Implementing the CSDM framework in stages

  • Release version: Australia
  • Updated March 12, 2026
  • 3 minutes to read
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    Summary of Implementing the CSDM framework in stages

    The Common Service Data Model (CSDM) framework establishes standards for defining configuration items (CIs) and their relationships within the ServiceNow Configuration Management Database (CMDB). Following the CSDM improves consistency and accuracy in reporting and analytics, enabling more effective management of your digital environment and maximizing the value of ServiceNow AI Platform applications. Implementing CSDM involves activating the CSDM plugin and migrating existing data to align with the CSDM data model, including synchronizing life-cycle data across assets, CIs, and Install Base Items (IBI).

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    Implementation Stages

    CSDM implementation is recommended in a staged approach, with each stage building on the previous to gradually enhance your CMDB’s completeness and utility:

    • Foundation: Prepare foundational referential data using base-system tables to support accurate reporting and informed business decisions.
    • Crawl: Populate base-system CMDB tables associated with IT Service Management (ITSM) processes.
    • Walk: Identify and document network infrastructure CIs and applications supported by your technical teams.
    • Run: Establish relationships between technology components and the business entities that sell and consume them.
    • Fly: Complete the comprehensive implementation of the CSDM framework, including advanced tables such as Information Objects, as dictated by your business needs.

    Key Guidelines for Effective Implementation

    • Use only the relationships and references defined in the CSDM model to ensure data integrity.
    • Collaborate with other ServiceNow product teams and adhere to CSDM extension guidelines to achieve optimal design and consistency.
    • Always apply agreed-upon CSDM definitions, base tables, and recommended integration technologies when working with external data sources.
    • Follow the provided guidance for setting up and leveraging ServiceNow AI Platform products alongside the CSDM framework.

    Additional Support and Improvement

    The CSDM Assessment, available to Impact Customers, offers best practices and personalized guidance through interactions with ServiceNow CSDM experts. This assessment helps organizations plan and enhance their CSDM implementation aligned with ServiceNow AI Platform capabilities.

    Practical Benefits for ServiceNow Customers

    By implementing the CSDM framework in stages and following prescribed guidelines, your organization can:

    • Achieve reliable and consistent CMDB data that supports accurate reporting and analytics.
    • Ensure alignment of life-cycle status values across assets, CIs, and IBIs for coherent asset management.
    • Build a scalable and collaborative CMDB environment that integrates seamlessly with ServiceNow ITSM and AI Platform applications.
    • Gradually enhance digital service management maturity, from foundational data setup to comprehensive technology-business relationship mapping.

    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 model 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 help to promote that your data resides in the appropriate CMDB tables. The result is maximum value from ServiceNow AI Platform applications.

    Activating CSDM

    Activate the CSDM plugin
    Activate the CSDM plugin so you can begin implementing the CSDM data model.
    Enabling life-cycle synchronization from legacy to asset
    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 promote identical IBI, asset, and CI life-cycle data for each product instance.
    Migrate and synchronize existing data to the CSDM framework
    You complete several tasks to confirm 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 implement the Information Object [cmdb_ci_information_object] table earlier than the Fly stage. Your business requirements determine the correct stage for implementing the table.
    CSDM implementation stage — Foundation
    In the Foundation stage of implementing the CSDM framework, admins 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 stage — Crawl
    In the Crawl stage, you work on base-system CMDB tables that are associated with IT Service Management (ITSM).
    CSDM implementation stage — Walk
    In the Walk stage, you identify and populate the network infrastructure CIs and applications that your organization's technical teams support.
    CSDM implementation stage — Run
    In the Run stage, you set up the relationship between a technology and the business that sells and consumes the technology.
    CSDM implementation stage — Fly
    When you reach the Fly stage, you have 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-on 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 .