ServiceNow References · LessonBy Neelima, ServiceNow Architect · Published · ServiceNow · all levels
Flow action reference
The standard actions, what they return, and the ones worth knowing early.
Quick answer
The standard actions, what they return, and the ones worth knowing early.
Key takeaways
- Look Up Record can return nothing, always branch for it
- Wait steps do not consume a worker
- For Each Item is the loop over a record list
- Log steps make executions readable later
Record actions
Create Record, Update Record, Delete Record, Look Up Record and Look Up Records cover most automation. Look Up Records returns a list you iterate with For Each Item, and Look Up Record returns one record or nothing, so always handle the empty case.
Flow logic
If, Else, Do the following in parallel, For Each Item, Wait for condition, Wait for duration and End Flow. Wait steps park the flow without holding a worker, which is why long approvals do not consume capacity.
Utilities worth knowing
These save a script step.
- Ask for Approval with dynamic approvers
- Send Email with a template or inline body
- Create Task and Create Catalog Task for fulfilment work
- Log with a custom message for troubleshooting
- REST step for calls with no spoke available
Practice challenge
+0 XPStreak ×0
Question 1 of 2
Which action returns a list to iterate?
Frequently asked questions
How do I loop with an index?
For Each Item exposes the current item and index, which is enough for most cases. Complex iteration usually means the logic belongs in an action or script include.
Can a flow call another flow?
Yes, through a subflow, which keeps shared process in one place.