--- sourceDocument: Brazil Enterprise Architecture sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/application-portfolio-management Release : - brazil ft:locale : - en-US ft:publication_title : - Brazil Enterprise Architecture ft:clusterId : - appportman bundleId : - appportman workflow : - Technology --- # Exploring architectural decision records (ADR) # Exploring architectural decision records (ADR) {#ariaid-title1} Release version: Brazil Updated September 10, 2026 ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read Use the Architectural Decision Records (ADR) to explain your infrastructure. ADR is a type of artifact that helps you to understand the background of a specific architectural decision. ## ADR Overview {#eaw-managing-arch-decision-records__section_zhz_sfc_1fc} An ADR can have multiple doc pages associated with it to help you organize key architectural artifact details. Predefined ServiceNow Docs component (sn_docs) templates are available. You can create ADR pages using one of these templates or start with a empty page. Note: The ADR feature in Enterprise Architecture Workspace uses the ServiceNow Docs component (sn_docs) to create pages in the Artifacts section. Docs component v6.0.0 is automatically installed with Enterprise Architecture Workspace v3.4.0. If you're using an older version of Enterprise Architecture Workspace with Docs component v6.0.0, upgrade the workspace to v3.4.0 to fully use the ADR functionality. For more information, see [KB2017926](https://support.servicenow.com/kb?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB2017926). ## Features of ADR {#eaw-managing-arch-decision-records__section_yj5_wfc_1fc} Some features of ADR are: * Auto-save content * Create documents using pre-defined templates * Use rich text paragraph formatting, which includes headings, lists, alignment, and others. * Tag users inline or insert record details using the / command. * Insert images by uploading files or using web URLs * View version specific ADR content using the version drop-down. The versions drop-down displays the following information: * Version number * ADR status * Date of last update {#eaw-managing-arch-decision-records__ul_lf2_5tt_bfc} On selecting a particular version, you're directed to the ADR artifact content page for that version. {#eaw-managing-arch-decision-records__ul_crk_jgc_1fc} ## Summarize ADR content using ServiceNow Otto for Enterprise Architecture (EA) {#eaw-managing-arch-decision-records__section_tjs_pgc_1fc} Use Now Assist capabilities to elaborate, shorten, and summarize selected content in ADRs, or to get a summary of the whole ADR. For more information, see [Using ServiceNow Otto for Enterprise Architecture (EA)](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/dUMtNBT~Ycy4JFOCD0Wjuw "With the ServiceNow Otto for Enterprise Architecture (EA) application, you can use generative AI skills to summarize and refine content, generate and compare diagrams, and gather insights into business applications. You can also query your enterprise architecture portfolio using natural language in the Enterprise Architecture Workspace.") **Related tasks** * [Add or edit an architectural decision record (ADR)](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/h2QOWUjhtX5pKsNoBQgtfQ "Create or update an artifact of the type architectural decision record (ADR) to align it with your business requirements.") * [Create and manage pages and subpages for ADRs](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/t5HF~2YEA047LEuaQg2m6w "Flexibly organize information for your architectural decision records (ADR) by creating, duplicating, and deleting pages and subpages in the Enterprise Architecture Workspace.") * [Tag users or records in Architectural Decision Records](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/o_HJPxz4rLt25TraQw4PWg "You can tag users or records in architectural decision records (ADR) in the Enterprise Architecture Workspace.") * [Reference additional records in decision records](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/BMAjN8NhStN6pJuc~SNtGA "You can customize the default values of the sn_apm_ws.record_mention_config system property, to enable the tagging of additional record tables in an architectural decision record (ADR).") * [Add an architectural decision record version](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/aqbQ1lNTeNbiUAWT_T1VXw "Create multiple versions of architectural decision records (ADR) in the Enterprise Architecture Workspace. Creating multiple ADR versions enable you to capture the evolution of architectural decisions over time or capture details of alternatives to existing architectural decisions.") * [Request approval for an ADR version](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/b4Au6cXF2pY8KnLa1xcPzA "Send a version of architectural artifacts of the type Architectural Decision Record (ADR) for approval to an Enterprise Architect user. The user reviews and approves the request.") * [Add a related entity to an architectural artifact](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/N8AY_7v1cP1Cd6xtfHzR~w "Associate an architectural artifact to existing entities such as business capabilities, business applications, digital integrations, and digital interfaces. The association creates a relationship between the artifact and related entities.") **Related reference** * [Create related entities form](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/6jZ5wfCEZ3TWwVXGvwgbbQ "Enterprise Architecture Workspace enables Enterprise Architects to associate an architectural artifact to existing elements in the ServiceNow AI Platform. These associations create a relationship between the artifact and related entities such as business capabilities, business applications, digital integrations, digital interfaces, and TRM products.")