Why Catalog Tasks Are Not Getting Created in ServiceNow

The Most Common Issue Developers Face (and How to Fix It)

You submit a catalog item.

The request is created.
The RITM is created.

But… no catalog tasks appear.

This is one of the most frequent ServiceNow production issues.
And surprisingly — the workflow is usually correct.

The problem is usually hidden in configuration logic.

What Should Normally Happen

When a user submits a catalog item:

REQ → RITM → Workflow/Flow → SCTASK

If SCTASK is missing, the workflow never executed properly.

Root Cause #1 — Workflow Not Attached to Catalog Item

Most common mistake.

Developers create a workflow but forget to attach it.

Check

Catalog Item → Process Engine → Workflow / Flow Designer

If empty → tasks will never generate.

Root Cause #2 — Workflow Conditions Evaluated to False

Your workflow may contain condition logic:

Example:

Department == IT

If user selects HR → workflow skips task activity.

Symptom

Workflow runs but stops immediately.

Fix

Check activity conditions inside workflow/flow.

Root Cause #3 — Using Wrong Table in Flow Designer

Very common in Flow Designer.

Trigger configured on:
Request [sc_request]

Instead of:
Requested Item [sc_req_item]

Flow runs → but no tasks created.

Root Cause #4 — Approval Blocking Task Creation

In many workflows:

Approval → Then create tasks

If approval never completes, tasks never start.

Check

RITM → Approval Related List

Pending approval = workflow paused

Root Cause #5 — Script Errors Inside Workflow

A small script error silently stops task creation.

Example:

current.variables.location.nil()

If variable name incorrect → workflow stops.

How to Identify

System Logs → Errors
Workflow Context → Activity History

Root Cause #6 — Assignment Group Empty

If task requires assignment group and it is blank:

Task activity skips execution.

Always ensure group exists or script sets it.

Root Cause #7 — Using Record Producer Instead of Catalog Item

Record Producers create records directly — not catalog tasks.

Many beginners expect SCTASK from record producer.

It won’t happen unless explicitly scripted.

Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

  1. Is workflow/flow attached?

  2. Is trigger table correct (sc_req_item)?

  3. Any pending approval?

  4. Conditions evaluating false?

  5. Script errors in logs?

  6. Assignment group present?

Conclusion

Catalog tasks not creating is rarely a platform bug.
It is almost always a configuration logic issue.

Once you learn where workflow stops, debugging becomes simple.

Understanding the lifecycle — REQ → RITM → Workflow → SCTASK — is the key to mastering ServiceNow development.

💼 Professional Support Available

If you are facing issues in real projects related to enterprise backend development or workflow automation, I provide paid consulting, production debugging, project support, and focused trainings.

Technologies covered include Java, Spring Boot, CMS, PL/SQL, Azure, and workflow automation (jBPM, Camunda BPM, RHPAM).

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