The ticketing system supports a graphical visualization of dependencies between IT infrastructure components (so-called "Configuration Items" = CIs), assets and services and their state. The visualization can also be started from other areas (e.g. directly in an asset/CI of the Asset DB).
In order to display only the dependencies relevant in the search context in the visualization, the system offers different perspectives on dependencies as well as filter options.
On the left side, the perspective can be defined (starting point of the visualization). This allows the display of dependencies in context to the following starting points. Only one perspective can be selected at a time.
•Person (search via last name directly in the field or via "+" symbol on the right side)
•Affected contract (Search via the contract title directly in the field or via the "+" symbol on the right side).
•Affected asset or infrastructure elements (Search and selection via the "+" symbol on the right side)
In addition to the perspective of the display, a filter can be set on the right side. Thus, the filter allows the additional restriction of the displayed visualization to certain desired asset types, i.e. the different defined types of managed assets/configuration items in the Asset DB. Using the "+" button on the right side, any number of types can be selected for further filtering (e.g. in addition to the selected perspective "Business Service XY", show in the visualization only objects with the type "server" and the type "software").
With the selection field "Direction", you additionally determine whether you want to see only the logical predecessors (depends on ...) of an asset/infrastructure element, only its logical successors (dependent elements) or both "directions" in your representation.
Once you have set the desired perspective and a filter, start the Asset DB visualization with the "START VISUALIZATION" button. The visualization will then be displayed according to the selected starting point incl. the defined direction(s).
The visualization contains symbols, colors and connecting lines:
•The central object (the set perspective) is displayed in full .
•Elements in the "Inactive" state are displayed in red.
•All active elements are displayed in gray.
•Symbols for individual types can be stored by the administrator.
•The connection lines show the direction from or to an element (predecessor or successor of an element) via arrows, depending on the connection type stored.
Clicking on an element opens the asset/configuration item behind it.
If you want to reset the selected perspectives and filters, e.g. to make a different selection, use the "RESET" button.
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Note: For navigating in the visualization, use the mouse wheel (zoom in and out). If you keep the CTRL key pressed, you can move the image in any direction by pressing the mouse button and dragging the mouse pointer at the same time. This is useful for extensive displayed meshes that extend beyond the available screen space. |
By clicking the "OK" button at the top of the form, you close the Asset Explorer. The last selected perspective remains in the selection for the next call.