---
sourceDocument: Zurich Build or modify applications
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/zurich/application-development

 Release :

    - zurich

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Zurich Build or modify applications

ft:clusterId :

    - cadev

bundleId :

    - cadev

workflow :

    - Development, Data, and Analytics


---

# Record producers vs. catalog items

# Choosing between record producers and catalog items {#ariaid-title1}

* Release version: Zurich
* 
* Updated July 31, 2025
* 
* ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read

Both the record producer and standard catalog item in App Engine Studio (AES) create experiences where users can submit requests through a service portal. However, record producers are more extensible, and enable users to create a record in any table.

## Consider the level of customization {#record-producer-vs-catalog-item__section_c13_f43_kxb}

Record producers allow for more customization, making the most of the App Engine tools to build experiences from scratch.

Catalog items represent services or items a user can request. The catalog of all items is called the Service Catalog, and is part of Service Catalog Management.

## Comparison of record producers and standard catalog items {#record-producer-vs-catalog-item__section_sx2_pq3_kxb}

{#record-producer-vs-catalog-item__table_zrs_qq3_kxb__entry__3}

| Functional area | Record producer | Catalog item |
|-|-|-|
| Purpose | Create custom fulfillment experiences using App Engine automation tools. | Support simple request management applications for which a predefined approval and qualification process exists, such as requesting IT hardware and software. |
| Extensibility | Customizable. | Pre-defined. |
| Example | Password reset form that creates a password reset request. | Form to request a parking permit. |
| Development model | Process is as follows: 1. Set up a business-focused data model. 2. Define the kind of experience your users will leverage. 3. Define the automation or business logic. 4. Define the user roles that will use the app. {#record-producer-vs-catalog-item__ol_wmt_txj_kxb} | Catalog items heavily rely on the request fulfillment process for fulfilling items defined in Service Catalog, a central, accurate, and consistent source of data. |
| Reporting | Easier to create dashboards with a purpose-built data model. | Requires creating database views and scripting to gather variables into other tables to configure specific reports. |
| Scalability | Business-focused app makes it easier to find resources and make app changes in a low-code environment. | Typically part of a Service Catalog Management operation with a dedicated team managing each catalog. |
| Security | Scoped apps allow flexibility to manage permissions without being an administrator. | Catalog items are typically built in a specific scope, and less flexible. |
[ ]

{#record-producer-vs-catalog-item__table_zrs_qq3_kxb}

## Help topics on record producers and standard catalog items {#record-producer-vs-catalog-item__section_xth_2zv_4xb}

For more information, see the following topics:

* Record producers:
  * [Add a record producer](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/StF_db3yk5y6SBgWQCROTg "A record producer enables users to create task-based records, such as an incident record, in apps you create in App Engine Studio (AES) without creating a request. It enables a better end-user experience by standardizing requests using a simplified form.")
  * [Sample record producer](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/Y3oiR2Bc1c5gle8MnlxVZQ "A record producer experience that you create in App Engine Studio (AES) is a service catalog form that generates a task record, such as an incident, instead of a request.")
  {#record-producer-vs-catalog-item__ul_t2s_hzv_4xb}
* Standard catalog items:
  * [Add a standard catalog item](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/YYV4oBxNOWfYJ5KBoR8Fuw "Add a standard catalog item to your application in App Engine Studio (AES) so users can submit requests for services and offerings.")
  * [Sample standard catalog item](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/TMvEx54jFqu7YJXY6znudg "A standard catalog item displays a form that users can fill in to create requests, such as a form to request an item or service. Standard catalog items make use of the Request table and produce a request record. In addition, generated request items are linked with a workflow, a catalog task, and any related approvals. Using standard catalog items, users can add multiple items to a cart and generate a request for each requested item. Use a catalog item when you want the service catalog form to generate a request, complete with a workflow, approvals, tasks, etc.")
  {#record-producer-vs-catalog-item__ul_a4l_szv_4xb}
{#record-producer-vs-catalog-item__ul_bty_gzv_4xb}