Transform Maps in ServiceNow are powerful tools that define how data from an import set table is mapped and transferred into a target table within the ServiceNow database. They serve as the bridge between imported external data and the production tables where that data needs to reside.
When you im…Transform Maps in ServiceNow are powerful tools that define how data from an import set table is mapped and transferred into a target table within the ServiceNow database. They serve as the bridge between imported external data and the production tables where that data needs to reside.
When you import data into ServiceNow through various methods such as CSV files, JDBC connections, or web services, the data first lands in a staging area called an import set table. Transform Maps then take this raw imported data and apply rules to convert, validate, and insert it into the appropriate destination tables.
Key components of Transform Maps include:
1. Source Table: The import set table containing the incoming data that needs to be processed.
2. Target Table: The production table where the transformed data will be stored, such as the Incident, User, or Configuration Item tables.
3. Field Maps: These define the relationship between source columns and target fields. You can map fields one-to-one or use scripts to manipulate data during the mapping process.
4. Coalesce Fields: These fields help identify existing records in the target table to determine whether to update an existing record or create a new one. This prevents duplicate entries.
5. Transform Scripts: onStart, onBefore, onAfter, and onComplete scripts allow administrators to execute custom logic at different stages of the transformation process.
6. Run Business Rules: You can configure whether standard business rules should execute during the transform operation.
Transform Maps support both automatic mapping based on matching field names and manual mapping for more complex scenarios. They also provide error handling capabilities and logging to track successful transformations and identify issues.
Administrators frequently use Transform Maps for bulk data migrations, regular data synchronization with external systems, and initial system setup when populating ServiceNow instances with organizational data from legacy systems.
Transform Maps in ServiceNow
What are Transform Maps?
Transform Maps are a critical component of ServiceNow's data import process. They define how data from an import set staging table is mapped and transformed into target tables within the ServiceNow platform. Think of them as the bridge between raw imported data and the final destination tables where that data needs to reside.
Why are Transform Maps Important?
Transform Maps are essential because: - They enable data migration from external systems into ServiceNow - They allow data cleansing and normalization during the import process - They support coalesce operations to prevent duplicate records - They provide flexibility through scripting for complex data transformations - They are fundamental to integration scenarios and data loading operations
How Transform Maps Work
The transform map process follows these steps:
1. Source Table: Data is first loaded into an import set staging table 2. Field Mapping: Each source field is mapped to a target field in the destination table 3. Coalesce Fields: These determine whether to update existing records or create new ones by matching field values 4. Transform Scripts: Optional scripts can run at various stages (onBefore, onAfter, onStart, onComplete) 5. Execution: When the transform runs, data moves from staging to target based on defined rules
Key Components of Transform Maps
Field Maps: Define the relationship between source and target fields. Can use direct mapping, scripted values, or reference lookups.
Coalesce: When enabled on a field map, the system uses that field to find existing records. If a match is found, the record is updated; otherwise, a new record is created.
Transform Scripts: - onStart: Runs once when the transform begins - onBefore: Runs before each row is transformed - onAfter: Runs after each row is transformed - onComplete: Runs once when the transform finishes - onChoiceCreate: Runs when a choice value needs to be created - onForeignInsert: Runs when a reference record needs to be created
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Transform Maps
1. Remember the sequence: Data Source → Import Set → Transform Map → Target Table. Questions often test your understanding of this flow.
2. Coalesce is crucial: Understand that coalesce fields prevent duplicates by matching existing records. Multiple fields can be set as coalesce fields, and ALL must match to update an existing record.
3. Script execution order: Know that onStart runs first (once), then onBefore and onAfter run for each record, and onComplete runs last (once).
4. Source vs Target: The import set table is the source, and the ServiceNow table you're populating is the target.
5. Reference fields: Transform maps can automatically create referenced records if configured to do so via the 'Create new reference' option.
6. Common exam scenarios: - Identifying which script event to use for specific requirements - Understanding when records are updated vs inserted based on coalesce settings - Knowing the relationship between data sources, import sets, and transform maps
7. Practice tip: When you see questions about data import, first identify if the question is about loading data (import set) or mapping data (transform map).
8. Multiple transform maps: Remember that a single import set can have multiple transform maps, allowing data to be sent to different target tables from the same source.