What is the exact use of embedded lists in service now ?

[Archana Singh1]

I just read about Embedded Lists but I am unable to get its exact usage. Please help me in this.

[marcguy]

Embedded lists are just an alternative to having a related list, so that you can embed a list in the form or in a separate tab as opposed to having it as a related list at the bottom.

You can do inline editing in an embedded list and also create a new related record a little easier than you can with a related list because you don't have to leave the form to insert a new row, you can just type into the empty cells, so when you have a related record where maybe you need to update them quickly and easily, then they can be a good case for having an embedded list as opposed to a related list, although you can still edit related list records inline, but not create them.

[Chuck Tomasi]

Marc spells it out pretty well. A key thing to remember is that the content in the embedded list is not saved until you update/save the form (unlike related lists.)

One project I used them on was an exam application that used multiple choice answers. At first I had a related list, but it was much faster to create and update this particular use case if the answers were in an embedded list.

Internally, they are treated the same as records on a related list and you can switch back and forth in your form layout at any time. It should be noted that you cannot use the same list as a related list and embedded list however.

Embedded lists

[bernyalvarado]

Hi Archana,

In addition to what the guys suggested I'll recommend taking a look of how ServiceNow currently uses it in a couple of places out of the box.

for instance:

Service Mapping >> Services >> Business Services

Thanks,

Berny

[bernyalvarado]

The best is to play with it on several scenarios and have a personal opinion on it in relation of the use case where you will like to employ it. There's some odd behaviors here and there (I believe there were mainly related when all items on the embedded list are removed or something like that ).

I hope this helps.

Thanks,

Berny