Use relations and recursion
Filter joins
Combine related system tables in a filter so you can work with connected identity data in one result.
A relation item is NIM's join operation. It combines two input tables into one filter result using configured intra-system relations, inter-system relations, and their keys.
Add a relation itemDirect link to Add a relation item
- Create or edit a filter.
- Add a Relation filter item and select the related table available from the current input.
- Choose the matching behavior that returns the population you need.
- Preview the result, then save the filter.
Choose matching behaviorDirect link to Choose matching behavior
| Behavior | Includes from the first table | Comparable SQL pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Any | Rows that match at least one row in the second table. | INNER JOIN |
| No | Rows that do not match any row in the second table. | LEFT JOIN with WHERE IS NULL |
| Multiple | Rows that match at least two rows in the second table. | — |
| AllAny-None | Rows returned by both Any and No. | LEFT JOIN |
Understand the outputDirect link to Understand the output
By default, NIM includes the columns from both tables. You can select the output columns after confirming the join.
The number of result rows can increase or decrease, depending on the relationship direction and matching behavior. Preview the relation before using it as input to a mapping, role, job, or app.
If the related table is not available, verify the collection data, table keys, and configured intra-system or inter-system relation before changing the filter.
Follow a hierarchy with recursionDirect link to Follow a hierarchy with recursion
Recursion is available when an intra-system relation eventually points back to the same table. Add the recursive option to the relation item when the filter must follow more than one level, such as nested groups or an organizational hierarchy.
| Relationship | What NIM follows |
|---|---|
| Direct self-reference (1-N or N-1) | A table related to itself, such as a department's parent field. 1-N returns nested children; N-1 returns the chain of parents. |
| Indirect self-reference (N-N) | A table connected back to itself through another table, such as groups through memberships. Select the recursive option; no direction is needed. |
Without recursion, NIM returns only immediately related rows. Preview both a direct and an indirect match to confirm that the recursive result follows the intended direction. For a department hierarchy and nested-group examples, see the images below.
Recursive output can contain supporting or repeated columns. Use column selection and ordering to keep the result readable.