I have come to the conclusion that how assets are managed in CMDBs verges on religion.
- The physical thing is the asset, from birth to death to ewaste.
- The physical thing + name is the asset. If it is reused (and thus renamed), it is a new asset. To a degree, this can make it simpler to track change interactions over time.
- Handling RMA's for these first two cases generally involves a new asset id. After all, it has a new serial number.
- The logical construct is the asset. If it is refreshed, or RMA'd, or anything else, CMDB is to be updated. Like moving a vanity plate between vehicles.
I had not imagined that last one before today.