Service Catalog variables in ServiceNow are used to capture user input when they request catalog items, record producers, or order guides. These variables help customize user interactions and drive automation within Service Catalog workflows.
Key Characteristics of Service Catalog Variables:
Global by Default:
When a Service Catalog variable is created, it isglobal by default, meaning it can beused across multiple catalog itemsunless scoped to a specific item.
This helps inreusabilityof variables across different catalog items, reducing redundancy.
However, administrators candisable the "Global" checkboxif they want the variable to be specific to one catalog item.
Types of Service Catalog Variables:
Variables can besingle-line text, choice lists, reference fields, checkbox, multi-line text, and more.
They allow administrators to collect structured data from users during item requests.
Reusability Across Catalog Items:
Global variables can be used across multiple catalog itemswithout creating duplicate variables.
This is useful when multiple items require the same type of user input (e.g., location, department).
Visibility and Dependency:
ServiceNow allowsUI policiesandcatalog client scriptsto control the behavior of these variables dynamically.
Admins can configurevisibility, mandatory status, or dependenciesbased on user selections.
Explanation of Other Options (Why They Are Incorrect):
Option A (Service Catalog variables can only be used in Record Producers) – Incorrect
While Service Catalog variablescanbe used in Record Producers, they arenot limitedto them.
Variables can also be used inCatalog Items, Order Guides, and Requested Items (RITM).
Option B (Service Catalog variables can only be used in Order Guides) – Incorrect
Service Catalog variablescanbe used in Order Guides, but they arenot restrictedto them.
Order Guides allow multiple items to be ordered together, but variables can be used independently in Catalog Items and Record Producers as well.
Option C (Service Catalog variables cannot affect the order price) – Incorrect
Service Catalog variablescan affect pricingthroughVariable Price Mapping.
If configured, variables (like dropdowns or checkboxes) can be linked to aprice adjustment, impacting the total cost of the request.
For example, selecting "Additional Storage" in a cloud server request could add extra costs dynamically.
Official Reference from ServiceNow Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:
ServiceNow Documentation – Service Catalog Variables: ServiceNow Variables Guide
ServiceNow CSA Exam Guide: Covers Service Catalog fundamentals, including variable behavior and reusability.
