How often should CMDB records be audited for accuracy?

The requirement to regularly audit CMDB (Configuration Management Database) records for accuracy aligns with best practices in IT service management. This frequency is crucial because the infrastructure and services are constantly changing due to new deployments, updates, and configurations. Regular audits help ensure that the information within the CMDB remains current and reliable, which is essential for effective change management, incident management, and overall IT governance.

By conducting periodic audits, organizations can identify discrepancies, outdated records, or missing configurations that could hinder operational efficiency or slow down incident resolution processes. This proactive approach fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within IT processes.

Auditing records only when new hardware is added or every few years could lead to significant gaps in data integrity, while an annual audit may not adequately capture the fast pace of change in many organizations. Therefore, the option to conduct audits regularly is the most appropriate strategy for maintaining the accuracy and relevance of CMDB records.