---
sourceDocument: Yokohama Build workflows
sourceDocumentLink: https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/r/yokohama/build-workflows

 Release :

    - yokohama

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Yokohama Build workflows

ft:clusterId :

    - crworkflow

bundleId :

    - crworkflow

workflow :

    - Creator


---

# Automation Assets

# Automation Assets {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Yokohama  
Updated January 30, 2025  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
Include all automation assets in the activity picker to add a subflow, flow, or action directly to your playbook without having to create an activity
definition.

## Use cases {#automation-assets__section_pv4_2l3_tzb}

Use automation assets in your playbook if:

* You need an activity that only requires automation.
* The activity doesn't need to be reusable.
* You don't need a UI.
{#automation-assets__ul_otx_xy3_tzb}

If you need a UI or an activity that is reusable, [create an activity definition](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/txabHiyOd98TDVW_VnbpsQ "Specify the action or subflow you want an activity to run. Configure the inputs you want playbook designers to set when adding the activity to a playbook. Select the experience you want end users to have when the activity runs.").

## Asset types {#automation-assets__section_wmg_jz3_tzb}

When [adding an activity](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/OWzZoeyDfPk1aB7Mqjn5hw#process-automation-designer-lanes-activities__adding-an-activity), select Include all automation assets in the activity picker to add [flows](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/1Zr8_z4e1r1k~8vdVY5djg "Workflow Studio is the default ServiceNow AI Platform process automation builder used to create flows. Workflow Studio replaces the Workflow Editor."), [subflows](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/ipn3qH_ylPXhMLYVJU4i9w "Workflow Studio is the default ServiceNow AI Platform process automation builder used to create subflows. Workflow Studio replaces the Workflow Editor.") and [actions](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/fFbkY1s4Wv2dWaWLGKMZzQ "Workflow Studio is the default ServiceNow AI Platform process automation builder used to create actions. Workflow Studio replaces the Workflow Editor.").  

When adding a flow, subflow, or action, a non-usable activity definition is created behind-the-scenes.
**Related concepts**   

* [Activity definitions](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/r014Lhz_11xoMRZZRHOzcA "Activity definitions describe how the activities in your playbook get the data that they need when your playbook runs.")
* [Optional activities](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/pJEY3EDh5wh5XlpPOIG19Q#optional-activities "Enable your agents and fulfillers to add additional activities as they go through a playbook.")
* [Playbook activity state mapping](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/fmXbaKoPUaBr1Y8dpLJFYA "Use playbook activity state mapping to override the status of a playbook card.")  
**Related tasks**   

* [Add and configure a stage in a playbook](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/Vk3iDYyg_Df62zD4oj~nDQ "Add and configure a stage in your playbook.")
* [Add and configure an activity in a playbook](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/eH66_4Re8HXK8adZ1kzWiw "Add and configure an activity in your playbook.")
* [Decision activities](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/4rX5cqI_FXRlYNq~tfDHiQ "Create and define branches with different conditions for different paths that an agent can follow in playbook.")
* [Parallel branches](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/PNev5QskKuGUAmoIHUw0fQ "Add branches for activities and stages that run in parallel to another branch of activities and stages.")
* [Add dynamic inputs to an activity](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/8XnLc2y4MM0hKIntwpZR5A "Configure your activity to show a certain set of fields based on the value of another input, such as a selected catalog item, selected decision table, or even a REST API response.")  
**Related reference**   

* [Start with delay input properties](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/ZO5_TxRewwK7XqnX5otC7A "Specify a duration of time to wait before running an activity or a stage whose start rule and conditions have been met. Give users time to act during automated playbooks. Give users time to wait for a specific date and time to complete actions.")
* [Questionnaire activity](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/0Zhk1Qtvq62no8BNvPsGbQ "Collects inputs from a user during a playbook run to use later in the playbook.")