Homepage Configuration in ServiceNow allows administrators and users to customize their dashboard experience by creating personalized landing pages that display relevant information at a glance. The homepage serves as the primary entry point when users log into the ServiceNow platform.
Homepages c…Homepage Configuration in ServiceNow allows administrators and users to customize their dashboard experience by creating personalized landing pages that display relevant information at a glance. The homepage serves as the primary entry point when users log into the ServiceNow platform.
Homepages consist of multiple sections arranged in columns, typically two or three columns wide. Each section can contain various content types including gauges, reports, lists, and custom widgets. Administrators can create global homepages that apply to all users or specific user groups, while individual users can personalize their own homepages based on their preferences and job requirements.
To configure homepages, navigate to Self-Service > Homepages in the application navigator. From here, you can create new homepages or modify existing ones. When creating a homepage, you specify the name, owner, and layout structure. The drag-and-drop interface makes it simple to add and arrange content sections.
Gauges are popular homepage components that provide visual representations of data through speedometers, dials, or traffic light indicators. Reports can be embedded to show charts, lists, or pivot tables. List sections display records from specific tables with customizable columns and filters.
Homepage administration involves setting default homepages for different user roles. This ensures that when a technician logs in, they see incident queues and assigned tasks, while managers might see performance metrics and approval requests. The system uses a hierarchy to determine which homepage displays: user-specific settings take precedence over role-based defaults.
Users can switch between available homepages using the homepage dropdown menu. They can also add personal sections, remove unwanted content, and rearrange the layout to suit their workflow. These customizations persist across sessions, providing a consistent and efficient work environment tailored to each users responsibilities and preferences within the ServiceNow platform.
Homepage Configuration in ServiceNow
Why Homepage Configuration is Important
Homepage configuration is a fundamental skill for ServiceNow administrators because the homepage serves as the first point of interaction for users when they log into the platform. A well-configured homepage improves user productivity, provides quick access to critical information, and enhances the overall user experience. Understanding this topic is essential for the CSA exam as it tests your ability to customize and manage user interfaces effectively.
What is Homepage Configuration?
A homepage in ServiceNow is a customizable dashboard that displays widgets, reports, and other content relevant to a user's role. Each user can have a personalized homepage, and administrators can create and manage homepages for different user groups. Homepages consist of:
• Gauges/Widgets: Visual components that display data such as reports, performance analytics, or lists • Columns: Layout sections that organize widgets on the page • Content: Various types of information including reports, calendars, and custom HTML
How Homepage Configuration Works
Accessing Homepage Administration: Navigate to Self-Service > Homepages to access the homepage administration area. Here you can view, create, edit, and delete homepages.
Creating a New Homepage: 1. Click 'New' to create a homepage 2. Provide a name and title for the homepage 3. Select the number of columns for the layout 4. Assign the homepage to specific users, groups, or roles 5. Add widgets and content to the columns
Adding Content to Homepages: • Drag and drop widgets from the widget picker • Add existing reports as gauges • Include list collectors, calendars, or custom content
Homepage Assignment: Homepages can be assigned based on: • User: Specific individual users • Group: Members of particular groups • Role: Users with specific roles
The system uses a priority order: User assignment takes precedence over Group, which takes precedence over Role.
Key Properties of Homepages
• Active: Determines if the homepage is available for use • View: Specifies which application view the homepage belongs to • Roles: Defines which roles can access the homepage • Users: Lists specific users assigned to this homepage • Groups: Lists groups assigned to this homepage
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Homepage Configuration
Focus Areas for the Exam:
1. Understand the Navigation Path: Remember that homepages are managed through Self-Service > Homepages. Questions may ask about where to configure homepage settings.
2. Know the Assignment Hierarchy: User-level assignments override Group-level assignments, which override Role-level assignments. This is a commonly tested concept.
3. Widget Types: Be familiar with different widget types including reports, performance analytics, and list collectors. Know what each displays and when to use them.
4. Column Configuration: Understand that homepages support multiple column layouts and that content is organized within these columns.
5. User Personalization: Know that users can personalize their own homepages unless restricted by administrators. Users access this through the gear icon on their homepage.
6. Default Homepage: Understand how the system determines which homepage to display when a user has multiple potential homepage assignments.
Common Question Patterns:
• Questions about where to create or modify homepages • Scenarios asking which homepage a user will see based on multiple assignments • Questions about adding specific content types to homepages • Understanding the difference between admin-created and user-personalized homepages
Remember: When answering scenario-based questions, consider the user's role, group membership, and any specific user assignments to determine which homepage applies.