Set Flow Variables flow logic

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  • Updated June 7, 2024
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    Summary of Set Flow Variables Flow Logic

    The Set Flow Variables flow logic in ServiceNow allows users to assign values to pre-created flow variables, which are essential for storing flow data as data pills. This logic enables the manipulation of flow variables within a workflow, facilitating dynamic data handling.

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    Key Features

    • Variable Assignment: Assign values to flow variables using string input, scripts, or data pills from previous steps in the flow.
    • Order of Assignments: Ensure the order of variable assignments is maintained; the referenced data pill must precede the variable using it to avoid null values.
    • Inline Scripting: Users can toggle scripting to set variable values through scripts, enhancing flexibility in data manipulation.
    • No Outputs: This flow logic modifies variable values without producing any direct outputs.

    Key Outcomes

    Implementing this flow logic allows ServiceNow customers to effectively manage and utilize flow variables within their workflows. For instance, by checking incident categories and storing corresponding record numbers, users can tailor subsequent actions, such as sending emails, using the stored flow variable values. This capability enhances workflow efficiency and responsiveness to changing data conditions.

    Assign a value to one or more flow variables, which store flow data as data pills. Access flow variable values by referring to their data pill.

    Important:
    This flow logic sets values for flow variables that have already been created. For instructions on creating flow variables, see Create a flow variable.

    Inputs

    Field Description
    Name Name of the variable. Select from the list of variables available for the flow.
    Data Value for the variable. Enter a string value, input a script, or use a data pill. Variable values can reference any data pill from earlier in the flow, including other variables. If you set variable values by reference to other data pills, you must maintain the order of the variable assignments. The referenced value must always come before the variable that uses the referenced value. Changing the order may produce null values. To assign an empty value, leave this field empty.
    Note:
    Flow variable values are set in the order in which they're assigned from top to bottom. If you set the value of the same variable multiple times, the flow only uses the last value set.

    To enter a script, select the Toggle scripting on for [variable] icon. Enter your script in the script editor. For more information about inline scripting, see Inline scripts.

    Outputs

    This flow logic produces no outputs but does change the value of flow variables.

    Usage

    Flow variables store flow data as data pills of a specific data type. You can access flow variable data pills from the Flow Variables section of the Data pane. To use a flow variable value, select the data pill from the Data pane or the pill picker just as you would any other data pill.

    Set the incident number variable value to a flow data pill value

    In this example, the flow checks the category of an incident record. If the category is network, a flow variable is used to store the record number.

    Use a data pill value to set a flow variable.

    Later in the flow, the Send Email action uses the incident number flow variable as part of the email subject and body.

    Send Email action that uses the Flow Variable incident number in both the subject and body of the email.

    Set the incident number variable value using a script

    In this example, the flow checks the category of an incident record. If the category is network, a flow variable is used to store the record number. In this example, the flow variable is set from a script rather than a data pill value.

    /*
    **Access Flow/Action data using the fd_data object. Script must return a value. 
    **Order number is offset by +1 in Error Handling Section.
    **Available options display upon pressing "." after fd_data
    **example: var shortDesc = fd_data.trigger.current.short_description;
    **return shortDesc;
    */
    var incNumber = fd_data.trigger.current.number;
    return incNumber;

    Use a script to set a flow variable.

    Execution details

    Figure 1. Execution details for set the incident number variable value to a data pill value
    Example execution details of setting a flow variable with a data pill.
    Figure 2. Execution details for set the incident number variable value using a script
    Example execution details of setting a flow variable with a script. Example execution details of setting a flow variable with an inline script.