ServiceNow Enterprise Architecture

A Visual Project Blueprint for the Yokohama Version

16-26

Total Estimated Weeks

5

Core Team Roles

3

Key EA Capabilities

Project Purpose & Strategic Goals

This project plan outlines the implementation of ServiceNow's Enterprise Architecture capabilities to bridge business strategy with IT execution. The primary goals are to enhance visibility into the application and technology landscape, enable data-driven decision-making, reduce technology risks, and ensure IT initiatives are fully aligned with strategic business objectives.

Foundational Enterprise Architecture Capabilities

Application Rationalization (APM)

Gain control over the application portfolio, identify redundancies, and make informed investment decisions to reduce cost and complexity.

Technology Portfolio Management (TPM)

Manage technology lifecycles, mitigate risks from obsolete technologies, and establish clear technology standards across the enterprise.

Business Capability Management

Link IT assets directly to business outcomes, ensuring technology investments strategically support core business objectives and drive value.

Total Estimated Project Effort by Role

This chart illustrates the total estimated hours for each core team role across all six project phases, highlighting the distribution of workload and resource commitment.

The 6-Phase Implementation Journey

1. Initiation & Strategic Planning

Approx. 2-3 Weeks

This foundational phase focuses on formally launching the project, defining clear business objectives and scope, securing stakeholder buy-in, and establishing project governance.

Key Deliverables:

  • Project Charter
  • Stakeholder Register & Engagement Plan
  • Business Outcome Definition Document

2. Design & Solution Architecture

Approx. 3-5 Weeks

Translate business requirements into a detailed solution design, defining data models, integration points, process workflows, and CSDM alignment.

Key Deliverables:

  • Solution Design Document (SDD)
  • Detailed Requirements Document
  • Test Strategy Outline

3. Configuration & Development

Approx. 6-10 Weeks

The build phase, where the EA solution is configured, custom components are developed, integrations are built, and data is prepared for migration according to the approved design.

Key Deliverables:

  • Configured EA Modules in Dev Environment
  • Completed & Unit-Tested Integrations
  • Data Migration Plan & Deployment Packages

4. Testing & Quality Assurance

Approx. 3-4 Weeks

Rigorously test the solution against all requirements to ensure quality. This includes system, integration, and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) to gain formal business sign-off.

Key Deliverables:

  • System & Integration Test Results
  • User Acceptance Test (UAT) Results
  • UAT Sign-off from Business Stakeholders

5. Deployment & Go-Live

Approx. 1-2 Weeks

Deploy the tested solution to the production environment. This phase includes final user training, data migration, and a "hypercare" period of intensive support for a smooth transition.

Key Deliverables:

  • Deployed Solution in Production
  • Finalized User Training Materials
  • Post Go-Live Support (Hypercare) Plan

6. Review & Handover

Approx. 1-2 Weeks

Formally close the project, review performance against objectives, document lessons learned, and transition ongoing operational ownership to the internal support teams.

Key Deliverables:

  • Project Closure Report
  • Lessons Learned Document
  • Transition to Support Plan Sign-off

Critical Success Factors

📊 Data Quality & Governance

The accuracy and completeness of EA data is paramount. Establishing ongoing governance is key to maintaining the solution's long-term value.

🤝 Stakeholder Engagement

Continuous buy-in and active participation from both business and IT stakeholders ensure the solution remains aligned with strategic needs.

🚀 Organizational Change Management

Proactive communication, comprehensive user training, and championing early wins are essential for driving user adoption and process change.