Comparing CIs between different datasets

As a configuration manager, use the compare activity in a reconciliation job to compare CIs between two datasets to track the changes to the CIs in those datasets.

The compare activity produces a detailed report about the differences in CIs in the two datasets. You can compare only those dataset instances that have been identified during the identification activity and that have the same reconciliation ID.

 

Related topics

Identifying-changes-to-CIs-by-using-the-Compare-activity

The following image gives a conceptual representation of the compare activity:

Track_compare.png

By using the compare activity to track CI changes, you get the following benefits:

  • Quick identification of changes between datasets and further troubleshooting.
  • Better control on the data that is propagated to the production dataset, improving data integrity and compliance.

Scenario

Chris, a configuration manager at Apex Global, is responsible for the accuracy and integrity of the CIs in the production dataset.

To effectively track changes made to CIs during daily operations, he monitors the sandbox dataset, BMC.ASSET.SANDBOX, within the organization’s asset management system. This configuration ensures that any user edits to a CI are initially saved to the Sandbox dataset, providing a controlled environment for review.

To monitor and validate these changes, Chris configures a reconciliation job that uses the Compare Activity feature to compare the Sandbox dataset with the production dataset, BMC.ASSET. This comparison allows Chris to:

  • Validate that the changes align with organizational policies and standards.
  • Approve or reject modifications before they are incorporated into the production dataset.
  • Identify and address any unauthorized changes to maintain data integrity.

By leveraging the Compare Activity feature, Chris ensures the production dataset remains consistent, accurate, and compliant with organizational requirements. This approach supports Apex Global in maintaining a robust and reliable configuration management process, which is critical for the organization’s operational efficiency.

Workflow for comparing datasets

Comparison_workflow2.png

The following table gives an overview of the steps to compare datasets:

Step

Action

Reference

1

Create a reconciliation job. 

2

Add Compare activity to the reconciliation job.

3

Configure the compare activity settings and select the datasets for comparison.

4

View the comparison report generated after running the reconciliation job. 

 

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