Import Sets
& Migration
Master the full import set lifecycle — staging tables, transform maps, field maps, data sources (File/JDBC/LDAP/REST), scheduled imports, and transform scripting (coalesce, onBefore, onAfter).
Import Sets is 10% of the exam. Expect scenario questions on coalesce behavior, transform script variables (source, target, answer, ignore, error), data source types, and when MID Server is required. The biggest trap: thinking the staging table IS the destination.
Part 2 Study Modules
Import Sets Architecture
Staging table lifecycle (pending → transformed/error/ignored), sys_import_set run record, import set rows, table rotation, and the three-phase Load → Transform → Cleanup flow.
Transform Maps & Field Maps
sys_transform_map and sys_transform_entry — auto-mapping, run scripts, Choice Action settings (ignore/reject/replace_empty/replace_always), run_business_rules flag, and multiple transforms ordering.
Data Sources & Scheduled Imports
sys_data_source types (File/URL/JDBC/LDAP/REST), attachment vs URL modes, MID Server requirements for private networks, scheduled imports, and REST method auth records.
Coalesce, Behaviors & Scripts
Coalesce upsert logic, multiple coalesce fields (AND), import_behavior (insert/update/insert_or_update/skip/error), onBefore/onAfter/onStart/onComplete transform scripts, and error vs ignore semantics.
Service Graph Connectors — Cloud & Third-Party Ingestion
SGC architecture for cloud providers (AWS, Azure, GCP) and third-party tools, ServiceNow Store connectors, IRE integration (SGC data goes through IRE unlike Table API), SGC data source priority vs. Discovery, and cloud CI class mapping (cmdb_ci_vm_instance, cmdb_ci_ec2_instance).
Non-Discoverable CIs — Manual & Import-Based Ingestion
CIs that cannot be automatically discovered (contracts, licenses, business applications, physical assets), when to use Import Sets vs. Manual entry vs. CMDB REST API (via IRE) for non-discoverable CI ingestion, and governance controls for manually managed CI classes.