InServiceNow,System Import Setsis the primary application used toimport and transform datafrom external sources into the platform. It provides a structured way toload data into tableswhile allowingdata transformation and mappingbefore final insertion.
Data Loading from External Sources:
Supports imports fromCSV, Excel, XML, JSON, and JDBC databases.
Allows data fromexternal systemsto be brought into ServiceNow.
Staging Area for Data Processing:
Imported data first enters atemporary staging table(Import Set Table).
Data can then betransformedbefore being committed to the target table.
Data Mapping and Transformation:
UsesTransform Mapsto map fields from theImport Set Tableto theTarget Table.
Supportsautomatic field mappingandscripted transformations.
Data Cleansing and Validation:
Duplicate records can bedetected and removed.
Invalid or missing data can becorrected before insertion.
Navigate to System Import Sets(All → System Import Sets → Load Data).
Upload the data file(CSV, XML, JSON, etc.).
Create a Transform Mapto define how data is mapped to the target table.
Run the transformationto move data from the Import Set Table to the final table.
Verify the datain the target table.
A company importsemployee recordsfrom an externalHR system (CSV file).
TheSystem Import Setsmodule loads this data into astaging table.
ATransform Mapmoves the data into theUser [sys_user]table.
Key Features of System Import Sets:Steps to Load Data Using Import Sets:Example Use Case:
Why Option C (System Import Sets) is Correct?System Import Sets is the primary tool for loading data into ServiceNow from external sources.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect?A. Service Level Management→ Incorrect
Service Level Management (SLM)is used to trackService Level Agreements (SLAs), not to import data.
B. Configuration→ Incorrect
Configuration Management (CMDB)helps trackconfiguration items (CIs)but does not handle data imports.
D. System Update Sets→ Incorrect
Update Setsare used tomove configurations and customizationsbetween instances,not to import data.
ServiceNow Docs – Importing Data with System Import Setshttps://docs.servicenow.com
ServiceNow Learning – Data Import & Transformation Best Practices
ServiceNow Developer Portal – Using Import Sets Efficiently
References from Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation: