Data Sources in ServiceNow are configuration records that define how external data is imported into the ServiceNow platform. They serve as the foundation for data import operations, specifying the location, format, and connection details needed to retrieve information from external systems. Data So…Data Sources in ServiceNow are configuration records that define how external data is imported into the ServiceNow platform. They serve as the foundation for data import operations, specifying the location, format, and connection details needed to retrieve information from external systems. Data Sources work in conjunction with Import Sets and Transform Maps to bring data into ServiceNow tables.
Key components of a Data Source include:
1. **Type**: Defines the source format such as File, JDBC, LDAP, REST, or custom scripts. Each type requires specific configuration parameters appropriate to that connection method.
2. **Connection Information**: Contains credentials, URLs, file paths, or database connection strings necessary to access the external data repository.
3. **Data Format**: Specifies whether the incoming data is CSV, XML, JSON, Excel, or another supported format for file-based sources.
4. **Import Set Table**: References the staging table where raw data lands before transformation into target tables.
5. **Properties**: Additional settings that control behavior like header rows, sheet names for Excel files, or query parameters for database connections.
The import process flows as follows: Data Source retrieves external data, which populates an Import Set staging table. Transform Maps then process this staged data, mapping source fields to destination fields in production tables while applying any necessary data transformations or coalescing logic.
Administrators can schedule Data Sources to run automatically using scheduled imports, enabling regular synchronization with external systems. This is particularly valuable for maintaining user records from HR systems, asset information from external databases, or configuration data from other enterprise tools.
Data Sources support test loads, allowing administrators to validate configurations before executing full imports. This preview capability helps identify potential issues with field mappings or data quality before affecting production data. Proper Data Source configuration ensures reliable, repeatable data integration workflows within ServiceNow environments.
Data Sources in ServiceNow: Complete Guide for CSA Exam
What Are Data Sources?
Data Sources in ServiceNow are configuration records that define external data connections used to import data into the platform. They specify where external data resides and how ServiceNow should connect to retrieve that data for import operations.
Why Are Data Sources Important?
Data Sources are critical for several reasons:
• Data Integration: They enable organizations to bring data from external systems into ServiceNow • Data Migration: Essential when transitioning from legacy systems to ServiceNow • Ongoing Synchronization: Allow regular updates from external data repositories • Master Data Management: Help maintain consistent reference data across the enterprise
How Data Sources Work
Data Sources function as the first step in the import process:
1. Define the Source: Configure where the data comes from (file, JDBC, LDAP, etc.) 2. Specify Connection Details: Set authentication, file paths, or connection strings 3. Test the Connection: Verify ServiceNow can access the external data 4. Link to Import Set Table: Associate with a staging table for incoming data 5. Create Transform Maps: Define how data maps to target tables
Types of Data Sources
• File-based: CSV, Excel, XML files uploaded or accessed via attachment • JDBC: Connect to external databases using database drivers • LDAP: Import user and organizational data from directory services • Custom: Script-based data sources for unique requirements
Key Components of a Data Source Record
• Name: Identifier for the data source • Import Set Table: The staging table where imported data lands • Type: The connection method (File, JDBC, LDAP, etc.) • Format: For files, specifies CSV, Excel, or XML • Sheet Number: For Excel files, which sheet to use • Header Row: Indicates if the first row contains column names
The Import Process Flow
Data Source → Import Set Table → Transform Map → Target Table
This flow ensures data is staged, validated, and properly transformed before entering production tables.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Data Sources
1. Remember the Relationship: Data Sources connect to Import Set Tables, not target tables. Transform Maps handle the mapping to target tables.
2. Know the Types: Be familiar with all data source types (File, JDBC, LDAP) and when each is appropriate.
3. File-Based Details: For file data sources, remember that you can specify header rows, sheet numbers for Excel, and delimiters for CSV files.
4. Scheduled Imports: Understand that Data Sources can be configured to run on schedules using Scheduled Import functionality.
5. Testing: Know that you should always test a data source connection before running a full import.
6. Common Exam Scenarios: • Questions about importing user data typically involve LDAP data sources • Questions about one-time migrations often reference file-based sources • Questions about ongoing database synchronization point to JDBC sources
7. Module Location: Data Sources are found under System Import Sets > Administration > Data Sources
8. Key Distinction: Data Sources define where data comes from; Transform Maps define how data is processed and where it goes.
Practice Question Approach: When facing exam questions, identify what type of external system is mentioned, then match it to the appropriate data source type. Pay attention to whether the question asks about the source configuration or the transformation process.