Scheduled Data Imports in ServiceNow provide a powerful mechanism for automatically importing data from external sources into the ServiceNow platform on a recurring basis. This feature is essential for maintaining synchronized data between ServiceNow and other enterprise systems.
A Scheduled Data ā¦Scheduled Data Imports in ServiceNow provide a powerful mechanism for automatically importing data from external sources into the ServiceNow platform on a recurring basis. This feature is essential for maintaining synchronized data between ServiceNow and other enterprise systems.
A Scheduled Data Import combines two key components: a Data Source and a Transform Map. The Data Source defines where the data originates from, which can include JDBC connections to external databases, file attachments (CSV, Excel, XML), FTP locations, or HTTP connections. The Transform Map specifies how incoming data fields map to ServiceNow table fields and includes any transformation scripts needed during the import process.
To create a Scheduled Data Import, administrators navigate to System Import Sets > Scheduled Imports > Scheduled Import. Here, you configure the data source connection details, select or create appropriate transform maps, and establish the schedule frequency. Schedules can be set to run at specific intervals such as daily, weekly, or custom timeframes using cron expressions.
Key configuration options include setting the import order when multiple imports exist, enabling or disabling the scheduled job, and configuring email notifications for import completion or failures. Administrators can also define concurrent import limits to manage system resources effectively.
The import process creates Import Set records that serve as staging tables, allowing data validation before committing to target tables. Transform maps can include scripts for data manipulation, coalescing rules for matching existing records, and choice actions for handling field mappings.
Best practices include testing imports manually before scheduling, implementing proper error handling, monitoring import logs regularly, and using appropriate coalesce fields to prevent duplicate records. Administrators should also consider system load and schedule imports during off-peak hours when possible.
Scheduled Data Imports are crucial for maintaining data integrity and reducing manual data entry efforts, making them an indispensable tool for ServiceNow administrators managing enterprise data integration requirements.
Scheduled Data Imports in ServiceNow
Why Scheduled Data Imports Are Important
Scheduled Data Imports are essential for maintaining data consistency and accuracy across enterprise systems. They allow organizations to automatically synchronize data from external sources into ServiceNow on a regular basis, reducing manual effort and human error. This automation ensures that critical business data such as user information, asset inventories, and configuration items remain current and reliable.
What Are Scheduled Data Imports?
Scheduled Data Imports are automated jobs in ServiceNow that pull data from external sources at predefined intervals. They combine Import Sets, Transform Maps, and Data Sources into a single scheduled operation. This feature enables administrators to:
- Import data from files (CSV, Excel, XML) - Connect to external databases via JDBC - Pull data from LDAP directories - Retrieve information from web services
How Scheduled Data Imports Work
The process follows these steps:
1. Data Source Configuration: Define where the data originates, whether from a file attachment, FTP server, or database connection.
2. Import Set Table: Data is first loaded into a staging table called an Import Set table, which temporarily holds the raw data.
3. Transform Map: Rules are applied to map source fields to target table fields, including coalescing fields to determine whether to insert or update records.
4. Schedule Definition: Set the frequency of execution using options like daily, weekly, or custom intervals through the scheduled job.
5. Execution: The system runs the import at the scheduled time, processing records through the transform map into the target table.
Key Components to Understand
- Coalesce Fields: Fields used to match incoming records with existing records to prevent duplicates - Transform Scripts: Custom scripts that run during transformation for complex data manipulation - Import Log: Records showing success, error, or ignored status for each imported record - Rollback: Capability to undo an import if errors occur
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Scheduled Data Imports
Focus on the Import Process Flow: Understand that data moves from Data Source to Import Set Table to Target Table via Transform Map. Questions often test this sequence.
Know Coalesce Field Purpose: Remember that coalesce fields determine record matching. If a match is found, the record updates; if not, a new record is created.
Understand Data Source Types: Be familiar with supported sources including File, JDBC, LDAP, and custom data sources.
Remember Transform Map Functions: Know that transform maps can include field maps, transform scripts, and event scripts for onBefore and onAfter processing.
Import Set Table Behavior: Recognize that import set tables are staging areas and data should be cleaned up periodically to maintain performance.
Error Handling: Understand that the import log shows the status of each record and helps identify transformation issues.
Common Exam Scenarios: - Identifying the correct order of import operations - Selecting appropriate coalesce fields for specific use cases - Choosing the right data source type for given requirements - Understanding when to use transform scripts versus field mapping
Practice Tip: When facing multiple-choice questions, eliminate answers that suggest data goes straight to target tables, as the staging process through import sets is fundamental to how ServiceNow handles data imports.