Improving Form Load Time in ServiceNow

ServiceNow is a powerful platform for IT service management, used by organizations worldwide to streamline their service delivery. One critical aspect of enhancing the user experience on ServiceNow is improving form load times. Slow-loading forms can impact user productivity, frustrate end users, and reduce overall efficiency. This article discusses several techniques that can be employed to improve form load time in ServiceNow while ensuring the platform remains user-friendly and efficient.

1. Optimize Client Scripts and UI Policies

Client scripts and UI policies are vital components of ServiceNow forms. However, excessive use of these scripts can significantly impact form load time. One of the most effective ways to improve form performance is to reduce the complexity and number of client scripts executed during form load. ServiceNow Online Course

• Use Efficient Client Scripts: Ensure that client scripts are optimized by limiting unnecessary operations. Use event-driven scripts rather than loading scripts for every form field. Avoid using the onLoad script for tasks that can be handled more efficiently elsewhere.
• Avoid Synchronous Operations: Synchronous operations can lock the browser and delay form loading. Opt for asynchronous methods wherever possible to improve performance.
• Minimize UI Policies: UI policies are another area that can slow down form loading. Review the UI policies to ensure that they are necessary, and disable any policies that are not actively in use. Additionally, try to keep the conditions and scripts within the policies as simple as possible to avoid overburdening the system.

2. Optimize Form Design

A well-structured form is not only easier for users to navigate but also more efficient in terms of performance. ServiceNow allows administrators to design forms with various fields and components, but overloading forms with too many elements can lead to longer load times.

• Simplify Forms: Avoid creating forms with a large number of fields. Group related fields together and leverage tabbed or accordion sections to divide the form into manageable sections. This not only improves load time but also enhances the overall user experience.
• Use Field Types Appropriately: Some field types require more resources than others. For instance, using reference fields and choice lists with a large number of options can slow down form loading. Limit the use of such fields unless necessary, or consider implementing auto-complete or search features to optimize their performance.

3. Implement GlideAjax for Server-Side Operations

ServiceNow offers GlideAjax, a powerful mechanism for running server-side logic without compromising form load performance. Using GlideAjax allows for the separation of client-side and server-side operations, reducing the load on the client’s browser.

• Use GlideAjax for Data Retrieval: Instead of querying large datasets on form load, use GlideAjax to fetch data only when needed. This reduces the initial load time and improves form performance. Server-side logic can be offloaded to the server, with only the necessary data being passed to the client asynchronously.
• Improve Data Handling: Avoid loading large datasets or unnecessary records when the form is loaded. If the form needs data from related records, consider using GlideRecord with proper filters to minimize the amount of data retrieved from the database. ServiceNow Training

4. Use Caching for Reusable Data

Data caching is an excellent method to reduce the time spent querying databases for frequently accessed information. ServiceNow supports caching, which can significantly improve form load times when the data being accessed does not change frequently.

• Cache Frequently Used Data: Implement caching mechanisms for commonly accessed reference data or large datasets that do not change often. This reduces the need to repeatedly fetch the same data from the database, improving the overall performance of forms.
• Configure Cache Duration: Be mindful of cache duration settings. Too short a duration could lead to unnecessary database queries, while too long could result in outdated information being presented to users. Strike the right balance for optimal performance.

5. Optimize Background Scripts and Scheduled Jobs

Background scripts and scheduled jobs are powerful tools in ServiceNow for automating tasks, but poorly optimized scripts can have a significant impact on form load time. If these tasks run during the form load process, they can delay the user experience.

• Schedule Scripts Appropriately: Ensure that background scripts and scheduled jobs are executed during off-peak hours or when users are least likely to be affected. This ensures that tasks such as data aggregation or calculations do not interfere with form performance. ServiceNow Online Training
• Optimize Scripts for Efficiency: Review background scripts to ensure that they are not overly complex or running unnecessary operations. Make use of appropriate indexing and filtering to minimize the time spent processing large datasets.

6. Limit the Use of Business Rules

Business rules are essential for automating tasks in ServiceNow, but poorly optimized business rules can slow down form load times. Business rules that run on form load or data updates can impact performance if they are too complex or involve a large number of records.

• Optimize Business Rules: Review business rules to ensure that they are designed to trigger only when necessary. Avoid running business rules on form load if they are not required, and instead, run them on specific actions like form submission or record updates.
• Use Server-Side Processing: Whenever possible, move processing logic from client-side scripts to server-side business rules. This offloads the burden from the browser and ensures that the client-side experience remains responsive.

7. Enable Load Balancing and Auto-Scaling

ServiceNow is a cloud-based platform, and its performance can be affected by server load and resource availability. Enabling load balancing and auto-scaling features can help distribute traffic more evenly across the servers, reducing the strain on any single server and improving overall performance.

• Load Balancing: Configure load balancing to ensure that incoming traffic is distributed efficiently across multiple servers. This helps in maintaining consistent performance, especially during peak usage periods.
• Auto-Scaling: Auto-scaling allows the system to automatically adjust resources based on demand. This ensures that the platform can handle increased traffic without affecting form load times.

8. Monitor and Analyze Performance

Finally, it is essential to continuously monitor and analyze the performance of ServiceNow forms. Use tools like Performance Analytics and Application Performance Management (APM) to track form load times and identify bottlenecks. ServiceNow Course Online

• Performance Monitoring: Set up performance monitoring dashboards to track form load times and identify any issues that might be causing delays. Pay attention to server response times, script execution times, and database query performance.
• Identify Bottlenecks: Use performance analysis tools to pinpoint areas where performance can be improved. This could include optimizing client scripts, reducing the complexity of forms, or addressing issues with database queries.

Conclusion

Improving form load time in ServiceNow requires a combination of best practices, including optimizing client scripts, designing efficient forms, utilizing server-side processing, and leveraging caching mechanisms. By adopting these techniques and continuously monitoring performance, organizations can enhance the user experience, improve productivity, and ensure that ServiceNow operates at peak efficiency.

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