Importing data into ServiceNow involves using Import Sets, which act as temporary staging tables before transferring data to the target table. The correct sequence of steps is as follows:
Correct Answer
Load the Data ✅
Upload data from an external source (CSV, Excel, XML, JDBC, or API).
The data is stored in an Import Set table (temporary staging table).
Create Transform Map ✅
A Transform Map defines how data from the Import Set should be mapped to the target table (e.g., incident, cmdb_ci).
Example: Mapping "Full Name" in Import Set → "User Name" in sys_user table.
Transform Data ✅
Executes the Transform Map, moving data from the Import Set into the target table.
Any data conversion rules or business logic (such as field mapping, script processing) are applied.
Clean Up Import Table ✅
After a successful import, the temporary Import Set table can be deleted to free up space.
Incorrect Answer Choices
A . Select source file; Run automap; Transform data; Clean up target table ❌ Automap is optional and does not apply in every scenario.
Cleaning up the target table is incorrect-the cleanup applies to the Import Set table, not the target table.
B . Set up LDAP; Test map; Create update set; Run import; Apply update set ❌ LDAP is for user authentication, not for importing data.
Update Sets are used for moving configurations, not data imports.
C . Identify source; Import transform map; Run transformer; Verify import ❌
"Run transformer" is incorrect-the correct step is "Transform Data".
Importing does not require a verification step; instead, data is reviewed using Transform History.
Reference:
ServiceNow Documentation: Import Set Process
ServiceNow Developer Guide: Creating Transform Maps