Mastering the Art of Hiding a Related List in ServiceNow: A Comprehensive Guide

ServiceNow is a powerful platform used by organizations to streamline and automate their core business processes. However, the sheer number of features and functionalities can sometimes become overwhelming. One of the tasks that users often encounter is the need to hide a related list to maintain order or improve user experience. This guide will walk you through the steps required to hide a related list in ServiceNow, providing a comprehensive approach suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

Understanding the Context

Before diving into the steps, it's important to understand the context of why we would want to hide a related list. There are several scenarios where hiding a related list can be beneficial:

To de-clutter the interface and reduce visual noise, especially on pages with numerous related lists. To restrict access to certain data or functionalities, which can be achieved through both Access Control Lists (ACL) and custom views. To simplify navigation and focus the user on more critical tasks or data. To comply with organizational policies regarding data exposure and management.

Steps to Hide a Related List in ServiceNow

There are several methods to hide a related list in ServiceNow:

1. Hide New and Edit Buttons on the Related List

One of the simplest methods to hide functionalities within a related list is to hide the New and Edit buttons. This can be done as follows:

Place your cursor on the column header of the related list you want to modify. Right-click on the header. Select either the 'Omit New' button to hide the New button, or the 'Omit Edit' button to hide the Edit button.

This method allows you to control actions available within the list without removing the list itself from the view.

2. Utilize Security Rules for Granular Access Control

If you need to apply more granular control over the related list, including hiding it for specific users or user groups, you can utilize security rules.

Elevate your role to Security Admin. Once your role is elevated, right-click on the column header of the related list. Select 'Security Rules' from the context menu. Configure the security rules to hide the list for the desired users or groups.

Security rules provide a powerful way to fine-tune access control and ensure that sensitive data is not exposed unnecessarily.

3. Remove a Related List in Custom Views

If you need to remove the related list altogether, or if you want to remove it specifically in certain custom views, you can design different views:

Design different views based on your requirements. For example, you can create one view that includes the related list and another view that excludes it. Assign these custom views to specific user roles or user groups as needed. Ensure that users see the appropriate view based on the role they are logged in with.

This method gives you the flexibility to manage related lists across different workflows and user segments.

Conclusion

Hiding a related list in ServiceNow can be a crucial step in optimizing the user experience and maintaining security. Whether you choose to hide buttons, apply security rules, or create custom views, understanding the options available is key. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively manage the visibility and accessibility of related lists in ServiceNow.

Don't forget to engage with the community and share this knowledge with your peers. Your feedback and additional insights are always welcome!

Keywords: ServiceNow, Hiding Related List, Security Admin, Custom Views