---
sourceDocument: Australia Workflow Data Fabric
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/integrate-applications

 Release :

    - australia

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Australia Workflow Data Fabric

ft:clusterId :

    - crint

bundleId :

    - crint

workflow :

    - Creator


---

# Use the Now component

# Use the Now component {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Australia  
Updated March 12, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
Get the current date and time of the system as part of an automation Workflow by using the component in RPA Desktop Design Studio.

## Before you begin

Role required: none

## About this task

You can configure the properties for the component. For more information about these
properties, see [Properties of the DateTime components](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/4tqW83YvcGp3FipsQ~QxVg "Learn about the properties of the DateTime components in RPA Desktop Design Studio.").

## Procedure

1. In the Toolbox pane, navigate to UtilitiesDateTime.
2. Drag the Now component to the Design surface.
3. Connect the data and control ports of the component to the corresponding ports of the other components as described in the following table.  
   {#use-datetime-now__table_jnw_jn1_krb__entry__3}

   | Port type | Purpose of connection | Mandatory? |
   |-|-|-|
   | Data Out (DateTime) | Passes the current date and time of the system to another component. | Yes. To preview the data, right-click the Return field and click Preview Data. |
   | Control In | Connects to the Control Out port of one or more components. | Yes |
   | Control Out | Connects to the Control In port of any other component. | No. Connecting the port is optional. |
   [ ]

   {#use-datetime-now__table_jnw_jn1_krb}
4. **Optional:** To test the component, under the DESIGN tab, click Run.

*[\>]: and then