In ServiceNow Flow Designer, what is the purpose of 'Input Variables'?

The purpose of 'Input Variables' in ServiceNow Flow Designer is to accept data from other flows or external sources. These variables serve as entry points for information that can be utilized within the flow, allowing for dynamic and flexible processing of data. By using input variables, a flow can be tailored to handle varying inputs without being hardcoded, making it reusable across different contexts or triggered by different events. This capability enhances the flow's versatility and allows it to integrate seamlessly with other workflows or data sources, which adds to the overall robustness of automations established within the ServiceNow ecosystem.

The other choices, while related to flow operations, do not accurately capture the role of input variables. For example, storing results of flow executions aligns more with output mechanisms rather than input. User permissions and security protocols pertain to governance aspects of flows, which input variables do not directly address.