Introducing NetBox and replacing Excel network documentation
Move network, IP and data centre data from scattered Excel lists into NetBox: cleansed, consistently named and embedded in operations.
- Public sector
- Critical infrastructure (KRITIS)
- Mobility & transport
- Data centre operators
You replace Excel lists for network, IP and data centre data step by step: analyse the existing inventory, define a consistent naming and data model, migrate the cleansed data to NetBox with IPAM and embed maintenance in change, incident and capacity processes. FlixConsulting supports this path from analysis to handover, while operations continue.
Where organisations stand
- Network and data centre assets are recorded in Excel lists and older tools. It is often unclear which version is current.
- Racks, devices, connections and IP addresses are named inconsistently. Changes and fault analysis depend on the knowledge of individual people.
- The existing inventory system is to be replaced. No data may be lost, and operations must continue.
How we work
- 01
Analysis
We record the existing network and system infrastructure, all data sources and their quality.
- 02
Target architecture
We design the data model in NetBox with IPAM, an organisation-wide naming and structuring concept for data centre and campus assets, and a scanning concept for on-site data capture.
- 03
Delivery
We migrate the Excel inventories with cleansing, mapping and quality checks, and set binding standards for network documentation, planning and changes.
- 04
Handover to operations
We embed data maintenance with clear roles in the change, incident and capacity processes and train your teams.
What changes afterwards
- NetBox is the authoritative source for network, IP and data centre data.
- Consistent names and structures make assets easy to find and allow changes to be planned.
- Data maintenance is part of every change and therefore a reliable basis for capacity planning and automation.
Federal authority: replacement of the previous network inventory with NetBox and IPAM, including Excel migration, naming concept and maintenance processes.
Questions about this use case
NetBox or Nautobot: which fits better?
Both are suitable as a source of truth for network and data centre data. Nautobot is a fork of NetBox and focuses on extensibility through plugins and workflows. Which tool fits depends on your use cases, interfaces and operational requirements. We clarify this in the analysis.
Can operations continue during the migration?
Yes. The existing lists remain valid until the data in NetBox has been cleansed and checked. Only then does NetBox become the system of record, and the old lists are retired.
Let us talk about your project.
No obligation, confidential and with a concrete next step.