Sets
Summarize
Summary of Sets
Sets in ServiceNow CPQ enable administrators to organize repeatable groups of fields into reusable, tabular collections that simplify complex configurations. Each row in a set represents an independent instance of repeated configuration data such as multiple products or components. This structure reduces duplication, streamlines design, and supports advanced scenarios requiring list-based inputs.
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Sets provide end users with intuitive, table-like interfaces to add, edit, or remove multiple instances of configuration items easily within a single blueprint.
Key Features
- Repeatable Configurations: Define a group of fields once and reuse them multiple times without duplicating rules or fields.
- Tabular Data Entry: Display configuration options in structured tables or lists for easy editing.
- Dynamic Rules: Apply rules that reference fields within the same row or aggregate values across all rows.
- Aggregates and Reporting: Use aggregate functions (sum, count, average, max, min) to summarize data across rows, enabling advanced reporting and summaries.
- Multiple Display Formats: Choose between table, list (cards), or repeater (single record navigation) layouts based on user experience needs.
- Field Relationships: Fields in the same row can interact dynamically; fields outside a set can control fields inside, but not vice versa (except through aggregates or product rules).
- Configurable Interaction: Customize orientation, alignment, row addition, selection modes, search functionality, and validation messages in the layout editor.
- Data Management: Import and export set data via CSV with filtering support and automatic rule execution on upload, facilitating bulk updates and data maintenance.
- Scripting Access: Sets and aggregate fields can be referenced in rules and scripts using a straightforward syntax to enable complex logic based on set data.
Key Outcomes for ServiceNow Customers
- Efficiently manage complex, repeatable product or component configurations without redundant field or rule creation.
- Enhance end-user experience with clear, editable tabular or list interfaces for multi-item configuration tasks.
- Leverage dynamic rules and aggregates to automate configuration logic and generate accurate summaries and reports.
- Maintain data integrity and simplify data updates through CSV import/export capabilities integrated with automatic validation and rule execution.
- Customize the presentation and interaction of sets to align with specific business needs and UI preferences.
Learn how sets organize repeatable field groups, simplify complex configurations, and enable data aggregation across repeated elements in CPQ.
A set is a reusable, repeatable collection of fields that lets administrators define multiple instances of similar configuration data—such as multiple products, components, or options—in a single blueprint.
Each row in a set represents one instance of a repeated group of fields, and each field in that row behaves independently. sets streamline configuration design, reduce duplication, and support advanced use cases that require tabular or list-based inputs.
Administrators use sets to present configuration options in structured, table-like layouts that customers can easily edit in the end-user interface.
- Simplify repeatable configurations. Instead of creating multiple fields and rules for each repetition, define once and reuse many times.
- Provide intuitive, tabular data entry. End users can add, remove, or edit multiple product instances in a structured grid.
- Support dynamic rules. Rules can reference values in the same row or aggregate data across all rows.
- Enable advanced reporting and summaries. Aggregates summarize field values across rows (for example, total quantity or total rack units).
How sets work
A set groups several configuration fields together and repeats that group for each item in the list.
- Fields in the same row can affect other fields in that row.
- Fields in one row cannot directly affect fields in another row.
- Fields outside a set can influence fields inside it, but not vice versa.
To affect fields outside a set, use:
- Aggregates: Sum, count, average, maximum, or minimum values across all rows.
- Product rules: Define logic that sets external field values based on set data.
A set can contain up to 2,000 rows.
Display options
Sets can appear in the UI in several formats, depending on user experience requirements:
| Display type | Description | Example use case |
|---|---|---|
| Table | Rows, columns, and cells with headers; ideal for detailed comparisons. | Configure multiple network devices. |
| List | Each row shown as a card; can support single-select or multi-select. | Select delivery slots or service packages. |
| Repeater | Displays one record at a time with navigation controls. | Edit configurations one-by-one in smaller layouts. |
Administrators control layout, alignment, and scrolling in the layout editor.
Field relationships
| Relationship | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Inside → Inside | Fields in the same row can trigger each other through rules. |
| Inside → Outside | Not allowed directly; use Aggregates or Product Rules. |
| Outside → Inside | Allowed. Rules or field actions outside a set can change set field values. |
Key properties
Sets include several configuration categories that shape how users interact with the table or list:
- General settings: Orientation, maximum height, alignment, index labels.
- Display type: Choose between Table and List views.
- Inline settings: Show “Add Row” indicators, drop-down controls, or hover actions.
- Size settings: Manage how users increase or decrease set rows (numeric or slider field).
- Selection settings: Add single or multiple row selection with a Boolean selection field.
- Search settings: Allow users to search values in a set (for example, filter by available date).
- Message settings: Display validation messages or indicators in specific cells.
Managing set data
Sets support importing and exporting data in CSV format.
- Download set data: Exports only visible columns based on filters applied in the UI.
- Upload set data: Adds or updates rows in the set using a structured CSV file.
- Rules run automatically on upload.
- New rows are appended; matching rows are updated.
- System-enforced limits apply (25 visible columns recommended).
{
"uploadDetails": {
"uploadButton": { "label": "Upload CSV", "visible": true },
"downloadButton": { "label": "Download CSV", "visible": true }
}
}
Scripting with sets
To reference sets in rules or scripts, use the following syntax:
| Use case | Example syntax |
|---|---|
| Access the set | set.<setVarName> |
| Access an aggregate field | set.<setVarName>.<aggregateVarName> |
if (set.networkDevices.totalRackUnits > 50) {
field.requiresAdditionalCooling = true;
}