Best practice on CI reclassification?

[Suggy]

We know that, When automatic CI reclassification is enabled (which is by default), the identification process can result in some automatic reclassifications which lead to data loss.

I am wondering why its enabled by default by ServiceNow. Why dont we disable that and work on reclassification task when that scenario happens (just thinking why/how frequently CI reclassification happens? why should it happen? why should we even allow it to reclassify and lead to data loss?)

Any thoughts? 🙂

[Amitoj Wadhera · Accepted solution]

Hi @Suggy ,

Enabling automatic CI reclassification by default in ServiceNow might be a design choice made to streamline and automate the configuration management process for organizations. However, whether it's beneficial or not depends on various factors, including the organization's specific requirements, data management practices, and risk tolerance. Here are some thoughts on why it might be enabled by default and considerations for disabling it:

1. **Efficiency and Automation**: Automatic CI reclassification can save time and effort by automatically updating configuration items (CIs) based on changes detected in the environment. This automation can streamline the configuration management process and ensure that the CMDB (Configuration Management Database) remains up to date without manual intervention.

2. **Maintaining Data Accuracy**: Automatic reclassification aims to maintain the accuracy and consistency of CI data within the CMDB. By automatically updating CI relationships and attributes, it helps prevent discrepancies and ensures that the CMDB reflects the current state of the IT infrastructure.

3. **Real-time Visibility**: In dynamic IT environments where changes occur frequently, real-time visibility into CI relationships and dependencies is crucial for effective IT service management. Automatic reclassification facilitates this by promptly reflecting changes in the CMDB, enabling better decision-making and problem resolution.

4. **Risk of Data Loss**: However, automatic reclassification does carry the risk of unintended data loss or incorrect updates, especially if not properly configured or monitored. Disabling automatic reclassification can mitigate this risk by allowing manual review and validation of proposed changes before they are applied to the CMDB.

5. **Frequency of Reclassification**: The frequency of CI reclassification depends on factors such as the rate of change in the IT environment, the accuracy of discovery and identification processes, and the configuration management policies in place. Organizations with highly dynamic environments may benefit from frequent reclassification to maintain data accuracy, while others may prefer a more controlled approach.

6. **Control and Governance**: Disabling automatic reclassification gives organizations greater control over CI updates and ensures that changes are carefully reviewed and approved according to established change management processes. This approach aligns with IT governance principles and helps mitigate the risk of unauthorized or erroneous changes.

Ultimately, whether to enable or disable automatic CI reclassification depends on a balance between efficiency, data accuracy, and risk management considerations tailored to the organization's specific needs and priorities. It's essential for organizations to carefully evaluate the implications of automatic reclassification and implement appropriate controls and safeguards to mitigate associated risks.

If you find my response helpful, please consider marking it as the 'Accepted Solution' and giving it a 'Helpful' rating. Your feedback not only supports the community but also encourages me to continue providing valuable assistance.

Thanks,

Amitoj Wadhera

[Suggy]

Thank you for detailed reply 🙂 @Amitoj Wadhera 

Dont take it wrongly for this question - is that something you really wrote or any tool generated response

[Amitoj Wadhera]

@Suggy  -The content is not generated by a tool; it is sourced from official ServiceNow documentation, as well as other sources such as Reddit, the ServiceNow community, and the ServiceNow wiki, among others.

If you want I can share the resource book I had prepared.

Thanks,

Amitoj Wadhera

[Suggy]

Hi @Amitoj Wadhera  Yes please, do share. Thanks in advance 🙂 !