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Is anyone validating discovery data before it reaches the CMDB?

jrbockrath
Mega Contributor

3 weeks ago

Curious how others are approaching this.

Most discussions focus on Discovery, IRE, transform maps, and reconciliation after data enters the CMDB.

I'm interested in what happens before that.

Are teams validating things like:

  • duplicate identifiers
  • conflicting discovery sources
  • CI classification
  • source authority
  • stale records
  • hostname collisions

before the data ever reaches ServiceNow?

Or is that generally handled downstream through IRE, transforms, and cleanup?

I'd love to hear how people are thinking about this.

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mugi-san
Kilo Sage
In response to jrbockrath

2 weeks ago

Hi, @jrbockrath 

Producing a Configuration Management Database (CMDB) involves identifying your Configuration Items (CIs), mapping their dependencies, and automating data population .

Instead of trying to track everything at once, start by defining the business scope and automating discovery to maintain data accuracy and prevent stale information.

 

To build a robust CMDB, follow these step-by-step best practices:

 

Define Scope & Objectives:

Avoid tracking everything initially.

Focus on critical business services (e.g., email, CRM) and identify necessary data points.

 

Choose the Platform:

Select an ITSM platform tailored to your scale, such as ServiceNow.

 

Identify & Map CIs:

Document components (servers, software, licenses) and map their relationships to visualize service dependencies.

 

Automate Data & Discovery:

Use automated, rather than manual, tools for network scanning and service mapping to ensure accuracy.Implement Governance: Assign owners for CI types and establish strict processes for change management and decommissioning to maintain data integrity.

 

Audit and Refine:

Validate data accuracy through audits and update the data model regularly to align with evolving business needs.

 

A structured, phased approach is essential for successful implementation.

Just speaking for myself, ServiceNow is a great way to achieve a CMDB,

but I believe the best approach really varies on a case-by-case basis.

 

regards ,

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