Discovery Guided Setup

  • Release version: Yokohama
  • Updated June 16, 2026
  • 2 minutes to read
    • Summarize
    Summarized using AI
    This content was generated using new OpenAI-powered functionality. Results are provided on an as is basis and are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete.

    Summary of Discovery Guided Setup

    ITOM Discovery Guided Setup provides a structured sequence of tasks to help you install and configure Discovery efficiently. Ideal for first-time setups, it enables you to quickly prepare your environment and establish reliable Discovery processes that enhance visibility in your Configuration Management Database (CMDB).

    Show full answer Show less

    Access the Guided Setup via All > ITOM Guided Setup > ITOM Discovery Guided Setup. You start by entering a configuration name to save your progress, which you can resume later if needed.

    Phases

    The setup is divided into four key phases, each with embedded help and documentation links to support you throughout the process:

    • Learn: Gain foundational knowledge about Discovery principles, techniques, and prerequisites.
    • Crawl: Perform the initial technical setup, including plugin installation, credential configuration, and instance preparation.
    • Walk: Configure and activate Discovery schedules, set up credentials, and install and validate MID Servers.
    • Run: Monitor and optimize Discovery operations using tools like Discovery Admin Workspace and Content 360 for ongoing success.

    Key Features

    The Guided Setup offers an intuitive interface with step-by-step guidance and progress tracking to streamline your configuration activities:

    • Progress Tracking: View your status for each phase and mark tasks as complete to manage your workflow efficiently.
    • Navigation Controls: Easily jump between tasks and phases, with options to skip tasks or return to the landing page.
    • Save and Resume: Save your configuration progress with a named setup, allowing you to pause and continue at your convenience.
    • Completion Management: Mark the entire Guided Setup as complete only after finishing all phases, ensuring thorough configuration.

    Practical Benefits for ServiceNow Customers

    By following the Discovery Guided Setup, customers can expect a well-defined path to implement Discovery effectively, minimizing errors and reducing setup time. The phased approach with embedded assistance helps build confidence in configuration and supports a robust foundation for accurate CMDB population and IT operations management.

    ITOM Discovery Guided Setup provides a sequence of tasks that help you install and get started with Discovery. If you're setting up Discovery for the first time, this is a good way to get your environment up and running quickly.

    To access the ITOM Discovery Guided Setup, navigate to All > ITOM Guided Setup > ITOM Discovery Guided Setup. You're then prompted to enter a configuration name, which enables your progress to be saved and resumed later. If you're returning to the setup, select Cancel followed by Exit in the confirmation dialog to view the list of in-progress setup configurations.

    The ITOM Discovery Guided Setup leads you through a structured series of configuration activities to promote accurate visibility in the Configuration Management Database (CMDB) and establish a strong foundation for IT operations.

    Phases

    The setup is organized into the four distinct phases: Learn, Crawl, Walk, and Run. Each task within a phase includes built-in resources, such as contextual embedded help and links to detailed documentation on the ServiceNow product documentation site. In some cases, you can even complete the task directly within the guided setup.

    Learn
    The Learn phase is the first step in the guided setup. This phase helps you develop a foundational understanding of Discovery by exploring its core principles, learning about various techniques, and identifying the prerequisites needed to proceed with the setup.
    Crawl
    This phase walks you through the initial technical setup of Discovery, including installing the necessary plug-ins, configuring credentials, and preparing your instance for scheduling discoveries.
    Walk
    In this phase, you configure and activate Discovery schedules by setting up various schedule types, adding credentials, and installing and validating your MID Servers.
    Run
    This phase focuses on monitoring and optimizing ongoing Discovery operations, leveraging tools like Discovery Admin Workspace and Content 360 to track performance and promote continued success.

    Key features

    The ITOM Discovery Guided Setup provides step-by-step configuration support along with intuitive navigation to track progress and move smoothly through each phase.
    Figure 1. Guided Setup landing page features
    Navigational features available on the landing page
    Table 1. Interactive features within the landing page
    Feature Description
    1. Exit Exit the Guided Setup.
    Note:
    Selecting Exit in the confirmation dialog takes you back to the list of setup configurations currently in progress.
    2. Complete

    Mark the Guided Setup complete.

    Note:
    This option is only available once you have completed all the tasks in each phase of the setup.
    3. Start Launch the Guided Setup phase.
    4. Status Track your progress of the Guided Setup phase.
    5. Task Jump to specific activities within a phase.
    6. Phase drop-down View and access tasks within another phase.
    Figure 2. Guided Setup in-phase features
    Navigational features available in a phase
    Table 2. Interactive features within each phase
    Feature Description
    1. Back arrow Return to the Guided Setup landing page.
    2. Phase drop-down Toggle between different phases.
    3. Activities Jump to other activities within the current phase.
    4. Close Navigate back to the Guided Setup landing page.
    5. Mark Complete Track your progress and continue to the next activity in the phase.
    6. Skip Skip directly to the next activity in the phase.