What Is Service Portal?

Your ServiceNow instance is loaded with rich data and innovative workflows (way to go!), but for those who are not well versed in the platform, your instance can look like a foreign language. So how can employees or customers leverage the data in your platform without breaking out Rosetta Stone or getting an IT degree? Introducing the ServiceNow Service Portal.

What Is The ServiceNow Service Portal?

ServiceNow Service Portal is a front-end portal framework that allows enterprises to build self-service experiences for their customers and employees. Leveraging data from your ServiceNow instance, Service Portal offers users an easy-to-use interface where users can access specific platform features and applications of ServiceNow. Think of it like a website that is easy to use and shields your end-users from the behind-the-scenes technical infrastructure. With an easy-to-use drag-and-drop designer, Service Portals can be configured by both expert developers and beginners.

Why you might need Service Portal?

Service Portals are excellent tools for helping to manage human resources at a large enterprise. Consider that you are already leveraging ServiceNow HR Delivery to support various employee needs like PTO requests, onboarding, and knowledge management, but have not yet implemented an employee Service Portal.

The Benefits of Service Portal

Create engaging app experiences, Quickly and easily create applications, Request catalog items, Drag & Drop designer plus many more features

Service Portal Applications

 

Widgets

In ServiceNow's Service Portal, widgets are modular components that display specific information or provide particular functionalities within a portal page. They are self-contained units that can be added, removed, or rearranged to create customized user experiences. Widgets can be standard, cloned, or custom-built using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, allowing for tailored functionality and design. Common examples include service catalog items, knowledge base articles, and user request forms.

Themes

In ServiceNow's Service Portal, themes define the overall look and feel of the portal interface, ensuring a consistent visual design by specifying elements such as color schemes, fonts, and layouts. Administrators can create custom themes to align the portal with organizational branding guidelines. This is achieved by navigating to Service Portal > Themes, selecting 'New,' and completing the form fields. Additionally, the Branding Editor provides a real-time preview of changes, allowing for efficient customization of the portal's appearance.

Pages

In ServiceNow's Service Portal, pages serve as the foundational structure that organizes and displays content to users. Each page is composed of containers, rows, and columns that house widgets—modular components providing specific functionalities or information. This hierarchical arrangement allows for flexible and responsive design, ensuring an optimal user experience across various devices. Administrators can create and customize pages using the Service Portal Designer, a visual tool that facilitates the arrangement of widgets and layout configurations without the need for extensive coding. By thoughtfully designing pages, organizations can deliver intuitive navigation and access to services, enhancing overall user engagement and satisfaction.

Menus

In ServiceNow's Service Portal, menus are navigational elements that organize and provide access to various pages and external resources within the portal. They enhance user experience by offering structured pathways to content and services.

User Authentication and Roles

In ServiceNow's Service Portal, user authentication verifies user identities through methods like Single Sign-On (SSO), while roles determine access permissions to portal features and data. Administrators can manage access by assigning roles to users, controlling visibility of pages and widgets, and configuring redirects to appropriate portals based on user roles, ensuring a secure and personalized user experience.

Service Catalog

In ServiceNow's Service Portal, the Service Catalog serves as a centralized, user-friendly interface where employees and customers can browse and request available services and products. It streamlines service delivery by automating request fulfillment and approval workflows, enhancing efficiency and user satisfaction. The catalog is organized into categories, making it easy for users to find and request items relevant to their needs. Administrators can customize the catalog to align with organizational processes and branding, ensuring a cohesive user experience.