--- sourceDocument: Zurich Build workflows sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/zurich/build-workflows Release : - zurich ft:locale : - en-US ft:publication_title : - Zurich Build workflows ft:clusterId : - crworkflow bundleId : - crworkflow workflow : - Creator --- # Build workflows # Build workflows {#ariaid-title1} Release version: Zurich Updated July 31, 2025 ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 6 minutes to read Summarize ![AI sparkle icon](https://servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ai-sparkle-icon) Summarized using AI This content was generated using new OpenAI-powered functionality. Results are provided on an as is basis and are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. ## Summary of Build workflows ServiceNow's Workflow Studio, part of the AI Platform, empowers customers to transform manual and legacy processes into automated, digital workflows. It supports no-code, low-code, and pro-code development, enabling organizations to modernize their business processes and improve operational efficiency across departments and enterprises. Show full answer Show less ## Key Features * **Workflow Studio Flows:** Automate multi-step processes using reusable components in a no-code environment, covering simple to complex workflows. * **Workflow Studio Playbooks:** Author and manage cross-enterprise workflows as unified processes with no-code tools, designed for real-time interaction within Workspace. * **Decision Tables:** Decouple decision logic from code by creating and maintaining if-then rules that automate decision-making within workflows. * **Playbook Experience:** Provides agents with a task-oriented interface to interact with workflows, update records, and complete tasks seamlessly. * **Service Creator:** Allows departments to offer custom services through the Service Catalog, enabling non-administrators to create and publish catalog items consistently. * **Classic Workflow Replacement:** Workflow Studio flows and playbooks replace legacy workflow tools such as classic approvals, business rules, events, and workflows with modern, integrated automation. ## Related Applications and Integrations * **App Engine Studio:** Development environment for building custom applications that integrate with ERP systems and other data sources. * **Integration Hub:** Enhances Workflow Studio with prebuilt spokes and tools for automating integration tasks, requiring a separate subscription. * **MID Server:** Facilitates secure communication between ServiceNow instances and external systems within local networks. * **Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Hub:** Enables end-to-end automation by simulating user actions, complementing workflow automation. * **Virtual Agent Designer:** Builds conversational workflows to guide users through self-service tasks using virtual agents. ## Benefits for ServiceNow Customers By leveraging Workflow Studio and its related tools, customers can: * Automate and streamline complex, multi-step processes without coding expertise. * Improve process consistency and reduce manual errors across departments and enterprises. * Enable real-time workflow interaction for agents, enhancing responsiveness and task completion. * Modernize legacy automation components by transitioning to an integrated, unified platform. * Create custom service offerings through the catalog, empowering business units to deliver new capabilities quickly. * Integrate with ERP systems and external applications securely and efficiently. Transform manual tasks and mundane work into digital workflows. Modernize legacy processes with automation. Enable app development at all levels --- no-code, low-code, and pro-code --- from one platform. ## Get started {#build-workflows__section_kys_xfv_rjb} Increase the impact of your cross‑enterprise workflows by automating manual processes. Transform business performance with automation. Optimize process efficiency and make work flow seamlessly. |-|-|-| | [Workflow Studio Access workflow applications from a single interface.](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/RStzNHw8AWnDqrO8_NB_2g "Integrate workflow authoring, configuring, and monitoring into a single page experience. Consolidate playbooks, flows, actions, decision tables, and integrations into one design environment.") | [Workflow Studio flows Build multi-step flows from reusable components without having to code.](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/IMxzawf6MSxs6gGrjksm~w "Flows automate a repeatable multi-step process. When the flow trigger conditions are met, the flow runs a sequence of reusable actions and flow logic to complete the process.") | [Workflow Studio playbooks Author cross-enterprise workflows and create a single, unified process.](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/qBJsjRiKdwxYUWrBTaIgUw "Workflow Studio playbooks enable process owners to author cross-enterprise workflows and create a single, unified process. Build the underlying processes for playbooks that Playbook Experience agents and fulfillers use.") | | [Workflow Studio playbook experience Interact with a business workflow in real time from within Workspace.](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/pBLSkwV~KJ0t3WMbC6UJvQ "Interact with a business workflow in real time from within Workspace. Agents can use Playbook Experience to update records, upload attachments, and complete tasks across multiple workflow activities.") | [Workflow Studio decision tables Decouple decision logic from code by creating and maintaining decision rules.](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/00nububqKRqOlqmabx0DAA "Decision tables in Workflow Studio enable developers to decouple decision logic from their code by creating and maintaining decision rules.") | [Service Creator Enables a department to offer custom services through the service catalog](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/IL19_UaSNNLAuyRoGgHjHw "Service creator enables a department to offer custom services through the service catalog, such as the HR department offering tuition reimbursement for further education.") | [ ] {#build-workflows__table_w4r_vzq_rvb} ## Workflow Studio {#build-workflows__section_mm5_np2_nzb} The ServiceNow® Workflow Studio application provides a single location to access all process automation applications. ## Workflow Studio flows {#build-workflows__section_rsz_bdr_rvb} ServiceNow Workflow Studio flows are a ServiceNow AI Platform® feature that enables process owners to automate work. Create end-to-end digital workflows. Automate any process---from simple productivity to complex transformation---in a no-code, environment. ## Workflow Studio playbooks {#build-workflows__section_qh5_4dr_rvb} ServiceNow® Workflow Studio playbooks enable process owners to author cross-enterprise workflows and create a single, unified process. Build and manage multiple complex workflows easily with no-code playbooks and the enterprise application development platform. ## Workflow Studio decision tables {#build-workflows__section_yyy_1cw_tvb} Workflow Studio decision tables provides an intuitive interface to create and manage decision tables, which store sets of decision rules. Decision tables in Decision Builder embed business logic into a series of if-then decision rules. Decision tables read data from inputs. When all the conditions for a decision rule are met, the decision table returns one or more results. Decision Builder enables developers to decouple decision logic from the code base. ## Playbook experience {#build-workflows__section_myb_z2r_rvb} Visualize complex processes in a simple and familiar task-oriented view built specifically for agents. Agents can use Playbook to update records, upload attachments, and complete tasks across multiple workflow activities. ## Service Catalog item designer {#build-workflows__section_q1f_5fr_rvb} The Service Catalog item designer enables non-administrators to create, maintain, and publish catalog items. It uses a structured design and publishing process to ensure consistency of usage. ## Service Creator {#build-workflows__section_w1h_4gr_rvb} Service creator enables a department to offer custom services through the service catalog, such as the HR department offering tuition reimbursement for further education. ## Classic workflow builder tools {#build-workflows__section_msn_qdy_rvb} The ServiceNow AI Platform supports these classic workflow builder tools. [Classic Approvals](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/PmwLrXe5iyVDJgmKmUTAkQ "Classic approvals are records that store the authorization tasks that must be done to approve or reject a request. Approval records are typically created by a Workflow Studio flow or classic workflow. An approval defines both the approval tasks and the users or groups are assigned to approve or reject them.") : Classic approvals are records that store the authorization tasks that must be done to approve or reject a request. Approval records are typically created by a Workflow Studio flow or classic workflow. An approval defines both the approval tasks and the users or groups are assigned to approve or reject them. You can replace classic approvals with Workflow Studio flows or classic workflows. [Classic Business Rules](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=c_BusinessRules&version=zurich&pubname=zurich-api-reference&ft:locale=en-US) : A business rule is a server-side script that runs when a record is displayed, inserted, updated, or deleted, or when a table is queried. You can replace classic business rules with Workflow Studio flows. [Classic Events](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/apKo3oz69w4O6UVdxY8ZNA "Events are special records that the system uses to log when certain conditions occur and to take some kind of action in response to the conditions.") : Events are special records that the system uses to log when certain conditions occur and to take some kind of action in response to the conditions. You can replace classic events with Workflow Studio flows or Playbooks processes. [Classic Workflow](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/2~JEZ4hOfMdJxS_8YrzzVQ "Workflow is a legacy application that provided a drag-and-drop interface for automating multi-step processes across the platform. Each workflow consists of a sequence of activities, such as generating records, notifying users of pending approvals, or running scripts. The graphical Workflow Editor represents workflows visually as a type of flowchart. It shows activities as boxes labeled with information about that activity and transitions from one activity to the next as lines connecting the boxes.") : Workflow is a legacy application that provided a drag-and-drop interface for automating multi-step processes across the platform. Each workflow consists of a sequence of activities, such as generating records, notifying users of pending approvals, or running scripts. The graphical Workflow Editor represents workflows visually as a type of flowchart. It shows activities as boxes labeled with information about that activity and transitions from one activity to the next as lines connecting the boxes. You can replace classic workflows with Workflow Studio flows or Playbooks processes. ## Applications and features {#build-workflows__section_vpq_1j1_pjb} [Workflow Studio](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/RStzNHw8AWnDqrO8_NB_2g "Integrate workflow authoring, configuring, and monitoring into a single page experience. Consolidate playbooks, flows, actions, decision tables, and integrations into one design environment.") : Integrate workflow authoring, configuring, and monitoring into a single page experience. Consolidate Playbooks, Workflow Studio, Workflow Studio, Integration Hub integrations, and Decision Builder into one design environment. [Workflow Studio playbooks](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/qBJsjRiKdwxYUWrBTaIgUw "Workflow Studio playbooks enable process owners to author cross-enterprise workflows and create a single, unified process. Build the underlying processes for playbooks that Playbook Experience agents and fulfillers use.") : Workflow Studio playbooks enable process owners to author cross-enterprise workflows and create a single, unified process. Build the underlying processes for playbooks that Playbook Experience agents and fulfillers use. [Workflow Studio flows](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/IMxzawf6MSxs6gGrjksm~w "Flows automate a repeatable multi-step process. When the flow trigger conditions are met, the flow runs a sequence of reusable actions and flow logic to complete the process.") : Flows automate a repeatable multi-step process. When the flow trigger conditions are met, the flow runs a sequence of reusable actions and flow logic to complete the process. [Workflow Studio actions](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/sCFzAUSgRhey8mSJP5r8bw "Actions automate a repeatable task or operation within a flow. Flows run actions by passing them data as inputs. Actions run a sequence of steps to complete the task, and pass data to the flow as outputs.") : Actions automate a repeatable task or operation within a flow. Flows run actions by passing them data as inputs. Actions run a sequence of steps to complete the task, and pass data to the flow as outputs. [Workflow Studio decision tables](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/00nububqKRqOlqmabx0DAA "Decision tables in Workflow Studio enable developers to decouple decision logic from their code by creating and maintaining decision rules.") : Workflow Studio decision tables enable developers to decouple decision logic from their code by creating and maintaining decision rules. [Playbook experience](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/pBLSkwV~KJ0t3WMbC6UJvQ "Interact with a business workflow in real time from within Workspace. Agents can use Playbook Experience to update records, upload attachments, and complete tasks across multiple workflow activities.") : Interact with a business workflow in real time from within Workspace. Agents can use Playbook to update records, upload attachments, and complete tasks across multiple workflow activities. [Service Creator](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/IL19_UaSNNLAuyRoGgHjHw "Service creator enables a department to offer custom services through the service catalog, such as the HR department offering tuition reimbursement for further education.") : Service creator enables a department to offer custom services through the service catalog, such as the HR department offering tuition reimbursement for further education. [Classic Approvals](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/PmwLrXe5iyVDJgmKmUTAkQ "Classic approvals are records that store the authorization tasks that must be done to approve or reject a request. Approval records are typically created by a Workflow Studio flow or classic workflow. An approval defines both the approval tasks and the users or groups are assigned to approve or reject them.") : Classic approvals are records that store the authorization tasks that must be done to approve or reject a request. Approval records are typically created by a Workflow Studio flow or classic workflow. An approval defines both the approval tasks and the users or groups are assigned to approve or reject them. [Classic Business Rules](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=c_BusinessRules&version=zurich&pubname=zurich-api-reference&ft:locale=en-US) : A business rule is a server-side script that runs when a record is displayed, inserted, updated, or deleted, or when a table is queried. [Classic Events](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/apKo3oz69w4O6UVdxY8ZNA "Events are special records that the system uses to log when certain conditions occur and to take some kind of action in response to the conditions.") : Events are special records that the system uses to log when certain conditions occur and to take some kind of action in response to the conditions. [Classic Workflow](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/2~JEZ4hOfMdJxS_8YrzzVQ "Workflow is a legacy application that provided a drag-and-drop interface for automating multi-step processes across the platform. Each workflow consists of a sequence of activities, such as generating records, notifying users of pending approvals, or running scripts. The graphical Workflow Editor represents workflows visually as a type of flowchart. It shows activities as boxes labeled with information about that activity and transitions from one activity to the next as lines connecting the boxes.") : Workflow is a legacy application that provided a drag-and-drop interface for automating multi-step processes across the platform. Each workflow consists of a sequence of activities, such as generating records, notifying users of pending approvals, or running scripts. The graphical Workflow Editor represents workflows visually as a type of flowchart. It shows activities as boxes labeled with information about that activity and transitions from one activity to the next as lines connecting the boxes. ## Related ServiceNow applications and features {#build-workflows__section_lyl_byk_w5b} App Engine Studio : ServiceNow® App Engine Studio (AES) is a development tool for creators of varying skill levels to build applications that meet the immediate needs of your organization. : Work with remote tables in the ERP system of record, such as SAP, as well as APIs and ETLs, to create ERP data models to use as data sources for ServiceNow AI Platform applications. ERP Customization Mining : Identify ERP customization apps that are candidates to migrate to the ServiceNow AI Platform. Use the ServiceNow AI Platform to build applications and features to automate ERP processes and workflows. [Integration Hub](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=integrationhub&version=zurich&pubname=zurich-integrate-applications&ft:locale=en-US) : Automate integration tasks using ServiceNow components for ServiceNow® Workflow Studio, or develop custom integrations. A separate subscription is required. Integration Hub available spokes : Activate spokes to enhance your Workflow Studio experience with integration-specific content. Use prebuilt flows and actions to automate your integrations or create your own integration automation. [MID Server](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=mid-server-landing&version=zurich&pubname=zurich-servicenow-platform&ft:locale=en-US) : The Management, Instrumentation, and Discovery (MID) Server is a Java application that runs as a Windows service or UNIX daemon on a server in your local network. The ServiceNow® MID Server enables communication and the movement of data between a ServiceNow instance and external applications, data sources, and services. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Hub : Use the ServiceNow® Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Hub to enable end-to-end automation for your organization. With a combination of UI interactions, element-based automations, and APIs that interact between the various business applications, you can emulate user actions and eliminate mundane and repetitive human activities. [Virtual Agent Designer](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=conversation-designer-virtual-agent&version=zurich&pubname=zurich-conversational-interfaces&ft:locale=en-US) : The Assistant Designer Asset library includes a diagram tool for creating and managing topics, which are blueprints for conversations between a virtual agent and user. You can design topics that help your users resolve common work issues or guide them through self-service tasks.