Docs & Tutorials

Update Data Task

Update / Insert Data Task

The Data Update Task automates moving or transforming data between objects in NileDesk. Use it to insert new records or update existing ones in Datasets, Data Forms, Process Flows, or Board Items. This keeps data consistent and eliminates manual re-entry across different templates.

Configuration Tabs

1. Data Source

Start by selecting the operation type and the source of data.

Task Operation Type

  • Insert Data: Create new records in a Dataset or Data Form.
  • Update Data: Modify existing records in a Dataset, Data Form, Process Flow, or Board Item.

Data Source

Choose whether to pull values from the current form or from a form table. If using a table, you can optionally apply a filter so only specific rows are processed instead of all rows.

Update Task Data Source

2. Target & Field Map

Next, configure the destination object and map source fields to target fields.

Target Type

  • Insert: Dataset or Data Form.
  • Update: Dataset, Data Form, Process Flow, or Board.

Field Mapping

Add mappings using Add Field to Map. Each mapping connects a destination field with one of:

Update Task Data Target & Mapping
  • Source Field: A field from the form or form table.
  • Fixed Value: A constant you enter manually.
  • Expression: A calculated value using form fields.

Update Actions (Numeric Fields)

For numeric targets, choose how the incoming value should be applied:

  • Update: Replace existing value with the new one.
  • Add To: Add source value to the current value.
  • Minus From: Subtract source value from the current value.
  • Multiply To: Multiply current value by the source value.

Tip: Useful for balances, stock levels, or counters. When using a form table as source, you can also reference _parent to map values from the parent form.

3. Update Criteria (Update Tasks only)

Define how destination records should be matched before updating. This ensures only the correct records are modified.

Update Task Criteria

Build a filter expression using destination fields, values, or formulas. Example: match an Item Code in the order form with an Item Code in the Inventory dataset.

Filter Behaviour Options

  • Update First Record Matched: Only the first match is updated.
  • Update All Records Matched: Every matching record is updated.
  • Create Record if No Match: If no record matches, insert a new one automatically.