Effortless Field Population in ServiceNow: Mastering Catalog Data Lookup Definitions

[Amit Gujarathi]

Effortless Field Population in ServiceNow: Mastering Catalog Data Lookup Definitions

If you’ve ever found yourself tangled in GlideAjax calls just to auto-populate fields in a catalog item—today’s article will be a game-changer. In todays tutorial, we’re exploring one of ServiceNow’s lesser-known gems: Catalog Data Lookup Definitions. This no-code feature helps you streamline catalog form behaviors without touching a single script.

Let’s dive in and see how you can turn this hidden feature into a superpower for your catalog items.

🔍 What Is a Catalog Data Lookup Definition?

A Catalog Data Lookup Definition is a no-code capability in ServiceNow that lets you auto-fill catalog item fields based on a reference field's value—such as pre-populating user email and mobile number when someone is selected in the "Requested For" field.

This approach removes the need for:

• Script Includes

• Client Scripts

• GlideAjax

• onLoad/onChange handling

Yes, you heard that right—zero scripting required.

🛠 Use Case: Auto-Fill Email and Mobile Number

Imagine you’re building a catalog item for internal meetups. You want the form to:

• Let the user select someone in the Requested For field.

• Automatically fill in their Email ID and Mobile Number.

Traditionally, you'd build a full script pipeline—client scripts, GlideAjax, and more. But with Catalog Data Lookup Definitions, it's all point-and-click.

Here’s how it works:

🎯 Result: No Code, All Magic

Now when a user selects someone in the "Requested For" field:

• The Email ID and Mobile Number are instantly and automatically filled.

• Any attempt to modify them will revert to the correct values (if Always Replace is checked).

No more debugging GlideAjax. No more waiting on script execution.

📝 Why You Should Start Using It Today

• Saves Time: Skip the custom scripting and streamline your workflows.

• Cleaner Architecture: Reduces script clutter and improves maintainability.

• More Secure: Prevents tampering with system values using the Always Replace option.

• Reusable: Apply the same logic across catalog items using variable sets.

🚀 Final Thoughts

Catalog Data Lookup Definitions are a perfect example of how ServiceNow empowers developers and admins to do more with less code. If you’ve been relying on custom scripts for field auto-population, it’s time to modernize your approach with this built-in solution.

💬 Let’s Hear from You!

Have you tried Catalog Data Lookup Definitions before? Did this guide help clarify how it works?

Drop your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to share this with your fellow ServiceNow superheroes.

Until next time—stay safe, stay sharp, and keep building smart!