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> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.itential.com/itential-platform/2023-2/maintain/best-practices/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.itential.com/_mcp/server.

# Maintenance best practices

> Suggested best practices for day-to-day, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and bi-annual administration and maintenance of Itential Platform.

This guide covers suggested best practices for system operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM) of Itential Platform on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and bi-annual basis. Contact your Itential Product Support account if you need support or have questions regarding best practices for your environment.

Most of these tasks are at the system level and may be limited to users with administrative privileges.

## Daily activities

**Backups**

* Back up VMs of all systems.
* At a minimum, back up MongoDB using `mongodump`. See [MongoDB backup and recovery](/itential-platform/configure/database/mongodb/back-up-and-restore).
* Check Itential Platform connectivity in all environments for basic functionality with all externally connected systems (for example, NSO).

**Logs**

* Review `pronghorn.log` for any unusual errors.
* Purge logs as needed.

## Weekly activities

* Review all security-related alerts for: MongoDB, Express, Angular/React, Node.js, Operating System, and Java Runtime Environment.
* Apply updates as required — first in Development, then Staging, then Production.
* Perform a `mongodump` of all environments and store data in a secure location. See [MongoDB backup and recovery](/itential-platform/configure/database/mongodb/back-up-and-restore).

## Monthly activities

* Review change logs and release notes provided by Itential. Update Itential Platform as required for Development, Staging, and Production environments.
* Review change logs and release notes for all systems integrated with Itential Platform. Look for API updates or changes that might impact security, connectivity, or functionality.
* Purge and archive (if required) backups from the prior month.
* Purge and archive all unneeded or duplicate items (Command Templates, Forms, Workflows, etc.) in Development and Staging environments.

## Quarterly activities

* Review major release notes documentation for Itential Platform (suggested: April, August, December).
* Update the Development environment and perform regression tests. Promote as needed.
* Restart Itential Platform at least once quarterly.
* Review the Production environment and purge or archive all unneeded and unused Command Templates, Forms, Workflows, etc.

## Bi-annual activities

* Review major release notes documentation for Itential Platform (suggested: May, December).
* Update the Development environment and regression test it. Promote as needed.

> Suggested best practices for day-to-day, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and bi-annual administration and maintenance of Itential Platform.