--- 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 --- # Import tasks using ServiceNow Otto # Task import into CWM Boards using Now Assist {#ariaid-title1} * Release version: Zurich * * Updated May 29, 2026 * * ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 3 minutes to read Summarize ![AI sparkle icon](https://servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ai-sparkle-icon) 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 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 significantly reduces manual effort and errors by automating the transfer of structured work data, ideal for teams migrating from external task tracking tools. Show full answer Show less ## Key Features * **AI-Proposed Column Mapping:** ServiceNow Otto analyzes the uploaded file and suggests how source columns map to Board columns, streamlining the import setup. * **Manual Mapping Adjustments:** Users can modify column mappings to ensure accuracy, with each source column required to map uniquely to a target Board column. * **Custom Column Creation:** If a source column does not match existing Board columns, customers can create new custom columns on the fly during mapping. * **Reset to AI Mapping:** Users can revert manual column mapping changes back to the original AI proposals if needed. * **Preview Before Import:** A full preview of imported tasks allows users to review and selectively exclude rows before finalizing the import. * **Background Processing with Notification:** Imports run asynchronously, and users receive workspace notifications summarizing imported records and any errors. * **Record Types:** Users can choose to import each row as either a CWM task or a story, which influences available target columns during mapping. ## Considerations and Requirements * **File Limits:** Supports one file per import session, max 10 MB, up to 100 rows and 50 columns. Supported file types include .doc, .docx, .pdf, .xls, .xlsx, .png, .jpg, and .jpeg. Only the first sheet of Excel files is processed. * **Excel Header Row:** The first row must contain column names, which the AI uses as headers (not required for image files). * **Date Format:** Dates must conform to the instance's glide.sys.dateformat property; otherwise, date fields will import as blank. * **Required Mapping:** The Short Description column must be mapped to proceed. * **Access:** The Import button appears only on Boards with ServiceNow Otto for CWM enabled, requiring sncwmai.cwmaiuser and lensuser roles. * **File Type:** CSV files are not supported; use Excel (.xls or .xlsx) for spreadsheet data import. * **Data Format:** Files must contain structured, tabular data; narrative or freeform text files cannot be imported. * **Import Irreversibility:** Imports cannot be undone; imported records must be manually deleted if necessary. * **Post-Import Visibility:** Imported tasks are added to the Board without special highlighting; filters or sorting can help locate them. ## Practical Benefits for ServiceNow Customers This import capability helps customers quickly onboard existing task data into CWM Boards, preserving their work structure without tedious manual entry. The AI-assisted mapping and preview ensure accuracy and efficiency, while background processing and notifications keep users informed without disrupting workflow. Understanding the file requirements and access roles ensures smooth import operations. 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. ## Key capabilities {#importing-tasks-cwm-boards__section_key-capabilities} AI-proposed column mapping : ServiceNow Otto 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 ServiceNow Otto 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 {#importing-tasks-cwm-boards__section_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 {#importing-tasks-cwm-boards__ul_tg1_4dr_kjc} The available target columns in the mapping step depend on the record type that you choose. ## Considerations {#importing-tasks-cwm-boards__section_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 ServiceNow Otto 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 ServiceNow Otto 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 {#importing-tasks-cwm-boards__section_ilz_vbk_kjc} [Import existing tasks into a CWM Board](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/ddxBAcfhtWhPJ8_zNGAesg "Bring existing work from a spreadsheet or document into a CWM Board. Column mapping is generated automatically. Review the mapping, preview the result, and confirm the import.").