🔋Metamodel

Provides the overview of the UPM-X application metamodel.

UPM-X Extensions on the ServiceNow CSDM

UPM-X’s metamodel is based on ServiceNow’s out-of-the-box Common Services Data Model enhanced with UPM-X specific extensions to enable UPM-X customers to manage and plan their enterprise portfolios.

All to know about the Information Model is that it comprises:

Classes = Table = Object type = Component type
References = 1-to-many Relationships
Relationships = many-to-many (m2m) Relationships
Hierarchies = parent/child relationships referring to itself
Fields = Properties = Attributes = Column

UPM-X Metamodel

The following metamodel represents the common relationships used to provide a full line-of-sight of the enterprise. In an architecture practice, not all classes are used necessarily.

The green shapes are ServiceNow tables used to provide the full enterprise view. Please note that there are “alternative” tables introduced years ago by UPM-X, which are recently part of the CSDM data model of ServiceNow. As UPM-X is natively extending the CMDB, there is technically no difference between the tables. To avoid confusion, we have included those in our metamodel and renamed the original UPM-X tables to avoid confusion by users.

UPM-X BIZBOK Extensions

The following model shows the BIZBOK extensions additionally to the model of the metamodel above.

UPMX BIZBOK Extensions

There are a few BIZBOK concepts we have decided not to implement in the UPM-X metamodel:

Object TypeRationale
ChangeRedundant with more concrete change concepts: Strategy, Initiative, and Project, as well as superseded by more robust techniques for defining target states in architectures.
Course of ActionRedundant with Strategy Concept.
Capability BehaviorNo current demand from our customers. Can easily implement on a per-customer basis if there is a need.
Capability InstanceNo current demand from our customers. Can easily implement on a per-customer basis if there is a need.
Process OutcomeRedundant with other more robust business process architecture and modeling techniques we already support. And no current demand from our customers. Can easily implement on a per-customer basis if there is a need.
Product EntitlementNo current demand from our customers. Can easily implement on a per-customer basis if there is a need.

👍

UPM-X Metamodel is 100% aligned with ServiceNow CSDM

The model can be managed and extended by any ServiceNow admin.

UPM-X Tables

The following lists include all tables which are part of the UPM-X scope, grouped by core object types, features, and reporting tables:

Core Object Types leveraged from ServiceNow CSDM

The following object types (tables) are used in the context of the UPM-X use-cases with enhanced features and relationships.

📘

💡GOOD TO KNOW

Any ServiceNow table can be leveraged and connected to the UPM-X tables via CI relationships!

Object TypeTable NameDescription
Business Applicationcmdb_ci_business_appA Business Application is a logical representation of a unique or multiple instance(s) of one or more deployed software products, physically running in or outside of the enterprise environment, which supports a specific business process/capability.
Business Capabilitycmdb_ci_business_capabilityA Business Capability describes what an organization requires to execute its business model or fulfill its mission. Think of Business Capabilities as organizational-level skills embedded in people, processes, and/or technology.
Information Objectcmdb_ci_information_objectAn Information Object is a logical or conceptual representation of a real-world data object, e.g., a Person.

🚧

⌛ LEGACY TABLES

The legacy tables are technically equivalent to the CSDM tables above and are still supported for existing customers. 

  • x_inpgh_upmx_business_application
  • x_inpgh_upmx_business_capability
  • x_inpgh_upmx_information_object

Core Object Types extending ServiceNow CSDM

The following object types (tables) extend the core ServiceNow CSDM. As visualized in the architecture, the cmdb_ci base class is extended with the superclass Portfolio Element x_inpgh_upmx_portfolio_element, where all other core tables are extended from. 

📘

🚀 INNOVATIVE MODELING APPROACH

The benefit of the modeling approach ins-pi has chosen for UPM-X is the quick extensibility and central management of all fields on the Portfolio Element superclass. 

Any additional fields added to the Portfolio Element will be instantly available and inherited by the sub-tables.

Object TypeTable NameDescription
Portfolio Element x_inpgh_upmx_portfolio_elementPortfolio Element is the super-class containing all sub-classes e. g., Value Chain in UPM-X.
Actor x_inpgh_upmx_actor Actors are abstract representations of people, teams, departments, roles, and groups.
Building Block x_inpgh_upmx_building_block A Building Block is a reusable compilation of various Portfolio Elements e.g. Business Products, Strategies to provide higher-level concept solutions, designs, and templates to the Business.
Business Eventx_inpgh_upmx_business_event A business event is a Thread or opportunity to the business requiring a significant change in how the organization operates.
Business Function x_inpgh_upmx_business_functionBusiness Functions are a set of activities performed by roles or organizational units in the business, producing a defined output and typically grouped based on required skills or resources.
Business Product x_inpgh_upmx_business_productA Business Product is a good produced by the company for external customers. A Business Product is typically an outcome of a Business Capability or Business Process.
Business Requirementx_inpgh_upmx_requirementA need that an organization must have satisfied in order to solve a problem or meet an objective of a stakeholder or fulfill value desired by a customer.
Channelx_inpgh_upmx_channelConduit for delivering goods, services, or information.
Chatbotx_inpgh_upmx_chatbotA Chatbot is a computer program designed to simulate conversation with human users, especially over the internet.
Componentx_inpgh_upmx_componentA Component encapsulation of technology infrastructure or application functionality aligned to implementation structuring.
Conceptional Data Objectx_inpgh_upmx_conceptional_data_objectA Conceptional Data Object specifies the high-level information flow and data lineage on a conceptional level.
Controlx_inpgh_upmx_controlControls are engineering mechanisms that use continuous monitoring of operational variables e.g. pressure, temperature, etc., to reach product output specifications and objectives.
Data Storex_inpgh_upmx_data_storeA Data Store is a logical representation of a physical database or file which contains data used by applications or software.
Domainx_inpgh_upmx_domainA Domain name is the address where users can access the website or application via a browser.
Driverx_inpgh_upmx_driverA driver represents an external or internal influence that motivates an organization to define its goals and implement the changes necessary to achieve them.
Goalx_inpgh_upmx_goalA Goal is something directional your business aims to be, as described in words.

The organizational goals of a company typically focus on its long-range intentions for operating and its overall business philosophy.

E.g., “Be the most customer-centric service supplier in Northern Europe.”
Hardware Productx_inpgh_upmx_hardware_productA Hardware Product is a logical representation of a particular kind of commercially built or custom-developed hardware, e.g., Apple iPhone 14 Pro.
Initiativex_inpgh_upmx_initiativeInitiatives are collections of finite-duration discretionary projects and programs—outside of the organization’s day-to-day operational activities—that are designed to help the organization achieve its targeted performance.
Journeyx_inpgh_upmx_journeyA Journey represents a series of touch points and interactions with organizations or stakeholders, providing/consuming services and products.
Journey Stagex_inpgh_upmx_journey_stageA defined step within an overall customer journey, capturing the customer experience at that particular stage of the journey.
KPIx_inpgh_upmx_kpiA Key Performance Indicator (KPI) is used to measure and evaluate the success of an organization or of a particular activity (such as projects, programs, products, and other initiatives) in which it engages.
KRIx_inpgh_upmx_kriA Key Risk Indicator (KRI) is a measure used in management to indicate how risky an activity is. Key risk indicators are metrics used by organizations to provide an early signal of increasing risk exposures in various areas of the enterprise. It differs from a key performance indicator (KPI) in that the latter is meant as a measure of how well something is being done, while the former is an indicator of the possibility of future adverse impact. KRI gives an early warning to identify a potential event that may harm the continuity of the activity/project.
Logical Applicationx_inpgh_upmx_logical_applicationA Logical Application is a higher-level aggregation of a Business Application to respond to Business requirements on a conceptual/logical level.
Logical Data Objectx_inpgh_upmx_logical_data_objectA Logical Data Object specifies the high-level information flow and data lineage on a logical level.
Logical Interfacex_inpgh_upmx_logical_interfaceA Logical Interface is an abstract representation of one or more physical interfaces provided by an Application instance. It helps to understand the integration of Business Applications and the realization of the data flow, i.e., data lineage.
Marketx_inpgh_upmx_marketA Market is an actual or nominal place where forces of demand and supply operate and where buyers and sellers interact (directly or through intermediaries) to trade goods, services, contracts, or instruments for money or barter.
Measurex_inpgh_upmx_measureA Measure is used to specify the measurement type to track key performance indicators and metrics, e.g., percentage, number, currency, activity, process, etc., usually on an ongoing basis, to determine success or alignment with objectives and goals.
Metricx_inpgh_upmx_metricMetrics track and provide data on your organization’s processes and procedures but are not the most important metrics your organization needs to measure, monitor, and perform against to make progress against your strategic plan. E.g., organic inbound website traffic. It’s essential to track this metric as it helps feed your strategy outcome, but it’s not a clearly defined KPI related to an outcome. It’s just a valuable metric.
Microservicex_inpgh_upmx_microserviceA Microservice is an application component communicating with other Microservices across common interfaces, e.g., APIs and REST.
Missionx_inpgh_upmx_missionA Mission is a written declaration of an organization’s core purpose and focuses that usually remains unchanged over time. Appropriately crafted mission statements serve as filters to separate what is essential from what is not, clearly state which markets will be served and how, and communicate a sense of intended direction to the entire organization.
Mobile Applicationx_inpgh_upmx_mobile_applicationA Mobile Application is an end-user application consumed on a mobile device.
Objectivex_inpgh_upmx_objectiveAn Objective is a specific target that helps to measure goal achievement and is typically set out in numbers. Objectives need to be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-limited (SMART). E.g., Reduce OPEX by 20% by the end of 2018.
Outcomex_inpgh_upmx_outcomeThe result that is produced by a business capability, and associated with the delivery of a value item by a value stream stage.
Organizational Unitx_inpgh_upmx_organizational_unitsAn organizational unit is one of several functions within a company typically structured as a multi-level hierarchy.
Patternx_inpgh_upmx_patternA Pattern is a reusable compilation of various Portfolio Elements, e.g., Business Applications, Software Products, to provide pre-defined solutions, designs, and templates for the Business and IT.
Physical Data Objectx_inpgh_upmx_physical_data_objectA Physical Data Object specifies the high-level information flow and data lineage on a physical level.
Physical Interfacex_inpgh_upmx_physical_interfaceA Physical Interface is a technically implemented interface provided or consumed by an Application Service. It helps to understand the integration of Application instances and the realization of the data flow, i.e., data-lineage.
Policyx_inpgh_upmx_policyA statement of direction for an organization. A rule that prohibits or prescribes specific actions for given conditions or defined criteria for certain decisions. A policy often derives from legal, contractual, or regulatory requirements, as well as internal organization governance practices.
PPIx_inpgh_upmx_ppiProcess Performance Indicators (PPI) represent a measurement of the achievement of strategic and operational goals that a company wants to achieve on a process level.
Principlex_inpgh_upmx_principleA Principle is a guiding sense of requirements and obligations the organization has conducted. Architecture Principles, Formats, and other Guiding Principles can be managed in a hierarchal order.
Processx_inpgh_upmx_processA Process is an activity or set of activities that provide a specific business capability. Typically, a process produces a specific service or product.
Process Activityx_inpgh_upmx_process_activityA Process Activity is also referred to as sub-processes with execution on the divisional, business line, local or regional levels.
Process Categoryx_inpgh_upmx_process_categoryProcess Categories are used by industry frameworks to classify processes by area. Top-level Business Capabilities can replace Process Categories.
Process Groupx_inpgh_upmx_process_groupProcess Groups are groupings of related processes that are applicable across operational hierarchies and silos. Top-level Business Capabilities can replace Process Groups.
Process Operationsx_inpgh_upmx_process_operationsProcess Operations are technical calls to technology components or non-technical work performed manually by a person.
Process Taskx_inpgh_upmx_process_taskProcess Tasks are technical tasks executed on the application level or non-technical tasks performed by people.
Process Workflowx_inpgh_upmx_process_workflowA Process Workflow consists of multiple Process Tasks in order to implement a Process Activity.
Product Linex_inpgh_upmx_product_lineAn organizing structure used for product management and marketing of a group of related products.
Programx_inpgh_upmx_programA Program is a collection of Projects.
Projectx_inpgh_upmx_projectProjects are planned sets of interrelated tasks to be executed over a fixed period and within certain costs and other limitations. It is a major undertaking, especially one involving considerable money, personnel, and equipment.
Project Taskx_inpgh_upmx_taskA Task is a project-related activity that needs to be accomplished within a defined period or by a deadline.
Riskx_inpgh_upmx_riskA Risk highlights competitive, economic, operational, legal, compliance, strategic, program, project, quality, process, technology, etc., risks which cause the business to fail.
Social Mediax_inpgh_upmx_social_mediaSocial Media is an internet-based technology facilitating the sharing of ideas, thoughts, and information through the building of virtual networks and communities.
Software Productx_inpgh_upmx_software_productA Software Product is a logical representation of a particular kind of commercially built or custom-developed software, e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader V11.x.
Solution Use Casex_inpgh_upmx_solution_use_caseA Solution Use Case consists of Process Operations and a set of technologies to implement Process Tasks.
Stakeholderx_inpgh_upmx_stakeholderAn internal or external individual or organization with a vested interest in achieving value through a particular outcome.
Strategyx_inpgh_upmx_strategyA Strategy describes how the company will achieve its goals and objectives by deploying its scarce resources to gain a sustainable competitive advantage.
Technical Capabilityx_inpgh_upmx_technical_capabilityThe Technical Capability helps to establish a business language in requirements specification without focusing on specific technologies and vendor solutions. A Technical Capability specifies functional requirements of Business Capabilities provided by Software and Hardware Products, e.g., Business Metrics. Business Applications can use a sub-set of Technical Capabilities to provide Business Capabilities.
Touchpointx_inpgh_upmx_touchpointThe means via which a stakeholder or customer experiences their participation in a customer journey stage.
Value Chainx_inpgh_upmx_value_chainA Value Chain is the whole series of activities that create and build value at every step.
Value Itemx_inpgh_upmx_value_itemThe defined value delivered by a value stream stage. Value items are the entrance and exit criterion for value stream stages in the value delivery process.
Value Propositionx_inpgh_upmx_value_propositionThe potential benefits, tangible or intangible, exchanged between provider and consumer. Typically the exchange of money for goods or services, delivering value to a customer segment. A result of a value stream delivered to a stakeholder.
Value Streamx_inpgh_upmx_value_streamValue Stream Value streams are artifacts within business architecture that allow a business to specify the value proposition derived by an external (e.g., customer) or internal stakeholder from an organization. A value stream depicts the stakeholders initiating and being involved in the value stream, the stages that create specific value items, and the value proposition derived from the value stream. The value stream is depicted as an end-to-end collection of value-adding activities that create an overall result for a customer, stakeholder, or end-user.
Value Stream Stagex_inpgh_value_stream_stageA defined step within a value stream that delivers a value item, which accrues toward the overall value proposition desired by the value stream stakeholder.
Visionx_inpgh_upmx_visionA Vision is an aspirational description of what an organization would like to achieve or accomplish if they successfully fulfill their organizational purpose or mission.
Websitex_inpgh_upmx_websiteAn internal or external website used by the organizational users.

Feature Tables

Feature tables are used to define and store feature-related data in UPM-X.

Table LabelTable NameDescription
Portfolio Featurex_inpgh_upmx_portfolio_featureSuperior table for all portfolio features, e.g., cost, KPI, etc. Do not use it for reporting!
Costx_inpgh_upmx_pf_costUPM-X table containing Cost information.
Cost Breakdownx_inpgh_upmx_pf_cost_breakdownUPM-X table containing Cost Breakdown information over time.
Data Definition Scopex_inpgh_upmx_data_definition_scopeUPM-X Data Quality Scope definition
Data Qualityx_inpgh_upmx_data_qualityUPM-X Data Quality – Records of Completeness and Correctness for all DQ Scopes
Scoped Fieldsx_inpgh_upmx_data_definitionUPM-X Data Quality
Global Settingsx_inpgh_upmx_global_settingsTable to store UPM-X Global Settings.
Glossaryx_inpgh_upmx_glossaryA glossary of terms & definitions.
Hostingx_inpgh_upmx_hostingUPM-X table to join hosting-related information with Portfolio Elements.
KPIx_inpgh_upmx_pf_kpiUPM-X table containing KPI definitions.
KPI Breakdownx_inpgh_upmx_pf_kpi_breakdownUPM-X table containing KPI information over time.
Lifecyclex_inpgh_upmx_pf_lifecycleUPM-X table containing Lifecycle definitions.
Lifecycle Breakdownx_inpgh_upmx_pf_lifecycle_breakdownUPM-X table containing Lifecycle information.
Realtime Indicatorsx_inpgh_upmx_pf_indicatorsUPM-X table containing Indicator definitions.
Indicator Breakdownx_inpgh_upmx_pf_indicator_breakdownUPM-X table containing Indicator Breakdown definitions.
Recommendationx_inpgh_upmx_pf_recommendationDefines what needs to happen to mitigate risk, reduce cost and improve efficiency.
Reference Modelx_inpgh_upmx_pf_reference_modelA reference model is an abstract framework or domain-specific ontology consisting of an interlinked set of clearly defined concepts.
Risk & Compliancex_inpgh_upmx_risk_complianceUPM-X table to join risk & compliance-related information with Portfolio Elements.
Rollup Settingx_inpgh_upmx_calculation_rollup_relTable containing rollup settings for UPM-X.
Scenariox_inpgh_upmx_pf_scenarioUPM-X table containing Scenario information.
Stakeholderx_inpgh_upmx_pf_stakeholderUPM-X table containing Stakeholder information.
Suggested Relationshipx_inpgh_upmx_rel_type_suggestUsed to store for UPM-X Relationship Picker.
Suggested Relationship Fieldx_inpgh_upmx_rel_type_suggest_fieldUsed by Relationship Picker to store settings for the suggested relationships for black/whitelisting and relationship fields.
Suggested Relationship Groupx_inpgh_upmx_rel_type_suggest_groupUsed to store for UPM-X Relationship Picker.
Usagex_inpgh_upmx_usageThe Usage specifies an element used within a specific company, or department, or location.

Reporting table

Reporting tables provide a quick way for impact analysis and visualizing complex data interdependencies.

Table LabelTable NameDescription
Application Risk caused by SW Productsx_inpgh_upmx_dbv_app2swpReporting Table: Application Risk caused by SW Products
Business Application > Software Productx_inpgh_upmx_report_cmdb_app2swpReporting Table: Business Application > Software Product
Business Capability > Business Application > Software Productx_inpgh_upmx_cmdb_cap2cmdb_app2swpReporting Table: Business Capability > Business Application > Software Product
Dashboard Filter Store for UPMX Reportsx_inpgh_upmx_dashboard_filter_storeUPM-X table to store Dashboard filter settings for UPM-X reports.
Portfolio Element to Reference Modelx_inpgh_upmx_m2m_pe2reference_modelThe many-to-many relationship between Portfolio Elements and Reference Model.
Portfolio Element to Scenariox_inpgh_upmx_m2m_scenarios_portfolio_elThe many-to-many relationship between Portfolio Elements and Scenario.
Portfolio Element to Stakeholder*x_inpgh_upmx_m2m_stakeholders_portfolio_el+The many-to-many relationship between Portfolio Elements and Stakeholder.
Portfolio Element to Stakeholderx_inpgh_upmx_portfolio_element_to_stakeholder_viewDatabase View joining Portfolio Elements and Stakeholders table.
Portfolio Element to Projectx_inpgh_upmx_dbv_pe2projectDatabase view for Portfolio Elements2Projects.
Process > Business Application > Software Productx_inpgh_upmx_report_proc2cmdb_app2sftprdReporting Table: Process > Business Application > Software Product
Roadmap Elementsx_inpgh_upmx_roadmap_elementsUPM-X table required for roadmap visualization.
Roadmap Requestx_inpgh_upmx_roadmap_requestUPM-X table required for roadmap visualization.