The process flow formatter provides a graphical summary of the stages in a process. The formatter is typically shown at the top of forms that are part of a process.

Each record on the Flow Formatter [sys_process_flow] table represents a process stage and can have a different condition applied to it. When specified conditions are fulfilled, the formatter highlights the current stage and places a check mark next to all previous stages.

These examples show a workflow in Core UI interface.

Figure 1. Core UI process flow for a change request
Core UI process flow for a change request

When any formatter stages are defined for a table, they appear on the form associated with that table in the order specified, assuming the formatter has been added to the form.

Activate the process flow formatter

You can activate the Process Flow Formatter plugin.

Before you begin

Role required: admin

Procedure

  1. Navigate to All > System Applications > All Available Applications > All.
  2. Find the plugin using the filter criteria and search bar.

    You can search for the plugin by its name or ID. If you cannot find a plugin, you might have to request it from ServiceNow personnel.

  3. Select Install to start the installation process.
    Note: When domain separation and delegated admin are enabled in an instance, the administrative user must be in the global domain. Otherwise, the following error appears: Application installation is unavailable because another operation is running: Plugin Activation for <plugin name>.
    You will see a message after installation is completed. For information about the components installed with a plugin, see Find components installed with an application.

Create a process flow formatter

You can create a process flow formatter stage.

Before you begin

Role required: admin

Procedure

  1. Navigate to All > System UI > Process Flow.
  2. Click New.
  3. Complete the form, as appropriate.
  4. Repeat as necessary for each stage.