What level of ServiceNow expertise do I need for basic IT service management setup?
For basic ITSM setup including incident, problem, and change management, you need intermediate-level expertise. This includes someone who can configure workflows, set up approval processes, customize forms, and handle basic integrations. A beginner can handle day-to-day administration after setup, but implementation requires deeper knowledge of business rules and workflow design.
How can I tell if someone actually knows ServiceNow versus just listing it on their resume?
Ask them to walk through a specific scenario like setting up an incident workflow or explain the difference between Business Rules and Client Scripts. Real experts can discuss performance optimization, integration challenges they've solved, and will ask detailed questions about your current IT environment. They should be able to show examples of custom applications or complex configurations they've built.
Can ServiceNow replace all our existing IT tools or does it have limitations?
ServiceNow excels at workflow automation, service management, and creating unified processes, but it's not meant to replace specialized monitoring tools, security platforms, or development environments. Instead, it integrates with these tools to create centralized workflows. It's powerful for process automation but won't replace your network monitoring, backup systems, or specialized business applications.
How well does ServiceNow integrate with tools we're already using like Office 365, Slack, or our ERP system?
ServiceNow has strong integration capabilities through its Integration Hub, with pre-built connectors for major platforms like Office 365, Slack, AWS, and popular ERP systems. Custom integrations are possible through REST APIs and web services. However, complex integrations require someone with both ServiceNow and API integration experience to ensure data flows correctly and securely.
How long does a typical ServiceNow implementation take and what should I expect?
Basic ITSM implementation typically takes 3-6 months, including configuration, data migration, testing, and training. Custom applications or complex integrations can add 2-4 months. Enterprise-wide implementations across multiple departments often take 8-12 months. Timeline depends heavily on data quality, number of integrations, and how much customization you need versus using out-of-the-box functionality.
What ongoing support will I need after ServiceNow is set up and running?
Plan for ongoing administration including user management, workflow updates, and regular maintenance tasks that require 10-20 hours per month for typical organizations. You'll also need someone available for new feature requests, integration updates, and troubleshooting. Many companies maintain a part-time ServiceNow admin or contract with specialists for ongoing support rather than hiring full-time unless they're doing continuous development.