---
sourceDocument: Xanadu Create Integrations with Applications
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/xanadu/integrate-applications

 Release :

    - xanadu

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Xanadu Create Integrations with Applications

ft:clusterId :

    - crint

bundleId :

    - crint

workflow :

    - Creator


---

# Robust Import Set Transformers

# Robust Import Set Transformers {#ariaid-title1}

* Release version: Xanadu
* 
* Updated August 1, 2024
* 
* ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 2 minutes to read

Use robust import set transformers instead of transform maps if you want to extract,
transform, and load data to one or more target tables.

## Robust import set transformers versus transform maps {#robust-import-set-transformers__section_pwg_d52_hjb}

Transform maps define the mapping from imported data stored in a staging table to a single
target table in the ServiceNow AI Platform. Transform maps also insert data into target tables,
performing both transform and processing functions. You can define multiple table mappings with
multiple transform maps.

The Robust Transform Engine (RTE) and the robust import set transformer separate the transform
and processing functions, providing a more flexible alternative to transform maps. The robust
import set transformer allows you to extract data from a source table into an intermediary data
structure. You can transform the data as desired and then load that data to one or more target
tables. Records are processed as batches to enhance performance.

With transform maps, if you want data from the source table to go to three different target
tables, you must create three separate transform maps. Each transform map parses the data
separately, which results in three separate read operations. By contrast, the robust import set
transformer requires only a single read operation to prepare the data for three target tables.
The robust import set transformer is more efficient, especially when dealing with multiple
target tables.

## Extract Transform Load (ETL) {#robust-import-set-transformers__section_crv_zt2_hjb}

When you use the robust import set transformer, Extract Transform Load (ETL) functionality
transfers imported data to target tables. You define how the data is extracted, transformed, and
loaded to one or more target tables. You can use ETL definitions to do the following:

* Define entities (an abstraction similar to tables).
* Define entity fields (an abstraction similar to table fields).
* Define mapping between entities, and optionally designate whether a specific mapping should be ignored during data integration.
* Define entity field mappings.
* Define entity operations.

{#robust-import-set-transformers__ul_m2g_p4m_kjb}

For an overview of ETL definitions, see [Extract Transform Load (ETL) definition overview](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/fWXq4AvpETuwNFV7XyRmTw "ETL definitions extract data from a source table, transform the data as desired, and load the data into one or more target tables. ETL definitions also support nested data structures."). For a
step-by-step guide on how to create ETL definitions, see [Create Extract Transform Load (ETL) definitions](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/ANVGCTH_og4KS2y9~b1Obw "Create ETL definitions to extract data from a source table, transform the data as desired, and load the data into multiple target tables. ETL definitions also support nested data structures.").  
As of the Paris release, ETL definitions also support nested data structures such as the following when the Data source has JSON/XML payloads in a single column.

    {
       "records":[
          {
             "network":{
                "location":"San Diego",
                "computers":[
                   {
                      "id":"C100",
                      "os":"Mac",
                      "disks":[
                         {
                            "size":"200GB",
                            "type":"SSD"
                         },
                         {
                            "size":"1TB",
                            "type":"Magnetic"
                         },
                         {
                            "size":"1TB",
                            "type":"Magnetic"
                         }
                      ]
                   },
                   {
                      "id":"C200",
                      "os":"Windows",
                      "disks":[
                         {
                            "size":"5TB",
                            "type":"Magnetic"
                         }
                      ]
                   }
                ]
             }
          }
       ]
    }

**Related tasks**   

* [Create a robust import set transformer](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/b8Au9zgvuxOdoQBTkqV1gg "Define how information is sent from the source table to target tables via a Robust Transform Engine (RTE).")
* [Create robust transform definitions](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/Aj2MId7RcQ9WxkupCMfIAg "Specify your own Robust Transform Engine (RTE) to transfer data from a source table to a target table.")
* [Create Extract Transform Load (ETL) definitions](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/ANVGCTH_og4KS2y9~b1Obw "Create ETL definitions to extract data from a source table, transform the data as desired, and load the data into multiple target tables. ETL definitions also support nested data structures.")