Visual Task Boards (VTBs) in ServiceNow are powerful collaboration tools that provide a graphical, card-based interface for managing and tracking work items. They offer a Kanban-style approach to task management, making it easier for teams to visualize workflows and collaborate effectively.
VTBs d…Visual Task Boards (VTBs) in ServiceNow are powerful collaboration tools that provide a graphical, card-based interface for managing and tracking work items. They offer a Kanban-style approach to task management, making it easier for teams to visualize workflows and collaborate effectively.
VTBs display records as cards organized into lanes, which typically represent different states or categories. Users can drag and drop cards between lanes to update their status, providing an intuitive way to manage work progression. This visual representation helps teams quickly understand workload distribution and identify bottlenecks.
There are two main types of Visual Task Boards: Freeform boards and Data-driven boards. Freeform boards allow users to create custom lanes and manually add tasks, making them ideal for ad-hoc projects or personal task management. Data-driven boards are connected to existing tables and automatically populate cards based on filter conditions, ensuring real-time synchronization with underlying records.
Key features of VTBs include the ability to assign tasks to team members, set due dates, add comments, and attach files to cards. Team members can collaborate by updating card details, which automatically reflects changes in the source records for data-driven boards.
VTBs support customization options such as choosing which fields appear on cards, setting lane colors, and configuring quick actions. Users can also filter and search within boards to find specific items quickly.
From an administration perspective, System Administrators can control VTB access through roles and permissions. They can also configure default board settings and manage which tables are available for data-driven boards.
VTBs integrate seamlessly with other ServiceNow modules, allowing teams to manage incidents, problems, change requests, and other work items visually. This integration enhances team productivity by providing a centralized, collaborative workspace that promotes transparency and efficient task completion across the organization.
Visual Task Boards (VTBs) in ServiceNow
Why Visual Task Boards Are Important
Visual Task Boards (VTBs) are essential collaboration tools in ServiceNow that provide teams with a Kanban-style interface for managing work. They transform traditional list views into intuitive, drag-and-drop boards that enhance visibility, improve team coordination, and streamline workflow management. Understanding VTBs is crucial for the CSA exam as they represent ServiceNow's approach to agile work management and team collaboration.
What Are Visual Task Boards?
Visual Task Boards are interactive, card-based interfaces that display records as movable cards organized into lanes (columns). They allow users to:
• View and manage tasks in a visual format • Drag and drop cards between lanes to update status • Collaborate with team members in real-time • Create personal or shared boards • Track work progress at a glance
Types of Visual Task Boards
Freeform Boards: Standalone boards where users manually add cards that are not linked to specific records. Ideal for brainstorming or personal task tracking.
Flexible Boards: Created from existing lists or data and linked to actual records in the database. Changes made on the board update the underlying records.
Guided Boards: Based on specific task tables and automatically populated based on defined criteria.
How Visual Task Boards Work
1. Creating a VTB: Users can create boards from list views by selecting 'Create Visual Task Board' or through the Visual Task Boards application module.
2. Lanes: Columns on the board typically represent different states or categories (e.g., Open, In Progress, Closed). Lanes can be customized based on field values.
3. Cards: Each card represents a record or task. Cards display key information and can be customized to show specific fields.
4. Drag and Drop: Moving a card from one lane to another updates the corresponding field value on the underlying record.
5. Quick Panels: Allow users to add members, labels, and view additional details.
Key Features of VTBs
• Data-Driven Lanes: Lanes can be configured based on any choice field or reference field • Swimlanes: Horizontal groupings that further categorize cards • Labels and Colors: Visual indicators for prioritization and categorization • Member Assignment: Assign and track team member responsibilities • Real-time Updates: Changes sync across all users viewing the board
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Visual Task Boards (VTBs)
Tip 1: Remember the three types of boards - Freeform, Flexible, and Guided. Know when each type is appropriate to use.
Tip 2: Understand that Flexible boards maintain a connection to underlying records, while Freeform boards do not have record associations.
Tip 3: Know that dragging a card between lanes updates the field value that the lanes are based on.
Tip 4: VTBs can be created from any list view - this is a common exam question about how to initiate a Visual Task Board.
Tip 5: Remember that VTBs support collaboration features like adding team members, comments, and attachments to cards.
Tip 6: Lanes are typically based on choice fields or reference fields - understand how lane configuration affects card organization.
Tip 7: When questions mention Kanban-style management or visual work tracking in ServiceNow, VTBs are likely the correct answer.
Tip 8: Personal boards are private to the user, while shared boards allow team collaboration - know the difference for access-related questions.