What is the primary cause of duplicate devices in the CMDB?

The primary cause of duplicate devices in the Configuration Management Database (CMDB) is inconsistent data from various sources. When different systems or processes feed data into the CMDB, variations in naming conventions, data formats, or updates can lead to the creation of duplicate records for the same device. For example, a device might be recorded with slightly different names or attributes due to discrepancies in the way data is captured or integrated from different tools.

Inconsistent data poses a significant challenge, as it can lead to multiple entries for the same configuration item (CI). Without a standardization process in place to reconcile these differences, the CMDB can become cluttered with duplicates, making it difficult to maintain accurate and reliable information.

While manual entry errors and probes not functioning correctly can certainly contribute to discrepancies and inaccuracies in the CMDB, the overarching issue of inconsistent data from varied sources is fundamentally what leads to duplicates. Additionally, data limitations in the CMDB could refer to constraints in how much data can be stored or processed but do not directly cause the duplication of existing records. Thus, understanding and addressing data inconsistencies is vital for maintaining the integrity of the CMDB and reducing the incidence of duplicate devices.