Update record in flow without updating system fields

[brianlan25]

I have a requirement to nudge users who's incidents are on hold and not updated in 5 day. So I was thinking I could use a flow to put in work notes ask the assigned to, to provide updates on there incidents. But I don't want them to fall off because my flow added work notes. I know I can use autoSysFields(false) in a GlideRecord script but I was wondering if this can be done in flow without having to make my own action?

[Tejas Adhalrao]

hi @brianlan25  ,

OOTB Flow Designer does not provide a direct equivalent of GlideRecord’s autoSysFields(false) on the Update Record action.

If you want to keep the original Updated timestamp, you generally need server-side scripting with autoSysFields(false), for example through a Script step/action. Otherwise, an alternative is to track the last meaningful user update in a separate field and have your scheduled flow evaluate that field instead of sys_updated_on.

For a maintainable solution, I would prefer the second approach if the requirement is specifically “no user/activity update for 5 days,” rather than trying to bypass system fields.

If this helps, please mark it as Helpful and accept the solution.
Regards,
Tejas

[Ankur Bawiskar]

@brianlan25 

that's not possible in flow

Workaround

1) create separate nudge field instead of using work notes

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

[brianlan25]

Wouldn't that still cause an update to the updated time on the incident?

[Aditya_hublikar]

Hello @brianlan25 ,

As per my understanding, it is not possible to update Work Notes using Flow Designer without affecting the system fields, since the standard Update Record action does not provide an option equivalent to autoSysFields(false).

If you are okay with using autoSysFields(false), you can use it in a Script step. Otherwise, if the requirement is simply to notify the Assigned To about an Incident that has been on hold for 5 days, you can send a notification to the Assigned To instead of updating the Work Notes.

If this helps you then m ark it as helpful and accept as solution.

Regards,
Aditya