Configuration Management Data Base (CMDB) is a database to model and store all asset details. SapphireIMS CMDB can be used to store information on both IT and non IT assets. Assets could also include non tangible assets like contracts etc. SapphireIMS uses CMDB for managing life cycle of assets from its acquisition to disposal. In the case of IT assets, SapphireIMS can reconcile active assets (with an IP address) between what is in the database and what is actually connected on the network to help track assets.
Configuration Management Data Base (CMDB) is a database where Configuration Items (CI) and their relationships can be stored. CI's are elements which need to be managed in order to deliver services. Examples of CI could be hardware and software assets, contract documents like purchase orders, maintenance contracts etc. CI's could include non IT assets too.
CI's have attributes which can be modeled. Some common attributes for hardware assets could be the purchase date, cost, warranty expiry date etc. SapphireIMS allows you to model the CI and their attributes based on business requirements.
CI's can be managed through their life cycle which using life cycle and status fields. A typical hardware asset life cycle could include in-stock, allocation, under repair, scrap etc. Asset operators manage the life cycle by updating the status. Access to CI can be controlled by mapping users to appropriate roles.
In the case of IT assets, SapphireIMS can help reconcile between assets available in CMDB and discovered in the enterprise network. This can help report under utilized assets.
Relationships can be maintained between CI's which can be visualized in a tree representation which can be drilled down. This helps to track down dependencies between assets. A common use of relationships is to do impact analysis.
SapphireIMS CMDB allows notification rules to be defined such that specific roles and users can be sent notification on events such as status changes. A typical use is to send an email to the user when the an asset is allocated for the user to confirm having received the asset. Example of other uses include sending alerts on upcoming warranty or maintenance contract expiry.
SapphireIMS supports depreciation calculation of assets. These can be generated in the form of reports.
CMDB also supports automation of action through custom rules.
Within CMDB, CI's are grouped into modules. For example Hardware assets, Software assets, Contracts etc. can all be individual modules. CI types can be modeled within the module and for each CI type the attributes can be defined. While there are some pre-built modules and CI available, custom modules and CI can be added. The individual assets are stored under the CI type. Assets can be manually added and updated or imported in bulk using excel.
CMDB integrates with SapphireIMS Service Desk seamlessly. The Service Desk in conjunction with CMDB can be used for managing the IMACD processes in the organization.
CMDB needs to be configured before use. Refer to 'Settings->Asset and Inventory Management->Assets' for detailed configuration information. CMDB supports a number of APIs. There is an API to export and import the module configurations. Contact SapphireIMS Support for information on export and import of modules.