5 Common Mistakes to Avoid as a ServiceNow Developer

As the digital transformation continues to sweep across industries, ServiceNow has emerged as a pivotal platform for IT service management and operations. For developers working on ServiceNow, the landscape is ripe with opportunities but also challenges. Mistaking simplicity for speed, underestimating the importance of governance, and neglecting system updates are a few pitfalls to avoid. In this post, we will discuss five common mistakes ServiceNow developers should steer clear of to optimize their work efficiency and avoid setbacks in their projects.

1. Over-Customization of the Platform

One of the prevalent mistakes developers make is over-customizing the ServiceNow platform. While customization can tailor the solution to your business needs, excessive changes can cause significant issues. Here are the pitfalls of over-customization:

• Maintenance Challenges: Over-customization makes the system difficult to maintain and troubleshoot. As the platform evolves, keeping up with the latest versions while managing custom scripts becomes increasingly complex.
• Upgrade Difficulties: Too many customizations can hinder upgrades. Each new ServiceNow release may require significant rework of these custom elements, delaying the adoption of new features.

To avoid this mistake, leverage out-of-the-box functionalities and avoid custom scripts unless absolutely necessary. Focus on configuring the platform within its capabilities rather than excessive customization.

2. Neglecting Documentation

Documentation often takes a backseat in development projects, but its absence can lead to substantial hurdles. Proper documentation ensures continuity, especially when team changes occur. Points to consider:

• Knowledge Transfer: Developers might move to different projects or jobs, leading to knowledge gaps. Comprehensive documentation facilitates seamless knowledge transfer within the team.
• Debugging and Enhancements: Without clear documentation, identifying the root cause of issues or enhancing the system becomes time-consuming and error-prone.

Implement documentation as part of your development process. This practice not only boosts team efficiency but also ensures that your work maintains its value over time.

3. Ignoring Governance and Best Practices

Governance in ServiceNow refers to the frameworks and policies in place to ensure effective management, control, and quality of the system. Developers often underestimate this, leading to poor implementation outcomes. Consider the following:

• Inconsistent Standards: Lack of governance can lead to inconsistent coding standards and practices, resulting in fragmented solutions that are difficult to manage.
• Security Risks: Poor governance may lead to security vulnerabilities. Following best practices in coding and configuration secures data and complies with regulatory standards.

Set up governance frameworks to enforce best practices, code reviews, and periodic audits. This will help maintain the integrity and security of the ServiceNow environment.

4. Failing to Prepare for Scalability

Scalability is crucial for growing businesses, and ServiceNow applications are no exception. Many developers fail to build solutions with scalability in mind, resulting in limitations later. Key considerations include:

• Performance Optimization: As the business grows, more users and processes can overwhelm a poorly optimized system. Ensure your solutions scale and perform efficiently under increased loads.
• Future-Proof Design: Design solutions that can adapt to foreseeable changes in business processes and user demands.

To prevent scalability issues, plan and test your applications for performance and capacity early in the design phase. This strategic approach will support your business's growth trajectory.

5. Lack of Regular System Updates

ServiceNow regularly releases updates with bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features. Some developers postpone or ignore these updates, creating several issues:

• Security Vulnerabilities: Outdated systems are prone to security threats. Regular updates ensure your environment is protected against emerging vulnerabilities.
• Decreased Efficiency: New updates streamline processes and introduce innovative features. Missing updates means losing out on efficiencies that could enhance your productivity.

Make a habit of applying necessary updates and patches in a timely manner. This not only secures your system but also keeps it running optimally, making the most of your ServiceNow investment.

Conclusion

A ServiceNow developer's journey is filled with opportunities for innovation and transformation. By avoiding these common pitfalls—over-customization, ignoring documentation, overlooking governance, inadequate scalability planning, and skipping system updates—you can enhance your capability and contribute significantly to your organization's success. Remember, a thoughtful approach to development, punctuated with best practices, can steer your projects towards long-term sustainability and growth.