Use filter lookups

Last updated: September 25, 2026Applies to current supported NIM releases

Filter lookups

Check whether a filter value exists in any system table, then keep or remove matching rows without adding joined columns.

When to use a lookup

A lookup compares a filter output column with a field in a system table. It only reduces the filter's rows; it does not join tables or add columns to the output.

If you need to…	Use…
Keep rows whose value exists in another table	An include lookup.
Remove rows whose value exists in another table	An exclude lookup.
Bring columns from a related table into the result	A relation item.
Compare a column with a fixed value or pattern	An expression item.

Unlike relation items, lookups do not require an intra-system or inter-system relation to be configured first. They compare directly against the selected system field.

Create a lookup

1. Create or edit a filter. Confirm its output includes the column to compare.
2. Open Lookup, select Add, and enter a descriptive Lookup Name.
3. Select the output Filter Column, then the target System, Table, and Field.
4. Set Operation to include to keep rows with a match, or exclude to remove them. Select Save.
5. Open Data and use the lookup's result button to preview it. Test a matching value and a missing value before using it downstream.

Example
Use an include lookup to return source departments that have a matching target group, or an exclude lookup to return departments that still need a group created.

Use lookup results downstream

After configuration, NIM exposes each lookup as a selectable filter input for other objects, such as mappings, roles, and jobs.

For a practical example of lookup-driven group provisioning and role assignment, see the Role model tutorial.

Edit or remove a lookup

Open Processing > Filters, select Edit Filter, then open Lookup. Select a lookup to change its values, or select Remove Lookup for the lookup to delete it. Preview the result and save the filter after either change.