Building flows to read or update the ERP system

  • Release version: Zurich
  • Updated March 12, 2026
  • 2 minutes to read
    • Summarize
    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 Building flows to read or update the ERP system

    This content guides ServiceNow customers on how to build flows in Workflow Studio to interact with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems using the Zero Copy Connector for ERP. After configuring an ERP operation, customers can create flows to read or update ERP data, enabling integration of ERP information into other ServiceNow processes such as task or incident creation.

    Show full answer Show less

    Key Features

    • Use ERP Data Action: Automatically available in Workflow Studio after installing Zero Copy Connector for ERP, this action allows access to ERP data for external processes.
    • Model Testing: Customers can test the Use ERP Data action by specifying the ERP model, fields to read or update, and the ERP system, verifying inputs and outputs before building flows.
    • Parameter Filtering: Flows can specify mandatory and optional input parameters defined in the ERP model to filter data requests. For example, filtering SAP Stock Movement data by fiscal year.
    • Response Data Handling: The ERP data returned from the Use ERP Data action is available as a Response data pill in Workflow Studio, which can be parsed and incorporated into subsequent flow steps.
    • ERP Integration Naming: The Zero Copy Connector for ERP is labeled as "ERP Integration" within Workflow Studio.

    Practical Steps for ServiceNow Customers

    • Configure ERP operations within Zero Copy Connector for ERP to define the data model and parameters.
    • In Workflow Studio, use the Use ERP Data action to test ERP data retrieval or updates by specifying the model and input values.
    • Review action execution details and returned data in the Response output to validate results.
    • Build flows that utilize the Use ERP Data action, leveraging the Response data pill to parse ERP JSON data and integrate it into ServiceNow workflows.

    Benefits

    By following this approach, ServiceNow customers can seamlessly incorporate ERP data into their workflows without manual data handling. This enables automation of processes based on real-time ERP information, improves operational efficiency, and supports better decision-making across integrated systems.

    After you configure an operation in Zero Copy Connector for ERP, you can build a flow in Workflow Studio to specify details for querying the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system. For example, build a flow that filters by Order ID.

    Actions in Workflow Studio for calling the ERP system

    The Use ERP Data action is automatically available in Workflow Studio after installing Zero Copy Connector for ERP.

    The Use ERP Data action enables you to use ERP data outside of Zero Copy Connector for ERP for other processes. For example, you could create a task or an incident based on ERP data using the Use ERP Data action.

    After you're done creating and managing your model in Zero Copy Connector for ERP, go to Workflow Studio and use the Use ERP Data action to test your model's inputs and outputs.

    When you test the action, you must specify the model you're using, which fields to read or update, and the ERP system. For more information on the action, see Use ERP Data action details for flows.

    Using parameters to filter data requests

    After you successfully test the Use ERP Data action, build a flow that uses that action to retrieve or update the specified data in the ERP system.

    When you add the Use ERP Data action to a flow, you can specify any Mandatory Field(s) and Optional Field(s) defined as inputs when you managed the model. Required and optional fields must already be configured as required and optional input parameters.

    If you select a field that was defined as a parameter for the system query, you can then enter a value to filter on. For example, if you build a flow using the Use ERP Data action and specify the SAP Stock Movement model, you can select iseg_fiscal_year as a required field. Then, enter a year to filter the data returned, for example 2023.

    Process for building flows to retrieve ERP data

    If you want to use ERP data for processes or tasks outside of Zero Copy Connector for ERP, use the following workflow:
    1. In Workflow Studio, test the Use ERP Data action by selecting the model in the System field of the Test Action modal and then specifying the inputs.
    2. After the test runs, view the action execution details. For more information, see Flow execution details.
    3. The returned data from testing the action appears in the Response field of the output data.
    4. Build a flow that runs the Use ERP Data action.
      The Use ERP Data action returns ERP data in an output data pill called Response. The Response pill is available when you build a flow in Workflow Studio with the Use ERP Data action. The Response data pill is available in the following places of the action:
      • The Outputs tab
      • The Output section in the Data pane
      You can then add the Response data pill or any of the child record data pills to a flow to parse the returned JSON.

      For more information, see Building flows.

    Note:
    Zero Copy Connector for ERP appears as ERP Integration when you work with it in Workflow Studio.