A subflow, also called a subprocess, is a flow rule (Rule-Obj-Flow class) that is referenced in another flow rule, so that execution of the other rule may start execution of the subflow. For example:

• Add a Flow shape () to the Visio representation of a flow rule to start another flow and end processing of the current flow, a form of branching. The second flow is called a subflow of the first flow.
• Add a Spin-off shape () to the Visio representation to start execution of a different flow using the current work object. Processing in the current flow rule continues without waiting for the subflow to complete.

The Split-ForEach shape and the Split-Join shapes also "call" subflows.

The calling flow — that contains the Flow, Spin-Off, Split-ForEach or Split-Join shape — is known as the parent flow. This is a runtime or dynamic designation, because many different flows can branch or call a common subflow.

The Process Explorer tool presents graphically the static relationships between starter flow rules and subflows. Subflows appear as a blue rectangle ().

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