Implementing the CSDM framework in stages

  • Release version: Washingtondc
  • Updated February 1, 2024
  • 2 minutes to read
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    Summary of Implementing the CSDM Framework in Stages

    Implementing the Common Service Data Model (CSDM) framework is essential for achieving consistent accuracy in reporting and analytics, which is vital for effective digital environment management. The CSDM Assessment offers best practices and tailored guidance through interactions with ServiceNow experts to enhance your implementation strategy.

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    Key Features

    • Activation Steps:
      • Map existing lifecycle data to CSDM standards to ensure uniformity across asset, CI, and IBI tables.
      • Activate the CSDM plugin to start framework implementation.
      • Migrate existing application data to required CMDB tables for compliance with the CSDM framework.
    • Staged Implementation Approach: The CSDM framework is implemented in stages: Foundation, Crawl, Walk, Run, and Fly, each building on the previous to ensure systematic progress.
    • Guidelines for Linking Tables: Collaborate with product teams and use established CSDM definitions and base tables for enhanced data integrity.
    • Monitoring Dashboard: Use the CSDM Data Foundations dashboard to track foundational metrics.
    • Auto-Generation of Product Models: Leverage the CSDM Product Model Assignment job to create product model records for logical CIs lacking association with a product model.

    Key Outcomes

    By following the CSDM framework stages, organizations can achieve accurate reporting, effective data integration, and a clear understanding of technology-business relationships. Successful implementation leads to enhanced decision-making capabilities and improved management of digital assets, ultimately streamlining operations within the ServiceNow AI Platform.

    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.

    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 Assessment Accelerators.

    Activating CSDM

    First activation step — Map existing life cycle data to CSDM standards
    You can align life-cycle values for each product instance on the asset, CI, and IBI tables. A one-time process moves legacy data for asset and CI across the platform to standard CSDM life-cycle values. Business rules then ensure identical IBI, asset, and CI life cycle data for each product instance.
    Second activation step — Activate the CSDM plugin
    Activate the CSDM plugin so you can begin implementing the framework.
    Third activation step — 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.