Implementing the CSDM framework in stages

  • Release version: Xanadu
  • Updated August 1, 2024
  • 3 minutes to read
    • Summarize
    Summarized using AI
    This content was generated using new OpenAI-powered functionality. Results are provided on an as is basis and are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete.

    Summary of Implementing the CSDM framework in stages

    The Common Service Data Model (CSDM) framework provides a structured approach for ServiceNow customers to organize and manage Configuration Items (CIs) and their relationships within the CMDB. Following the CSDM ensures consistent accuracy in reporting and analytics, enabling effective management of your digital environment and maximizing value from ServiceNow AI Platform applications. Implementing CSDM involves migrating existing data, activating relevant plugins, and aligning lifecycle data across assets, CIs, and Integrated Business Insights (IBI).

    Show full answer Show less

    Implementation Approach

    ServiceNow recommends a staged, incremental approach to implementing the CSDM framework, with each stage building on the previous one to gradually increase maturation and benefits. The stages are:

    • Foundation: Prepare referential data using base-system tables to enable accurate reporting and support business decisions.
    • Crawl: Focus on base-system CMDB tables related to IT Service Management (ITSM) processes.
    • Walk: Identify and populate network infrastructure CIs and applications supported by technical teams.
    • Run: Establish relationships between technology components and the business units that sell or consume them.
    • Fly: Complete or nearly complete the full implementation of the CSDM framework, finalizing the process.

    Note that depending on your business needs, some tables like the Information Object table may require earlier implementation.

    Key Guidelines for Successful Implementation

    • Use only the relationships and table references defined in the CSDM to maintain data integrity.
    • Collaborate with other ServiceNow product teams when extending or customizing the CSDM framework.
    • Adhere to agreed-upon CSDM definitions and use recommended base tables and integration technologies.
    • Follow guidance for setting up and using ServiceNow AI Platform products to ensure consistency.

    Practical Steps and Tools

    • Activate the CSDM plugin: Enables the framework functionality and lifecycle synchronization between legacy fields and CIs/assets.
    • Migrate existing data: Execute migration tasks to align current application data into the proper CMDB tables following CSDM standards.
    • Enable lifecycle synchronization: A one-time process converts legacy status values into standard CSDM lifecycle stages and statuses, maintained continuously by business rules.
    • Configure the CSDM Data Foundations dashboard: Monitor foundational metrics to assess the health and progress of your CSDM implementation.

    Enhancing Your CSDM Implementation

    ServiceNow Impact Customers can leverage the CSDM Assessment for personalized guidance, best practices, and expert interactions to optimize their CSDM adoption and integration with AI Platform processes. This accelerates planning and improves implementation outcomes.

    Following the CSDM framework ensures that you meet your primary goal of consistent accuracy in reporting and analytics so you can effectively manage your digital environment.

    The CSDM data framework

    The CSDM is the data framework that admins should follow when they set up ServiceNow products and applications. The standards for defining configuration items (CIs) and relationships between CIs in the CMDB ensure that your data resides in the appropriate CMDB tables. The result is maximum value from ServiceNow AI Platform applications.

    Activating CSDM

    Enabling CSDM life-cycle sync between legacy fields and related assets
    You can align life-cycle values for each product instance on the asset, CI, and IBI tables. A one-time process moves legacy status values for asset and CI across the platform to standard CSDM life-cycle value pairs (life cycle stage and life cycle stage status). Business rules then run regularly to ensure identical IBI, asset, and CI life-cycle data for each product instance.
    Activate the CSDM plugin
    Activate the CSDM plugin so you can begin implementing the framework.
    Migrate existing data to the CSDM framework
    You complete several tasks to ensure that your existing application data migrates successfully to the required tables in the CMDB.

    Implementing the CSDM framework

    It's best to use a staged approach when you implement the CSDM framework. Each implementation stage involves particular information types and provides specific benefits. Because each stage builds on the preceding stage, we use an analogy to the way a person develops: foundation, crawl, walk, run, and, eventually, fly.
    CSDM stages: foundation, crawl, walk, run, and fly.
    Note:
    Business applications reference information objects in the information portfolio. You might need to implement the Information Object table [cmdb_ci_information_object] earlier than the Fly stage. Your business requirements determine the right stage for implementing the table.
    CSDM implementation stages — Foundation
    In the Foundation stage of implementing the CSDM framework, you prepare the referential data that enables accurate reporting to support good business decisions. Use the base-system tables when you begin implementing the CSDM to derive the highest value from your ServiceNow products and the ServiceNow AI Platform.
    CSDM implementation stages — Crawl
    In the Crawl stage, you work on base-system CMDB tables that are associated with IT Service Management (ITSM).
    CSDM implementation stages — Walk
    In the Walk stage, you identify and populate the network infrastructure CIs and applications that your organization's technical teams support.
    CSDM implementation stages — Run
    In the Run stage, you set up the relationship between a technology and the business that sells and/or consumes the technology.
    CSDM implementation stages — Fly
    When you reach the Fly stage, you've accomplished all or most of the process of implementing the CSDM framework. The fly stage completes the process.

    Key guidelines for you to follow

    • When linking CSDM tables, use only the relationships that are designed in the model.
    • Collaborate on the shared data model with other product teams. Also, when you extend CSDM and related functionality, be sure to follow the provided guidance. Following the guidance and collaborating with other product teams helps you achieve the best design.
    • Use agreed-upon CSDM definitions whenever you use a table, reference, or attribute.
    • Use the provided CSDM base tables.
    • Use the recommended technologies when you integrate external data sources. The specified process ensures data integrity and integration consistency.
    • Follow the provided guidance for setting up and using ServiceNow AI Platform products.

    Improve your CSDM implementation

    The CSDM Assessment provides Impact Customers with leading practices and prescriptive guidance on the CSDM and how it supports processes on the ServiceNow AI Platform. To help your organization plan for and implement CSDM, the assessment includes interactions with ServiceNow CSDM experts and personalized content. See Common Service Data Model (CSDM) Assessment Accelerators.