CMDB stands for Configuration Management Database. This database contains relevant information on the components of the data system. It is primarily used in an organization’s IT services in situations that require detailed monitoring of the relationship between assets and business processes.

The importance of CMDB

In organizations where IT adheres to best practices via models such as ITIL, business processes and business assets play a key role when it comes to delivering quality services.

The problem is that many companies do not manage the relationship between processes and assets, which can lead to compliance problems, user dissatisfaction and, more importantly, business losses.

As an exercise, answer these questions:

Do you know what impact an asset can have on your business in the event of a failure or maintenance shutdown?

• Which other assets or processes may be affected when any type of change is made to a related asset?
• Do you understand the dependency and potential risks associated with assets before making a change or improving a process?

To help you find these answers, SoftExpert Asset now contains CMDB. This resource provides you with simple and easy to use controls.

How does CMDB work in SoftExpert Excellence Suite?

SoftExpert Excellence Suite’s CMDB offers a very simple interface, where users can define the relationship between assets and business processes in an uncomplicated manner.

The system automatically generates a flowchart which allows you to quickly understand how the items interact and relate to each other.

In addition to allowing you to understand the relationships between the listed objects, the system lets you visualize the main data on the selected item. For assets, besides showing the general data, open activities, last activities performed as well as incidents, problems and open workflows associated with the asset, it also allows the user to identify if there are already actions in progress for the record under analysis.

What are the main benefits of a CMDB tool?

One of the great benefits of CMDB is that it allows you to analyze the situation of assets in operation and their alignment with business strategies.

With CMDB, managers can identify and analyze risks before any changes are implemented. By acting in advance, they can mitigate impacts and often avoid them altogether.

In the case of a problem, CMDB allows you to easily understand the relationships between the assets. This can reveal possible impacts that may be generated by the asset, or may lead you to the source of the problem, allowing them to be addressed more quickly.

Finally, the tool improves the capacity of IT to implement the controls required to meet the different standards and regulations that impact the operations and business of the organization.