Hi All,
Recently, I had the opportunity to delve into ServiceNow's Decision Tables, and I found them to be an invaluable feature. In this article, I'll share my firsthand experience, outlining how Decision Tables effectively addressed my specific needs and provided a customized solution within the ServiceNow platform.
Introduction:
ServiceNow Decision Tables are an invaluable feature that streamlines complex decision-making processes based on multiple factors.
Consider utilizing Decision Tables in scenarios involving nested else-ifs within your code. Decision Tables provide an efficient method for constructing if, else-if, else-if, ... else statements. They effectively separate the conditional logic from the actual code, such as Flow, Script Include, Business Rule, or UI Action. In this framework, the decision itself becomes an argument, and the decision table dictates the corresponding value or output.
This approach facilitates the modification of decisions without the need to redevelop or alter the underlying code (e.g., Flow, Script, etc.). Furthermore, it empowers business users by allowing them to adjust decision table values and outcomes, eliminating the necessity for developers to release code modifications.
Understanding the Power of Decision Tables in ServiceNow
Overview:
- Decision Tables serve as a robust solution for tackling complex decision-making scenarios that hinge on multiple variables.
- Each variable is systematically treated as a decision input, fostering a structured and methodical approach to decision-making.
Components of Decision Tables:
- Decision Table Records: These records define a singular decision, specifying the table used for generating answers.
- Decision Input Records: With support for various types including strings, references, true/false, and dates, these records represent the inputs crucial for obtaining answers.
- Decision Records: Reflecting individual decisions based on inputs, conditions are constructed using the intuitive condition builder.
- Answer Records: These records outline the outcomes determined by different values of decision inputs.
USE CASE:
In the context of a data loading need, there was a need to map 'Install Status' and 'Operational Status' fields based on the specific values within the three fields: 'StatusOrigin,' 'SUBSTATUS,' and 'Device.provisioning.Status,' as detailed below :
With 13 existing combinations in the list and the expectation of more features, resorting to a multitude of else-if or switch statements using static values is not feasible. Such a traditional approach would result in an unwieldy and overly complex code structure.
To optimize our process, we are considering the implementation of a decision table approach.
- Create a new Decision table : Mapping Install Status and Operational Status
- Define 'StatusOrigin,' 'SUBSTATUS,' and 'Device.provisioning.Status,' as choice inputs
- Specify the choice list for each input
- Define results and the mapping conditions:
- access to Decision Table : As previously mentioned, the decision table can be applied either within the code (BR , Script include ...) or through the flow designer. Below is the code refactoring for our example:
To access the decision table, we utilize the DecisionTableAPI ,
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in case we want use it in a Flow we can use “Make Decision” Flow Logic.
Thanks.
Taha Elalami : Servicenow Consultant
