Task import into CWM Boards using Now Assist

  • Release version: Zurich
  • Updated May 29, 2026
  • 3 minutes to read
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    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 Task import into CWM Boards using Now Assist

    This feature enables ServiceNow customers to efficiently import tasks or stories from spreadsheets or documents directly into Collaborative Work Management (CWM) Boards using Now Assist. It is designed to save time and reduce errors by automating the transfer of structured work data from external tools into CWM, eliminating the need for manual entry.

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    Key Features

    • AI-proposed column mapping: Now Assist automatically analyzes the uploaded file and suggests how each source column should map to columns on the CWM Board, streamlining the import setup.
    • Manual mapping adjustments: Customers can review and modify the column mappings to ensure accuracy before importing.
    • Custom column creation: If the source file contains columns not present on the Board, users can create new custom columns with specified types during the mapping process.
    • Reset to AI mapping: Users can revert any manual mapping changes back to the original AI suggestions if needed.
    • Preview before import: A complete preview of all tasks to be imported allows users to exclude individual rows before confirming the import.
    • Background processing with notifications: Imports proceed asynchronously, with notifications summarizing how many records were added and flagging any problematic rows.
    • Record types: Users can import rows as either CWM tasks or stories, with target column options adapting accordingly.

    Important Considerations

    • File requirements: Single file imports are limited to 10 MB in size, with up to 100 rows and 50 columns. Supported formats include .doc, .docx, .pdf, .xls, .xlsx, .png, .jpg, and .jpeg. Only the first sheet of Excel files is processed.
    • Excel headers: The first row must contain column headers for Excel files; this is not required for image files.
    • Date formats: Dates must match the instance’s configured date format (glide.sys.dateformat) or they will be ignored.
    • Mandatory mapping: The Short Description column must be mapped to proceed.
    • Access and roles: The import feature is available only on Boards with Now Assist for CWM enabled. Users must have the sncwmai.cwmaiuser and lensuser roles.
    • One file per import: Each import session accepts a single file; CSV files are not supported—use Excel files for tabular data instead.
    • Structured data required: Files must contain clear, tabular data. Freeform text files cannot be processed.
    • Irreversible import: Once confirmed, imports cannot be undone; records must be deleted manually if needed.
    • Post-import visibility: Imported tasks are added silently without special highlighting—filters or sorting can help locate new items.

    Practical Benefits for ServiceNow Customers

    This import capability helps teams migrate existing task data into CWM Boards quickly and accurately, especially when transitioning from other task tracking tools. By leveraging AI-assisted mapping and preview options, customers can ensure data integrity and reduce manual workload. Background processing and notifications keep users informed without interrupting workflow, making the import process seamless and efficient.

    Save time and effort by importing tasks or stories from a spreadsheet or document into a Collaborative Work Management Board. Now Assist proposes column mapping so you can bring existing work onto a Board without manually recreating each row.

    Teams migrating to CWM from external task tracking tools often have months of structured work already documented in spreadsheets or documents. Recreating that work manually on a CWM Board is time-consuming and error-prone.

    The import feature on a CWM Board lets you bring that existing work in from a file. Now Assist scans the file, identifies the tasks, and proposes how each source column maps to a column on your Board. You review and adjust the mapping, preview the tasks before they are created, and confirm to complete the import.

    Upload file step with AI scanning the uploaded file

    Key capabilities

    AI-proposed column mapping

    Now Assist analyzes your file and proposes a target Board column for each source column based on the data it detects. Because the mapping is AI-generated, review each proposal and adjust as needed before proceeding to the preview.

    Manual mapping adjustments

    For any source column, you can select a different target column from the list of available Board columns. Each source column must map to a unique target column.

    Custom column creation

    If a source column does not match any existing Board column, you can add it as a new custom column directly from the mapping step. You can choose the column type while adding.

    Reset to AI mapping

    If you have adjusted mappings manually and need to start over, you can reset the entire mapping to the original Now Assist proposal.

    Preview before import

    Before confirming, review the full list of tasks that will be created on the Board. You can deselect individual rows to exclude them from importing.

    Background processing with notification

    The import runs in the background after you confirm. A workspace notification reports the number of records added to your Board and flags any rows that could not be processed.

    Record types

    Each row of your file is imported as a record into CWM. Choose one of these record types in the upload step:
    • CWM task
    • Story

    The available target columns in the mapping step depend on the record type that you choose.

    Considerations

    File limits

    Each import accepts a single file with a maximum size of 10 MB, up to 100 rows, and up to 50 columns. Supported file types are .doc, .docx, .pdf, .xls, .xlsx, .png, .jpg, and .jpeg. For Excel files with multiple sheets, only the first sheet is imported.

    Excel column header row

    For Excel files (.xls or .xlsx), the first row must contain the column names. The AI always treats the first row as the header row. This requirement does not apply to image files, where the AI reads the content directly without relying on a header row.

    Date format

    Dates in the source file must match the format set in the glide.sys.date_format system property on your instance. Dates in any other format are silently left blank after import.

    Required mapping

    The Short Description column must be mapped before you can proceed to the preview step.

    Access requirements

    The Import button is visible only on Boards where Now Assist for CWM is active. You need the sn_cwm_ai.cwm_ai_user and lens_user roles.

    Single file per import

    Each import session accepts one file at a time. Upload a separate file for each set of tasks you want to bring in.

    CSV files aren't supported

    CSV format is not a supported file type. To import tabular task data from a spreadsheet, use an .xls or .xlsx file instead.

    Tabular data required

    The file must contain structured, tabular data with identifiable rows and columns. Files that contain only freeform or narrative text can't be processed, and the import fails if Now Assist can't detect any importable rows.

    Import can't be reversed

    After you confirm the import, records are created in the background. There is no option to undo or reverse a completed import but to delete the imported records from the Board.

    Newly imported tasks aren't highlighted on the Board

    After the import completes, the imported tasks appear on the Board but aren't visually highlighted or grouped as a set. Use filters or sort options to locate them.

    Get started

    Import existing tasks into a CWM Board.