Data-driven processes allow you to control how data is used and flows through a process. By defining data stores, data objects and data associations, you can create workflows that adapt dynamically based on available data.

For example, you can use data components to:

•Retrieve objects that are linked to a task in Organizer.

•Assign objects to multiple instances of a sub-process.

•Control which objects are handled in different process tasks.

•Pass data between sub-processes and user tasks.

 

The following data components can be used:

•Data store - Specifies where data is retrieved from, for example, objects linked to a task in Organizer. The data store is available outside the process.

•Data object - Temporarily represents data used in the process.

•Data association - Links data between different objects in the process.

•Data input - Represents data received in a sub-process or user task.

•Data input association - Associates input data with the activity that will use it.

 

Scenario - Modeling a meter replacement process

In this scenario, a process is created for a typical meter replacement job. The process contains workflow items to Plan, Execute the Meter job, and Follow-up. The Meter job is placed in a sub-process that is started once for each meter linked to the task.

 

1.Create a process for meter replacement.

2.Place a Sub-process in the process, check the box for Multiple instances.

3.Place a User task in the sub-process representing the meter replacement itself, in the Activity field, enter Meter job.

4.In the main process, place a Data store.

a.Enter Name, for example Linked objects.

b.In Type definition for the data store , select Objects linked to the task.

5.In the sub-process, place Incoming data.

a.Enter Name, for example Meter.

b.In the Type definition for the input data , select Object list and check Collection.

6.Place a Data association from Data store to the Sub-process.

a.Double-click Data association, in the Data transformer field, select Object type filter.

b.In Edit data transformer parameters , select Meter as the allowed object type.

7.Place a Data input association from Data input to the sub-process User task.

8.Link the data to the sub-process User task:

a.Double-click the User task in the subprocess and select the Data input and output tab.

b.Press and select New data inputset.

c.Press again and select New data input object.

d.In Type definition for input data , select Meter - Replacement.

9.Publish the process, see section Validate and publish a process.

10.Map the process, see section Map a process to a task template.

When the process is linked to a task in Organizer, the meters are retrieved from the linked objects of the task. If 10 meters are linked to the task, 10 instances of the sub-process are created, one for each meter.