Related Lists are a fundamental component of the ServiceNow user interface that display records from other tables that have a relationship to the currently viewed record. They appear at the bottom of a form and provide quick access to associated data, enabling users to see connections between diffe…Related Lists are a fundamental component of the ServiceNow user interface that display records from other tables that have a relationship to the currently viewed record. They appear at the bottom of a form and provide quick access to associated data, enabling users to see connections between different types of information.
When you open a record in ServiceNow, such as an Incident, you will notice sections below the main form displaying related information. For example, an Incident form might show Related Lists for Child Incidents, Problem Tasks, Change Requests, or Attachments. These lists help users understand the full context of a record and navigate to connected data efficiently.
Related Lists are configured based on reference fields and relationships defined in the database. When Table A has a reference field pointing to Table B, records from Table A can appear as a Related List on Table B records. System Administrators can customize which Related Lists appear on forms through the Related Lists tab in the form personalization menu or through the Form Designer.
Users can interact with Related Lists in several ways. They can click on individual records to open them, use the New button to create new related records, or utilize the Edit button to modify existing entries. The list also supports standard list functionality like sorting columns, filtering data, and adjusting column widths.
Personalization options allow users to show or hide specific Related Lists based on their preferences and job requirements. Administrators can set default Related Lists for roles or groups, ensuring relevant information is visible to appropriate users.
Related Lists enhance productivity by consolidating associated information in one view, reducing the need to navigate away from the current record. They support better decision-making by presenting comprehensive data relationships and streamline workflows by allowing quick access to linked records for updates or reference.
Related Lists in ServiceNow: Complete Guide for CSA Exam
What are Related Lists?
Related Lists are sections displayed at the bottom of a form in ServiceNow that show records from other tables that have a relationship to the current record. They provide contextual information by displaying associated data, such as incidents related to a specific user, or tasks associated with a change request.
Why are Related Lists Important?
Related Lists are crucial for several reasons:
• Contextual Awareness: They allow users to see all associated records in one place, improving decision-making • Efficiency: Users can access linked information from a single form rather than navigating to multiple locations • Data Relationships: They visually represent the connections between different tables in the database • Workflow Optimization: Technicians can quickly review related activities, approvals, and history
How Related Lists Work
Related Lists function based on database relationships:
1. Reference Fields: When a table has a reference field pointing to another table, a related list can show all records that reference the current record
2. Configuration: Related Lists are configured per form and can be customized at the system level or by individual users
3. Personalization: Users can personalize their related lists by clicking the gear icon or using the hamburger menu to add, remove, or reorder them
4. Slushbucket Interface: Administrators and users use the slushbucket to select which related lists appear on a form
Managing Related Lists
• System Level: Navigate to System Definition > Relationships to create custom related lists • Form Layout: Use the Form Designer or Form Layout to configure related lists for all users • User Personalization: Right-click the form header and select Configure > Related Lists, or use the related list hamburger menu
Common Related List Examples
• Incident form showing Related Records, Activities, and Approvers • User record showing Incidents, Requests, and Group Memberships • Change Request showing Affected CIs, Tasks, and Approvals
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Related Lists
1. Remember the Location: Related Lists always appear at the bottom of a form, below the form fields
2. Personalization vs System Configuration: Know the difference between user-level personalization and administrator-level configuration. Users can personalize their own view; admins configure defaults for roles or everyone
3. Access Method: Questions often ask how to configure related lists. The answer typically involves right-clicking the form header or using the hamburger menu on the related list section
4. Slushbucket Understanding: Be familiar with how the slushbucket interface works for selecting available vs. selected related lists
5. Relationship Types: Understand that related lists are based on reference field relationships in the database schema
6. Common Scenarios: Expect questions about which related lists appear by default on standard forms like Incident, Problem, or Change
7. Filter and Edit Options: Know that users can filter related list data and sometimes create new records from the related list
8. Watch for Trick Answers: Options mentioning related lists appearing in the banner, header, or left sidebar are incorrect - they are always at the form bottom
9. Key Navigation Path: For system-level relationship creation, remember: System Definition > Relationships