# Link Manufacturer to Model Type

You can link model types to specific manufacturers so that when a manufacturer is selected on the CMDB Item Details window, the list of available models is filtered according to manufacturer.

Linking manufacturers to models in your ITSM (IT Service Management) system is beneficial for several reasons:

* **Enhanced Asset Management:** By establishing a direct association between manufacturers and their respective models, you can manage your assets more effectively, ensuring all related items are properly categorized and easy to locate.
* **Streamlined Support and Maintenance:** This linkage helps in quickly identifying the correct models for troubleshooting or when performing maintenance, reducing downtime and improving support efficiency.
* **Improved Inventory Control:** It aids in maintaining accurate inventory records by providing clear insight into the models available for each manufacturer, facilitating better planning and procurement decisions.
* **Consistency and Accuracy:** Ensures data consistency and accuracy within the CMDB (Configuration Management Database), leading to more reliable information for decision-making and operations.
* **Customization and Reporting:** Enables customized reporting based on specific manufacturers and their models, helping in analysis and strategic planning related to IT assets.

{% hint style="info" %}

### Before You Start

You must have **CMDB Setup** enabled within your General Access Security Role in order to configure any CMDB administration settings.

**Manufacturer to Model** must be selected in the CMDB Settings window to enable the Link Manufacturer to Model Type menu option.

Before you can link Manufacturers to Models, you need to have defined Model Types and Manufacturers.
{% endhint %}

### Linking a Model to a Manufacturer

1. Select the Menu button, then **Admin**, and then select **System Administration**. The System Administration window is displayed. 
2. In the Explorer pane expand **CMDB**.
3. Select **Link Manufacturer to Model Type** to open the window.
4. From the Select Manufacturer table, select a manufacturer. 
   * The model types currently linked to that manufacturer are displayed in the <mark style="color:blue;">**Selected Linked Model Types table**</mark> at the bottom of the window.
5. From the <mark style="color:green;">**Select Model Types**</mark> table, select the model you want to link to the manufacturer.
6. Select the **Link** button.
7. Repeat for each model you want to link to a manufacturer.
8. Save the changes.&#x20;
9. Provide the Change Reasons if prompted to do so.

### Unlinking a Model from a Manufacturer

1. Select the Menu button, then **Admin**, and then select **System Administration**. The System Administration window is displayed.&#x20;
2. In the Explorer pane expand **CMDB**.
3. Select **Link Manufacturer to Model Type** to open the window.
4. From the Select Manufacturer table, select a manufacturer.&#x20;
   * The model types currently linked to that manufacturer are displayed in the <mark style="color:blue;">**Selected Linked Model Types**</mark> table at the bottom of the window.
5. From the <mark style="color:blue;">**Selected Model Types table**</mark>, select the model you want to un-link to the manufacturer.
6. Select the **Unlink** button.
7. Repeat for each model you want to unlink from a manufacturer.
8. Save the changes.&#x20;
9. Provide the Change Reasons if prompted to do so.


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