Tailoring Resource Plans for ServiceNow Solutions: Lessons from the Field

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If you’ve ever been asked to build a resource plan for a ServiceNow implementation, you know it’s rarely a copy-paste job. One of the first lessons I learned as a Solution Architect is that resource planning is never one-size-fits-all. Every project has its own flavor—whether you’re implementing out-of-the-box applications, integrating with external systems, or building something custom from the ground up.

The type of solution you’re designing plays a huge role in shaping the resource plan. A new app implementation might require a mix of platform developers, process consultants, and testers. An integration-heavy project could lean more on technical architects and API specialists. And if you’re building a custom app, you’ll likely need deeper design collaboration and more iterative development cycles. Each scenario demands a different team structure, skill set, and level of effort.

What makes this even more interesting is that the resource plan isn’t just about who’s doing the work—it’s about how the work gets done. You need to consider delivery methodology, client involvement, and even change enablement. The plan should reflect not just the technical scope, but also the business context and desired outcomes.

In my experience, the strongest resource plans are built through collaboration—with technical architects, delivery leads, and the client or teams already working closely with them. I always let the plan evolve as the solution takes shape. When others have a voice in shaping the plan, it becomes more grounded and easier to support throughout delivery. A good resource plan should be flexible enough to adapt, realistic in terms of effort and timelines, and always aligned with the goals of the solution.

How do you approach resource planning in your ServiceNow projects? What challenges have you faced, and what’s worked well for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—drop a comment below and let’s keep the conversation going.