Must Read: Migrations Work Best with a Traditional Project Management Approach

While most ServiceNow implementations are managed as hybrid projects, with Agile methods used for iterative development and configuration, migration initiatives often benefit from a more traditional, waterfall-style approach.

Unlike new implementations, migrations require a deep understanding of the existing environment before any build activity begins. 

This means starting with a detailed documentation phase: capturing every application, module, configuration, customization, and integration from the legacy system.

Once all components are documented, the next step is to assess the level of effort required to migrate each one. This analysis forms the foundation for accurate estimation and project planning. A structured plan helps prevent surprises and ensures dependencies are well-understood before execution begins.

Testing should be done early and often: validating data, integrations, and functionality at each stage of the migration process. While a “big bang” go-live is sometimes feasible, a phased or piecemeal promotion approach often reduces risk and allows teams to stabilize progressively.

By treating migrations as structured, well-documented projects rather than iterative experiments, organizations can reduce complexity, manage risk, and achieve a smoother transition to the ServiceNow platform.