Book Image

Mastering ServiceNow - Second Edition

Book Image

Mastering ServiceNow - Second Edition

Overview of this book

ServiceNow is a SaaS application that provides workflow form-based applications. It is an ideal platform for creating enterprise-level applications giving requesters and fulfillers improved visibility and access to a process. ServiceNow-based applications often replace email by providing a better way to get work done. The book steps through the main aspects of the ServiceNow platform, from the ground up. It starts by exploring the core architecture of ServiceNow, including building the right data structure. To add business logic and control data, and interactivity to user interaction, you will be shown how to code on both server and the client. You will then learn more about the power of tasks, events and notifications. The book will then focus on using web services and other mechanisms to integrate ServiceNow with other systems. Furthermore, you will learn how to secure applications and data, and understand how ServiceNow performs logging and error reporting. You will then be shown how to package your applications and changes, so they can be installed elsewhere and ways to maintain them easily. If you wish to create an alternative simple interface, then explore ways to make ServiceNow beautiful using Service Portal. By the end of the book, you will know the fundamentals of the ServiceNow platform, helping you be a better ServiceNow System Administrator or developer.
Table of Contents (18 chapters)
Mastering ServiceNow Second Edition
Credits
Notice
About the Author
About the Reviewer
www.PacktPub.com
Preface

Cascading with reference fields


Reference fields are pretty special in ServiceNow. They let you link two records, letting you associate things such as which room you just checked in to. It represents a relationship that makes sense for your data.

Tip

Almost every reference field uses sys_id values to join records. But you do have the power to specify another field, by populating the Reference key in the advanced settings of the dictionary. This requires careful consideration for it to make sense, though.

Relationships change, though. Wouldn't it be great to create the other side if needed? And clear up broken links when one side goes? At least in ServiceNow, this is possible.

Dynamic creation

What happens if you try to associate with a record that doesn't exist, such as performing a check-in for a guest that has never been to the hotel before? If you type a name into the reference field that doesn't match an existing record, then the red background warns the user that the record won't be saved...