Help get started with CMDB

[uncertaintouca]

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.

[pratikjagtap]

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