LOOKUP! The Power Of ServiceNow Data Matching
Tags: cloud, development
Published: 2024-05-01 17:14:18

## Have you ever encountered a seemingly simple ServiceNow scripting task that turned into a lengthy debugging session?

**I** recently faced this challenge while working on a Catalog client script that involved matching choice fields. 
   What I envisioned as a quick fix became a six-hour debugging marathon! My notification script kept popping up unexpectedly, and only some choices were being matched.

**`But fear not, fellow developers! ServiceNow documentation, our most trusty companion, came to the rescue!!!`**
 
While searching for solutions, I stumbled upon the power of `Data lookup rules`. 
These rules allow administrators to define conditions that automatically set field values, streamlining workflows and saving precious time.
Here's the magic: Data lookup tables enable you to look up values in fields and map them to corresponding values in other fields. Additionally, catalog items have their own dedicated data lookup definition, separate from standard table definitions.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/mrqfgt6vhv6godvkl7yr.png)

###Wanna practice data lookup rules, follow these steps:
.`Create a Data Lookup Table:` This table will house the fields you want to match and the corresponding fields you want to auto-populate based on the matches. Think of it as a mapping guide. In our example, we'll call the fields containing the matching values "matches" and the fields to be auto-populated "setters."

.`Configure Matching Choices:` Within your data lookup table, configure the choices to match exactly with the choices available in your target field (in this case, your catalog item field).

.`Define the Data Lookup in Your Catalog Item:` Navigate to the Catalog Data Lookup Definitions section within your catalog item form (or System Policy > Data Lookup for regular tables).

.`Create a New Lookup Definition:` Specify the fields you created in your data lookup table within the new lookup definition.

.`Set Matchers and Setters:` Within the lookup definition form, define the "matchers" (fields containing matching values) and the "setters" (fields to be auto-populated)

.`Prioritize Your Lookups:` Data lookup rules are processed in a specific order. Access your data lookup table again and set an order for each record. This order dictates the sequence in which the records are processed, ensuring data flows smoothly.

Conclusion:
Data lookup rules offer a powerful and efficient way to automate data population in ServiceNow. By following these steps and leveraging this functionality, you can significantly reduce manual effort, improve data accuracy, and streamline your workflows.

##########TheWorldWorksWithServiceNow! 😄


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- Watch My Youtube Video on Custom Data Look Up Rules: 

https://youtu.be/zs2td3hdZVs?si=J45yW6NqWKcpDiux


-Learn More About ServiceNow Custom Data LookUp and Record Matching:

https://docs.servicenow.com/bundle/washingtondc-platform-administration/page/administer/field-administration/concept/c_DataLookRecMatchSupport.html