> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://build-it-the-right-way.gitbook.io/home/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://build-it-the-right-way.gitbook.io/home/pillars.md).

# Pillars

- [Overview: The Eight Pillars](https://build-it-the-right-way.gitbook.io/home/pillars/servicenow-architecture-pillars.md): A guiding framework of 8 ServiceNow architecture pillars for building scalable, secure, and maintainable platforms that align with business and governance.
- [Pillar 01 · Platform Governance](https://build-it-the-right-way.gitbook.io/home/pillars/pillar-01-platform-governance.md): Pillar 01 of the Build It The Right Way framework. The operating model that prevents shadow customisation on ServiceNow. Architecture Review Board, four control gates, scope discipline, RACI, maturity
- [Pillar 02 · Configurable over Custom](https://build-it-the-right-way.gitbook.io/home/pillars/pillar-02-configurable-over-custom.md): Why custom code is the last resort, never the default. The decision framework for choosing configuration over customisation on ServiceNow.
- [Pillar 03 · Security by Design](https://build-it-the-right-way.gitbook.io/home/pillars/pillar-03-security-by-design.md): Access control, data validation, and scoped logic from the first design review. Not bolted on at Gate 03.
- [Pillar 04 · Scalability and Performance](https://build-it-the-right-way.gitbook.io/home/pillars/pillar-04-scalability-and-performance.md): Design for the platform you will have in three years, not the load you have today. Async processing, query discipline, and the failure modes performance work prevents.
- [Pillar 05 · Observability and Auditability](https://build-it-the-right-way.gitbook.io/home/pillars/pillar-05-observability-and-auditability.md): Logging, traceability, and audit evidence built into the platform from the first table. Not retrofitted under regulatory pressure.
- [Pillar 06 · Alignment with the Business Model](https://build-it-the-right-way.gitbook.io/home/pillars/pillar-06-alignment-with-the-business-model.md): Business services, business owners, and business processes reflected in the platform's data model. So the platform tells the business what is happening, not the other way around.
- [Pillar 07 · Upgrade-Safe Architecture](https://build-it-the-right-way.gitbook.io/home/pillars/pillar-07-upgrade-safe-architecture.md): Avoid hardcoding. Avoid direct modification of out-of-box logic. Use scoped applications and configuration to survive every Now Platform release.
- [Pillar 08 · Separation of Concerns](https://build-it-the-right-way.gitbook.io/home/pillars/pillar-08-separation-of-concerns.md): Validation, processing, and presentation logic in their own domains. So changes in one layer do not ripple through the others.