UI Policies in ServiceNow are powerful client-side tools that dynamically change the behavior and appearance of forms based on specific conditions. They allow administrators to control form fields in real-time as users interact with records, enhancing user experience and ensuring data integrity.
U…UI Policies in ServiceNow are powerful client-side tools that dynamically change the behavior and appearance of forms based on specific conditions. They allow administrators to control form fields in real-time as users interact with records, enhancing user experience and ensuring data integrity.
UI Policies work by evaluating conditions and then applying actions when those conditions are met. The primary actions available include making fields mandatory, read-only, or visible/hidden. For example, when a user selects 'Hardware' as the category on an incident form, a UI Policy can automatically display additional hardware-related fields while hiding irrelevant ones.
Key components of UI Policies include the condition builder, which defines when the policy should trigger, and UI Policy Actions, which specify what changes occur to specific fields. Administrators can set policies to run on form load, on form change, or both, providing flexibility in how the rules are applied.
UI Policies offer several advantages over traditional client scripts. They are easier to create through a point-and-click interface, requiring minimal scripting knowledge. They are also more maintainable and can be easily modified by administrators. Additionally, UI Policies support reverse conditions, meaning when the condition is no longer true, the field returns to its original state.
The execution order matters when multiple UI Policies affect the same field. Policies with higher order numbers take precedence over those with lower numbers. This allows administrators to create layered logic where more specific policies can override general ones.
UI Policies can be applied globally or to specific views, giving administrators control over different user experiences. They can also inherit from parent tables, reducing redundant configuration across related tables.
For collaboration scenarios, UI Policies help standardize data entry across teams, ensuring consistent information capture while simplifying complex forms based on user selections and workflow requirements.
UI Policies in ServiceNow - Complete Guide for CSA Exam
What are UI Policies?
UI Policies are client-side rules in ServiceNow that dynamically change the behavior and appearance of form fields based on specified conditions. They allow administrators to control field visibility, make fields mandatory, and set fields to read-only when certain criteria are met.
Why are UI Policies Important?
UI Policies are essential because they: • Improve user experience by showing only relevant fields • Enforce data quality by making fields mandatory when needed • Guide users through form completion based on their selections • Reduce errors by hiding or protecting fields that shouldn't be modified • Require no coding knowledge to implement basic functionality
How UI Policies Work
UI Policies operate on the client-side, meaning they execute in the user's browser. Here's the process:
1. Condition Evaluation: When a form loads or a field changes, ServiceNow evaluates the conditions defined in the UI Policy
2. Action Execution: If conditions are met, the UI Policy Actions are applied to specified fields
3. Reverse if False: When the checkbox 'Reverse if false' is selected, actions are reversed when conditions are no longer met
Key Components of UI Policies
• Table: The table where the policy applies • Conditions: When the policy should trigger • UI Policy Actions: What happens to fields (visible, mandatory, read-only) • Order: Determines execution sequence (lower numbers run first) • Inherit: Whether child tables inherit the policy • On Load: Whether to run when form first loads • Reverse if False: Whether to undo actions when conditions aren't met
UI Policies vs. UI Policy Actions
The UI Policy defines WHEN something happens (the conditions). The UI Policy Actions define WHAT happens to specific fields.
Three Primary Actions
1. Visible: Show or hide a field 2. Mandatory: Require or not require a value 3. Read Only: Allow or prevent editing
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on UI Policies
Tip 1: Remember that UI Policies run on the client-side. If a question asks about server-side field control, think Business Rules instead.
Tip 2: Know the difference between UI Policies and Data Policies. Data Policies work server-side and apply across all access methods (web, API, imports). UI Policies only work on forms.
Tip 3: The Order field is crucial. Lower numbers execute first. If two policies conflict, the one with the higher number wins because it runs last.
Tip 4:Reverse if false is commonly tested. If this is checked, the field returns to its original state when conditions are no longer true.
Tip 5: UI Policies can include scripts for advanced logic, but the exam focuses primarily on no-code configurations.
Tip 6: When questions mention making a field mandatory based on another field's value, UI Policies are typically the correct answer.
Tip 7: Remember that UI Policies apply to forms only - they don't affect list views, reports, or API interactions.
Tip 8: The On Load option must be true for the policy to evaluate when the form first opens, not just when fields change.
Common Exam Scenarios
• Making a field mandatory when a checkbox is selected • Hiding fields based on category selection • Making fields read-only after a certain state is reached • Choosing between UI Policies and Business Rules for field control