Configure element variables for element definitions

---
title: Configure element variables for element definitions
description: Configure an element variable for a specific dependency of an element. To do this, use the Element variables module in the Business Continuity Management application navigator.
locale: en-US
canonical_url: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/governance-risk-compliance/configure-element-variable-uib-ws.html
release: brazil
topic_type: task
last_updated: "2026-09-10"
reading_time_minutes: 1
breadcrumb: [General administration setup for BCM, Configure, Business Continuity Management, Governance, Risk, and Compliance]
---

# Configure element variables for element definitions

Configure an element variable for a specific dependency of an element. To do this, use the **Element variables** module in the Business Continuity Management application navigator.

## Before you begin

Role required: sn\_bcm.admin

## About this task

Element variables are custom elements that are used in the Grid configuration. As a functional system administrator, you can configure an element variable to include specific custom columns that are essential for a particular element's dependency.

## Procedure

1.  Navigate to **Business Continuity** > **General Administration** > **Element variables**.

2.  Select **New**.

    The example shows an administrator's view of the element variable record.

    \[Omitted image "new-element-variable.png"\] Alt text: Configuration of an element variable.

3.  On the form, fill in the fields.

    For more information on the fields in the form, see [Element variable record form](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/brazil/markdown/governance-risk-compliance/element-variable-record-form.md).

    For example, select `Database servers` in the **Element definition** field, enter `Backup window` in the **Question** field, and set **Type** to `Single-line text`.

4.  Select **Submit**.


-   **[Element variable record form](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/brazil/markdown/governance-risk-compliance/element-variable-record-form.md)**  
Use the Element variable record form to configure an element variable. Element variables are custom elements that are used in the Grid configuration. You can set up an element variable that is specific custom columns, which are required for a particular dependency of an element.

**Parent Topic:**[General administration setup for BCM](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/brazil/markdown/governance-risk-compliance/set-up-bcm-bcmadmin-tasks.md)