---
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


---

# Parallel branches

# Parallel branches {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Yokohama  
Updated January 30, 2025  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
Add branches for activities and stages that run in parallel to another branch of activities and stages.

## Before you begin

Role required: playbook.admin or pd_author

## About this task

Parallel activities create branches like decision activities. Unlike decision activities, the activities and stages on a parallel can run on the same conditions as other branches. For example, in this credit card approval playbook:Figure 1. Parallel activities and stages   

In this example, agents verify information or identity at the same time as when they check credit scores. All activities and all stages will run.

## Procedure

1. In Diagram view, hover on the object that you want to insert a parallel activity next to, and select the + icon to add an activity.  
   The mini-picker displays.
2. Select the parallel icon ![Parallel icon in diagram view]() to add a parallel branch.  
   A parallel branch is added.

## What to do next

Add and configure the [stage](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/Vk3iDYyg_Df62zD4oj~nDQ "Add and configure a stage in your playbook.") or [activity](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/eH66_4Re8HXK8adZ1kzWiw "Add and configure an activity in your playbook.") that will run at the same time as the other branches of stages or activities.
**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.")
* [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.")
* [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.")