Configuring maintenance schedules - Best practices

Maintenance schedules define the periods during which a configuration item (CI) or change can be implemented.

These schedules are incorporated into the conflict detection process for change requests. If a change request doesn't adhere to the relevant maintenance schedule, a conflict record is generated for the change request.

You can define maintenance schedules for conflict detection in two ways:

Configure maintenance schedule. The change.conflict.currentwindow system property turns on this method.
Create a maintenance schedule by using the Schedule [cmn_schedule] table. The change.conflict.ci_maint_sched system property turns on this method.

Note: You can configure these system properties on the Conflict Properties page.

Maintenance schedule using schedule maintenance form

All maintenance schedules defined through this method are processed based on the condition field, which must be evaluated to determine its applicability to the change request, the primary CI, or the associated Affected CIs (if they are executed in Advanced mode).

Multiple maintenance schedules increase the time required to determine their relevance, and this time increases with each affected CI.

If a generic schedule is applicable to numerous CIs or change requests, define the maintenance schedule by using Configure maintenance schedule.

If your schedules apply to a limited number of CIs, consider creating the maintenance schedule in the Schedule [cmn_schedule] table.

[Omitted image "cmn_schedule_maintenance_form.png"] Alt text: Maintenance schedule

Maintenance schedule using schedules table

This method is designed for cases where individual CIs or small groups of CIs must follow a specific schedule.

In such cases, the maintenance schedule should be set in the Schedule [cmn_schedule] table instead of the maintenance schedule table. This approach prevents the need for conflict detection to process the schedule twice using maintenance form and the schedule table.

Unlike the maintenance schedule record, the schedule record lacks a condition or an Applies to field, as it is intended to be directly associated with a CI. After you define the schedule record, set the Type field to maintenance to link it to a CI. To attach this schedule to a CI, it should be referenced in the Maintenance schedule field on the CI record; if this field is not visible, it must be added to the form.

[Omitted image "cmn_schedule_form.png"] Alt text: Schedules table

Parent Topic:Reference section for Change Management

title	Configuring maintenance schedules - Best practices
description	Maintenance schedules define the periods during which a configuration item \(CI\) or change can be implemented.
locale	en-US
canonical_url	https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/it-service-management/change-management/configuring-maintenance-schedules-best-practices.html
release	brazil
product	Change Management
classification	change-management
topic_type	concept
last_updated	2026-09-10
reading_time_minutes	2
breadcrumb	ReferenceChange ManagementIT Service Management