Business Rules are powerful server-side scripts in ServiceNow that execute when database operations occur on specific tables. They are fundamental to automating processes and enforcing business logic within the platform. Business Rules trigger during four key database operations: Insert, Update, De…Business Rules are powerful server-side scripts in ServiceNow that execute when database operations occur on specific tables. They are fundamental to automating processes and enforcing business logic within the platform. Business Rules trigger during four key database operations: Insert, Update, Delete, and Query. Each rule can be configured to run at specific timing points relative to these operations. The timing options include Before, After, and Async. Before rules execute prior to the database operation, making them ideal for data validation and field manipulation. After rules run once the database transaction completes, perfect for notifications and creating related records. Async rules run in the background, suitable for time-consuming operations that should not delay user interactions. When creating a Business Rule, administrators define conditions that determine when the rule should execute. These conditions can be simple field comparisons or complex scripted logic. The When to Run section allows precise control over execution criteria. Business Rules access current and previous record values through the current and previous objects respectively. This enables comparison of field changes and conditional logic based on modifications. Common use cases include auto-populating fields, enforcing mandatory requirements, updating related records, and triggering workflows. Best practices recommend keeping Business Rules efficient to maintain system performance. Administrators should avoid unnecessary queries within rules and use appropriate timing to prevent recursive loops. The Display option allows Business Rules to run when forms load, enabling dynamic form behavior. However, client scripts are often preferred for client-side interactions. Business Rules are managed through System Definition > Business Rules in the application navigator. Administrators can activate, deactivate, and order rules to control execution sequence when multiple rules apply to the same table and operation. Understanding Business Rules is essential for ServiceNow administrators as they form the backbone of server-side automation and data integrity enforcement.
Business Rules in ServiceNow
What are Business Rules?
Business Rules are server-side scripts that execute when a record is displayed, inserted, updated, deleted, or when a table is queried. They are one of the most powerful automation tools in ServiceNow for enforcing business logic and data consistency.
Why are Business Rules Important?
Business Rules are essential because they: - Automate complex business processes - Ensure data integrity across the platform - Enforce organizational policies consistently - Reduce manual work and human error - Execute logic at the database level for reliability
How Business Rules Work
Business Rules operate based on two key factors: When they run and What operation triggers them.
When to Run: - Before: Executes before the database operation; can modify the current record - After: Executes after the database operation; current record is read-only - Async: Executes after the operation in a scheduled job; runs in the background - Display: Executes when a form loads; used to calculate field values for display
Database Operations: - Insert: When a new record is created - Update: When an existing record is modified - Delete: When a record is removed - Query: When records are retrieved from the database
Key Components of a Business Rule: - Name: Descriptive identifier - Table: The table the rule applies to - When: Before, After, Async, or Display - Order: Determines execution sequence (lower numbers run first) - Condition: Filter conditions that must be met - Script: The server-side JavaScript code to execute
Important Objects in Business Rules: - current: Represents the record being processed - previous: Contains field values before the update (only available on updates) - g_scratchpad: Passes data from Display Business Rules to client scripts
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Business Rules
1. Know the timing differences: Before rules can modify records; After rules cannot modify the current record.
2. Remember the previous object: It only contains values during update operations, not inserts or deletes.
3. Understand Async rules: They run in the background and are useful for operations that do not need to complete before the user continues.
4. Display Business Rules: These are specifically for passing data to the client using g_scratchpad.
5. Order matters: Business Rules execute in order from lowest to highest number. The default order is 100.
6. Abort actions: Use current.setAbortAction(true) in a Before rule to prevent an operation.
7. Query Business Rules: These add conditions to all queries on a table and are useful for row-level security.
8. Best practices questions: Look for answers that mention using conditions over scripted checks, and Before rules for field modifications.
9. Performance considerations: Async rules are preferred for heavy operations to avoid slowing down user transactions.
10. Common scenario: If asked how to auto-populate a field when a record is created, the answer involves a Before Insert Business Rule.