autoSysFields(updateFields)

Extends functionality of setWorkflow method to include not updating system fields like sys_updated_on, sys_updated_by, etc.

This method is useful for creating test data for scripts that are dependent on system fields. This method along with setWorkflow(false) achieves basically the same behavior as an xml import of a record.

After using autoSysFields(false) on a GlideRecord in a business rule, make sure to call autoSysFields(true) before the business script ends. I have seen cases where this roles over to following business rules and can have bad consequences.

Parameters:

• updateFields: bool

Returns: None

Mutates Self?

Yes, this is just a setter for an internal flag.

Examples:

Script

var incidentGr = new GlideRecord('incident');
incidentGr.orderByDesc('sys_created_on');
incidentGr.query();
if (incidentGr.next()) {
  incidentGr.setWorkflow(false);
  incidentGr.autoSysFields(false);
  var current_date_time = (new GlideDateTime()).toString();
  gs.print(incidentGr.sys_updated_on.toString());
  gs.print(current_date_time);
  incidentGr.setValue('sys_created_on', current_date_time);
  incidentGr.setValue('sys_updated_on', current_date_time);
  incidentGr.update();
  incidentGr.setWorkflow(true);
  incidentGr.autoSysFields(true);
  gs.print(incidentGr.sys_updated_on.toString());
}

Output

2025-07-22 15:17:25
2025-08-12 13:50:28
2025-08-12 13:50:28