Consolidating Parameters 
Use
For the callable objects that you create, you can define input and output parameters. When the callable object is attached to an action, the parameters are inherited by the action, and are then propagated further to the block and process level.
Consolidating parameters means grouping several parameters and displaying them as a single one. When you consolidate parameters, they get the same values.
The following scenarios are possible for consolidating parameters:
● You consolidate parameters of the same type – either input or output. At runtime, you enter a value once, and it is valid for all parameters in the group.
● You map the input parameters of a callable object to the output parameters of the same object. In this case, the values of the output parameters are retrieved from the relevant input parameters.
● You map the output parameters of a callable object to the input parameters of another callable object. At runtime, the input for the second object is automatically retrieved from the output for the first object.
Prerequisites
You can only map parameters that are of the same type. If you consolidate structure parameters, the structures must match.
Procedure
...
1. In the gallery, select the required action, block, or process, and choose Open….
The object’s design time opens.
2.
To switch to edit mode, choose 
(Edit).
3. Open the Parameters tab page.
All parameters in the input and in the output context of the object are displayed.
For orientation in parameter mapping, see the table below:
Icon |
Description |
|
None of the parameters in the structure are mapped to other parameters. |
|
Some of the parameters in the structure are mapped to other parameters in a group. |
|
This is a group of consolidated parameters. |
Task |
Description |
Configure input and output parameters |
4. Choose Input Parameters or Output Parameters. You can configure the following options: ○ assign default values (available for input parameters only) ○ change the technical name (available for Structures only ) ○ disable the Exposed option (the parameters are not available for subsequent processing) 5. Choose Back |
Configure input and output parameters Use filter function to display only the selected types of parameters |
6. From the filters drop-down list, select one of the following parameter types: Input, Output or Object Type. By default <all> is chosen.
If you select Object Type a separate drop-down list appears, from which you can choose a parameter type. For more information on the different parameter types, see Callable Object Parameters in Developing Composite Applications with CAF GP. |
Show technical details |
7. Choose Show Technical Details to display the following additional parameters: ○ Technical Name – the unique technical name for the parameter ○ Namespace – the namespace defined for the callable object’s parameters ○ Min. Required – the minimum required number of values for the parameter ○ Max Allowed – the maximum number of values allowed for the parameter ○ Is Input – the parameter is exposed as input parameter ○ Is Output – the parameter is exposed as output parameter |
Consolidate parameters |
8. Select the parameters from the list.
The occurrence constraints as well as the type of the parameters must coincide, so that you can group them. For example, if the allowed number of occurrences of a parameter is within the range 0 to 2 (that is, the parameter is optional, and it holds at most 2 elements), and the range for another parameter is 5 to 10, you cannot group them together. 9. Choose Map and enter a name for the consolidated parameter. 10. Choose Save. You can use the function Propose Consolidation. It is activated when you select a parameter from the list. Use the function to check which parameters can be consolidated with the selected one. 11. To create other parameter groups, repeat the procedure. |
12.
To save the changes, choose 
(Save).
Result
You can maintain the parameter groups that you have created. For example, you can revert the consolidation, rename the group, or remove a selected parameter from the group.
Example
You create a process for requesting materials that consists of the following actions:
...
1. A material is requested.
2. The request is approved or rejected.
3. A notification for approval or rejection is sent.
You need to pass the material identifier from the first action on to the second and the third action. For this purpose, you consolidate the input parameter for the material ID of the three actions. At runtime, when the material ID is entered in the first step of the process, it automatically appears in the second and third actions as well.