When configuring ServiceNow, in order to provide clients with a quality product, it benefits a developer to have a strong understanding of how the core UI functions. Clients have varied needs, and knowing what good-practice options are available, and what pitfalls to avoid, ensures that the client can feel comfortable knowing that they’re getting well-informed guidance.
A potentially underused UI feature in ServiceNow (that developers should be conscious of) is the tree picker. The tree picker allows reference choices to be listed in a hierarchical format, as pictured below. The most often encountered baseline implementation of the tree picker is on the Incident form, when clicking the magnifying glass next to the “Assignment group” field. However, the tree picker can be applied to any reference field where there is a parent-child, hierarchical structure.
Good examples of tables using a hierarchical structure / cases when a tree picker would be appropriate are:
Records that possess a “parent” field where “parent” points back to the same table
Configuration item (CI) fields for CIs with dependencies (ie. Applications exist on Servers)
Fields that are dependent on other fields on the same form (i.e., apply the tree picker to Assigned to, which depends on Assignment group)
To apply the tree picker to a reference field, you simply need to add an attribute to the field’s dictionary entry. In the attributes field, add tree_picker=true to display the tree picker for that field’s reference dialog.
Keep in mind, when utilizing the tree picker on fields that have reference qualifiers, there is a notable pitfall that needs to be avoided. When creating the reference qualifier to only show specific values, you must take care to include all parent values of values you want to include.
As an example of how this issue may crop up, consider the following: Say you wished to restrict the choices for “Assignment group” on incident to a specific division, which was defined as all groups where Parent = “Software”. If you applied this reference qualifier, but did not include the “Software” group itself, no groups would be selectable. This issue is true for any part of the hierarchy. Failing to include anything that acts as a parent will prevent the children from appearing.
Judicious use of this UI feature, native to ServiceNow, to present hierarchies on reference fields in an intuitive way to improve the day-to-day experience of clients and their users.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What services does ServiceNow provide?
ServiceNow provides a range of IT and enterprise management services, including service management, operations management, business management, and employee workflows, all delivered through its cloud-based platform.
What does a ServiceNow consultant need to know?
A ServiceNow consultant needs to have a deep understanding of the ServiceNow platform, including its capabilities, configuration, and customization options, to effectively design and implement solutions that address the client's specific requirements.
What does a ServiceNow consultant do?
A ServiceNow consultant helps organizations implement, configure, and customize the ServiceNow platform to streamline their IT processes, improve service delivery, and enhance operational efficiency.
Does ServiceNow offer consulting services?
ServiceNow offers consulting services to help organizations leverage the platform's capabilities and achieve their digital transformation goals.
What industries benefit from ServiceNow solutions?
ServiceNow solutions are beneficial for a wide range of industries, including healthcare, finance, IT, manufacturing, and government, as they help streamline workflows, automate processes, and improve service delivery across various business functions.
How does ServiceNow enhance workflow automation?
ServiceNow enhances workflow automation by providing a centralized platform that streamlines and integrates various business processes, enabling efficient task management, real-time data insights, and seamless cross-functional collaboration.
What features distinguish ServiceNow from competitors?
ServiceNow's distinctive features include its low-code development platform, advanced workflow automation, and comprehensive service management capabilities, setting it apart from competitors in the enterprise software market.
How to customize ServiceNow applications effectively?
Customizing ServiceNow applications effectively involves identifying specific business requirements, leveraging the platform's configuration tools, and aligning customizations with best practices to ensure optimal performance and maintainability.
What are common use cases for ServiceNow?
Common use cases for ServiceNow include IT service management, employee onboarding and self-service, asset management, incident and problem management, change management, and workflow automation across various business functions.
How does ServiceNow support IT service management?
ServiceNow supports IT service management by providing a unified platform that automates and streamlines various IT processes, including incident management, change management, and service catalog, to enhance operational efficiency and improve service delivery.
What certifications are beneficial for ServiceNow consultants?
Beneficial certifications for ServiceNow consultants include the ServiceNow Certified System Administrator, ServiceNow Certified Implementation Specialist, and ServiceNow Certified Application Developer certifications, which demonstrate expertise in ServiceNow platform configuration, implementation, and development.
How to ensure ServiceNow implementation success?
Ensuring ServiceNow implementation success requires a strategic approach, effective project management, and collaboration between the ServiceNow partner and the client organization to align the platform with business goals and user needs.
What integrations does ServiceNow support?
ServiceNow supports a wide range of integrations, including popular enterprise applications, cloud services, and legacy systems, enabling seamless data exchange and streamlined workflows across the organization.
How can ServiceNow improve customer service experience?
ServiceNow can improve customer service experience by providing a centralized platform that streamlines processes, automates workflows, and enables real-time tracking and resolution of customer issues, leading to enhanced efficiency and responsiveness.
What are best practices for ServiceNow configuration?
Best practices for ServiceNow configuration include: aligning configuration with business requirements, implementing robust change management processes, leveraging out-of-the-box features, and regularly reviewing and optimizing the configuration to ensure it meets evolving needs.
How does ServiceNow handle data security?
ServiceNow prioritizes data security through robust access controls, encryption, and compliance with industry standards to protect client information.
What roles exist within ServiceNow consulting?
The roles within ServiceNow consulting typically include ServiceNow Architects, ServiceNow Developers, ServiceNow Administrators, ServiceNow Business Analysts, and ServiceNow Project Managers, each with specific responsibilities in implementing and managing ServiceNow solutions.
How to manage ServiceNow updates and upgrades?
Effectively managing ServiceNow updates and upgrades involves careful planning, thorough testing, and seamless deployment to ensure minimal disruption to business operations and maximum benefits from new features and enhancements.
What analytical tools does ServiceNow provide?
ServiceNow provides a range of analytical tools, including built-in dashboards, custom reporting, and advanced analytics capabilities to help organizations gain insights and make data-driven decisions.
How to measure ServiceNow project success?
Measuring ServiceNow project success involves assessing key performance indicators such as user adoption, productivity gains, process improvements, and cost savings achieved through the implementation.
What training is available for ServiceNow users?
Training available for ServiceNow users includes ServiceNow certification courses, instructor-led training, and self-paced online learning modules to enhance their skills and knowledge of the platform.
How does ServiceNow facilitate change management?
ServiceNow facilitates change management by providing a centralized platform to streamline the change process, automate workflows, and track changes across the organization, enabling efficient and controlled implementation of updates and modifications.
What are the costs associated with ServiceNow?
The costs associated with ServiceNow can vary depending on the specific requirements of the organization, such as the number of users, the features and functionalities needed, and any customization or integration requirements.
How to troubleshoot common ServiceNow issues?
Troubleshooting common ServiceNow issues involves identifying the problem, checking logs, testing configurations, and leveraging ServiceNow's knowledge base and community resources to find solutions and resolve the underlying issues.
What is the role of ServiceNow in DevOps?
ServiceNow plays a crucial role in DevOps by providing a centralized platform for streamlining IT workflows, automating processes, and enabling collaboration across development and operations teams, thereby enhancing the efficiency and speed of software delivery.
How to create reports in ServiceNow?
Creating reports in ServiceNow involves accessing the Reports application, configuring report parameters, and selecting desired data fields and filters to generate customized reports based on your requirements.
What are the advantages of ServiceNow cloud solutions?
The advantages of ServiceNow cloud solutions include scalability, reduced IT infrastructure costs, enhanced security, and seamless software updates, enabling organizations to focus on core business objectives.
How does ServiceNow enable collaboration among teams?
ServiceNow enables collaboration among teams by providing a centralized platform that facilitates real-time communication, task management, and data sharing, allowing teams to work together seamlessly and efficiently towards shared goals.
What is the future of ServiceNow consulting?
The future of ServiceNow consulting lies in the growing demand for comprehensive and tailored solutions that leverage the platform's capabilities to drive digital transformation and streamline business processes.
How to leverage ServiceNow for process optimization?
Leveraging ServiceNow for process optimization involves streamlining workflows, automating repetitive tasks, and leveraging the platform's robust capabilities to enhance operational efficiency and drive continuous improvement within an organization.
