Creating a BPMN Flow
- 19 Jul 2021
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Creating a BPMN Flow
- Updated on 19 Jul 2021
- 2 Minutes to read
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Overview
BPMN (or Business Process Modeling Notation) is a standard notation system that is used to graphically represent business processes. Through the use of implementations in v6/v7, users are provided the ability to create Flows using BPMN steps in the Step Toolbox. Additionally, if desired, users may also Upload preexisting BPMN XML files into Decisions, for conversion into a Flow. This allows users the ability to use BPMN as a base for laying out projects within the Flow engine. The following document demonstrates how to create a BPMN-based Flow in the Flow Designer.
Additional Information on BPMN
For more information on BPMN in Decisions, see Import and Export BPMN.
BPMN Steps
BPMN steps are located in the Flow Designer, under Toolbox > DATA > BPMN. Accessing this category allows users to access additional categories to provide further customization of the Flow.
The categories and their functions are as follows:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| ACTIVITY | Provides step to Call Activity which provides a method for performing an action. |
| DATA | Offers steps that deal with Data handling. This includes Input, Output, creating a Data Object, or storing Data. |
| EVENTS | Provides steps pertaining to major points ("Events") in a Process. |
| GATEWAYS | Steps that allow the Designer to split the Path of the Flow/BPMN Diagram. |
| PROCESS | Provides a step for running Sub-Processes (similar to Sub Flow functionality). |
| TASKS | Provides steps relating to specific tasks. |
Example
To create a Flow using BPMN steps:
- Navigate to a Designer Project in Decisions Studio, select CREATE FLOW from the Global Action Bar, then CREATE a new Flow.
- From the Flow Designer, delete the Start and End steps. Then navigate to Toolbox > DATA > BPMN > EVENTS > START, and drag a Start Event step into the workspace.
- Navigate to Properties > STEP INFORMATION, and provide the desire Name value for the Start Event.
- From Toolbox > DATA > BPMN > ACTIVITY, attach a Call Activity step to the Done path of the Start Event step.
- From the Properties tab of the Call Activity step, navigate to ADVANCED > PICK OR CREATE IMPLEMENTATION FLOW, then CREATE a new Flow. Additional Information on Implementation Flows.Implementation Flows are used to connect a BPMN Flow to an external Flow to accomplish a section of the modeled Business Process.
From the Flow Designer, design the Flow as desired, then Save, and close via X.
Example Flow ConfigFor this example, attach a Show Popup step from the FAVORITE STEPS category to the Start and End steps. From the step's Properties, Constant map the desired Subject and Message value.
Back in the BPMN Flow's Flow Designer, connect an End Event step from Toolbox > DATA > BPMN > EVENTS > END to the Call Activity step; redefine the step's Name if desired.
Note on Start/Event StepsStart Event and End Event function similarly to a standard Start/End step in that they begin or end the Process respectively, and can be used to define Input/Output data.
Save the Flow, then if desired close.
Debug
- From the top Action bar in the Flow Designer, select Debug. Then click START DEBUGGING.
- Verify that the Flow passes through the complete BPMN Diagram.
- Select/navigate to the Implementation Flow on the left to verify that this Flow was completed as expected.
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