Best way to clean up ServiceNow Data

[vimal11592]

Hello everyone,

We are in the process of cleaning up data from multiple tables in our ServiceNow instance, which has been in use for over a decade and supports a wide variety of activities.

As part of this effort, we’re working to identify the data sets that can be safely deleted. I'm looking to better understand the available options for data cleanup and the recommended use cases for each approach.

Specifically, I would like to know the differences, advantages, and best use cases for the following methods:

1. Data Management

2. Table Cleaner

3. System Archive

If anyone has experience or best practices to share regarding these tools—or any other suggestions for large-scale data cleanup—I would greatly appreciate your input.

Thank you!

[ThunderDev]

Have you decided on an approach? If so, which one? We’re facing a similar challenge with cleaning up tables that contain over a decade of data. I haven’t found an optimal way to safely delete tens of millions of rows. From my research, Delete Jobs don’t handle that volume well, Table Cleaner is intended for ongoing maintenance rather than one-time bulk deletions, and System Archive/Archive & Destroy rules would double the time required since archiving must run first. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[JC Moller]

Here's a recent KB by support that covers all major aspects of Servicenow data management.

KB1518213 - Mastering Data Management in ServiceNow: from tracking growth to efficient cleanup

https://support.servicenow.com/kb?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB1518213

BR, Jan

[thomasshalb]

Have you chosen a strategy? Which one, if any? Cleaning up tables with more than ten years of data presents a similar difficulty. I haven't discovered the best method for securely removing tens of millions of rows. According to my study, System Archive/Archive & Destroy rules would quadruple the time needed because archiving must run first, Delete Jobs don't handle that volume effectively, and Table Cleaner is meant for continuous maintenance rather than one-time mass deletions. Any recommendations would be very valued.