Skip to main content
Glama
ketiil

ServiceNow CMDB MCP Server

by ketiil

find_stale_cis

Read-onlyIdempotent

Identifies configuration items (CIs) not updated within a specified number of days, flagging potentially stale or decommissioned assets for review.

Instructions

Find CIs that have not been updated within a specified number of days.

Stale CIs are records whose sys_updated_on timestamp is older than the threshold. Filtering to operational CIs (status=1) by default highlights records that claim to be active but haven't been refreshed — often a sign of broken discovery or decommissioned assets.

Examples: find_stale_cis(ci_class="cmdb_ci_server", days=90, operational_status="1") find_stale_cis(ci_class="cmdb_ci_linux_server", days=30) find_stale_cis(ci_class="cmdb_ci", days=180, operational_status="") # all statuses

Args: ci_class: CMDB table to search (e.g. cmdb_ci_server). Defaults to cmdb_ci. days: Number of days since last update to consider stale (default 90). Must be between 1 and 3650. operational_status: Filter by operational status. Defaults to "1" (Operational). Set to empty string to include all statuses. limit: Maximum stale CIs to return (1-1000, default 25). offset: Pagination offset.

Returns: JSON object with "ci_class", "stale_days", "count", "total_count", "has_more", "next_offset", and "stale_cis" list ordered by sys_updated_on ascending (most stale first).

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
ci_classNocmdb_ci
daysNo
operational_statusNo1
limitNo
offsetNo

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already indicate readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, so the bar is lower. The description adds context about default filtering to operational CIs and the ordering of results (most stale first). It does not contradict annotations and discloses the return format beyond the schema.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is well-structured with a clear purpose, contextual explanation, examples, parameter list, and return format. It is front-loaded and each section adds value, though it could be slightly more concise without the examples.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's 5 parameters and the presence of an output schema, the description comprehensively covers all aspects: parameter details with defaults and ranges, return fields and ordering, and a motivating use case (broken discovery). It is complete for an agent to use correctly.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters5/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description carries the full burden. It provides detailed explanations for all 5 parameters, including defaults, allowed values, constraints (e.g., days between 1-3650), and behavioral contexts like the operational_status default. This fully compensates for the missing schema descriptions.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool finds CIs not updated within a specified number of days, defines 'stale' based on sys_updated_on, and provides examples. It does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like search_cis or find_orphan_cis, but the specific purpose is distinct enough for an agent to understand.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies usage for detecting potentially broken discovery or decommissioned assets via stale CIs, but it lacks explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. No exclusion criteria or recommendations for when not to use it are provided.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Install Server

Other Tools

Latest Blog Posts

MCP directory API

We provide all the information about MCP servers via our MCP API.

curl -X GET 'https://glama.ai/api/mcp/v1/servers/ketiil/mcp-cmdb'

If you have feedback or need assistance with the MCP directory API, please join our Discord server