In Configuration Management we introduced a method of creating and maintaining
a database of records of ICT equipment. We gave you an overview of the whole
Configuration Management process and an implementation guide giving step-by-
step instructions to help you implement a configuration management process that
we believe is appropriate for the needs of schools. An operations guide gave you a
list of ongoing activities required by the process in order for you to keep it going
and reap the benefits. We described roles and responsibilities and offered
guidance on how to assign roles. We removed anything non-essential to give you a
lean process requiring the minimum of effort and resource.
Check your understanding of the process by following:
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Step
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Tasks
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Create a configuration
management database
(CMDB)
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Set up the baseline CMDB by:
- deciding on configuration item level and attributes
- creating a database with all required fields
- gathering all configuration items and attributing data
- populating the database with the data.
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Implement methods of
keeping the CMDB up to
date
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Ensure that the processes used to maintain the CMDB are in
place before creating the baseline CMDB, so that you can
keep it up to date from the beginning. Keep the CMDB up to
date using information gathered in:
- change management
- incident management
- configuration management - stock control.
Remember that you need these processes implemented and
working properly before you create the CMDB, otherwise you
run the risk that the CMDB will become inaccurate because
moves and changes are uncontrolled.
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Maintain the CMDB
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Use information recorded on the forms associated with the
update processes (above) to update the CMDB with details
of:
- changes and moves relating to shared ICT infrastructure
equipment, using information from request for change
forms
- changes and moves relating to end-user ICT equipment,
using information from incident/request sheets
- the addition of new shared infrastructure or end-user ICT
equipment, using information from the goods-in record.
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Check that the CMDB and
reality are the same
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Carry out periodic audits of hardware and software and
check the audit findings against the contents of the
configuration management database to make sure that
everyone is following the update processes.
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What you should expect now that you have implemented Configuration
Management
- Technical staff do not move equipment without following the appropriate
process to ensure that it is tracked.
- End-users do not move equipment themselves.
- The configuration management database is updated promptly by those
responsible for it.
- Access to the configuration management database is controlled.
- Technical support staff carry out regular audits of ICT equipment.
- All ICT equipment has an asset tag.
- New equipment is recorded and tracked as soon as it is delivered.
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What you should have achieved through Configuration Management
- There is a way of keeping a record of all ICT assets.
- The processes for keeping this record up to date have all been implemented
(request for change, incident/request, stock control).
- All hardware and software moves and changes are tracked through the update
processes.
- Technical support has access to accurate asset records at all times.
- Technical support has access to up-to-date information about ICT equipment.
- There is a way of identifying the age of equipment and planning for its
replacement.
- It is possible to account for equipment that has been assigned to departments
and individuals.
- The foundation has been laid for technical support to understand the
relationships between ICT components.
- An effective CMDB update process means few amendments will need to be
made after an ICT audit
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Benefits of having implemented Configuration Management
- The location of ICT assets is tracked so ICT equipment is less likely to be lost.
- Having a clear picture of what ICT equipment your school already owns helps
prevent unnecessary expenditure.
- You will be able to determine the value of ICT assets for the purpose of
insurance policies or depreciation calculations.
- You will have accurate hardware information to use in negotiating a price for
maintenance contracts - not knowing what needs support is likely to lead to an
over- estimation of charges or lack of control of costs.
- Accurate information about equipment helps in planning for changes and
upgrades.
- Accurate information about equipment helps in the diagnosis of incidents and
problems.
- All information about equipment is in one place, which makes the information
easier to maintain and helps it become a trusted source.
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