Bulk Import Service Catalog Items along with Approval process,flows or workflows to Servicenow

[vivek72]

Hi,

I have been often asked about below question in some interviews, please help to explain in detail with a possible solution if anyone has implemented it before:

"How to import catalog items in bulk which will also help to import not only variables but also approval process,flows, workflows,MVRS etc attached to respective catalog item from either a csv file or from other ITSM tools like BMC remedy".

Thanks,

Vivek

[Anil Lande · Accepted solution]

It depends what data they are providing in CSV.

We need to create transform maps to load these CSV files into respective table and use correct sequence to load data. Do the transformations through scripts and load data in different target tables through transform maps.

Load data in below sequence:

1. Load all catalogs (in sc_catalog table)

2. Load all Categories

3. Load all Catalog Items

4. Load All variables mapped with each catalog item.

5. Load variable sets and variables and do the mapping throgh script or using Variable set API.

We can only talk about high level architecture but in actual case this is going to be very complex implementation.

Thanks,
Anil Lande

[Anil Lande]

From one instance to another we can do it with the help of update sets or exporting all items, variables,  Variable sets, workflows etc as xml and importing into another instance.

In other cases it depends in what format we are getting data. We can use integration to import catalog items or build logic to import all items through data import. but this need lot if efforts.

Thanks,
Anil Lande

[vivek72]

Thanks Anil for your reply.

Interviewer was more intrested to know how we can do it via CSV file and 3rd party systems/tools like Remedy but not from other servicenow env.

Please share more details on how we can build this type of logic or integration if suppose we need to do it via CSV file. How will it ensure on approval process and other peices of catalog items.

I agree that from other snow env., best approach would be to use update sets.

[Anil Lande · Accepted solution]

It depends what data they are providing in CSV.

We need to create transform maps to load these CSV files into respective table and use correct sequence to load data. Do the transformations through scripts and load data in different target tables through transform maps.

Load data in below sequence:

1. Load all catalogs (in sc_catalog table)

2. Load all Categories

3. Load all Catalog Items

4. Load All variables mapped with each catalog item.

5. Load variable sets and variables and do the mapping throgh script or using Variable set API.

We can only talk about high level architecture but in actual case this is going to be very complex implementation.

Thanks,
Anil Lande

[jose_quinonez]

Hi Anil,

I'm in a similar position as vivek72. I need to import 7000+ catalog items from CSV into ServiceNow tables. Each catalog item should also import its corresponding fulfillment process. 

There are seven types of flows. One catalog item uses one of these flows. 

The CSV also refers to that.

What steps would you add to include the referenceto the flows?

Thank you