Navigation Tools & Productivity Features

The use of Navigation tools is necessary on such a large platform, as they help you find instances and records faster and improve overall productivity. Navigating the ServiceNow platform is easier with Global Search and the Connect Sidebar. 

These features offer easy access to the SNOW workflow and modules. In this chapter, we will explore these features to better understand ServiceNow Navigation.

Use of Global Search

The ServiceNow global search is a menu option located at the top of the application navigator. It is similar to Google for your ServiceNow UI and saves you time by helping you find exactly what you need. 

This feature helps users search across different instances from a single place. It enables you to search for records, documentation, catalog items, numbers, names, and more. For example, it can search for records, filter results by tables or categories, and jump directly into forms with just a few keywords.

Toggle Connect Sidebar

The Connect Sidebar enables real-time messaging and contextual chat within records. It helps users collaborate without leaving the ServiceNow platform.

How to Toggle the Connect Sidebar?

1. Locate the speech bubble icon in the top-right corner of the ServiceNow UI.
2. Click the icon to open or close the Connect Sidebar.

Tip: If the icon isn’t visible, it may be turned off by your administrator.

User Role Requirements

• Typically, users require the ‘connect_user’ role to access the Connect Sidebar.
• Record-specific chats may require access permissions to the associated record.

Benefits of Using the Connect Sidebar

Using a connected sidebar is ideal for creating a more straightforward interface and faster communication within the platform. The significant benefits include: 

• It allows users to send real-time messages without leaving ServiceNow.
• Each chat in the Connect sidebar is linked to a specific record.
• It helps in creating group collaboration.
• The platform sidebar has built-in notifications and alerts.

What’s Next?

The next section explains how to impersonate user processes and elevate roles in ServiceNow.