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Terry Peters

Interim Managing Director, Brand, Experience and Design

ServiceNow is a powerful platform widely known for significantly enhancing operational efficiency, especially in IT service management, HR Service Delivery among others. However, non-technical teams frequently find its complex workflows and technical jargon to be intimidating. That doesn’t have to be the case. With the right strategies, the ServiceNow platform can be purpose fit to become an indispensable asset for every team within an organization.

Stick around for some real-world examples that clearly illustrate how simplifying ServiceNow empowers collaboration, increases efficiency, and optimizes the platform to its full potential. 

Understanding the Challenges Non-Tech Teams Face 

Non-technical teams often approach ServiceNow with an understandable trepidation. Unlike IT professionals, they’re not accustomed to navigating platforms filled with technical language and complex workflows. A pertinent example is a Fortune 50 pharmaceutical company that grappled with an outdated onboarding process. The system was not user-friendly, resulting in frustration for new hires and operations staff alike. The issues went beyond technicalities; they were deeply experiential: new employees felt disconnected, while operations teams were bogged down by inefficiencies.  

This scenario highlights a critical truth: ServiceNow’s immense potential often remains inaccessible, concealed behind a complex facade, making it difficult for teams outside of IT to leverage its capabilities effectively. 

The Importance of Simplification 

Simplifying ServiceNow is about providing value for each individual within the organization. When the platform is tailored to directly meet diverse user needs, adoption rates increase significantly, collaboration flourishes, and productivity soars. In the case of the pharmaceutical company, the solution was a personalized Welcome Site for each new team member. We design, built and deployed a tailored experience for new hires. Employees transitioned from grappling with convoluted workflows to navigating an intuitive, seamless process that felt empowering. This strategic approach not only streamlined operations but fundamentally reshaped how employees engaged with the company. 

Strategies for Simplifying ServiceNow 

01.

User-Centric Design

The cornerstone of simplification is a deep understanding of the user. Dashboards and interfaces should be tailored to the roles and workflows of various teams. For instance, the finance department may require immediate access to vendor approvals, while HR may prioritize onboarding and case management. Veracity has successfully implemented this principle by modernizing a life insurance company’s intranet, enabling employees to access applications, calendars, and resources effortlessly. By prioritizing user needs, the intranet became a vital component of daily workflows rather than just another tool. 

02.

Automation of Routine Tasks

 Repetitive tasks lead to inefficiencies that must be addressed. Automating routine processes—such as ticket routing, form pre-filling, or approval workflows—dramatically reduces the workload on employees. For example, when an HR professional submits an onboarding request, an automated system can pre-fill forms based on previous entries, saving precious time and minimizing errors. 

03.

Personalized Portals

The Employee Center within ServiceNow serves as a centralized hub, allowing non-technical teams to submit requests, track progress, and locate resources without the hassle of navigating multiple systems. This streamlined simplicity reduces frustration and empowers employees to focus on their core responsibilities.

04.

AI-Powered Virtual Agents

 Integrating conversational AI is essential for making ServiceNow available around the clock. A virtual agent can effortlessly guide users through common processes—like resetting passwords or checking request statuses—using natural language. A virtual agent can effortlessly guide users through common processes using their own natural languageCommon tasks like resetting passwords, ordering new supplies or checking the status of previous requests can be done conversationally, without needing to navigate complex menus and forms written in specific technical jargon. not only boosts efficiency but also instills confidence in users regarding the platform’s capabilities. 

The Role of Training and Adoption 

Simplification extends beyond strategy and design; it demands robust education and support. Tailored training programs, like those created by Veracity, focus on the specific needs of different roles. HR teams, for instance, can benefit from scenarios that reflect their day-to-day tasks, while marketing teams can delve into workflows for campaign approvals. Furthermore, these training programs are enhanced by microlearning resources, including brief how-to videos and quick reference guides. By addressing users’ varying levels of expertise, organizations can decisively bridge the gap between hesitation and confidence.