ServiceNow Service Catalog Builder is your gateway to effortless service management. Designed to empower organizations of all sizes, this intuitive tool allows you to create, customize, and manage service catalogs with ease.

Whether you’re aiming to streamline IT services, enhance user experience, or boost overall organizational efficiency, the Service Catalog Builder makes it possible with just a few clicks. By simplifying the process of service delivery, you can focus more on innovation and less on administration, ensuring that your users always have access to the services they need, exactly when they need them.

In this article let us discuss how we can set up Service Catalog and Request Item Input standards that simplify and expedite service catalog creation and updates.

SIPOC (Supplier, Input, Process, Output, Customers) for ServiceNow Service Catalog Builder

SIPOC Element	Details
Suppliers	– IT Department – Business Units – Service Owners – End Users
Inputs	– User Requirements – Service Requests – Business Processes – IT Services and Resources
Process	1. First, Define the Catalog Structure: Identify categories and services. 2. Next, Design Request Items: Create and configure service requests with relevant details and forms. 3. Then, Develop Workflows: Automate request fulfillment with approval processes. 4. After that, Publish the Catalog: Approve and launch for user access. 5. Finally, Monitor and Improve: Track performance, gather feedback, and refine the catalog.
Outputs	– Accessible Service Catalog – Streamlined Service Delivery – Automated Request Fulfillment – Performance Reports
Customers	– Employees – IT Teams – Business Units – External Stakeholders

Value:

By implementing a Service Catalog, you simplify access to IT services, boost efficiency, reduce manual tasks, and provide clear service visibility. This, in turn, enhances user satisfaction and operational effectiveness.

Audience:

The primary audience includes employees requesting services, IT teams managing these requests, business units benefiting from streamlined processes, and external stakeholders needing visibility.

Business Case:

A Service Catalog creates a centralized, user-friendly platform for IT services. As a result, it improves efficiency, accelerates service delivery, enhances resource management, and offers insights for continuous improvement. Ultimately, it aligns IT services with business needs, supporting organizational growth and agility.

Builder Elements of ServiceNow Service Catalog Builder

Process Phase	Component	Description	Example
1. Service Catalog Setup	Service Catalog Creation	Define and organize the catalog structure, properties, and access settings.	Creating an IT Services catalog with categories like “Software Requests” and “Hardware Requests.”
2. Item Configuration	Request Item Design and Configuration	Specify details, design the request form, configure variables, and add attachments.	Designing a “New Laptop Request” form with fields for selecting the laptop model, accessories, and justification.
3. Workflow Design	Workflow Design and Automation	Create the fulfillment workflow, integrate with other modules, and configure approval processes.	Designing a workflow that requires manager approval before the IT team receives the task to provision the laptop.
4. Publishing	Catalog Item Publishing	Review, approve, and schedule the publishing of catalog items.	Publishing the “New Laptop Request” item after approval, making it available to all employees starting next Monday.
5. User Interaction	User Access and Request Management	Customize the user interface and integrate with the Self-Service Portal, enabling users to submit and track requests.	Employees access the Self-Service Portal to submit a “New Laptop Request” and track its approval and delivery status.
6. Fulfillment	Fulfillment and Task Management	Automatically generate tasks, assign them, and manage their execution, including notifications.	IT team members receive tasks in their queue to prepare the requested laptop, with automated updates sent to the requester.
7. Reporting and Improvement	Reporting and Continuous Improvement	Monitor metrics, generate reports, and iterate improvements based on feedback and data analysis.	Generating a report on the average fulfillment time for “New Laptop Requests” and identifying ways to reduce delays.

ServiceNow Service Catalog Builder Catalog Types

Request Size	Quantifying Elements	Description	Examples
Small	– Few Steps (1-3) – Simple Workflow – Minimal Customization – Single Approval	– Involves just a few steps. – Workflow is straightforward. – Requires little to no customization. – Usually needs only one approval.	– Password Reset – Access to Software – Standard Office Supplies Request
Medium	– Several Steps (4-6) – Moderate Workflow – Some Customization – Multiple Approvals	– Includes several steps. – Workflow has moderate complexity. – Needs some customization. – Requires approvals from different departments.	– New Employee Onboarding – Custom Laptop Request – Office Relocation Request
Complex	– Many Steps (7+) – Highly Complex Workflow – High Customization – Multiple Sequential Approvals	– Involves many steps. – Workflow is intricate and multi-stage. – Requires high customization. – Needs sequential approvals across multiple stakeholders.	– New IT System Implementation – Major Infrastructure Changes – Multi-Department Project Setup

Explanation of Elements:

1. Number of Steps:
   • Small Requests: Typically, 1-3 steps, quick and easy.
   • Medium Requests: Involves 4-6 steps, moderately complex.
   • Complex Requests: Requires 7+ steps, often with dependencies.
2. Workflow Complexity:
   • Small Requests: Simple workflows, often automated.
   • Medium Requests: Moderate complexity, might need manual decisions.
   • Complex Requests: Intricate workflows with multiple stages.
3. Customization:
   • Small Requests: Standardized, minimal customization.
   • Medium Requests: Some customization tailored to needs.
   • Complex Requests: High customization, unique configurations.
4. Approvals:
   • Small Requests: Single approval.
   • Medium Requests: Multiple approvals, different departments.
   • Complex Requests: Sequential approvals, various stakeholders.

Elements Model of Service Catalog Categorization

Optimizing for ease of use, with richness of features

Section 1: General Information

• Service Name: ___________
• Requestor Name: ___________
• Department: ___________
• Business Impact: What is the expected business impact of this service? _____________
• Compliance and Regulatory Considerations:
  ☐ Yes (Specify): ___________
  ☐ No
• Critical Success Factors: List key elements that must be achieved: ___________
• Stakeholders Involved: Identify key stakeholders and their roles:
  • Supplier: ___________
  • Input: ___________
  • Process: ___________
  • Output: ___________
  • Customer: ___________
• Complexity of Integration:
  ☐ Yes (Specify): ___________
  ☐ No

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Section 2: Workflow Design

• Describe Workflow Steps:
  (Add step / Add Next Steps)
• Is this step automated?
  ☐ Yes (Specify): ___________
  ☐ No
• Are there any manual tasks?
  ☐ Yes (Specify): ___________
  ☐ No
• Is this a multi-stage workflow?
  ☐ Yes (Specify): ___________
  ☐ No

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Section 3: Approval Process

• Is single approval sufficient?
  ☐ Yes (Specify): ___________
  ☐ No
• Are multiple approvals needed?
  ☐ Yes (Specify): ___________
  ☐ No
• Is a sequential approval process required?
  ☐ Yes (Specify): ___________
  ☐ No
• Roles/Departments Involved in Approval: Define roles and departments: ___________

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Section 4: Provisioning

• Provisioning Steps:
  (Add step / Add Next Steps)
• Expected Timeline for Provisioning:
  ☐ Standard (1 day)
  ☐ Medium (2-5 days)
  ☐ Complex (1-2 weeks)
  ☐ Other (Justify): ___________
• Provisioning Resource Owners: List responsible teams or individuals: ___________

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Section 5: Variables and Information

• User Variables/ Inputs Required:
  (Add Input / Add Next Input)
• Additional Questions Based on Workflow:
  • Automation Requirements: What is the requested automation tool? ___________
  • Compliance or Regulatory Considerations:
    ☐ Yes (Specify): ___________
    ☐ No
  • Integration Points:
    ☐ Yes (Specify): ___________
    ☐ No
  • Training or Support Documentation Needs:
    ☐ Yes (Specify): ___________
    ☐ No
• Approval Roles and Departments: Define roles and departments: ___________
• Provisioning Resources: Specify required resources and team involvement: ___________
• Additional Dependencies: Mention any dependencies (if applicable): ___________
• Additional Notes or Comments: Provide details that help in the service definition: ___________

Derived Sizing Recommendations:

Based on the provided information, the Service Catalog Intake Form will automatically derive and recommend the appropriate service size/design:

Service Size	Development Points	Total Duration	Summary of Tasks
Small	Up to 8 points	3-4 days	Build, QA, UAT
Medium	Up to 21 points	3 weeks	Requirements Gathering, Design, Build, QA, and UAT
Complex	Up to 55 points	4 weeks	Requirements Gathering, Detailed Design, Build, QA, and UAT

Small Service Catalog Request Item Examples

Here’s a list of examples for a Small Service Catalog Request Item across a variety of different service types, with common details provided in a table format:

Service Type	Service Name	Critical Success Factors	Supplier	Input	Process	Output	Customer
IT Service	Password Reset	Quick resolution	IT Support	User request	Reset password	Updated login credentials	End User
HR Service	Address Change	Accurate update	HR Team	Address update form	Update HR records	Updated employee records	Employee
Security Operations	Access Revocation	Timely removal	Security Team	Access removal request	Revoke system access	Access revoked	IT Security Compliance
Asset Management	Equipment Allocation	Correct assignment	Asset Manager	Equipment request	Assign equipment to user	Assigned asset	Employee

Medium Service Catalog Request Item Examples

Service Type	Service Name	Critical Success Factors	Supplier	Input	Process	Output	Customer
IT Service	Software Installation	Correct software setup	IT Support	Software request	Install software on multiple devices	Software installed	End Users
HR Service	Onboarding Process	Smooth onboarding	HR Team	New hire documents	Set up accounts, provide access	Fully onboarded employee	New Employee
Security Operations	Security Patch Deployment	No downtime, secure systems	Security Team	Patch update	Apply patch across all systems	Patched and secure systems	IT Security Compliance
ITSM Service	Service Outage Management	Minimize downtime	ITSM Team	Outage notification	Coordinate recovery efforts	Restored services	Affected Business Units
Asset Management	Hardware Refresh	Timely hardware replacement	Asset Manager	Hardware list	Replace and configure hardware	New hardware deployed	End Users
SPM Service	Project Risk Assessment	Identify and mitigate risks	Project Manager	Risk assessment template	Conduct risk analysis and review	Updated risk register	Project Stakeholders

Complex Service Catalog Request Item Examples

Service Type	Service Name	Critical Success Factors	Supplier	Input	Process	Output	Customer
IT Service	Enterprise System Upgrade	Zero downtime, seamless transition	IT Support	Upgrade request	Plan, execute, and validate upgrade	Upgraded system, no disruptions	Entire Organization
HR Service	Global Workforce Realignment	Compliance across regions, minimal disruption	HR Team	Realignment plan	Reassign roles, update records	Aligned workforce globally	All Employees
Security Operations	Comprehensive Security Audit	Full compliance, zero vulnerabilities	Security Team	Audit scope	Conduct extensive system audits	Security audit report, mitigation	IT Security Compliance
ITSM Service	Disaster Recovery Plan Execution	Rapid recovery, minimal data loss	ITSM Team	Disaster event	Activate DR plan, restore services	Recovered operations, data integrity	Affected Business Units
Asset Management	Enterprise Asset Tracking System	Complete asset visibility, no data gaps	Asset Manager	Inventory data	Implement and configure tracking system	Fully operational tracking system	Finance, Operations
SPM Service	Multi-Year Program Management	Achieve long-term objectives, manage risks	Program Manager	Strategic plan, risk assessments	Plan and manage multiple projects	Program completion, strategic goals met	Senior Leadership

Other ServiceNow Service Catalog Builder Resources

• ServiceNow Guided Tours for a Catalog Item | Should it be a ServiceNow best practice?
• Understanding Request, RITM, Task in ServiceNow.