Organizations may combine ServiceNow with an external data visualization platform like Tableau to create dynamically constructed reports using ServiceNow data. Doing this gives them access to the extensive data visualization tools necessary for in-depth analysis and go into action with the right business strategy. Data analysts and IT specialists seeking to transform raw ServiceNow data into rich Tableau dashboards will benefit from Tableau ServiceNow integration.
In this article, we’ll overview the two main methods for implementing Tableau ServiceNow integration so you can start building custom ServiceNow reports with Tableau immediately.
Method 1. ServiceNow Tableau Integration Using REST API
Representational State Transfer (REST) is a simple architecture that provides standards for disparate systems to communicate with each other over the web. The Now Platform has various REST APIs active by default. Users can leverage these APIs to access different ServiceNow instances and retrieve information from them as needed. ServiceNow REST API is a stateless architecture allowing users to connect Tableau to ServiceNow. The REST API provides a wide range of options for data extraction, allowing users to select the specific data they want to transfer.
Here are the steps to connect ServiceNow to Tableau using ServiceNow REST API.
Step 1. Configure Data Extraction Parameters
Log into ServiceNow with your credentials. You must have the necessary permissions to access Rest API and set it up. You’ll also need the required API credentials, like the OAuth token and API Key.
Check out the list of available APIs and their respective endpoints in the Rest API. Each API represents the different ServiceNow modules and tables users can access and query. You can learn more about these endpoints by reading the ServiceNow REST API documentation.
Select the API that corresponds to the data type you need to export from ServiceNow to Tableau. Adjust parameters like the filtering criteria, pagination, and sorting options. This allows you to retrieve the specific data type that you need for your export.
ServiceNow REST API has default testing capabilities that you can use to verify if the API query returns the data that you want it to return. If your API call is properly constructed, executing this test will return the desired result.
After testing the API query and verifying that it works, copy the endpoint URL generated for the API. This URL has all the information needed to access that specific data via the ServiceNow REST API.
Step 2. Set Up Tableau ServiceNow Connection
Open Tableau and navigate to the connection window. Here you will find different options for connecting to an external data source including OData Feed and Web Data Connector. Select your preferred option to set up the Tableau ServiceNow connection.
In the next page that opens up, paste the API URL that you copied from REST API to establish a Tableau ServiceNow connection. It allows you to retrieve your ServiceNow data to Tableau. Tableau will attempt to establish a connection to ServiceNow using the provided API URL. Depending on your ServiceNow instance and requirements, you may need to provide additional authentication details, such as API keys, OAuth tokens, or username/password combinations.
After pasting the URL, you may need additional settings like authentication, parameters, or headers. It depends on your ServiceNow instance and requirements. Once the authentication process is completed, Tableau will establish the connection to ServiceNow using the provided API URL and authentication details.
Once the connection is established, you can configure the data source settings in Tableau, select the desired tables or views, and perform any necessary data transformations for visualization and analysis. Your reports can include various charts, graphs, and other forms of visualization depending on the specific metrics, relationships, or dimensions you’re trying to explore with your data.
Pros and Cons of ServiceNow REST API
Let’s consider the pros and cons of connecting ServiceNow with Tableau using the REST API method.
Pros of ServiceNow REST API
- Customizable Data Extraction
Users skilled at using the REST API functionality can get accurate control over their data and obtain a wide range of customization options, such as filters, sorting, and other parameters, allowing users to export only the most needed data.
- Scalability
Integrating ServiceNow and Tableau via the REST API method is a long-term solution. ServiceNow REST API handles large data sets efficiently. Whether you need to export a few or thousands of records, the REST API can proceed the extraction process reliably and effectively.
Cons of ServiceNow REST API
- Technical Expertise Required
To carry out the Tableau ServiceNow integration using this method, you need to build ServiceNow filters yourself and also convert data from strings to the required target types. These can be quite complex.
- API Rate Limits and Performance Considerations
The maximum volume of data you can export in 2 minutes is restricted to 50K. You must also raise the transaction quota for REST Table API Request Timeout. It is typically set to 60 seconds by default.
- Security and Access Control
The ServiceNow REST API method has no built-in mechanism for controlling access or user permissions. It can pose challenges in ensuring data security and enforcing appropriate access controls. Additional measures and configurations may be required to manage data privacy and restrict access to sensitive information.
- Maintenance and Troubleshooting
If you run into issues during setup or data export, you’ll have to troubleshoot the issue yourself, which can be quite complex. Debugging any problems that occur can require knowledge of both ServiceNow and the REST API. It’s essential to have resources or expertise available to handle maintenance and address any potential issues that may arise.
Method 2. Tableau Connector for ServiceNow as a No-Code Solution for Direct Connection
The second method to set up Tableau Servicenow integration is a third-party connector built for seamless integration, such as the acSoft Tableau Connector for Servicenow. The connector provides a direct and no-code connection to ServiceNow without the need for complex programming or manual data handling. With this seamless integration, users can effortlessly access and visualize their ServiceNow data directly in Tableau.
The Tableau ServiceNow Connector offers a no-code integration solution that leverages advanced application architecture to optimize ServiceNow data transfer and processing. It allows for exporting large amounts of data from ServiceNow to Tableau without negatively impacting the performance of the ServiceNow instance. Users can extract data without limitations, enabling comprehensive analysis of ServiceNow data in Tableau. Tableau Connector schedule automated data export to ensure that reports and visualizations in Tableau are always up-to-date with the latest ServiceNow data, eliminating the need for manual interventions and enhancing overall data accuracy.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for connecting Tableau to ServiceNow using Tableau Connector for ServiceNow:
Step 1. Create a Data Source in Tableau ServiceNow Connector
The first step is to find the Tableau Connector for ServiceNow on the ServiceNow Store and install it on your sub-production instance. You can buy the connector immediately or try a free trial to see how it works. The free trial version of the Tableau Connector for ServiceNow provides full functionality, identical to the paid version of the app.
After successful installation, ServiceNow System Admin should assign you the ADMINISTRATOR or EDITOR role to work with Tableau Connector.
To export data from ServiceNow to Tableau using a connector, you need to create a data source to specify ServiceNow data for export. You can do it from the ServiceNow portal Instance-Name.service-now.com/sp just find the Data Source table and press the New button.
Also, you can create a data source from the Tableau Connector page Instance-Name.service-now.com/tableau_connector.
Press the New button and assign a name to it, input a short description of the data source, set the Row limits.
After adjusting the settings and parameters, click the “Add source” button to get started with adding tables and fields to be exported from ServiceNow to Tableau. You can either find the table from the list manually or type the name in the search field. Click the “Add” button to see the fields from your chosen table. After adding the table, choose the fields needed for your report.
You can streamline your export results by applying filters to the tables. To do this, click on the Filter icon and set your desired conditions. Once you’ve added the necessary conditions, simply hit the “Run” button to activate the filter.
After selecting a table and applying filters, choose the specific fields for your reports by clicking the checkbox next to each desired field. This will include them in your export.
After completing these settings, click the Save button at the end of the page to save the data source.
Note! ServiceNow Admins can also create a data source using fields from Database Views. To do this, click on the “Add Source” button and select the database view option from the list displayed. With the database view added, you can select fields, set filter string, or use the display value option to ensure the accuracy of your data.
Step 2. Import ServiceNow Data to Tableau
From the Tableau Connector page at Instance-Name.service-now.com/tableau_connector, find the data source created in the previous step. Right-click on the data source to open the menu and select “Copy OData feed URL.” Alternatively, you can use the direct “Copy” action next to each data source.
In Tableau Desktop, click on “OData.” Enter the copied OData URL in the “Server” field in the opened window. Select “Username and Password” as the authentication type. Enter your username and password. Click “Sign In.”
The import process will begin, and once completed, you can start building Views and analyzing the data imported from ServiceNow.
Advantages and Limitations of Tableau Connector for ServiceNow
Let’s consider some of the benefits and limitations of connecting ServiceNow to Tableau using the Tableau Connector.
Advantages of Tableau Connector
- No-code ServiceNow Tableau Integration
The Tableau Connector for ServiceNow has an intuitive interface that allows anyone to export ServiceNow data without complex programming skills.
- Simplified Data Extraction
Connect ServiceNow to Tableau in just 2 steps with the Tableau ServiceNow Connector, streamlining the entire data extraction process and accelerating reports generation for further helpful insights.
- Advanced Functionalities for Custom Reporting
Leverage advanced functionalities such as data filters that allow you to export only the required data tables and fields, the dot-walking mechanism that allows exporting the Reference fields enabling access to parent fields, and the ability to navigate table dependencies and select specific child fields without having to open them individually.
- Ability to Create Unlimited Data Sources
The connector uses an advanced architecture to optimize data processing. Once connected, users can export large amounts of data between both platforms without losing performance.
- Enhanced Data Security and Access Control
asSoft’s Tableau Connector for ServiceNow does not store or share any user data. All data is stored on the customer’s ServiceNow instance. The connector also features advanced permission settings that allow you to determine who can access data and how much access they get.
- No Need for Maintenance
The connector does not require maintenance on the user side. It works out of the box and stays connected once the setup is complete.
Limitations of Tableau ServiceNow Connector
- No Real-Time Data
ServiceNow data is not synced to Tableau in real-time. However, there’s the option to schedule ServiceNow data refresh to keep Tableau reports updated.
- Dependency on the Connector’s Availability and Compatibility
As a third-party integration tool, the connector relies on regular updates and maintenance from its developers to stay compatible with the latest versions of Tableau and ServiceNow. If there are delays in releasing updates or the connector is not immediately compatible with newer versions of either software, it may result in integration disruptions or delays in accessing real-time data from ServiceNow in Tableau.
- Paid
The connector is a paid tool. The need for a paid license can impact organizations with budget constraints or may require additional approvals before implementation.
Conclusion
Exporting ServiceNow data to Tableau allows you to leverage the BI platform’s advanced visualization capabilities to generate custom reports and gain more insights from your ServiceNow data. You can carry out this integration by using the REST API method or installing the Tableau Connector For ServiceNow by acSoft for a no-code direct integration. Consider the above pros and cons to determine which options will work best for you.
