In Service Manager, instances of classes represent managed objects. if you want to manage non-default objects, it’s necessary to create new custom classes. The creation of classes can be done in two different ways. First, classes can be created using Raw XML, second and easier, you can use the Service Manager Authoring Tool. This example shows how to create new classes by using the Service Manager Authoring Tool. The Tool can be downloaded here.

Let’s start by creating a new Management Pack in the Service Manager Authoring Tool.

Specify a name for the new Management Pack.

Create a new Configuration Item Class and specify a name for the new Class. In this example I create a new Class for managing Monitor-Objects.

The new Class inherits all Properties and Relations of the Base Class “Configuration Item”. Additionally, an attribute called “Property_X” is created which is marked as a key property. Every class must have a property marked as key property. The value of this property has to be unique for every instanced object of the class. For this example we will delete the automatically created property and create a new one called “InventoryNo” for storing the Inventory Number of the Monitor Objects. This new property is then marked as the key property for the Monitor-Class and it’s given a meaningful name.

Now it’s time to add more attributes to the new Class for storing information about the objects.

Now save the Management Pack and import it by using the Service Manager Console. After the successful import, the new Monitor-Class is known within the Service Manager Environment. Now, for viewing objects of the new Class, we have to create a new view. Switch to the Configuration Item Area and create a new folder. Store the new folder in the Management Pack we created earlier.

Next, create a new view. The view is automatically stored in the same Management Pack as the folder.

Select the Monitor-Class so that objects of this Class are visible in the view. If needed, you can also define additional criteria so that the view is filtered by the actual needs.

Select the Attributes that you want to see in the list view.

Now it’s time to create new Objects. Use the “Create Monitor”-Task in the Actions Pane.

“Asset Status” and “Notes” are inherited Properties from the Base Class “Configuration Item”. Additionally, all Properties that you added in the Authoring Tool are visible. The generic form is automatically generated. However, it’s also possible to generate a customized form either in the Authoring Tool or in Visual Studio. In the list view you can now easily see all Monitor-Objects.

Don’t’ forget to export your Management Pack after you have created the Monitor-View.

Regards Marcel