Automatically update dependent applications to use the latest versions of built-on applications
Valid from Pega Version 8.5
You can now automatically update dependent applications to use the latest versions of built-on applications. When you import an archive that you created from a product rule, you can update all dependent applications to be built on the latest application versions in the archive.
For more information, see Updating dependent applications with the latest versions of built-on applications.
Business logic routing of approval steps
Valid from Pega Version 8.5
Pega Platform™ now supports routing of approval steps by applying business logic, in both App Studio and Dev Studio. Business logic uses a set of conditions to determine the most appropriate worker to approve a case by routing the approval based on defined conditions. For example, in a loan request case, the application can route the approval step to a manager if the importance of the case is set to high. For greater accuracy, business logic can also use skill set, availability, and workload to determine the appropriate worker. With business logic routing, you increase work efficiency and speed up case resolution.
For more information, see Determine a relevant case approver by using business logic (8.5), Requesting approval from users.
Low-code styling in mobile apps
Valid from Pega Version 8.5
The mobile channel now supports enhanced low-code styling and branding of mobile apps. For example, you can customize app icons in three different ways: by uploading an image, by selecting from a list of font icons, or by using the default text-based icons. This enhancement helps you to conveniently customize the look of mobile apps to match the branding guidelines of your company and provide a consistent experience for users across different channels.
For more information, see Applying a custom theme to mobile apps.
Improved experience when building an IVA and Email Bot in App Studio
Valid from Pega Version 8.5
Build your Pega Intelligent Virtual Assistant™ (IVA) and Pega Email Bot™ while working only in App Studio. This approach makes the design process easier and more intuitive, and saves you time. You can now modify the advanced text analyzer configuration while working in App Studio. In addition, if you have access to Dev Studio, you can edit the text analyzer rule from App Studio for your chatbot or email bot by clicking a link to open the settings in Dev Studio.
For more information, see Adding a text analyzer for an email bot and Adding a text analyzer for an IVA.
Offline support for Cosmos-based mobile apps
Valid from Pega Version 8.5
Mobile apps that are based on the Cosmos design system now support offline mode. Previously, offline-enabled apps had to rely on the classic look. Now, you can use the low-code Cosmos solutions to design apps that operate reliably regardless of the connection status.
For more information, see Designing apps for offline mode.
Automated project estimation in App Studio
Valid from Pega Version 8.5
App Studio now supports estimating projects in an intuitive and automated way, so that you can plan your work with greater efficiency and accuracy. Estimations include the number of hours that you will need to deliver an application, based on multiple factors such as the delivery methodology, the number and complexity of features to implement, and the number of teams involved. After you provide the required data, the project estimator calculates the expected duration of application development. To share your project estimates outside Pega Platform™, for example with your stakeholders, you can also export estimates to an .xlsx file.
For more information, see Estimate projects automatically in App Studio (8.5), Estimating application development.
Enhanced application inventory to support features
Valid from Pega Version 8.5
Now the application inventory in App Studio also includes features that represent elements of your application to implement, such as language packs, along with personas and data objects. The inventory provides the option to add new features or reuse existing features from built-on applications. With the enhanced inventory, application development planning and tracking is faster and more intuitive because you can now easily check the features that your development team needs to implement. For greater clarity, the inventory supports different methods of grouping features, for example, by release or complexity.
For more information, see Managing application inventory.
Automatic separation of date input
Valid from Pega Version 8.5
Date fields in Date Time controls now automatically divide strings of input into days, months, and years. In single fields, the system adds slashes (/) as the user types the value. For example, an input string of 10102020 becomes 10/10/2020. In separate day/month/year fields, the system automatically switches from one field to the next as the user types the value. This enhancement improves the user experience by helping to users provide input in a more convenient and time-efficient manner.
For more information, see Configuring a Date Time control.
Spell-check support for multiple locales
Valid from Pega Version 8.5
The spell checker in rich text editors now supports selection of the language of input. In previous releases, the locale of the user determined the language that the spell checker supported. In this release, you can change the default language support by adding locales to the appropriate decision table. This enhancement increases versatility and convenience for users by ensuring grammatical correctness for the language of their choice without the need for external tools.
For more information, see Extending the spell checker to other languages.
Enhanced Case Designer in App Studio
Valid from Pega Version 8.5
For greater clarity when visualizing your business processes, App Studio now has an improved Case Designer. In Pega Platform™ 8.5, every persona displays a list of associated channels, and every data object lists associated systems, instead of showing multiple entities for different channels or systems. Additionally, for better distinction every channel and system displays a unique icon. To fully convey your business process using just one screen, Case Designer now also supports visualizing attachments required for your microjourney, as well as creating draft associations between personas and channels.
For more information, see Plan your Microjourneys more conveniently in an improved Case Designer (8.5), Creating a Microjourney for customer success.