Your Service Request Management Data Template

ServiceNow
Your Service Request Management Data Template

Your Service Request Management Data Template

This comprehensive data template is designed to simplify your process mining journey for Service Request Management. It provides clear guidance on the essential attributes to collect, the critical activities to track, and practical extraction guidance specific to ServiceNow. Using this template will ensure you capture all necessary data for accurate analysis and effective optimization.
  • Recommended attributes to collect
  • Key activities to track for process discovery
  • Step-by-step data extraction guidance
New to event logs? Learn how to create a process mining event log.

Service Request Management Attributes

These are the recommended data fields to include in your event log for comprehensive analysis of your service request management process.
5 Required 6 Recommended 11 Optional
Name Description
Activity
ActivityName
The name of the specific event or task that occurred within the service request lifecycle.
Description

The Activity attribute records the name of each step or status change in the service request process. This could include events like 'Request Created', 'Request Approved', 'Assigned to Agent', or 'Request Closed'.

Analyzing these activities allows for the visualization of the process flow, identification of common pathways, and detection of deviations from the standard procedure. It is the foundation for understanding what actually happens during the request fulfillment process.

Why it matters

This is a mandatory attribute that defines the steps in the process map. It is fundamental for all process analysis, including discovering bottlenecks, rework loops, and compliance issues.

Where to get

Derived from changes in the 'State' or 'Stage' fields in tables like 'sc_request' or 'sc_req_item', or from the audit trail (sys_audit).

Examples
Service Request CreatedRequest Assigned to GroupService Request ResolvedInformation Requested from User
Service Request ID
ServiceRequestID
The unique identifier for each service request record.
Description

The Service Request ID is the primary key that uniquely identifies each service request submitted by a user or system. It serves as the central thread linking all subsequent events, from initial logging to final closure. In process mining, this ID is essential for reconstructing the end-to-end journey of every single request, allowing for a complete analysis of its lifecycle.

Why it matters

This is the mandatory Case ID. It connects all related activities into a single process instance, enabling the analysis of process flows, variations, and cycle times.

Where to get

ServiceNow Request [sc_request] table, field 'number'.

Examples
REQ0010001REQ0010025REQ0010112
Start Time
EventTime
The timestamp indicating when an activity or event started.
Description

This attribute captures the exact date and time that each activity within the service request process occurred. It provides the chronological sequence of events necessary for building the process map and performing any time-based analysis.

Accurate timestamps are crucial for calculating cycle times, waiting times, and processing durations. This data enables the identification of bottlenecks, SLA breaches, and trends in performance over time.

Why it matters

This is a mandatory timestamp for ordering events correctly. It is the basis for all performance and duration-based analysis, including cycle time and bottleneck identification.

Where to get

Typically found in the 'sys_updated_on' or 'sys_created_on' fields of the relevant ServiceNow tables (e.g., sc_request, sc_task) or the audit trail (sys_audit).

Examples
2023-04-15T10:00:00Z2023-04-15T11:30:15Z2023-04-16T09:05:45Z
Last Data Update
LastDataUpdate
The timestamp of the most recent data refresh or extraction.
Description

This attribute indicates the date and time when the data was last extracted from the source system and loaded into the process mining tool. It provides transparency on the freshness of the data being analyzed.

Analysts use this information to understand if they are looking at the most current data, which is critical for operational monitoring and real-time decision making. It helps set expectations about the recency of the insights.

Why it matters

Ensures users are aware of the data's freshness, which is crucial for trusting the analysis and making timely, data-driven decisions.

Where to get

This is a metadata field added during the data ingestion process, reflecting the timestamp of the ETL job completion.

Examples
2023-10-27T04:00:00Z
Source System
SourceSystem
The system from which the data originated.
Description

This attribute identifies the source system of the data, which in this case is ServiceNow. It is useful in environments where data from multiple systems is being merged for a holistic process view.

For a single-source analysis, this attribute provides important context and helps in data governance and management. It ensures that any user understands the origin of the data they are analyzing.

Why it matters

Provides essential metadata for data governance, traceability, and context, especially when combining data from multiple enterprise systems.

Where to get

This is typically a static value added during the data extraction and transformation process.

Examples
ServiceNow
Assigned To
AssignedTo
The individual user responsible for working on the service request at a given time.
Description

This attribute identifies the specific agent or technician assigned to the service request. It changes as the request is handed off between different individuals.

Analyzing the 'Assigned To' field is critical for understanding workload distribution, individual performance, and the impact of handoffs on resolution times. It helps answer questions about resource utilization and identifies opportunities for training or process clarification to reduce reassignments.

Why it matters

Enables analysis of agent workload, performance, and handoffs. It is essential for resource management and identifying bottlenecks related to specific individuals.

Where to get

ServiceNow Request Item [sc_req_item] or Catalog Task [sc_task] tables, field 'assigned_to'.

Examples
Beth AnglinDavid LooHoward Johnson
Assignment Group
AssignmentGroup
The team or group responsible for handling the service request.
Description

The Assignment Group represents the team, such as 'Service Desk', 'Network Operations', or 'Database Administration', that is responsible for a service request at a particular stage. This is a key attribute for analyzing process flow between different functional areas.

By tracking changes in the Assignment Group, organizations can visualize handoffs between teams, measure queue times within each group's backlog, and identify inter-team dependencies or delays. This is crucial for optimizing cross-functional collaboration.

Why it matters

Tracks work distribution across teams, highlights inter-team handoffs, and helps identify team-specific bottlenecks or performance issues.

Where to get

ServiceNow Request Item [sc_req_item] or Catalog Task [sc_task] tables, field 'assignment_group'.

Examples
Service DeskIT Support L2Hardware Provisioning
Category
Category
The primary classification of the service request, such as Hardware or Software.
Description

Category provides a high-level classification of the service request. This is typically used to route the request to the correct team and to report on the types of requests being submitted.

In process mining, Category is a powerful tool for filtering and dimension-based analysis. It allows analysts to compare the process flows, cycle times, and automation rates for different types of requests, uncovering variations that might not be visible at an aggregate level. For example, the process for a 'Hardware' request might be fundamentally different from a 'Software' request.

Why it matters

Allows for powerful segmentation and comparison of processes across different service types, helping to identify category-specific issues and improvement opportunities.

Where to get

ServiceNow Request Item [sc_req_item] table, typically through the associated Catalog Item's [sc_cat_item] category.

Examples
HardwareSoftwareAccess RequestNetwork
Met SLA
MadeSLA
A boolean flag indicating if the service request was resolved within its Service Level Agreement.
Description

This attribute indicates whether the service request met its defined Service Level Agreement (SLA) for resolution time. It is a critical outcome metric that directly measures service performance against commitments.

Analyzing this flag helps to quantify the SLA Adherence Rate KPI. It can be used as a dimension to compare the process paths of compliant requests versus breached requests, revealing common patterns or activities that contribute to SLA failures. This is essential for proactive risk monitoring and continuous service improvement.

Why it matters

Directly measures performance against service commitments and allows for root cause analysis of SLA breaches by comparing compliant and non-compliant cases.

Where to get

ServiceNow Task SLA [task_sla] table, field 'has_breached'. The value needs to be inverted (e.g., MadeSLA = NOT has_breached).

Examples
truefalse
Priority
Priority
The priority level of the service request, which influences its urgency.
Description

Priority is a classification that determines the relative importance and urgency of a service request. It is often determined by a combination of impact and urgency and is used to guide agents on which requests to handle first.

Analyzing data by priority is essential for understanding if high-priority requests are being processed faster than low-priority ones. It allows for filtering dashboards to see if SLAs are being met for critical requests and helps in identifying if the prioritization system is effective.

Why it matters

Enables segmentation of requests to verify that high-priority items are processed faster. It is key for SLA analysis and resource allocation.

Where to get

ServiceNow Request [sc_request] or Request Item [sc_req_item] tables, field 'priority'.

Examples
1 - Critical2 - High3 - Moderate4 - Low
State
State
The current operational status of the service request.
Description

The State attribute indicates the current stage of the service request in its lifecycle, such as 'Open', 'Work in Progress', 'Pending', or 'Closed'. Changes in this field are often used to generate the activities for the process map.

Analyzing the State is crucial for understanding how much time requests spend in specific statuses, particularly waiting or pending states. It helps in identifying queues and delays, such as time spent 'Awaiting User Information', which is a common source of prolonged cycle times.

Why it matters

Provides insight into the request's status at any point in time, enabling the analysis of waiting times, queues, and the duration of specific process stages.

Where to get

ServiceNow Request [sc_request] or Request Item [sc_req_item] tables, field 'state' or 'stage'.

Examples
OpenWork in ProgressAwaiting User InfoClosed Complete
Case Cycle Time
CaseCycleTime
The total time elapsed from the creation to the final closure of a service request.
Description

Case Cycle Time is a calculated metric that measures the total duration of a service request, from the timestamp of the very first event to the timestamp of the very last event. It represents the full end-to-end processing time from the customer's point of view.

This is a primary Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for overall process efficiency. It is used in high-level dashboards to monitor performance against targets and to analyze trends over time. It can be sliced by dimensions like Category or Priority to identify which types of requests take the longest.

Why it matters

This is a critical KPI that measures the end-to-end process performance. It is essential for high-level monitoring, benchmarking, and identifying areas for improvement.

Where to get

Calculated by subtracting the minimum 'StartTime' from the maximum 'EndTime' for each unique 'ServiceRequestID'.

Examples
2 10:30:000 04:15:2210 00:05:00
Channel
ContactType
The method used by the requestor to submit the service request.
Description

The Contact Type, or channel, specifies how the service request was initiated. Common channels include the service portal, email, phone call, or automated alert.

Understanding the channel is important for analyzing process variations that may be influenced by the submission method. For instance, requests submitted via portal may be more structured and automated, leading to faster processing times compared to those submitted via email. This analysis helps in promoting more efficient channels.

Why it matters

Helps identify how different submission channels impact process efficiency, automation levels, and overall cycle times, guiding efforts to optimize user interactions.

Where to get

ServiceNow Request [sc_request] or Interaction [interaction] tables. The field is often named 'contact_type'.

Examples
PortalEmailPhoneSelf-service
End Time
EndTime
The timestamp indicating when an activity or event was completed.
Description

The End Time marks the conclusion of an activity. It is the timestamp of the next activity in the sequence, effectively closing the duration of the current one. This attribute is essential for calculating how long each step in the process takes.

By comparing the Start Time and End Time of an activity, analysts can calculate processing times and waiting times. This is fundamental for identifying bottlenecks, measuring resource efficiency, and monitoring performance against time-based targets.

Why it matters

This attribute is necessary for calculating the duration of each activity, which is a core component of performance analysis, bottleneck identification, and resource utilization studies.

Where to get

This is a derived attribute, calculated by taking the 'StartTime' of the subsequent event in the case.

Examples
2023-04-15T10:05:10Z2023-04-15T11:45:00Z2023-04-16T09:15:30Z
Is Automated
IsAutomated
A flag that indicates if an activity was performed by a system or automation.
Description

This boolean attribute distinguishes between activities performed manually by a human agent and those executed by an automated system, such as a workflow or integration. For example, 'Approval Requested' might be automated, while 'Request Assigned to Agent' might be manual.

Analyzing this attribute is key to measuring and increasing the level of automation in the service request process. It helps identify which manual tasks are most time-consuming and could be candidates for future automation, thereby improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Why it matters

Allows for the measurement of automation rates and helps identify opportunities to automate manual tasks, leading to increased efficiency and reduced operational costs.

Where to get

Derived by checking if the user who performed an action (e.g., 'sys_updated_by') is a designated system or integration user.

Examples
truefalse
Is First Pass Resolution
IsFirstPassResolution
A flag indicating if the request was resolved on the first attempt without any reopens.
Description

This calculated attribute is a boolean flag that is 'true' only if the service request was resolved and closed without ever being reopened. It is a key indicator of the quality and effectiveness of the resolution provided by the service desk.

This metric directly supports the First-Pass Resolution Rate KPI. A high rate is desirable as it indicates efficiency and high-quality service, leading to better customer satisfaction. Analyzing the attributes of cases that fail first pass resolution can reveal root causes like inadequate training, poor documentation, or incorrect initial diagnosis.

Why it matters

Measures the quality and efficiency of the resolution process. A low first-pass resolution rate indicates underlying problems that lead to rework and customer frustration.

Where to get

Calculated at the case level. A case is considered a first pass resolution if its 'ReopenCount' is zero.

Examples
truefalse
Is Rework
IsRework
A calculated flag indicating if an activity is a repeat of a previous activity in the same case.
Description

This boolean flag is calculated to identify rework loops within a service request. It is marked as 'true' if the same activity has already occurred earlier in the same case, for example, if a request is assigned to the same team twice, or if information is requested from the user multiple times.

This attribute is essential for the Agent Handoffs and Rework Incidents dashboard and the Request Rework Rate KPI. It allows for the direct visualization and quantification of inefficient loops in the process, which are often hidden in aggregate data.

Why it matters

Directly flags and quantifies process rework, making it possible to analyze the causes and impacts of inefficient loops that increase costs and cycle times.

Where to get

Calculated during data transformation by checking for previous occurrences of the same activity name within the same case.

Examples
falsetrue
Opened By
OpenedBy
The individual who initially submitted the service request.
Description

This attribute identifies the user who created the service request. While often the same as the person affected by the request, it can also be a manager, a delegate, or an automated system.

Analyzing requests by the 'Opened By' user or their department helps identify patterns, such as a specific group of users who frequently submit complex or problematic requests. This can inform targeted training or highlight the need for better knowledge base articles to encourage self-service.

Why it matters

Helps in analyzing request patterns by user, department, or role, which can inform training initiatives and targeted process improvements.

Where to get

ServiceNow Request [sc_request] table, field 'opened_by'.

Examples
Abel TuterFred LuddyDon Goodliffe
Processing Time
ProcessingTime
The duration of time actively spent working on a specific activity.
Description

Processing Time, also known as active time or handling time, is the duration spent actively performing a task. It is calculated as the difference between the End Time and Start Time of an activity. This contrasts with waiting time, where a request is idle.

This metric is crucial for the Bottleneck & Queue Analysis dashboard. By aggregating processing times for each activity type, analysts can pinpoint which steps consume the most resources and effort. This helps prioritize process improvement initiatives to focus on the most time-intensive tasks.

Why it matters

Measures the active work duration for each activity, helping to identify the most time-consuming steps in the process and pinpointing operational bottlenecks.

Where to get

Calculated as 'EndTime' minus 'StartTime' for each event record.

Examples
0 00:05:100 01:14:450 00:09:55
Reopen Count
ReopenCount
The number of times a service request has been reopened after being resolved.
Description

This attribute is a counter that tracks how many times a service request was moved from a resolved or closed state back to an open or in-progress state. A count greater than zero indicates that the initial resolution was not successful.

This metric is a direct indicator of rework and is a key component of the First-Pass Resolution Rate KPI. High reopen counts suggest issues with the quality of resolution, incomplete fulfillment, or a misunderstanding of the user's needs, all of which lead to process inefficiency and user dissatisfaction.

Why it matters

Quantifies rework and resolution quality. A high reopen count points to inefficiencies, poor first-time fix rates, and decreased customer satisfaction.

Where to get

ServiceNow Request [sc_request] or Request Item [sc_req_item] tables, field 'reopen_count'.

Examples
012
Resolution Code
ResolutionCode
A code that categorizes the final resolution of the service request.
Description

The Resolution Code is a structured classification of how a service request was ultimately resolved. Examples include 'Fulfilled by Automation', 'User Error', or 'No Longer Required'.

This attribute is vital for the Root Cause Analysis for Delays dashboard. By correlating resolution codes with long cycle times or high rework rates, analysts can identify systemic issues. For instance, if requests with the code 'Incomplete Information' are consistently slow, it points to a problem in the initial data gathering step.

Why it matters

Provides structured data on resolution outcomes, enabling root cause analysis of process delays, rework, and other inefficiencies.

Where to get

ServiceNow Request Item [sc_req_item] or a related task table, field is commonly 'close_code' or 'resolution_code'.

Examples
Solved (Permanently)Not Solved (Not Reproducible)Request FulfilledCancelled by User
Satisfaction Score
SatisfactionScore
The customer satisfaction rating provided by the requestor upon closure.
Description

This attribute captures the satisfaction score, often on a 1-5 scale, submitted by the end-user after their service request has been resolved. This is a direct measure of the perceived quality of service.

This data is essential for the Customer Satisfaction Impact Analysis dashboard. It allows for direct correlation between process metrics, like cycle time, rework, and handoffs, and the ultimate customer experience. This helps prove the business case for process improvements by linking operational efficiency to customer outcomes.

Why it matters

Directly links process performance metrics to customer outcomes, helping to quantify the impact of process inefficiencies on the user experience.

Where to get

Typically found in a related Survey [asmt_assessment_instance] table, which is linked to the original request.

Examples
5431
Required Recommended Optional

Service Request Management Activities

These are the key process steps and milestones to capture in your event log for accurate process discovery and bottleneck identification.
6 Recommended 8 Optional
Activity Description
Information Requested from User
Occurs when the fulfillment agent requires more information from the original requestor to proceed. This is typically inferred when the request's state is changed to a value like 'Awaiting User Info'.
Why it matters

This activity is crucial for the 'Requestor Information Delay Analysis' dashboard, helping to quantify time lost waiting for external input from the user.

Where to get

Inferred from the sc_req_item state field changing to a designated 'awaiting information' status. The change is logged in the sys_audit table.

Capture

Identify timestamp when sc_req_item.state changes to 'Awaiting User Info'.

Event type inferred
Request Approved
This activity signifies that the request has been officially approved and can proceed to the fulfillment stage. It is captured when an approver marks the associated approval record as 'approved'.
Why it matters

This key milestone marks the transition from the approval phase to the fulfillment phase. Analyzing the time taken to reach this step is crucial for understanding pre-fulfillment delays.

Where to get

Inferred from the state field of the related sysapproval_approver record changing to 'approved', which subsequently triggers a state change on the sc_req_item.

Capture

Identify timestamp when sysapproval_approver.state becomes 'approved'.

Event type inferred
Request Assigned to Agent
This activity occurs when a specific individual agent is assigned to work on the service request. It is captured by monitoring changes to the 'Assigned to' field on the request or its fulfillment tasks.
Why it matters

This is critical for measuring handoffs, calculating agent-specific workloads, and analyzing queue times before an individual starts working on a request.

Where to get

Inferred from a change to the assigned_to field on the sc_req_item or sc_task table. The change history is logged in the sys_audit table.

Capture

Track changes to the assigned_to field in sys_audit.

Event type inferred
Service Request Closed
Marks the final, definitive end of the service request lifecycle. This typically occurs automatically after a set period of time in the 'Resolved' state, during which the user can reopen the request.
Why it matters

This is the primary successful end event for the process. The time between 'Resolved' and 'Closed' can also be analyzed to understand auto-closure policies.

Where to get

Inferred from the sc_req_item state field being updated to a final closed state, such as 'Closed Complete'. This is logged in the sys_audit table.

Capture

Identify timestamp when sc_req_item.state changes to 'Closed Complete'.

Event type inferred
Service Request Created
This activity marks the beginning of the service request lifecycle, logged when a user submits a request through the service catalog. The system captures this as the creation event of a new record in the sc_req_item (Requested Item) table.
Why it matters

This is the primary start event for the process. It is essential for calculating the overall cycle time and analyzing request volumes and submission patterns.

Where to get

This is an explicit event captured from the creation timestamp (sys_created_on field) of the record in the sc_req_item table.

Capture

Use the sys_created_on timestamp from the sc_req_item record.

Event type explicit
Service Request Resolved
This activity indicates that the fulfillment agent has completed the work and provided a solution. It is captured when the request's state is updated to 'Resolved' or a similar status.
Why it matters

This is a critical milestone that typically stops the SLA clock. It marks the end of active fulfillment work and is a key component of the total resolution time calculation.

Where to get

Inferred from the sc_req_item state field being updated to 'Resolved' or a similar terminal state before final closure. The change is tracked in the sys_audit table.

Capture

Identify timestamp when sc_req_item.state changes to 'Resolved'.

Event type inferred
Approval Requested
Represents the point where a service request is submitted for approval from a manager or another designated approver. This is typically inferred when the request's state changes to 'Pending Approval' or a similar status.
Why it matters

Tracking approvals helps identify bottlenecks in the approval process and measures the time requests wait for authorization before fulfillment can begin.

Where to get

Inferred from the sc_req_item state field changing to a pending approval value, or by the creation of a corresponding record in the sysapproval_approver table. Changes are logged in the sys_audit table.

Capture

Identify timestamp when sc_req_item.state changes to 'Pending Approval'.

Event type inferred
External Vendor Engaged
Represents the handoff of a service request or one of its tasks to an external third-party vendor for fulfillment. This can be inferred from assignment to a vendor-specific group or a flag on the request.
Why it matters

This activity enables analysis of vendor performance and its impact on the overall request lifecycle, which is crucial for the 'External Vendor Engagement Cycle' dashboard.

Where to get

This is typically inferred. It could be based on the assignment_group being set to a vendor's group or a specific flag field being set on the sc_req_item or sc_task record.

Capture

Identify change of assignment_group to a known vendor group.

Event type inferred
Fulfillment Task Created
Represents the creation of a specific work item or task required to fulfill the service request. This is an explicit event logged when a new record is created in the Catalog Task table.
Why it matters

For complex requests, analyzing the creation and completion of individual tasks provides a more granular view of the fulfillment process and where delays occur.

Where to get

This is an explicit event captured from the creation timestamp (sys_created_on field) of a record in the sc_task table that links to the sc_req_item.

Capture

Use the sys_created_on timestamp from sc_task records.

Event type explicit
Information Provided by User
This activity marks the point when the requestor has supplied the needed information. It is inferred when the request moves out of an 'Awaiting User Info' state back into an active state like 'Work in Progress'.
Why it matters

Paired with 'Information Requested from User', this activity allows for precise measurement of user-induced delays and helps assess the efficiency of the communication process.

Where to get

Inferred from the sc_req_item state field changing from an 'awaiting information' status to an active status. This is often triggered by the user adding a comment or replying to an email.

Capture

Identify timestamp when state changes from 'Awaiting User Info' to 'Work in Progress'.

Event type inferred
Request Assigned to Group
Indicates that the service request has been assigned to a specific fulfillment team or group. This event is inferred by detecting a change in the assignment group field on the request item or its associated tasks.
Why it matters

Tracking group assignments helps analyze workload distribution across teams and identify delays before a request is routed to the correct fulfillers.

Where to get

Inferred from a change to the assignment_group field on the sc_req_item or sc_task table. The change history is logged in the sys_audit table.

Capture

Track changes to the assignment_group field in sys_audit.

Event type inferred
Request Cancelled
This activity serves as a terminal state for requests that are cancelled before completion, either by the user or an agent. This is captured when the request state is set to 'Cancelled' or 'Closed Cancelled'.
Why it matters

This is a key unsuccessful end event. Analyzing why requests are cancelled can provide insights into user needs, process inefficiencies, or changing business priorities.

Where to get

Inferred from the sc_req_item state field being updated to a final cancelled state, like 'Closed Cancelled'. The change is logged in the sys_audit table.

Capture

Identify timestamp when sc_req_item.state changes to 'Cancelled'.

Event type inferred
Request Rejected
This activity represents the outcome where a request is formally rejected during the approval phase. It's an alternative path to closure and is captured when an approver marks the request as 'rejected'.
Why it matters

Tracking rejections helps identify invalid or misdirected requests, issues with the request submission process, and serves as an important exception path for analysis.

Where to get

Inferred from the state field of the related sysapproval_approver record changing to 'rejected'. This typically sets the parent sc_req_item to a closed, incomplete state.

Capture

Identify timestamp when sysapproval_approver.state becomes 'rejected'.

Event type inferred
Request Reopened
This activity captures instances where a request that was previously marked as resolved is moved back into an open state. This is inferred from a state change from 'Resolved' back to 'Work in Progress' or similar.
Why it matters

This is a direct measure of rework and is critical for calculating the 'First-Pass Resolution Rate' KPI. High numbers indicate poor solution quality or incomplete resolution.

Where to get

Inferred from a change in the sc_req_item state field, moving from a resolved or closed state back to an open, in-progress state. This change is logged in sys_audit.

Capture

Detect state change from 'Resolved' to 'Work in Progress' in sys_audit.

Event type inferred
Recommended Optional

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