Introduction to Importing Data in ServiceNow

Summary

This video script introduces the first in a series of tutorials on setting up and executing data imports in ServiceNow. It explains the basic terminology and components involved in a standard import, such as data sources, import sets, transform maps, and field maps. The script emphasizes the role of the 'staging table' or 'import set table,' an intermediary data entity created by ServiceNow during the import process. The aim is to simplify understanding of the data import workflow, which includes the source data, the staging table, and the target data store within ServiceNow. The next tutorial will focus on creating a data source.

Takeaways

• 📝 The series of notes will guide through setting up and executing a standard data import in ServiceNow.
• 🔍 The process involves understanding ServiceNow components such as data sources, import sets, transform maps, field maps, and data import scheduling.
• 🔑 Terminology: The script introduces key terms like 'data entities', 'source data entity', 'target entity', and 'staging table'.
• 💾 The 'staging table', also known as 'import set table' in ServiceNow, is an intermediary data entity between the source and target.
• 🚀 ServiceNow automatically creates the staging table during the import process, eliminating the need for manual creation.
• 🔄 The data import process involves three main entities: source data, staging table, and the target data store.
• 🛠️ The first step in building an import is creating a 'data source', which will be covered in the next note.
• 📚 The notes aim to simplify understanding by using the term 'staging table' instead of 'import set table'.
• 🗓️ The series will delve into the details of each component, starting with data sources in the subsequent note.
• 🙌 The speaker encourages the audience to join for the next parts of the series to learn more about the import process in ServiceNow.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video series on ServiceNow?

The purpose of the video series is to guide users on how to set up and execute a standard data import in ServiceNow.

What are the main components of a standard import in ServiceNow?

The main components include data sources, import sets, transform maps, field maps, and data import scheduling.

What is the terminology used for the intermediary data entity in the ServiceNow import process?

The intermediary data entity is referred to as an 'import set table' in ServiceNow, but the speaker prefers to call it a 'staging table' for simplicity.

Why is the staging table introduced in the ServiceNow import process?

The staging table acts as an intermediary between the source data entity and the target entity, simplifying the understanding and process of data import.

Is it necessary to manually create the staging table in ServiceNow?

No, ServiceNow automatically creates the staging table when the import process is initiated, so there is no need to manually create it.

What is the first step in building an import in ServiceNow according to the script?

The first step is the creation of a data source, which will be covered in the next note of the series.

How does the speaker intend to make the import process easier to understand?

The speaker uses the term 'staging table' instead of 'import set table' to simplify the understanding of the process.

What is the relationship between the source data and the staging table in ServiceNow?

The source data is the original data entity from which data is to be imported, and the staging table is where ServiceNow temporarily stores this data during the import process.

What is the final destination of the data after it passes through the staging table?

The final destination is the target data store within ServiceNow, where the data ends up after the import process is completed.

What will be covered in the subsequent notes of the series after the introduction of terminology?

The subsequent notes will delve into the specifics of creating a data source, understanding transform maps, field maps, and discussing data import scheduling.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to ServiceNow Data Import Basics

This paragraph introduces the series of notes on setting up and executing a standard data import in ServiceNow. The speaker sets the stage by explaining the terminology used throughout the series, such as 'data entities', 'source data entity', 'target entity', and the unique 'staging table' or 'import set table' that ServiceNow introduces as an intermediary step in the import process. The staging table is automatically created by ServiceNow during the import process, simplifying the understanding and execution of data imports. The paragraph concludes by mentioning that the first step in building an import will be the creation of a 'data source', which will be covered in the next note.

Keywords

💡Data Import

Data Import refers to the process of transferring data from one system or location to another. In the context of the video, it is the core process being discussed, specifically within the ServiceNow platform. The video aims to educate viewers on how to set up and execute this process, highlighting its importance in integrating and managing data within ServiceNow.

💡ServiceNow

ServiceNow is a cloud-based platform that provides a range of services, including IT service management, customer service management, and human resources service delivery. The video script mentions ServiceNow as the environment where the standard data import process is being set up and executed, indicating its role as the central system for this operation.

💡Data Entities

Data Entities are distinct units of data that can be manipulated individually. In the script, the term is used to describe the source and target of the data import process. The source data entity is where the data originates, and the target entity is where the data is ultimately stored after the import.

💡Staging Table

A Staging Table, synonymous with an 'Import Set Table' in ServiceNow, serves as an intermediary data entity during the import process. The script explains that ServiceNow automatically creates this table when an import is initiated, acting as a buffer zone between the source data and the final target data store.

💡DataSource

A DataSource in ServiceNow is a configuration that defines the origin of the data to be imported. The script mentions the creation of a DataSource as the first step in building the import process, emphasizing its role in identifying and setting up the data source for the import.

💡Import Set

An Import Set is a ServiceNow term for a specific type of record that is used to manage the import process. Although not explicitly defined in the script, the term is closely related to the concept of a Staging Table and is part of the terminology used to describe the components involved in a data import.

💡Transform Maps

Transform Maps are used in ServiceNow to define how data is transformed during the import process. While the script does not delve into specifics, it suggests that Transform Maps are part of the components that make up a standard import, indicating their importance in shaping the data as it moves from source to target.

💡Field Maps

Field Maps in the context of ServiceNow are used to map the fields of the source data to the corresponding fields in the target data entity. The script indicates that Field Maps are a component of the standard import process, essential for ensuring data integrity and accuracy during the import.

💡Data Import Scheduling

Data Import Scheduling refers to the process of planning and automating the execution of data imports at specific times or intervals. The script mentions this as a topic to be covered later in the series, suggesting its relevance in managing and automating data imports within ServiceNow.

💡Terminology

The script emphasizes the importance of establishing and understanding specific terminology used throughout the series of notes on data import in ServiceNow. Terminology such as 'Staging Table' and 'DataSource' is crucial for clarity and accuracy in the setup and execution of data imports.

Highlights

Introduction to a series of notes on setting up and executing a standard data import in ServiceNow.

Explaining the components of a standard import: data sources, import sets, transform maps, field maps, and data import scheduling.

Terminology clarification: source data entity, target entity, and the intermediary import set table.

Import set table is referred to as a staging table to simplify understanding.

ServiceNow automatically creates the staging table during the import process.

The data import process involves three entities: source data, staging table, and target data store.

Next steps include creating a data source in ServiceNow.

The staging table is not manually created, it's automatically handled by ServiceNow.

The importance of understanding the terminology used in ServiceNow data imports.

The series will cover the detailed process of building and understanding ServiceNow components for data import.

The role of the staging table as an intermediary between the source and target entities.

The process of a data import in ServiceNow involves an automated creation of the staging table.

The target data store is the final destination for the imported data within ServiceNow.

The first step in building an import is the creation of a data source, which will be covered in the next note.

The series aims to provide a comprehensive guide to setting up data imports in ServiceNow.

The notes will help users understand and execute data imports effectively in ServiceNow.

The introduction of the series sets the stage for deeper exploration of ServiceNow's data import capabilities.

The importance of the staging table in the context of ServiceNow data imports.

Transcripts

welcome to the first in a series of

notes I'm publishing on how to set up

and execute a standard data Import in

servicenow

the series of notes will cover what's

needed to build and understand the

service now components that make up a

standard import including data sources

import sets transform Maps field maps

and finally we'll talk about data import

scheduling

in this first note I really just wanted

to set the stage with some terminology

that we'll be using

throughout the series of notes normally

when we think of

doing an import of data we think of two

data entities there's usually a source

data entity that stores the data that

we're trying to import

and then there's some Target entity into

which we would like that data loaded

as we get into the servicenow import

process you're going to see the service

servicenow introduces an intermediary

data entity between those two steps

servicenow calls that intermediary table

an import set table

I'm going to refer to it throughout

these notes as a staging table

biggest Point here is I wanted to let

you all know that when you hear me say

staging table it's the same thing as

what servicenow refers to as an import

set table and I'll try to remember to

mention that as often as possible I

think staging table

simplifies understanding the process a

bit so

staging table in between the source and

the target the staging tape table is

something that servicenow automatically

creates for us when we kick off our

imports not it's not a table we have to

manually create

so that's all taken care of for us so

you can see the process really here has

three data entities we have our source

data

we have the staging table that

servicenow will create for us as the

import starts and then finally we have

the target

data store where we'd like the the data

to finally end up within servicenow

our first step in building our import is

going to be the creation of what

servicenow calls a data source and we

will cover that in the next note thank

you very much for joining