Step-by-Step Guide toBuilding a CMDB - RightStar

Stage 1. Assemble the Project Team and Define the Project
Has customer satisfaction declined because of shipping delays Were the shipping delays the
result of a manufacturing system delay, or a problem in the shipping department Did an IT
system or infrastructure component contribute to the delay
Take the time to gain a clear understanding of the challenges that your IT organization and overall
company are facing. This will give you a basis for developing the goals of the CMDB project.
This information will be summarized as the problem description in the business case you
develop in step 5, “Build a Business Case.” In that step, you’ll link problem, solution, and benefits,
so it’s important that the problem description be accurate and compelling.
The problem description should include a summary of how the organization currently functions
without a CMDB. This section will be as detailed as required and can include process diagrams
and statements from stakeholders in the business or technology group about the challenges
currently faced by various siloed IT functions working without a CMDB.
Task 3. Research General CMDB Goals
Now conduct research on the areas in which a CMDB can address the problems you identified
in the previous task. Assessing general CMDB goals is similar to assessing general CMDB benefits,
which is covered in step 4, “Review and Define Benefits.” You may want to reference the
CMDB benefits detailed there to help review potential CMDB goals.
If you are implementing ITIL V3, refer to the Service Strategy and Service Transition books for
more information.
Assign project team members to obtain the relevant data from these sources. Convert the
information into goal statements to address the problems identified in task 2.
Think about two sets of goals: goals for the project team and goals for the overall project, which
should align with the CMDB benefits that will result from various IT functions improving their
IT processes with better access to key information in the CMDB.
Following are some points to consider for creating draft goals:
»» Maximizing the value back to the business in managing the most business-critical services
»» Controlling the IT environment to ensure governance compliance
»» Assuring company security policies are adhered to in the CMS and under CMS control
»» Setting up an environment for automation of the most routine management tasks
»» Establishing basic asset controls of your most critical assets
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