What could have prevented an outage caused by incorrect labeling of a server during decommissioning?

Using accurate hardware inventory practices could have played a critical role in preventing an outage caused by incorrect labeling during the decommissioning of a server. A thorough hardware inventory includes detailed records of all servers, their configurations, and their assigned roles within the environment. This documentation allows for precise identification of individual servers and their respective functions, enabling IT personnel to make informed decisions during the decommissioning process.

When servers are accurately labeled and tracked in inventory, it reduces the risk of mistakes, such as mistakenly handling the wrong server. This is especially vital in environments where multiple servers might be decommissioned simultaneously or where similar models are in use.

Given that hardware inventory directly relates to the physical and logical identification of servers, it empowers IT teams to ensure a systematic approach to decommissioning. Keeping this inventory up to date ensures that all stakeholders are aware of any changes, further preventing potential confusion or outages related to mislabeling. Other options, while beneficial in different contexts, do not provide the same level of direct prevention against labeling-related errors during the decommissioning process.