Workflow Studio flow logic

  • Release version: Yokohama
  • Updated January 30, 2025
  • 2 minutes to read
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    Summary of Workflow Studio flow logic

    Workflow Studio flow logic in ServiceNow enables customers to build complex workflows with conditional and repeated actions using a graphical interface that requires minimal scripting. This functionality allows you to design workflows that automate processes efficiently by combining various flow logic elements to handle decisions, loops, parallel actions, error handling, and dynamic flow execution.

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    Key Features

    • Assign Subflow Outputs: Specify and use data returned from subflows as inputs for parent flows or other processes.
    • Call a Workflow: Run published, active workflows within a flow and pass flow data as workflow inputs, such as the current record.
    • Do the Following Until: Repeat actions until specified end conditions based on flow data are met.
    • Do the Following in Parallel: Execute actions and subflows concurrently within isolated branches of the flow.
    • Dynamic Flow: Identify and execute flows or subflows dynamically during runtime using data-driven templates for expected inputs.
    • End Flow: Stop the current flow execution at any branch, useful for defining exit conditions like after specific decisions.
    • Exit Loop and Skip Iteration (Break and Continue): Control loop execution by exiting or skipping iterations based on conditional logic.
    • For Each: Apply actions to each record in a list, enabling bulk or batch processing within flows.
    • Get Flow Outputs: Retrieve runtime values and outputs generated by dynamic flows or subflows for further use.
    • Go Back to Flow: Return to a previous step to repeat actions, supporting iterative process control.
    • If: Conditionally execute actions based on one or more specified conditions.
    • Make a Decision: Use decision table branching for multiple conditional paths, offering a clearer alternative to nested If/Else logic. For example, determine insurance coverage based on age, accident history, and car model.
    • Set Flow Variables: Assign values to flow variables stored as data pills, which can be referenced throughout the flow.
    • Try: Enable flows to continue running despite errors within a block, and define error response sequences.
    • Wait for a Duration: Pause the flow to allow user interaction or wait until a specific date/time before proceeding.

    Inputs and Outputs

    Each flow logic option includes configurable inputs that define its behavior, such as selecting which workflow to call or specifying conditions for loops. Outputs represent data returned by the flow logic, such as decision results or subflow outputs, which can be used as inputs for other flow components.

    Understanding and leveraging these inputs and outputs allows you to customize and extend your workflows to meet complex automation requirements effectively.

    Enable flows and subflows to specify conditional or repeated actions. Combine the elements of flow logic to create workflows in a graphical interface with little or no scripting.

    The system provides these flow logic options.

    Flow logic option Description
    Assign subflow outputs Specify the data the subflow returns when it completes running. Use subflow output as data for a parent flow or as input for another process.
    Call a Workflow Run a published and active workflow from your flow. You can use the flow data as a workflow input. For example, you can specify the current record as a workflow input.
    Do the following until Apply one or more actions repeatedly until an end condition is met. You can use the flow data to specify the end conditions.
    Do the following in parallel Run actions and subflows in separate paths within an isolated flow logic block.
    Dynamic Flow Identify and run a flow or subflow dynamically by using runtime data. Build templates to provide expected inputs for dynamically called flows or subflows.
    End Flow Stop running the current flow. Use End Flow within a branch of the flow to specify an exit condition. For example, end the flow when it reaches a specific If flow logic block.
    For each Apply one or more actions to each record in a list of records.
    Get Flow Outputs Use this flow logic to access flow contexts and derive the runtime values for dynamic flow outputs.
    If Selectively apply one or more actions only when a list of conditions is met.
    Make a decision You can use the decision table branching logic in situations where multiple conditional paths are required, as an alternative to nested If, Else If, or Else flow logic. For example, if you want to determine what kind of car insurance you need, you can add inputs such as your age, accident history, and car model to the decision table to determine a level of insurance coverage. This logic can save you time and present a more readable format than nested if conditions or switch case statements.
    Set Flow Variables 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.
    Try Allow a flow to continue running when an error occurs within a flow logic block. Run a sequence of actions in response to errors within the flow logic block.
    Wait for a duration of time Use this flow logic to give your users time to act during automated processes or to wait for a specific date and time to complete actions

    Flow logic inputs

    Each flow logic option displays one or more fields that are used to determine its behavior. For example, the Call Workflow flow logic has an input where you are able to select a workflow to run. Use these inputs to define the behavior of the flow and enable optional functionality depending on your needs. See flow logic option documentation for a list of the available inputs and how they control the function of that element.

    Flow logic outputs

    Flow logic options may also have outputs. These represent information that is returned by the flow logic. For example, the Make a decision flow logic has an output that contains a decision answer record representing the decision reached by the flow. See the documentation for a flow logic option to see definitions for its outputs.