Unable to display Key Milestones table in PPT export (SPM Project Workspace)

Alejandra1
Tera Contributor

3 weeks ago

Hi everyone,

 

I’m currently working in SPM (Project Workspace) and trying to export a status report using a PowerPoint template that includes a table of Key Milestones with their Planned End Dates. 

 

I created a template using the ServiceNow ppt plugin, and most of the fields I configured on the template are populating correctly in the exported report. However, I’m experiencing an issue specifically with the table intended to display the Key Milestones, which is not rendering as expected.

 

Any guidance on how to properly configure or troubleshoot this would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks, 

Alejandra 

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pr8172510
Giga Guru

3 weeks ago

 

Hi Alejandra,

Good question — this is a common issue when working with PPT export templates in SPM, especially when trying to render related lists like Key Milestones.

1. Why your table is not rendering

The placeholders you’re using:

 

 
${pm_project_task.short_description}
${pm_project_task.end_date}
 

 

 These won’t work for multiple records (tables/lists)

They only work for:

  • Single record fields
  • Not for related lists like project tasks/milestones

That’s why your table is not populating.

2. Key limitation (important)

PPT export plugin:

Does NOT automatically loop through related records
Requires a repeat/iterator structure

3. Correct approach → Use repeat tags (solution)

To render multiple milestone records, you need to use repeat syntax in your PPT template.

Example:

 

 
${#pm_project_task}
${short_description} ${end_date}
${/pm_project_task}
 

 

 This tells ServiceNow:

  • Start loop over project tasks
  • Populate each row
  • Repeat for all records

4. Important configuration checks

Make sure:

  • Relationship is defined properly (Project → Project Task)
  • You are using correct table name:
    • Usually: pm_project_task
  • Milestones are correctly identified (if using condition like milestone = true)

5. If you only want milestones (not all tasks)

You’ll need filtering.

OOTB PPT templates don’t support complex filters easily, so:

Recommended:

  • Create a Database View OR
  • Use a Scripted Data Source

Filter:

 

 
milestone = true
 

Then use that source in your template.

6. Debugging tips

  • Test with simple repeat block first (no conditions)
  • Check if ANY task is coming
  • Then refine to milestones

7. Best practice

✔ Always use repeat tags for tables
✔ Avoid direct field placeholders for related lists
✔ Use filtered data source if needed

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