Navigating the ServiceNow Platform

ServiceNow Platform is vast, and navigating it to explore all options available is the first step towards learning about the platform. While it may seem daunting, the ServiceNow user interface and dashboards are quite easy to understand. In this chapter, we will help you navigate through the platform, show you how to use the ServiceNow Global search, explore the dashboard and more. 

What is the ServiceNow Platform?

ServiceNow platform is the place where you can utilize the various ServiceNow cloud-based workflows and automation solutions. It is built on its proprietary infrastructure and is often called the Now Platform.

It is a unified workspace where users can access apps, services, and automation features all in one place. It provides various modules of enterprise services across IT, HR, Customer Service, etc. It is highly rule-based, which means you can only see and access options on the interface that you are assigned to see. It is also customizable to meet the unique needs of an organization.

How to Log in to The ServiceNow Platform?

To access the platform, you first need to log into it. Here are the steps to log in – 

Step1: Go to developer.servicenow.com

Step 2: Click on the Signup button in the top right corner of the screen.

Step 3: On the next page, fill out your details, such as name and email. Set a suitable, strong password and click on the signup button.

Step 4: Once you are done, you will get an email for verification. Please open it and click on the Verify Email button.

Step 5: You will be redirected to the Sign-in page. Here, you need to select the Developer-oriented IDE and Finish Setup.

Step 6: Once done, you need to refresh the page and see the “Request Instance” button; click on it to request your personal developer instance.

Step 7: Within a few minutes, your instance will be ready. You’ll see the instance URL on your dashboard.

Step 8: Click on the Instance URL to launch your personal ServiceNow environment.

Step 9: Use the provided admin credentials (typically shown alongside the instance URL) to log in building now.

ServiceNow User Interface

After successfully logging in, what you see is the ServiceNow User Interface. It is clean, structured, and designed for productivity. Here are the key components:

• Banner Frame: The top bar that includes your user profile, settings, and notifications is the banner frame.
• Application Navigator (Left Panel): This is your menu to access every app, module, or custom item.
• Content Frame (Main Window): This is where most of your work happens using dashboards, forms, lists, and workflows that are all displayed here.
• ServiceNow Global Menu: Found in the left panel, this gives you quick access to different modules under each application.
• Breadcrumbs: These appear at the top of the content frame and show your current location within the platform. You can click any part of the breadcrumb to go back.
• Favorites: In the favourites section, you can pin your most-used modules or applications for faster access from the top section of the navigator.
• History: The History tab shows your recently visited modules and records, saving you time during multitasking.

This layout allows users to move seamlessly across features without getting lost.

Understanding the ServiceNow Dashboard

The ServiceNow dashboard is a personalized, visual workspace where you can view reports, widgets, and key performance indicators (KPIs). Dashboards can be configured as per role or individual, and they help in monitoring incidents or requests, launching actions, visualizing trends using charts, etc.

Using the Global Search in ServiceNow

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 finding exactly what you need. Such as, it can search for records, filter the results by tables or categories, and jump directly into forms with just a few keywords.

How to Navigate the ServiceNow Platform?

Navigating the platform is straightforward if you understand the basics of the menu options:

1. You can use the Application Navigator to search and access modules like Incident, Change, Reports, etc.
2. If you wish to use any particular module, you need to click on it in the Content Frame, and you will see lists, records, or forms depending on what you select.
3. Use breadcrumbs at the top of the content frame to keep track of where you are.
4. Utilize your user profile at the top right to access settings, preferences, or logout options.

The interface is designed to reduce clicks and make it easy to search, view, edit, and create records. If you find it difficult to explore on your own, you can use the ServiceNow User Guide. It has tutorials, FAQs, and best practices to navigate the platform with ease.

What’s Next?

That was all about the ServiceNow Platform and user interface. In the next chapter, we will explore the Application Navigator deeply to understand the UI features relevant to a ServiceNow Admin.

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