Implementing the CSDM framework in stages

  • Release version: Zurich
  • Updated July 31, 2025
  • 3 minutes to read
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    Summary of Implementing the CSDM framework in stages

    The Common Service Data Model (CSDM) is a standardized data framework designed for ServiceNow customers to organize configuration items (CIs) and their relationships within the CMDB. Following the CSDM framework ensures consistent and accurate reporting and analytics, which is essential for effective digital environment management and maximizing the value of ServiceNow AI Platform applications.

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    Implementing CSDM is best approached in stages, each building on the previous, to progressively enhance your CMDB and related processes. The framework also includes guidelines for data integrity, lifecycle synchronization, and collaboration across teams.

    Implementation Stages

    • Foundation: Prepare referential data using base-system tables to enable accurate reporting and decision-making. This stage establishes the groundwork for all subsequent stages.
    • Crawl: Focus on base-system CMDB tables related to IT Service Management (ITSM), aligning your CMDB with core ITSM processes.
    • Walk: Identify and populate network infrastructure CIs and applications supported by your technical teams, enhancing visibility into your technology landscape.
    • Run: Establish relationships between technology components and the business units that sell and consume these technologies, connecting technical data to business context.
    • Fly: Complete or nearly complete the CSDM implementation, achieving a mature and comprehensive data model aligned with business and technical needs.

    Note: Business applications reference information objects, and the implementation of certain tables, like the Information Object table, may occur earlier depending on business requirements.

    Key Features and Guidelines

    • Activating CSDM Plugin: Enable the CSDM plugin to start using the CSDM data model.
    • Life-cycle Synchronization: Align lifecycle values across asset, CI, and IBI tables by migrating legacy status values to standardized CSDM lifecycle stage pairs, supported by automated business rules to maintain consistency.
    • Data Migration and Synchronization: Perform necessary tasks to migrate existing application data into the CMDB tables defined by CSDM.
    • Relationship Management: Use only relationships designed within the CSDM model to link tables, ensuring data integrity and consistency.
    • Collaboration and Extension: Collaborate with other product teams and follow provided guidance when extending the CSDM framework and related functionalities.
    • Use of Base Tables and Technologies: Utilize recommended base tables and technologies for integrating external data sources to maintain integration consistency.
    • ServiceNow AI Platform Alignment: Follow guidance for setting up and using ServiceNow AI Platform products to fully leverage CSDM data.

    Improving Your CSDM Implementation

    ServiceNow offers a CSDM Assessment for Impact Customers that provides best practices, prescriptive guidance, and personalized support from CSDM experts to help organizations plan and implement the model effectively. This assessment accelerates the maturity and value realization of your CSDM implementation.

    Practical Benefits for ServiceNow Customers

    • Achieve consistent, accurate data across your CMDB for reliable reporting and analytics.
    • Enable effective lifecycle management of assets and CIs through synchronized lifecycle stages.
    • Progressively build a mature data model that links technical infrastructure to business services.
    • Ensure data integrity and integration consistency by adhering to CSDM guidelines and recommended practices.
    • Leverage ServiceNow AI capabilities by structuring data in alignment with the CSDM framework.

    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 helps 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 sync 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 set identical IBI, asset, and CI life-cycle data for each product instance.
    Migrate and sync existing data to the CSDM framework
    You complete several tasks to migrate your existing application data 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 right stage for implementing the table.
    CSDM implementation stage — 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 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 Common Service Data Model (CSDM) Assessment Accelerators.