ServiceNow flow designer shows "user name" in activitie instead of system []run as prop is :system]

[Sachin Gavhane]

hi @Ankur Bawiskar 

In ServiceNow flow designer activities logs

we are able to see user name instead of system.

Run as properties is set to system user.

this is happening only for few RITMS and for maximum RITMS it shows system in activities.

Kindly needs your suggestion for the same

Thanks

[Nayan ArchX]

What You Can Do to Diagnose / Fix

🔹Confirm the Flow’s Run As is Actually Saved and Active

1. Open the flow in Flow Designer

2. Go to More Actions → Properties

3. Verify Run As = System User

4. Save, Deactivate, then Reactivate the flow to ensure the setting takes effect fresh

This habit often fixes inconsistent execution contexts.

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🔹Review Execution Details Correctly

In the Flow Activity panel and Flow Execution Details, look for:

• Run As → should show “System”

• Triggering user → this may show the user who caused the action

These are separate fields in the execution log.

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🔹Consider Flow Roles

If the flow runs some steps as System but needs specific elevated roles for some actions, you can also use Run With Roles when Run As User isn’t enough. Otherwise, the system may log or show the user who triggered the flow in some contexts.

Useful Official Docs and References

✔ Flow Designer Run As property and options — explains how Run As System works:
📌https://developer.servicenow.com/print_page.do?category=learning-module&identifier=app_store_learnv2...

✔ Flow Execution Details — shows how execution context and Run As are logged:
📌https://www.servicenow.com/docs/en-US/bundle/zurich-build-workflows/page/administer/flow-designer/co...

✔ Community discussion on inconsistent Run As behavior — confirms practical observations:
📌https://www.servicenow.com/community/developer-forum/flow-desginer-run-as-different-user-not-system/...

If my response has resolved your query, please consider giving it a thumbs up ‌‌ and marking it as the correct answer‌‌!

Thanks

Nayan Patel

IT ServiceNow Consult, ServiceNow ArchX

If my response has resolved your query, please mark it Helpful by giving it a thumbs up and Accept the Solution

[Ankur Bawiskar]

@Sachin Gavhane 

how is the flow configured to trigger? share screenshot

any subflow is getting called?

how are you getting to know it's running as user and not system?

are you seeing work notes or comments with that user in activity log?

💡 If my response helped, please mark it as correct ✅ and close the thread 🔒— this helps future readers find the solution faster! 🙏

[AndersBGS]

Hi @Sachin Gavhane ,

In workflow studio, open the single flow a click on "more actions menu".

Open the "properties":

Under advanced settings, you have the run as options: