What function do Order guides serve in the service catalog?

Order guides play a significant role in a service catalog by grouping multiple catalog items into a single request. They are designed to simplify the ordering process for users, allowing them to select a collection of related services or products that may need to be requested together. This approach not only streamlines the user experience but also increases efficiency in service delivery by enabling users to fulfill multiple needs with a single submission.

For instance, in an IT service catalog, an order guide might include items such as a laptop, software installation, and network access, enabling a new employee to have all essential tools requested at once. This comprehensive grouping helps ensure that related services are delivered concurrently, reducing back-and-forth requests and enhancing overall service efficiency.

Additionally, while processing payments and managing incidents are important functions within IT service management, they do not specifically relate to the role of order guides. Similarly, although automatic approval of requests can be part of a service management system, it is not a primary function of order guides, which focus on the organization of catalog items rather than the approval process.