(Composed with respect to ServiceDesk Plus build 9003 Enterprise)
When searching Solution records, the records created from Problem 'Workaround' and 'Solution' fields represent out-of-context information. The user must launch the Problem record to provide context around application of the workaround. Additionally, Known Errors are a very underdeveloped feature.
Enhancement request 1: (to Solution records generated from Problem records)
When posting a Solution record from a Problem, t
he Solution record appearing in the Solutions module is a templated combination of the related Problem:
- 'Description',
- 'Symptoms',
- 'Workaround' ("Requester Workaround" and/or "Adminsitrative Workaround" areas as appropriate, see below)
- 'Solution'
- (NOTE: Title would still be customizable)
Enhancement request 2: (to Problem record 'Solution' tab fields, in combination with request 1 above)
Problem record 'Solution' tab 'Workaround' field split into two sections to be used to either post self-help workaround instructions to the Requester self-service portal, or all instructions to a Solution record not visible to Requesters. The Solution tab of the Problem record would then have three fields:
- "Requester Workaround" field to populate Solution record 'Workaround' sections (see above) when the Solution record 'Publish to Self-Service Portal' is enabled
- This will enable us to write instructions to an end user audience, and segregate the technical solution information
- "Administrative Workaround" to populate Solution records where there is an administrative workaround (or an administrative description to the self-help end user workaround)
- "Solution" (no change from current build - used to indicate permanent resolution steps)
Enhancement request 3: (to Known Errors functionality; Solutions and Self-Service Portal)
(As a result of Enhancement requests 1&2, above, 'Known Error' Problem records would have a standard presentation of information appropriate to the user audience.)
Additionally, Solution records should have 'Types', with related visually obvious icons. Suggest the following defaults (customizable labels, but not deletable):
- "Known Error" automated Type for Solutions posted from Problem records flagged as Known Errors
- "Error under investigation" automated Type for Solutions posted from Problem records not flagged as Known Errors
- "How to" for Solutions posted from Requests
(additionally, our organization would likely use the following Types:
- "General Information" (to post information regarding Service Desk hours and support avenues, etc.)
- "Training" (to link to training resources via URL)