Configuring advanced processes
Reach your business goals and solve cases that require additional processing by configuring advanced options for processes.
For example, you can define different paths that a process can follow after a decision point. You can also create subprocesses to support additional work that your case requires.Shapes and connectors
When you work with the flow diagram, you first select flow shapes, and then connect the shapes by dragging connectors. Every shape represents an action or a set of closely related actions in a process, such as an assignment that a user completes at run time, or an automation that an application performs. Connectors show the direction in which a case moves forward and define the order of actions in a process. You can label shapes and connectors for more straightforward communication of events in a case.
Compared to Case Designer, the flow diagram offers additional shapes and configurations. For example, you can create a subprocess that gathers related tasks, and then you can reuse the subprocess in different processes. As a result, you create granular and efficient software. For example, in a hiring application, you can create a subprocess for preparing an offer, and then reuse the subprocess in other processes that users use to review candidates for different positions in a company. You can also use a decision point that determines the path of the process based on the decision result. For example, in a recruitment process, the decision point determines actions that occur after accepting or rejecting a candidate. For more information about shapes, see Flow shapes.
- Types of processes
The default method of creating processes is by adding steps when you define a case life cycle. To access advanced options and configurations, you can also build your processes by using flow shapes on a flow diagram.
- Assignment shapes in processes
Assignment shapes represent tasks that users complete in a process. To ensure that your business process meets all your unique requirements, you can add an assignment shape for each place in a business process that requires human judgment and input.
- Creating a stand-alone process
Create a stand-alone process to support or supplement the steps in a case life cycle. By creating a process outside the context of a case life cycle, you can reuse the process in other case types.
- Changing the path of a process
You can change the path of a process, or flow, to support out-of-sequence events. By adding different structures to your flow, such as loops and branches, you can improve the flexibility of the cases that you create.
- Subprocesses
A subprocess is a process that starts after another process calls it. To create a subprocess, add a specific step to a process in the life cycle of a case or add specific shapes to a flow diagram. Subprocesses modularize the events in the life cycle of a case and increase reusability of your resources, as you can implement the same subprocess in multiple scenarios.
- About Flow Actions
A flow action controls how users interact with user forms to complete assignments. After selecting one flow action, users may fill in a section of the form to complete (perform) the assignment.
- Shape icons in a process
Shape icons in a process are a visual indicator of a shape's configuration and current processing. You can use shape icons to quickly review the functionality and progress of a process without having to open the individual shapes.
- Keyboard shortcuts for processes
For faster and more efficient creation of processes, you can use keyboard shortcuts in the flow diagram. Using keyboard shortcuts also supports accessibility and provides a better experience for developers who rely on a keyboard while developing an application.
- Changing a stage with open assignments
Create a flexible application that meets your business needs even in untypical scenarios by configuring a case to change stage without resolving open assignments in a current stage. As a result, users can complete a specific assignment at any time during a case life cycle.
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