Integrations · LessonBy Sneha I, ServiceNow Trainer, 8 yrs · Published · ServiceNow · all levels
Import Set API
Push data into staging tables over REST and let transform maps do the work.
Quick answer
Push data into staging tables over REST and let transform maps do the work.
Key takeaways
- Import Set API combines REST push with transform map logic
- It returns the transform result synchronously
- Clean up staging data on a schedule
- Keep transform scripts simple and observable
When to use it
Post to /api/now/import/{staging_table} when the sending system can push but you still want ServiceNow transform maps, coalescing and field mapping to control what lands in the target table.
Synchronous behaviour
The API runs the transform immediately and returns the resulting record sys_id and status. That makes it useful for integrations that need to know the outcome, unlike a scheduled import.
Operational advice
Staging tables grow fast.
- Schedule cleanup of old import sets and rows
- Keep the transform map simple, complex scripts here are hard to debug at volume
- Return errors to the caller rather than swallowing them
- Use a dedicated integration user so volume is attributable
Practice challenge
+0 XPStreak ×0
Question 1 of 2
Where does an Import Set API payload land first?
Frequently asked questions
Table API or Import Set API?
Table API when the payload already matches the target table. Import Set API when you need mapping, coalescing or data cleansing.
What happens on a transform error?
The response carries the error and the row stays in staging with its status, which is why returning that error to the caller matters.