Flow Designer Triggers are essential components in ServiceNow that determine when a flow should execute automatically. They serve as the starting point for any automated workflow within the Flow Designer interface.
There are several types of triggers available in Flow Designer:
1. **Record-based …Flow Designer Triggers are essential components in ServiceNow that determine when a flow should execute automatically. They serve as the starting point for any automated workflow within the Flow Designer interface.
There are several types of triggers available in Flow Designer:
1. **Record-based Triggers**: These activate when specific events occur on database records. Options include:
- Created: Executes when a new record is inserted
- Updated: Runs when an existing record is modified
- Created or Updated: Combines both conditions
- Deleted: Activates upon record removal
2. **Schedule Triggers**: These allow flows to run at predetermined times using schedules. You can configure daily, weekly, monthly, or custom recurring patterns.
3. **Application Triggers**: These respond to specific ServiceNow application events, such as Service Catalog item requests or approvals.
4. **Inbound Email Triggers**: Flows can be initiated when emails arrive at specific mailboxes within ServiceNow.
Key configuration options for triggers include:
- **Table Selection**: Specify which table the trigger monitors for record-based triggers
- **Conditions**: Define filter criteria to ensure flows only run when specific field values match your requirements
- **Run As**: Determine the user context under which the flow executes
Triggers also support **Trigger Conditions**, which add another layer of filtering before the flow begins processing. This helps optimize system performance by preventing unnecessary flow executions.
Best practices for working with triggers include:
- Setting appropriate conditions to limit unnecessary executions
- Testing triggers thoroughly in sub-production environments
- Documenting trigger purposes for maintenance clarity
- Considering system performance impacts when designing trigger logic
Understanding Flow Designer Triggers is crucial for ServiceNow administrators as they enable powerful process automation capabilities that enhance self-service experiences and streamline business operations across the platform.
Flow Designer Triggers
Why Flow Designer Triggers Are Important
Flow Designer Triggers are fundamental to automating business processes in ServiceNow. They determine when a flow should execute, making them the starting point for any automated workflow. Understanding triggers is essential for the CSA exam because they represent how ServiceNow connects real-world events to automated responses, enabling self-service and reducing manual intervention.
What Are Flow Designer Triggers?
A trigger is the event or condition that initiates a flow in Flow Designer. Think of it as the 'if this happens' part of automation logic. When the specified trigger condition is met, ServiceNow automatically executes the associated flow.
There are several types of triggers available in Flow Designer:
Record-Based Triggers: • Created - Flow runs when a new record is inserted • Updated - Flow runs when an existing record is modified • Created or Updated - Flow runs for both scenarios • Deleted - Flow runs when a record is removed
Schedule-Based Triggers: • Daily - Flow runs once per day at a specified time • Weekly - Flow runs on selected days each week • Monthly - Flow runs on specific days of the month • Repeat - Flow runs at defined intervals
Application-Based Triggers: • Service Catalog - Flow runs when a catalog item is requested • Inbound Email - Flow runs when an email is received • SLA - Flow runs based on SLA events
How Flow Designer Triggers Work
1. Trigger Definition: When building a flow, you first select a trigger type that matches your use case
2. Condition Configuration: You can add conditions to filter when the trigger should activate. For record triggers, you can specify field conditions that must be met
3. Run Conditions: These determine additional criteria for execution, such as running only when specific field values change
4. Execution: When the trigger event occurs and all conditions are satisfied, the flow executes its defined actions and subflows
Key Concepts to Remember:
• Triggers pass data to the flow through trigger outputs (like the current record for record-based triggers) • You can set triggers to run before or after database operations for record triggers • Multiple flows can use the same trigger type on the same table • Trigger conditions help optimize performance by preventing unnecessary flow executions
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Flow Designer Triggers
1. Know the trigger types: Be able to identify which trigger type suits a given scenario. If the question mentions 'when a record is created,' think Record trigger with Created option
2. Understand timing: Questions may ask about the difference between Before and After triggers. Remember that Before triggers run prior to the database commit, while After triggers run following the commit
3. Catalog requests: When questions involve self-service or Service Catalog, remember that Service Catalog triggers are the appropriate choice
4. Scheduled operations: For questions about recurring tasks or maintenance activities, scheduled triggers are typically the answer
5. Condition filtering: Understand that trigger conditions reduce unnecessary executions and improve system performance
6. Compare with Business Rules: Exam questions might compare Flow Designer triggers to Business Rules. Remember that Flow Designer provides a no-code interface while Business Rules require scripting
7. Read carefully: Pay attention to keywords like 'scheduled,' 'when submitted,' 'upon creation,' or 'after approval' to identify the correct trigger type
8. Trigger outputs: Know that triggers provide data to subsequent flow actions through trigger outputs, which can be referenced throughout the flow