Import Sets in ServiceNow are powerful staging tables that serve as temporary holding areas for data being imported into the platform from external sources. They act as an intermediary layer between external data and the target ServiceNow tables, enabling administrators to transform, validate, and …Import Sets in ServiceNow are powerful staging tables that serve as temporary holding areas for data being imported into the platform from external sources. They act as an intermediary layer between external data and the target ServiceNow tables, enabling administrators to transform, validate, and map data before it becomes permanent records in the system.
When data is imported into ServiceNow through various methods such as Excel files, CSV files, JDBC connections, or web services, it first lands in an Import Set table. This staging approach provides several critical advantages for database administration.
The Import Set process involves three main components: the Data Source, which defines where the data originates; the Import Set Table, which stores the raw imported data temporarily; and Transform Maps, which define how source fields map to target table fields.
Transform Maps are essential as they allow administrators to define field mappings, create coalesce fields for matching existing records, apply scripts for data manipulation, and set conditions for when transformations should occur. This ensures data integrity and prevents duplicate records from being created.
During the transformation process, administrators can run scripts to modify data, validate entries, and handle exceptions. The system tracks the status of each imported row, marking records as inserted, updated, ignored, or error based on the transformation results.
Import Set tables retain historical data by default, allowing administrators to review past imports and troubleshoot issues. However, these tables should be cleaned periodically to maintain system performance, which can be automated through scheduled jobs.
For System Administrators, understanding Import Sets is crucial for data migration projects, integrations with external systems, and bulk data updates. They provide a safe, auditable method for bringing external data into ServiceNow while maintaining data quality and system stability through the validation and transformation capabilities built into the platform.
Import Sets in ServiceNow: Complete Guide for CSA Exam
Why Import Sets Are Important
Import Sets are a fundamental feature in ServiceNow that enable administrators to bring external data into the platform safely and efficiently. They serve as a staging area where data can be validated, transformed, and mapped before being committed to production tables. Understanding Import Sets is crucial for the CSA exam as they represent a core competency in data management and system administration.
What Are Import Sets?
An Import Set is a temporary staging table in ServiceNow where data from external sources is loaded before being transferred to target tables. Think of it as a holding area that allows you to:
- Preview imported data before it affects live records - Clean and transform data as needed - Map source fields to destination fields - Handle errors and exceptions gracefully
Import Sets work in conjunction with Transform Maps, which define how data moves from the staging table to the target table.
How Import Sets Work
The import process follows these steps:
1. Data Source Creation First, you define where the data comes from. ServiceNow supports multiple data source types including: - File imports (Excel, CSV, XML, JSON) - JDBC connections to external databases - LDAP directories - Custom data sources
2. Import Set Table When data is loaded, ServiceNow creates an Import Set table (prefixed with u_imp_) to store the raw data. Each import creates a new Import Set record with a unique number.
3. Transform Map Configuration Transform Maps define the relationship between source fields and target fields. Key components include: - Field Maps: Define which source field maps to which target field - Coalesce Fields: Determine whether to update existing records or create new ones - Transform Scripts: Allow custom logic during transformation
4. Transformation During transformation, the system processes each row from the Import Set table and either inserts new records or updates existing ones in the target table based on coalesce settings.
5. Import Log ServiceNow maintains detailed logs showing the status of each imported row (inserted, updated, error, skipped).
Key Concepts to Remember
Coalescing: This is the process of matching incoming records with existing records. When a coalesce field is set, ServiceNow checks if a record with that value already exists. If it does, the record is updated; if not, a new record is created.
Transform Event Scripts: These run at specific points during transformation: - onStart: Runs once before processing begins - onBefore: Runs before each row is transformed - onAfter: Runs after each row is transformed - onComplete: Runs once after all processing completes
Data Sources vs Import Sets: Data Sources define where data comes from, while Import Sets are the actual staging tables containing the imported data.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Import Sets
1. Know the Sequence Remember the order: Data Source → Import Set Table → Transform Map → Target Table. Questions often test your understanding of this flow.
2. Understand Coalescing This is frequently tested. Know that coalesce fields prevent duplicate records by matching on specified fields. If asked what happens when no match is found, the answer is a new record is created.
3. Transform Map vs Field Map A Transform Map is the overall mapping definition between source and target tables. Field Maps are individual mappings within a Transform Map. Do not confuse these terms.
4. Scheduled Imports Know that Data Sources can be scheduled to run periodically, automating the import process. This is useful for recurring data synchronization.
5. Error Handling Understand that Import Sets provide a safe way to handle errors. Failed transformations do not affect the target table, and errors are logged for review.
6. Common Question Patterns - What is the purpose of an Import Set? (Staging area for external data) - What determines if a record is inserted or updated? (Coalesce field settings) - Where do you define field mappings? (Transform Map) - What happens to the Import Set table after transformation? (Data remains until cleaned up)
7. Remember the Cleanup Import Set tables retain data after transformation. There is a scheduled job to clean up old Import Set data to manage database size.
8. Watch for Trick Questions Questions may try to confuse Import Sets with other data management features. Import Sets are specifically for bringing external data INTO ServiceNow, not for exporting or synchronizing bidirectionally.