Unlocking the Full Potential of ServiceNow with the SN Utils Extension

Unlocking the Full Potential of ServiceNow with the SN Utils Extension

In the fast-paced world of IT service management, efficiency and productivity are paramount. ServiceNow, a leading cloud-based platform, has revolutionized how organizations manage their IT services. Yet, even a robust platform like ServiceNow can benefit from enhancements that streamline processes and improve user experience. Enter the SN Utils extension—a powerful browser add-on designed to augment the functionality of ServiceNow and supercharge your workflow.

What is the SN Utils Extension?

SN Utils (ServiceNow Utilities) is one of the most downloaded Chrome and Firefox extensions among ServiceNow developers and for a very good reason. This powerful tool enhances productivity by streamlining numerous tasks, automating routine processes, and providing an array of shortcuts and utilities. By integrating seamlessly with the ServiceNow, platform, SN Utils significantly reduces the time developers spend on coding, debugging, and navigating the system, ultimately allowing them to focus on more critical and complex aspects of their projects.

How to Install

SN Utils can be installed as a browser extension available for popular browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. It is compatible with Chromium-based browsers (Chrome, Brave, Opera) and has an on-prem version for instances with custom URLs.

Once installed, it can be configured to connect to your ServiceNow instance, providing immediate access to its suite of tools.

Users are advised to pin the extension in their browser for easy access.

The section below elaborates briefly talks about the various features available in the plugin.

Update Set

This tab provides a streamlined interface for managing update sets, which are essential for tracking and deploying customizations and configurations across different ServiceNow instances.

Users can easily switch between update sets without navigating through multiple ServiceNow menus. They can view the current status of update sets (e.g., in progress, completed) at a glance. Also can quickly find specific update sets using search, filtering, and sorting options.

Benefits:

• Efficiency: Streamlines the update set management process, saving time and reducing the need for repetitive navigation.
• Visibility: Provides a clear overview of all update sets, enhancing control over development and deployment activities.
• Convenience: Integrates directly into the ServiceNow environment, offering a familiar interface for developers and administrators.

Updates

This tab helps to quickly access and browse through the last 20 updates, with the ability to navigate to related records (Admin role required).

You can also track which update set the specified update has been captured into

Nodes

This displays information about the ServiceNow instances' nodes. This could be useful for identifying which node you are currently connected to and the details of other nodes in the instance.

Benefits:

• Troubleshooting: Quickly identify and resolve node-specific issues.
• Performance Monitoring: Monitor the distribution of user sessions and node performance.
• Maintenance: Plan and execute maintenance activities with a clear view of node status and load.

Usage Tips:

• Regularly monitor the nodes tab to ensure the health and performance of your ServiceNow instance.
• Use the information provided for effective load balancing and troubleshooting.

Tables

The table list feature allows users to explore and navigate tables within their instance. Useful for new developers to understand the tables related to specific modules like HR.

Advanced options show table scopes and relations. Using this you can review what tables are involved with specific scope e.g. CMDB.

Users can also navigate to the table data, definition, and schema map using the action items provided.

The filtered tables list can be copied for further reference using the provided copy button.

View Data

Again this is a very useful tab that allows users to view the data and columns of the current record in a table, similar to viewing XML. It provides a structured and detailed view of the record’s data, making it easier to understand and manipulate.

Users can see detailed information about each column, including the column name, type, and value. This is particularly useful for debugging and ensuring data integrity.

The tab provides quick access to the data without needing to navigate through multiple layers of the ServiceNow interface. This can save a significant amount of time, especially when working with complex records.

Users can open this view in a new tab via slashcommand /vd or a double-click on the “?” Button.

User

This tab facilitates searching any user in the system by its user ID.

Glide Record

This tab automatically generates templates for GlideRecord scripts based on the selected table. This provides a starting point for developers to write their queries and scripts efficiently. Generates GlideRecord code snippets for various operations like queries, inserts, updates, and deletions. Reduces the need to manually write boilerplate code.

Slash Commands

Slash commands are input commands that start with a forward slash (/) and can be used in various contexts within the ServiceNow, platform. When you type a slash command in the designated input field, SN Utils interprets the command and executes the corresponding action.

Below is the quick cheat sheet for the useful slash commands -

https://www.arnoudkooi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SN-Utils-Cheat-Sheet.pdf

https://docs.servicenow.com/bundle/vancouver-application-development/page/build/applications/concept/vs-code.html

Conclusion

The SN Utils extension is an indispensable tool for anyone looking to maximize their efficiency and productivity on the ServiceNow platform. By providing a range of enhancements and shortcuts, SN Utils empowers developers, administrators, and power users to work smarter, not harder. Whether you're writing scripts, managing forms and lists, or troubleshooting issues, SN Utils has something to offer.

About Kiran Vidhate

Vice President - ServiceNow

With over 17 years of experience in software development and as an accredited Project Management Professional (PMP), Kiran possesses an extensive background in ServiceNow consultation, administration, and development. This expertise has enabled him to leverage the platform to drive efficiency, streamline processes, and elevate organizational performance. Kiran has consistently delivered impactful solutions in web and mobile development, utilizing a deep understanding of software development principles and the ability to translate business requirements into functional, scalable solutions.

In addition to his technical expertise, Kiran has demonstrated robust techno-functional capabilities through his leadership. By combining technical skills with strategic insight, he has successfully aligned technological advancements with business objectives, resulting in enhanced operational efficiency and competitive advantage. Kiran’s keen understanding of programming logic allows him to engage deeply with development teams, ensuring that project deliverables are technically sound and aligned with overall project goals. His expertise in business analysis enables him to accurately capture and interpret business needs, translating them into actionable development plans that meet or exceed stakeholder expectations.

Throughout his career, Kiran has shown a commitment to professional growth and excellence, delivering solutions that drive business success, foster innovation, and enhance organizational performance.

Few More from Kiran Vidhate

• Digital Transformation with ServiceNow