Virtual Agent for software requests

  • Release version: Washingtondc
  • Updated February 1, 2024
  • 3 minutes to read
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    Summary of Virtual Agent for Software Requests

    ServiceNow® Virtual Agent allows employees to request software through an AI-powered conversational interface, automating the software request process. This enables IT fulfillment teams to focus on more complex tasks by streamlining handling of standard software requests.

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    Prerequisites

    • Activate the Software Asset Management Professional (com.snc.samp) plugin.
    • Activate the Glide Virtual Agent (com.glide.cs.chatbot) plugin.
    • Request and install the ITSM Virtual Agent Conversations application from the ServiceNow Store.
    • Request and install the ITSM NLU Model for Virtual Agent Conversations application from the ServiceNow Store.
    • Enable automatic allocation by setting the workflow of software catalog items to Procurement Process Flow - Auto allocation enabled.

    Software Request Flow on Virtual Agent

    When a user requests software, Virtual Agent recommends options from the available software catalog. Users must specify the target user or device for the software request. The following workflows are initiated based on the specified target:

    • User allocation workflow: Allocates rights to the specified user when software entitlements support user allocations or both user and device allocations.
    • Device allocation workflow: Allocates rights to the specified device under similar conditions.

    Rights are allocated in chronological order, starting with the oldest entitlements. If sufficient rights are available, the request is automatically approved, and users receive instructions for software download and installation. If rights are insufficient, manual sourcing is required, followed by automatic allocation once rights are sourced.

    Key Outcomes

    The implementation of Virtual Agent for software requests enhances efficiency by automating the allocation process, thereby reducing the workload on IT teams while ensuring users receive timely access to necessary software. This functionality is consistent across both the ServiceNow® Service Catalog and Employee Center, providing a cohesive user experience.

    You can implement ServiceNow® Virtual Agent to enable your employees to request software through a predefined conversational interface that is powered by artificial intelligence. Virtual Agent helps address software requests automatically so that your IT fulfillment professionals can focus on more complex requests and incidents.

    For information on how to implement and use Virtual Agent, see Virtual Agent.

    Prerequisites

    Before you can begin using Virtual Agent for your software requests, complete the following prerequisites:
    • Activate the Software Asset Management Professional (com.snc.samp) plugin on your ServiceNow instance.

      See Request Software Asset Management for more information on how to activate this plugin.

    • Activate the Glide Virtual Agent (com.glide.cs.chatbot) plugin on your ServiceNow instance.

      See Activate Virtual Agent for more information on how to activate this plugin.

    • Request and install the ITSM Virtual Agent Conversations application from the ServiceNow Store.
    • Request and install the ITSM NLU Model for Virtual Agent Conversations application from the ServiceNow Store.
    • Enable automatic allocation of your software by setting the workflow of the corresponding software catalog items to Procurement Process Flow - Auto allocation enabled. See Create or edit a catalog item for more information on how to set the workflow for a software catalog item.

    Software request flow on Virtual Agent

    When a user requests software, Virtual Agent automatically recommends appropriate options based on the software that is available in your software catalog. Upon selecting an option, the user is prompted to specify the user or device that the software is being requested for. Virtual Agent then generates a request item and initiates one of the following workflows to allocate rights to the specified user or device:
    • User allocation workflow: Allocates rights to the specified user. Virtual Agent initiates this workflow when the corresponding software entitlements support either user allocations only or both user and device allocations.
    • Device allocation workflow: Allocates rights to the specified device. Virtual Agent initiates this workflow when the corresponding software entitlements support either device allocations only or both user and device allocations.
    Note:
    Rights are allocated to the specified user or device in ascending chronological order of software entitlements, starting with the oldest software entitlement.
    Note:
    If a software entitlement supports both user and device allocations or your software contains both user allocation- and device allocation-based software entitlements, Virtual Agent initiates the user allocation workflow first. Virtual Agent initiates the device allocation workflow only after all user allocations are consumed.

    If the corresponding software entitlements contain enough active rights and allocations to fulfill the request, Virtual Agent automatically approves the request and allocates rights to the specified user or device. The user is then provided with instructions to download and install the software.

    If the corresponding software entitlements do not contain enough active rights and allocations to fulfill the request, you must source the required rights manually. After you source those rights, Virtual Agent automatically allocates them to the specified user or device. The user is then provided with instructions to download and install the software.

    Important:
    Software can be requested and allocated using this same flow in the ServiceNow® Service Catalog and Employee Center. See Service Catalog for more information on the Service Catalog. See Employee Center for more information on the Employee Center.