--- 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 --- # Decision activities # Decision activities {#ariaid-title1} Release version: Yokohama Updated January 30, 2025 ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 2 minutes to read Create and define branches with different conditions for different paths that an agent can follow in playbook. ## Before you begin Role required: playbook.admin ## About this task Add a decision activity to create a decision tree so that agents in Playbook Experience can troubleshoot if-then situations during runtime. Branches are the different paths with different conditions that agents can follow. For example, in a credit card approval playbook: In this example, an agent can take different actions for different credit scores during a decision activity to assess the risk of a credit card applicant. Decisions are not currently supported for stages, but you can create different stages and set different Run conditions to get achieve the same outcome. ## Procedure 1. In Diagram view, hover on the object that you want to insert a decision activity next to, and select the + icon to add an activity. Note: Decision activities can only be added in Diagram view, but can be modified and viewed in Board view. The mini-picker displays. 2. Select the diamond icon ![Diamond decision icon in Diagram view mini-picker.]() to add a decision. A decision is added with two branches and the side panel opens for configuration. 3. Under the Details tab, fill in the following fields. |-|-| | Label | Enter a unique name for your activity. This name appears in your playbook during runtime. | | Description | Optionally, enter some descriptive details about your activity. | | Start Rule | Choose when you want your activity to start running. Options include: * When stage starts: Your activity starts running as soon as its stage starts running. Your stage starts running when your playbook is triggered. * After specific activities: Your activity starts running after specified activities have finished running. {#create-a-decision-activity__ul_kpj_mfx_c1c} | | Display order | Define the order in which this activity will appear during a playbook run. | | Run condition | After the activity starts, the activity runs only if specific conditions are met. | | Start with delay | Specify a duration of time to wait before running an activity whose start rule and conditions have been met. Give users a specific amount of time to complete actions. For more information, see [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."). | | Restart rules | Choose what this activity does when a playbook is restarted: * Skip on restart: Skip this activity when the playbook run is due to a restart. * Run always: Always run this activity, including first runs. * Skip on first run: Skip this activity during the first run. {#create-a-decision-activity__ul_lpj_mfx_c1c}For more information, see [Restart a playbook](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/VT8qmBK_TBw6RdMYECq52w "Restart a playbook from the beginning, an activity, or a stage."). | [Table 1. Decision details] {#create-a-decision-activity__table_jpj_mfx_c1c} 4. Under the Branches tab, select your new branch to begin configuring it. 1. Give your branch a unique label. 2. Select the Add Condition button. The [condition builder](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=c_ConditionBuilder&version=yokohama&pubname=yokohama-platform-user-interface&ft:locale=en-US) displays. Note: Branches can only be added in the side panel. 3. Select or enter a field, operator, and value. {#create-a-decision-activity__substeps_jr4_x1x_c1c} 5. Add more branches as needed. Branches can only be added via the side panel. 6. If you add two or more branches, select whether to process all branches with conditions that are met, or just to process the first listed branch with conditions met. 7. If you selected to Process only the first one that is true, drag and drop the branch that you want to be evaluated to the top. ## Result You've added and configured decision branches. **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.") * [Automation Assets](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/mU389THCpCX6TcjWJLTNJg "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.") * [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.") * [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.")