Create a Full CI Comparison Rule

You use the Comparison Rules (SP) application to create comparison rules that you can add to a reconciliation task. If you use Change and Configuration Management Database (CCMDB), you can create a full configuration item (CI) comparison rule that lets you compare CI relationships. In addition to comparing the attributes associated with the two instances from each data set, full CI comparison also takes into account the tree of relationships an authorized CI has with other authorized CIs. Full CI comparison rules compare the relationships of authorized CIs and the attributes associated with the authorized CIs with the relationships and attributes associated with the corresponding actual CIs.

For CI to actual CI relationship comparison, once the data set is returned by the task tilter and the link is established between instances, relationships and attributes for the authorized CI returned in the link and for all subsequent lower level authorized CIs down the tree are compared with the linked Actual CI.

The authorized CI data set is always the leading set for full CI comparison rules.  Consequently, if you set up a task filter, enter CI in the Filter Type field.

In most cases, when you define a full CI comparison rule, use a link rule that links CIs in Data Set 1 with actual CIs in Data Set 2 based on ACTCINUM (actual CI number) as the value in the Attribute field for both Data Set 1 and Data Set 2.

When you select the Full CI Comparison check box, the Comparison Rules (SP) application disables the subtabs for data set filters, matches found, and attributes equality.  You cannot define comparison rule filters or define comparison rule clauses when creating a full CI comparison rule.

For more information about full CI comparison, see the Reconciliation Module Implementation Guide.

To create a full CI comparison rule:

  1. On the toolbar in the Comparison Rules (SP) application, click New Comparison Rule . The application displays a new comparison rules record on the Comparison Rules tab.

  2. In the Comparison field, enter the name you want to assign to the comparison rule. This name is the unique identifier of the comparison rule.

  3. If appropriate, in the description field, enter a brief description of the comparison rule. To enter additional information, click Long Description .

  4. In the Type of Reconciliation section, in the Data Set 1 field, click Select Value and select CI. The application automatically populates the Data Set 2 field with ACTUAL CI.

  5. Select the Full CI Comparison check box. The application disables the comparison rule subtabs.

  6. When you complete the comparison rule, click Save Comparison Rule  to save the comparison rule.