In one embodiment, a networking device includes logic encoded in one or more tangible media for execution and when executed operable to cause performing receiving a command to collect a unique object identifier that represents a unique management information base (MIB) object; retrieving, in response to receiving the command, a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) MIB variable or table that corresponds to the MIB object; creating an Internet Protocol Flow Information Export (IPFIX) template data structure that includes the object identifier; in which the object identifier is encoded in the IPFIX template data structure as a string that has a variable length; and exporting the encoded object identifier with the variable length string.