Help get started with CMDB

uncertaintouca
Giga Contributor

‎03-31-2025 11:27 AM

Hey everyone!

We recently implemented CMDB in my organization. My team is very small and we don’t have a dedicated resource for CMDB so it’s going to be a challenge.

I am studying docs and going through videos but wanted some feedback/advice on how everyone handles CMDB.

For context we run discovery every evening so what should I be doing the next day? Should I be looking at any errors or places where things are not working as expected?

I apologize if I’m not being thorough here. But if anyone can give me some pointers on what I can work on to get over the learning curve, it’ll be really helpful.

Thank you for your time and guidance.

0 Helpfuls
  • 365 Views
1 REPLY 1

pratikjagtap
Giga Guru
Giga Guru

‎04-01-2025 06:52 AM

Hi @uncertaintouca ,

 

Here are 10 best practices to maintain the Discovery and Configuration Management Database (CMDB) in good shape in ServiceNow:

  1. Regular Data Reconciliation: Ensure data from Discovery is regularly reconciled with the CMDB to maintain accuracy and consistency.
  2. Define Clear CI Classes: Clearly define CI (Configuration Item) classes and their relationships to avoid data duplication and confusion.
  3. Use Discovery Patterns Effectively: Implement and regularly update Discovery Patterns to improve the accuracy of discovered data.
  4. Scheduled Scans and Probes: Set up scheduled Discovery scans and probes to ensure up-to-date information, especially for dynamic environments.
  5. CMDB Data Quality Rules: Enforce data quality rules in ServiceNow to identify and correct inaccuracies in CI data.
  6. Dependency Mapping: Utilize Service Mapping to visualize and manage dependencies, helping in impact analysis and incident management.
  7. Regular Audits and Reconciliation: Conduct periodic audits and reconciliation of CMDB data to detect and resolve discrepancies.
  8. Role-Based Access Control: Implement role-based access control to secure CMDB data and restrict unauthorized modifications.
  9. Automated CI Updates: Automate CI updates where possible to reduce manual errors and ensure real-time accuracy.
  10. Training and Documentation: Provide regular training to relevant stakeholders and maintain clear documentation for CMDB processes and best practices.

 

If this solution helps you then, mark it as accepted solution ‌‌✔️ and give thumbs up 👍 !

 

Regards,

Pratik