Flow Designer: How to update record as System User?

[JC S_]

We created a flow using the new Flow Designer (Madrid version). We've set on properties to run flow as the user who triggers the request, however we need a specific action (updating of record) to be recorded as run by the system user. How can we do this?

[ralf_schnell]

Hi JC,

I would use another flow that runs as 'System User', and loop that one in as a subflow. I don't think there is an option within one flow to change 'run as' for a specific action.

Kind regards

Ralf Schnell, Senior Platform Evangelist

[JC S_]

Hi Ralf

I already did this as a workaround, but this workaround will become a mess in the future if you need to create a subflow for every step that needs to be done as System user. Any idea if this is already in the radar of Flow Designer team?

What's the concept behind this design anyway? Or is it just a platform limitation for now? I want to adhere to best practices as much as possible.

[ralf_schnell]

Hi,

not sure what the specific reasons behind this design decision were, but I do know that our platform dev team is very thoughtful and will have a good reason. The team is actively asking for feedback such as yours! Why don't you post your requirement here:

https://devprogramresources.service-now.com/com.glideapp.servicecatalog_cat_item_view.do?v=1&sysparm...

Now, I need to ask what your reason is to run the flow as the 'trigger user' instead of 'System User'? It can't be for security reasons when you want to run part of that flow as 'System User' anyway. Is it because you want the user that triggers the request to be set in the 'updated by' field? You might be able to achieve that by updating that field as part of your flow actions, and just run the entire flow as 'System User'.

Kind regards

Ralf Schnell, Senior Platform Evangelist