SPM Project Templates in ServiceNow’s Strategic Portfolio Management (SPM) not only offer pre-defined project structures and configurations but also significantly enhance the project planning and execution process. These templates, moreover, include a comprehensive range of standard components such as task lists, timelines, resources, and financial information. By leveraging these templates, users can quickly and easily set up new projects. This ensures not only consistency but also efficiency across similar project types. Additionally, using these templates helps maintain a standardized approach, thereby reducing the time and effort required to initiate projects.

What Do SPM Project Templates Contain?

SPM Project Templates contain essential elements that form the foundation of a project. Specifically, they typically include:

• Task Lists: These are pre-defined sets of tasks and activities required to complete the project.
• Timelines: Suggested schedules and milestones guide project execution.
• Resource Allocations: They provide information on necessary resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials.
• Financial Information: Basic cost estimates, budget details, and potential financial outcomes are included.
• Documentation: Standardized templates for project plans, reports, and communications are provided.

By including these components, SPM Project Templates help ensure that projects start with a solid foundation, promoting consistency and efficiency.

How Are SPM Project Templates Used?

SPM Project Templates help streamline project setup and execution. Users can easily select a template that matches their project’s requirements, ensuring all critical elements are in place from the beginning. Furthermore, these templates can be customized to meet specific project needs, offering flexibility while still maintaining a consistent project management approach. This process not only saves time but also ensures a standardized approach across different projects.

Getting Started with Standard License Out-of-the-Box Templates

Type of Project	Features Included	Value Statements for Use
IT Project Template	– Standard task lists for IT activities	– Streamlines management of IT projects such as system upgrades and software development.
	– Basic timelines and resource allocation	– Ensures a structured approach and timely project delivery.
	– Documentation templates for IT-related plans	– Facilitates clear documentation and communication.
Business Project Template	– Flexible task lists adaptable for various business functions	– Suitable for marketing campaigns, business process improvements, and other non-IT projects.
	– General timelines and milestones	– Provides a versatile framework for diverse business projects.
	– Basic resource planning and documentation	– Offers flexibility and structure to meet specific business needs.
Agile Project Template	– Task lists for user stories, backlog management, and sprints	– Tailored for Agile projects, emphasizing iterative development and continuous delivery.
	– Sprint planning and tracking	– Enhances the efficiency of Agile project management.
	– Agile-specific documentation templates	– Supports Agile methodologies with appropriate tools and documentation.
Operational Project Template	– Predefined tasks for maintenance and support activities	– Ideal for managing routine operational tasks and ongoing projects.
	– Standard operational procedures	– Helps maintain consistent operations and reduces downtime.
	– Basic timelines and resource management	– Ensures efficient handling of operational work.
Financial Project Template	– Task lists for budget planning and financial analysis	– Focuses on financial projects, aiding in accurate budgeting and cost tracking.
	– Cost tracking and financial documentation	– Provides clarity in financial management and reporting.
	– Basic financial reporting tools	– Facilitates smooth financial tracking and accountability.
Strategic Initiative Template	– High-level task lists for strategic planning and goal setting	– Best suited for large-scale, long-term strategic initiatives.
	– Stakeholder engagement and communication plans	– Supports comprehensive planning and stakeholder management.
	– Multi-phase project management structure	– Offers a robust framework for managing complex projects.

Leveraging Existing Templates

To use the already created templates, follow these steps:

1. Select the Appropriate Template: First, choose a template that matches your project’s nature, whether it’s internal, client-based, operational, or strategic.
2. Review Template Components: Next, review the tasks, timelines, and resources included in the template. This helps you understand what is already provided.
3. Customize as Needed: Then, modify the template to suit the specific needs of your project. Adjust the task lists, schedules, and resource allocations as necessary.
4. Launch and Manage: Finally, use the customized template to guide your project from start to finish. This will ensure that all key steps are followed and managed effectively.

Advanced User Tips for Using SPM Project Templates

Customizing Templates

Advanced users can enhance templates even more by:

1. Adding Custom Fields: First, include specific data points relevant to your project. This allows for more detailed tracking.
2. Modifying Task Lists: Next, adjust the sequence of tasks, add new ones, or remove those that aren’t needed. This helps tailor the workflow.
3. Adjusting Timelines: Finally, change project timelines to fit specific deadlines and milestones. This ensures the schedule aligns with your project’s needs.

Copying All or Part of Other Projects

To create new templates from existing projects:

1. Select a Completed Project: First, identify a project that closely matches the structure and content you need for the new template. This selection ensures a solid foundation for your new template.
2. Copy Project Elements: Next, use the copy functionality to replicate either the entire project or specific elements like tasks, resources, and timelines. This step is crucial for preserving important details and maintaining consistency.
3. Save as a Template: Finally, save the copied elements as a new template. Then, customize it as needed to fit your specific requirements.

You may want to copy a project or its tasks to streamline the creation of similar projects. This process not only saves time but also leverages proven frameworks, ensuring consistency and efficiency across your projects.

Modifying Templates

To modify existing templates:

1. Access the Template Library: First, go to the SPM module and navigate to the “Project Templates” section. This is your starting point for making any changes.
2. Select and Edit: Next, choose the specific template you want to modify. Then, use the editing tools to adjust tasks, timelines, resources, and other elements. This step allows you to tailor the template to better fit your project’s needs.
3. Save Changes: Finally, save the modified template for future use. Make sure all changes align with organizational standards and project requirements. This ensures consistency and compliance.

In summary, SPM Project Templates in ServiceNow offer a structured and efficient way to manage projects. Whether you’re using out-of-the-box templates for internal and client projects or customizing them to suit specific needs, these templates streamline the project management process and improve overall efficiency. or customizing templates for specific needs, these tools can greatly enhance project planning and execution. With these advanced user tips, you can further refine and optimize your project management processes.

Standard to Pro SPM and PPM Licensed Features Comparison

ServiceNow SPM and PPM Features Comparison: Standard vs. Pro Versions

Feature	Standard Version	Pro Version
Demand Management	Basic demand capture, prioritization, and assessment	Advanced demand capture with dynamic forms, scenario planning
	Approval workflows	Multi-level approvals
	Demand tracking and reporting	Comprehensive prioritization and scoring models
Project Management	Basic project planning and scheduling	Advanced planning with Gantt charts
	Task and milestone management	Enhanced task dependencies, real-time dashboards
	Resource assignment and tracking	Advanced resource management and capacity planning
Resource Management	Basic resource allocation and time tracking	Advanced allocation, resource heatmaps, and detailed forecasting
	Resource availability reporting	Advanced time tracking with approvals
Financial Management	Basic financial tracking (budget, actuals)	Comprehensive tracking, BCFS, cost allocation
	Cost estimates and budget management	Advanced reporting and financial forecasting
Portfolio Management	Basic portfolio management and tracking	Advanced portfolio planning, analytics, and roadmaps
	Portfolio-level reporting	Investment analysis and strategic alignment
Reporting and Analytics	Standard dashboards and basic performance analytics	Advanced analytics, predictive trends, drill-down capabilities
Collaboration & Communication	Activity stream, project updates, document management	Enhanced collaboration tools, advanced document control
Change Management	Basic change request tracking and approval	Advanced change management with automation
Scenario Planning	Not available	Comprehensive scenario planning tools
Integration & Automation	Basic integration capabilities	Advanced integration, automated workflows

This simplified table provides a concise comparison of features in the Standard and Pro versions of ServiceNow SPM and PPM, helping organizations understand the differences and choose the best option for their needs. Organizations understand the differences and choose the right version based on their needs.

Other SPM Project Template Resources

• Agile at scale 101: Using Agile project management methods to deliver customer value – ServiceNow
• Get started with Project Management
• PPM Collaboration
• Project Templates Documentation
• SPM – ServiceNow Community
• SPM learning-paths.pdf (servicenow.com)
• Strategic Portfolio Management Foundations
• Timeline: ITBM to SPM

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