In the world of Customer Service Management, one of the key challenges organizations face is ensuring that their processes are not just documented but also effectively followed. This is where ServiceNow's Playbook capability comes into play. Originally designed for Customer Service management, Playbooks have evolved into a platform capability that empowers organizations to visualize and embed their existing processes directly within ServiceNow. But why should you consider embedding your processes within ServiceNow? Let's explore the answer to that question and the myriad benefits of this innovative feature.
Enhancing Process Adherence
Having a well-documented process is essential, but it's equally important to ensure that your team follows it consistently. Playbooks take your processes and turn them into actionable, visual workflows within ServiceNow. These workflows are divided into stages and lifecycles, with specific tasks and activities that must be completed to advance the workflow. This not only helps in tracking progress but also enables organizations to pinpoint areas where their processes might be encountering blockages or delays.
Visualizing Process Delays
Within customer service management, Playbooks offers a visual representation of delays in your processes, through skipped activities, or activities taking longer than expected, (for greater capabilities, you should look at process optimisation). Even in simpler Playbooks consisting of just a few stages and a handful of activities, you can identify common bottlenecks and areas where time is most frequently consumed. This insight allows organizations to streamline their processes and activities for increased efficiency.
Building Playbooks with Process Automation Design (PAD)
Creating Playbooks is made easy through the Process Automation Design (PAD) technology within ServiceNow. PAD provides a user-friendly, drag-and-drop interface for administrators to set up various stages and activities within each stage. Activities can range from creating tasks for specific teams to checklists, proposal resolutions, or knowledge base articles. To build a Playbook, businesses can translate their existing process, perhaps represented in a swim lane diagram, into a visual workflow in PAD.
A Seamless Client Experience
From a client's perspective, Playbooks greatly enhance the customer service experience. Clients can log onto the Customer Service Management portal, search for relevant knowledge base articles, and if necessary, raise a case. Regardless of how the case is initiated, the embedded process within that case type can be triggered to run the Playbook. This ensures that each case is handled consistently and efficiently, regardless of the entry point. Whether it's creating a case directly from the portal or through a chat with a Customer Service Agent, Playbooks ensure that processes are followed to achieve a successful resolution.
In conclusion, ServiceNow's Playbook capability offers organizations a powerful tool to digitize their processes, monitor process adherence, and ensure consistent service delivery regardless of the team's training or skill set. It simplifies the transition from documenting processes on Visio/PowerPoint to building them within ServiceNow, enabling a seamless customer service experience.
If you're curious about how Playbooks can benefit your organization, don't hesitate to reach out to your account executive or connect with us on LinkedIn for further insights.
Requirements to use Playbooks: CSM Professional Licensing, CSM/FSM Configurable Workspace
