authorized CI classifications.
Attributes of classifications
You use attributes to define the characteristics of classifications. For example, for a classification of pump, you can have an attribute of horse power. For a classification path of PROBLEM\COMPUTER, you can have an attribute of memory size.
Classifications planning
You create classifications to retrieve information later. Before you create a classification, determine the information that you want to retrieve. You can base your classification structure on how you group objects in your enterprise. You can also use classifications to define the escalation path for incidents.