---
sourceDocument: Zurich Strategic Portfolio Management
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/zurich/it-business-management

 Release :

    - zurich

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Zurich Strategic Portfolio Management

ft:clusterId :

    - itbm

bundleId :

    - itbm

workflow :

    - Technology


---

# Context variable in target source

# Context variable in target source {#ariaid-title1}

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

The context variable is an additional
configuration for the target source that can be used on the Target form to fetch the required data
and auto-update the Actual value field on the Target form. A context
variable is required for target source types Assessment/Survey and PA Indicator.

The context variable is automatically created (with the Mandatory field set to true on the context variable form) for the target source (of type Assessment/Survey and PA Indicator) when
the Goal Framework for SPM scope is selected before creating a target source. The context variables created automatically are also known as mandatory context variables.  
The mandatory context variables are created when you've selected the Goal Framework for SPM scope and you've met one of the following conditions:

* (For target source type, Assessment/Survey) On the Target Source form, the Type field is set to Assessment/Survey and the Assessment Metric Types field is populated with a metric type of Evaluation method = Assessment.

* (For target source type, PA Indicator) On the Target Source form, the Type field is set to PA Indicator and the value populated in the Breakdown field isn't of Choice list type.

  To create a context variable for the target source type, PA Indicator, where the Breakdown field is of Choice list type, see [Create a context variable for a PA Indicator target source](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/mZdhqZpliroHkk6FEYQbeA "Create a context variable manually for the target source type PA Indicator if the breakdown is of Choice list type.").
{#context-variable-in-target-source-apw__mandatory-context-variables-conditions}  
Note:  
Mandatory context variables can't be deleted.

You can also create context variables manually for a target source and use them to configure for fetching the required data and auto-updating the Actual value field on the Target form. For more information on
how to create a context variable manually, see [Create a context variable for a target source](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/0Su4jr6J7fDVoQ4WK6NxXQ "Create a context variable manually if you want to configure more context variables for a target source.").