Business Analyst Monthly Process for Checking Patch Release Levels in ServiceNow SPM. To keep your ServiceNow SPM instance secure and up-to-date, follow this monthly process to check patch release levels and identify any missing patches. This routine helps maintain system stability and performance.
MANUAL PROCESS:
1. Log in to Your ServiceNow Instance
First, open your web browser and navigate to your ServiceNow instance’s URL. Then, enter your credentials to log in. This initial step ensures you have access to the necessary system diagnostics.
2. Access System Diagnostics
Next, in the left-hand navigation pane, type “Diagnostics” in the search bar. Afterward, select System Diagnostics from the list. This section provides crucial information about your system’s current state.
3. View Installed Patch Levels
Then, on the System Diagnostics page, locate the Software Versions or System Logs section. Click on the Versions link to view all installed versions, including patches. Here, you can identify the current patch level of your instance (e.g., “Paris Patch 9 Hotfix 2” or “Quebec Patch 3”).
4. Check for Missing Patches
Subsequently, compare the current patch level with the latest available version for your ServiceNow release family. Visit the ServiceNow Release Notes page and select the relevant version family. Navigate to the “Patches and Hotfixes” section to find the most recent patches.
5. Verify Available Patches
Next, on the Release Notes page, locate the latest patch for your specific release. Note any differences between the latest patch available and your instance’s current patch level. This comparison helps you identify missing patches that are not yet installed in your system.
6. Review Patch Information
After identifying missing patches, review the Release Notes for each patch. These notes provide details on changes, improvements, and fixes. This step helps you determine the importance and relevance of the updates for your instance.
7. Plan for Patch Application
If you find missing patches that need to be applied, plan the update process. Coordinate with the IT team and relevant stakeholders to schedule a suitable time for applying the patches. This coordination minimizes disruption to users.
8. Contact ServiceNow Support (if needed)
In case of issues or if you need assistance in applying patches, contact ServiceNow Support for guidance. Their expertise can help resolve any challenges that arise during the update process.
9. Document the Findings
Next, record the current patch level and any identified missing patches. Document the planned steps and timeline for applying the patches. This documentation ensures clarity and accountability.
10. Analyze and Identify Relevant Patches for Standard License
Then, determine which patches are applicable to the Standard license. Prioritize the patches that need to be updated based on their relevance and potential impact on your system.
11. Create Stories for Patch Implementation
Create a story for each patch or batch multiple patches into one story. Include detailed descriptions of the updates and any potential impacts on the system. This step ensures a structured approach to implementation.
12. Review in Grooming Call
Finally, present the created stories during the grooming call. Discuss and prioritize the patches with the team to ensure they are implemented in a timely manner.
By following this structured and thorough process, you can effectively monitor and manage the patch levels of your ServiceNow SPM instance, ensuring it remains secure, stable, and consistently up-to-date.
AUTOMATION POTENTIAL:
1. Use Scheduled Jobs for Patch Monitoring
ServiceNow allows administrators to create scheduled jobs to perform routine checks. You can set up a scheduled job that periodically checks for new patch releases from the ServiceNow Release Notes page or ServiceNow Store. This can be achieved through scripted REST API calls or web scraping techniques to gather information about the latest available patches.
2. Automated Task Creation for BA Review
Upon detecting new patches, you can automate the creation of tasks or change requests for Business Analysts to review. This can be done using the following steps:
- Scripted Workflow: Develop a scripted workflow that triggers when new patch information is detected. The workflow can automatically create a task or change request with all necessary details about the new patch.
- Business Rules: Implement business rules that automatically assign these tasks to the appropriate BA or team for review. The rules can include notifications and reminders to ensure timely action.
- Task Assignment and Notifications: Set up automated notifications to inform BAs and other stakeholders about the new tasks. This can be done using ServiceNow’s notification system, which can send emails, SMS, or push notifications.
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