This document discusses how CMDB (Configuration Management Database) data and EAM (Enterprise Architecture Management) tools like LeanIX can benefit each other. A CMDB provides a bottom-up inventory of technical components through automatic discovery, while an EAM tool provides a top-down view of the relationships between technology, applications, and business context. By combining data from both, organizations can ensure data quality, get a complete picture of their IT portfolio, and help execute their IT strategy. The document outlines challenges of solely using a CMDB and opportunities of integrating it with LeanIX, such as pre-filling data and regularly updating records.

1. How EAM tools and a
CMDB can benefit from
each other
LeanIX GmbH, 2014

2. The combination of CMDB data and leanIX covers the required
areas and close the gap between strategy and operations
2Source: McKinsey architecture layer
Bottom-up inventory for
operational optimization
Automatic discovery of technology
components on desktops and server
primarily linked to user or location
Consistent view on IT portfolio
linked to business context
Link between technology,
applications and business context
for setting target, creating
roadmaps and tracking progress
Necessary foundation for IT
strategy and change mgmt
Necessary foundation
for operations
Bottom-up discovery can be used
for pre-fill and quality ensurance
CMDB

3. leanIX helps to turn CMDB data into value for executing the IT
Strategy
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Challenges
Why not only use a CMDB as the
single tool ?
• Very detailed list of technical
components as result of scanning
• Missing link between used
components and applications
• Further data gathering of
interfaces, data objects and
providers still necessary
• Not all countries have a CMDB as a
single source of truth
• Multiple CMDBs throughout the
company
What is the added value combining a
CMDB and leanIX?
Opportunities
• List of technical components can be
used to ensure data quality
• Completeness check based on
bottom-up inventory data
• Combination of manual data
gathering and automatic pre-fill
• Regular inputs of automatic scan
can keep data quality high

4. Sounds interesting? Get in touch with us.
André Christ
+49.228.2862992-2
andre.christ@leanix.net
Jörg G. Beyer
+49.228.2862992-1
joerg.beyer@leanix.net
LeanIX GmbH
Alte Bahnhofstrasse 30 - 53173 Bonn
+49 228 2862992-0
http://www.leanix.net
Request Free Trial
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