Automating Task Alerts with the Reminder Table in ServiceNow

[Prasad Dhumal]

🔍 Introduction

In fast-paced IT environments, staying on top of task deadlines is crucial. The Reminder [reminder] table in ServiceNow provides a built-in, low-code way to auto-generate personalized alerts for any task-based record — helping users act before critical dates are missed.

Whether it’s following up on incidents, change approvals, or task due dates, this feature brings timely awareness and productivity to your ServiceNow ecosystem.

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📌 What is the Reminder Table?

The Reminder table allows users (by default, only admins) to set up time-based alerts on any table that extends from the Task [task] table — like Incident, Change, or Problem.

Reminders can be configured to trigger before a specific date field (like Due date or Follow up) using predefined time offsets (e.g., 15 minutes, 1 hour), and delivered via email or Outlook calendar.

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🧾 Key Fields Explained

Field	Purpose
Task	Reference to the task record (Incident, Change, etc.)
User	The recipient of the reminder
Remind me	Time before the selected task date to send the alert (15 mins, 30 mins, 1 hr, etc.)
Before	The task's date field used to trigger the reminder (e.g., Due date, Follow up)
Using	Delivery method: Send an Email or Outlook Calendar
Subject	Reminder title (max 100 characters)
Notes	Additional message/details (max 8000 characters)

🔄 Internally, all time values in "Remind me" are stored in minutes.

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⚙️ How to Configure Reminders

✅ Add to a Task Form:

1. Open any task form (e.g., Incident).

2. Click the gear icon → Configure > Related Lists.

3. Add Reminders → Task to display reminders as a related list.

✅ Create a Reminder:

1. Navigate to reminder.do.

2. Fill in the task, user, and reminder details.

3. Select Due date or Follow up in the Before field.

4. Choose delivery method and save.

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🛠️ Advanced Use: Custom Date Fields

You can use fields like work_start or expected_start, but it requires a workaround:

1. Set Before to Due date or Follow up.

2. Save the record.

3. Go to the list view, and edit the Before value directly with the field name (e.g., work_start).

4. ⚠️ To re-edit the form later, change the Before value back to a supported field first.

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🔐 Access Control Considerations

• Admins only by default can create/edit reminders.

• To enable end users or specific roles:

  • Add Create and Read ACLs for the reminder table.

  • Assign necessary roles to target users.

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📎 Quick Access

• Use reminder.do in the filter navigator to open the table directly.

• Or manage reminders via the related list on task records.

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🎯 Conclusion

The Reminder table in ServiceNow is a simple yet powerful feature that improves user accountability and task visibility. With proper configuration and role-based access, teams can reduce SLA breaches and never miss another critical deadline.

If you're managing task-heavy workflows, integrating reminders into your forms is a no-brainer — low effort, high value.

[SAM230]

Good article. Very helpful.