The Rule-base class is the abstract class that contains all rule classes. Rules define how an application and the organization that uses that application run the business. For example, the Rule-Obj-Flow rule type, a subclass of the Rule- base class, defines business workflows that can be presented in Visio graphical form.

Rules can change over time, can depend on special circumstances, and can vary depending on the organizational setting of a user. Process Commander supports these requirements through special properties that support rule resolution. For example, rules that determine office closing hours may change over time, may have exceptions, and may be different in different countries.

In contrast to Rule- class instances, Data- class instances usually record static reference facts that are timeless and valid system-wide. For example, state codes such as MA for Massachusetts are valid for everyone. Data- class instances don't need the special processing provided by rule resolution.

The term rule type identifies a concrete class derived from the Rule- base class. For example, Rule-Obj-Property is a rule type.

	abstract class, base class, rule, rule resolution, ultimate base class
	Rule Types

Definitions — R