##  Collect Application Data
Application information is often stored across multiple tools and sources in an organization. Evaluate the various data sources available within your organization to gather application information. Common data sources include:
  * Integrations with third-party systems
  * Configuration Management Databases (CMDBs)
  * Architectural diagrams or images
  * Excel spreadsheets


Collaboration is key to successful data collection. Engage with departments such as IT operations, security, risk and compliance, and finance to validate and enrich application data. These departments possess critical insights and records that can enhance the accuracy of your application inventory. Additionally, communicate with senior leaders to gather applications specific to their domains or products.
Consider conducting interviews to manually collect data that may not be readily available in existing sources. Document your findings in spreadsheets. This approach can uncover hidden applications and provide context that automated systems might miss.
