FNT blog post on how CMDBs Significantly Improve Day-to-Day IT Operations

From the Field: How CMDBs Significantly Improve Day-to-Day IT Operations

29.07.2025 15:48

In a world where IT infrastructures are constantly expanding, systems are merging, and business processes are becoming increasingly digital, transparency is a strategic success factor. Real-world examples show: organizations and public authorities that rely on a modern Configuration Management Database (CMDB) are rising to the challenge.

In this blog post, we’ll show you how different organizations are successfully using their CMDBs to automate processes, improve planning, and create new space for innovation.

Case Study 1: Automotive Manufacturer Uses CMDB as the Digital Backbone of IT

In the automotive industry, standardization and automation are key – both in manufacturing and IT. For one large automotive manufacturer, FNT’s CMDB forms the foundation of their efforts and has been expanded into a central data hub.

What was achieved?

20 million Configuration Items (CIs) documented—from servers to software licenses
100+ interfaces enable seamless data exchange
One-click license management: Oracle and SAP usage is fully transparent, avoiding over- or under-licensing
Audits are easier to prepare: the CMDB delivers reliable documentation for regulatory or tax reviews
Faster service provisioning: services can be deployed more quickly and outsourced more efficiently

Bottom line: The CMDB isn’t just an IT tool – it’s the foundation for business flexibility, regulatory compliance, and cost-effective operations.

Case Study 2: Security Agency Establishes a Unified Data Foundation

A national security agency needed to document a wide array of distributed IT assets – from office PCs to bodycams. Software installations and data centers were also part of the equation. Key features of the FNT CMDB for this agency include: granular access control to CIs, daily data sync with surrounding management systems, and support for ITIL processes (Incident, Problem, and Change) with consolidated data.

What was achieved?

500,000+ IT devices and components documented
Multi-tenancy enables role- and responsibility-based access management
4+ million software installations captured – for improved budgeting and internal billing
Central documentation of data center rooms allows for more efficient resource planning
30+ interfaces feed infrastructure data into surrounding management systems, enabling data-driven decision-making
Core IT service support relies on reliable CMDB data

Concrete benefit: Software updates and server capacity planning can now be approached with hard data.

Case Study 3: Help Desk with Clarity Instead of Guesswork

Many IT organizations struggle with inefficient support processes: tickets go in circles, information is missing, frustration grows. A modern CMDB can help resolve these issues right from the start.

How does a CMDB help?

First-level support gets instant access to all relevant workstation data (e.g., devices, software versions, access rights)
Issues like failed updates, expired permissions, or hardware conflicts are immediately visible
Tickets are better pre-qualified – benefiting second-level support too
First resolution rate measurably increases, while effort per case decreases

Result: Happier users, a relieved help desk – and, most importantly, more time for your IT to focus on strategic initiatives.

What We Learn from Real-World Use

The evidence is clear: a modern CMDB is more than just another IT tool – it’s a strategic foundation for digital agility. It provides the transparency that businesses and public institutions need today to manage complexity, understand dependencies, and make informed decisions.

Beyond that, a powerful CMDB delivers tangible operational benefits:

Faster service delivery
Better planning and more efficient implementation of changes
Active security and compliance enforcement
Early detection and prevention of failures
Optimal use of existing resources
Increased cost transparency

In short: With the right CMDB, you lay the groundwork not just to meet today’s demands, but to build a secure, future-proof IT infrastructure for tomorrow.