• Inputs to the process: The inputs to problem management can come from a number of sources. These include incident management, event management and the service desk. Additionally, proactive problem management may identify problems. Suppliers and other processes such as release management,
capacity management and availability management may also become aware of problems.
• Problem detection: Problems can be detected in many ways. The service desk may believe that one or more incidents are being caused by a particular problem. Second-line support areas may identify a problem when conducting
incident handling. Problems can also be detected automatically by the service management tools in use. Proactive problem management will identify problems often before any incidents occur. Likewise, other processes such as release management and availability management will become aware of problems.
• Problem logging: It is crucial that the full details of the problem are recorded. This will allow analysis to take place and will enable comparisons to be made between problems. All incidents caused by the problem should be linked to the problem record allowing the scope and scale of the impact to be ascertained easily. The date and the time that all problems are logged must be recorded within
the problem record.
• Problem categorisation: It is important to categorise problems and it is
recommended that the same system is used as adopted by the incident management
process for any particular organisation. Correct and meaningful categorisation will allow helpful metrics to be produced and enable proactive problem management to identify areas to concentrate on.
• Problem prioritisation: Problems should be prioritised in the same way as incidents. Table 27.1 shows a simplistic problem priority coding system.