Step Types and Their Symbols

Symbol

Step type

Runtime function

Process control

The functions Cancel work item or Set work item to obsolete are applied to other work items of the current workflow.

Ad hoc anchor

In the definition, you save workflows that can replace this step. At runtime, an authorized user can select one of the saved workflows. The ad-hoc anchor is then replaced by the steps of this workflow.

Activity

Execution of a task or subworkflow

Condition

One of two branches defined in the workflow definition is processed. The system makes the decision based on defined conditions. When doing this, this system takes account of information from the context of the workflow or the application objects processed.

User Decisions

The process flow of the current workflow is controlled on the basis of a decision made by the current agent.

Document from a Template

A document is created from a document template.

Container operation

Elementary arithmetic operations or value assignments are applied to individual elements of the workflow container.

Event creator

An event is created.

Form

The data in a container element that refers to a structure can be displayed, processed, or approved as a form.

Send mail

The text entered in this step type is sent as an e-mail.

Multiple condition

One of several branches defined in the workflow definition is processed. To do this, the system checks the value of a container element in the workflow container.

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Parallel section

The processing that follows takes place in a fork. You can define how many branches have to be executed for the fork to be successfully completed, or you define an end condition in the condition editor.

Undefined step

No function at runtime. Undefined steps always have an outcome.

Loop (UNTIL)

A sequence of steps is processed repeatedly until the defined termination condition occurs.

Loop (WHILE)

A sequence of steps is processed repeatedly as long as the defined comparisons apply. The system leaves the loop when the basis of comparison does not agree with any of the comparison values.

Wait for event

The system waits for a specific event. The work item is only completed if the expected event occurs. The event can also be triggered by the occurrence of an XML document.

Web activity

The content of container elements is sent to a URL unchanged or in the form of a generated XML document. The step can wait for a reply. Communication with a process started by a Web activity is possible. A process started by an XML message can communicate with its caller.