Designers: Flow


External Form

  • Simple External Form Process

    External Form step was designed in Decisions to interact with forms using html methods or service calls. External Form step could be found in the Flow Designer in the ToolBox under Forms[Interaction]...

  • External Forms That Return Data to Decisions (javascript simple)

    External Form step was designed in Decisions to interact with forms using html methods or service calls. External Form step could be found in the Flow Designer in the ToolBox under Forms[Interaction]...

  • External Forms That Need Data From Decisions (javascript simple)

    External Form step was designed in Decisions to interact with forms using html methods or service calls. External Form step could be found in the Flow Designer in the ToolBox under Forms[Interaction]...

  • Multi Step External Form (javascript)

    External Form step was designed in Decisions to interact with forms using html methods or service calls. External Form step could be found in the Flow Designer in the ToolBox under Forms[Interaction]...

  • Multi Step External Form Receive Data From Form (ASP.NET)

    External Form step was designed in Decisions to interact with forms using html methods or service calls. External Form step could be found in the Flow Designer in the ToolBox under Forms[Interaction]...

  • Simple ASP.NET External Form Using Data From Decisions

    External Form step was designed in Decisions to interact with forms using html methods or service calls. External Form step could be found in the Flow Designer in the ToolBox under  category. This method...

  • External Form - Send and Receive File via Web Service Call (ASP.NET)

    External Form step was designed in Decisions to interact with forms using html methods or service calls. External Form step could be found in the Flow Designer in the ToolBox under Forms[Interaction]...

  • Script Form Step For External Forms

    Script Form Step was designed in Decisions 3.2 for doing additional work with javascript before processing External Form. This tutorial shows a simple example of how to configure and use this step in...


Integration

  • Integrating With WCF Services

    This tutorial demonstrates how to integrate with WCF Service in Decisions and use a Reference to this Service in a Workflow. Example: In this example we are going to integrate with Bing’s Geocode WCF...

  • Integrating Decisions with External Oracle Database

    This tutorial demonstrates how to Integrate Decisions with Oracle Database. Example: In this example we are going to demonstrate how to Integrate Decisions with Oracle Database, Add Table to created...

  • Parameterized Queries

    This tutorial demonstrates how to use Parameterized Queries in Decisions. Parameterized Queries is the best way to prevent SQL Injections. In these types of queries we define Parameters that become Variables...

  • Creating Types From XML

    A data structure is a particular way of storing and organizing data in a computer so that it can be used efficiently. A data structure represents real or abstract objects through use of data members-basic...

  • Return Dynamic Data Rows When Fetching Data From Database

    Database entities represent external databases which can be integrated with a flow. To add a database within the portal, navigate to the folder System > Designers > Integrations > Databases,...

  • Integrating With Sybase Database

    Database entities represent external databases which can be integrated with a flow. To add a database within the portal, navigate to the folder System > Designers > Integrations > Databases,...

  • Calling Stored Procedure From Flow To Write Data

    This tutorial demonstrates how to add Stored Procedures while integrating with Database in Decisions. Next, we will call Stored Procedure from the Flow to write data to the Database we integrated...

  • Insert, Update, Delete Steps For Integration With Database

    When integrating with Database in Decisions it is possible to generate Update, Delete and Insert steps to interact with integrated Database from Decisions’ Flow. This tutorial demonstrates...

  • Run DOS / Batch Commands

    Decisions allows you to run commands or batch files using steps in Decisions.  These steps allow you to use all the power of workflow, rules, tasking, alerting, job scheduling, etc. with traditional...

  • Insert, Update, Delete Steps For Integration With Database (3.2.0)

    When integrating with Database in Decisions it is possible to generate Update, Delete and Insert steps to interact with integrated Database from Decisions’ Flow. This tutorial demonstrates...

  • Integrating With Sybase Database (3.2.0)

    Database entities represent external databases which can be integrated with a flow. To add a database within the portal, navigate to the folder System > Designers > Integrations > Databases,...

  • Add Query to External Database (3.2.0)

    In Decisions 3.2 it is possible to Add Table, Add View, Add Procedure, Add Relationship, Add Query to the Database from any Designer Folder in the Portal. Example: Note: go through the following...

  • Integrating an External Database with a Flow (3.2.0)

    Database entities represent external databases which can be integrated with a flow. To add a database within the portal, navigate to the folder System > Designers > Integrations > Databases,...

  • Calling Stored Procedure From Flow To Write Data (3.2.0)

    This tutorial demonstrates how to add Stored Procedures while integrating with Database in Decisions 3.2. Next, we will call Stored Procedure from the Flow to write data to the Database we...

  • Alternate Access Pattern For Table Integrations

    This tutorial demonstrates how to use Alternate Access Pattern for database table integrations. Alternate Access Pattern generates a step that can be used in the workflow to retrieve information from...

  • Alternate Access Patterns For User Defined Data Types

    This tutorial demonstrates how to use Alternate Access Pattern for User Defined Data Types. Note: Alternate Access Pattern can be used only if User Defined Data Type is Database Stored. Alternate Access...

  • Integrating an External Database with a Flow

    Database entities represent external databases which can be integrated with a flow in a number of ways. To add a database within the portal, navigate to the folder System > Flow Management > Databases, click the Add Database button, and supply the necessary details.

  • Integrating an Internal Web Service [WSDL] within a Flow

    Webservice references represent web services which can be integrated into a flow in a number of ways. To add a web service within the portal, navigate to the folder System > Flow Management > External Services, click the Add WebService Reference button, and supply the necessary details.

  • Integration with External Web Service

    Webservice references represent web services which can be integrated into a flow in a number of ways. To add a web service within the portal, navigate to the folder System > Flow Management > External...

  • External Entities

    This tutorial demonstrates how to create and configure External Entity data structure in Decisions. External Entity was introduced in Decisions 3.2. External Entity is a data structure that helps to work...

  • Calling a .NET Library Function From a Flow

    The .NET Library contains a wide range of common functions, classes, and methods that can expedite the development process.

  • Integrating a REST Web Service That Returns JSON Data

    The Decisions portal can integrate with web services that return JSON formatted data. The steps for retrieving and using the JSON data are as follows: 1) Integrate the service within the Portal 2)...

  • Add Query to External Database

    Note: go through the following document to avoid SQL Server Database Permissions errors: http://decdocs3x.wpengine.com/sql-server-database-permissions/ It is possible to add queries, procedures,...


Notification Flow

  • Creating Custom Modes of Notification with Notification Flows

    A user can create a special kind of flow, called a notification flow, which can be configured like any other flow, but has one special feature.After a notification flow has been saved, it is available to be used as a notification mode, along with email, popup or SMS message, when creating a notification.


Excel/CSV

  • Fetching Data From Database to CSV File

    Database entities represent external databases which can be integrated with a flow. To add a database within the portal, navigate to the folder System > Designers > Integrations > Databases,...

  • Using Split Excel Column Step

    Using the Split Excel Column component in a Flow, the data in an Excel spreadsheet’s column that is separated by a delimiter can be split into several columns and then displayed in a data grid or...

  • Creating And Styling Excel Document

    This tutorial demonstrates how to Create an Excel Document in the Flow. Additionally, this tutorial demonstrates how to apply different Styles to this Excel Document. Create New Excel File step can be...

  • Edit And Update Excel Document

    This tutorial demonstrates how to use specific Steps in the Flow Designer to get values from an Excel Document, and how to Update values in the Excel Document (Set Values, Replace Values, Delete Row,...

  • Using Run Flow For CSV Step

    This tutorial shows how to use Run Flow For CSV step. This step can be found in Data > List > Excel and CSV category in the ToolBox. Example: In this Example we will use Run Flow For...

  • CSV To List Mapping Step

    This tutorial demonstrates how to convert data from Excel Document to a Simple List of Strings using CSV To List Mapping step from Data > List > Excel and CSV category in the ToolBox. Example: We...

  • Append CSV File Using List To CSV Mapping Step

    This tutorial shows how to use CSV To List Mapping and List To CSV Mapping steps from Data > List > Excel and CSV category in the ToolBox. Example: In this Example we are going to create...

  • CSV To Object Mapping Step

    This tutorial demonstrates how to use CSV To Object Mapping step. This step can be found in Data > List > Excel and CSV category in the ToolBox. Example: In this Example we are going...

  • Using For Each Excel Or CSV Row Step

    This tutorial demonstrates how to use For Each Excel Or CSV Row step. This step can be found in Data > List > Excel and CSV category in the ToolBox. Example: In this example we are going to create...

  • Loading an Excel File into a Flow

    The Import Excel or CSV flow component loads tabular data from CSV or Excel-formatted files. The function of this step is to import an excel or csv file into a data type.

  • Converting an Excel File to CSV

    The Convert Excel to Csv component converts Excel-formatted tabular data to CSV format. To use the Convert Excel to Csv component in the Flow Designer, drag it to the workspace from the Components panel's Data > List > Excel and CSV category.

  • Converting CSV to an Excel File

    The Convert Csv to Excel component converts CSV tabular data to the Excel format. To use the Convert Csv to Excel component in the Flow Designer, drag it to the workspace from the Toolbox panel's Data > List > Excel and CSV category.

  • Splitting Excel Columns by a Custom Delimiter

    Using the Split Excel Column component in a flow, the data in an Excel spreadsheet's column that is separated by a delimiter can be split into several columns and then displayed in a data grid or converted into a CSV file.

  • Editing CSV Records in a Form

    The CSV Editor form component allows for the editing of CSV-formatted tabular data, such as a spreadsheet.

  • Creating Data Objects from Excel Data

    The Import Excel or CSV component iterates through the rows of a spreadsheet and attempts to create a data object from that row. The Import Excel or CSV component can be found in the Toolbox tab, under...


Files

  • Reading Text Files from a File System

    The Read Text File component reads and outputs the contents of a file as plain text. Add it to a flow in the Flow Designer, in the Toolbox panel, by expanding the category Integration > File and dragging a Read Text File component to the workspace.

  • Writing a File to the Local File System

    The Create Text File component saves a plain text file to the local file system. Add it to a flow in the Flow Designer. In the Toolbox panel, under the category Integration > File, drag a Create Text File component to the workspace.

  • Listing Files in a File System

    The List Files in Directory component creates a list of filenames for a given directory. Create a flow to list the files in the Flow Designer. In the Toolbox panel, under the category Integration > File, drag a List Files in Directory component to the workspace.


FTP/SFTP

  • Upload File with FTP

    File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a secure method to transfer files across a network. Some FTP servers allow an anonymous connection, but many require that you enter the user name and password for the FTP server when connecting. Use a flow to upload a file to an FTP server, using the authentication information you specify.

  • Download File with FTP

    File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a secure method to transfer files across a network. Some FTP servers allow an anonymous connection, but many require that you enter the user name and password for the FTP server when connecting. Use a flow to download a file from an FTP server, using the authentication information you specify.

  • Download File with SFTP

    Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is a secure method to transfer files across a network. Use a flow to download a file from an SFTP server, using the authentication information you specify. To use...


Notification-Communication

  • Sending an Email from a Flow

    Add a Send Email component to the Flow Designer workspace to send an e-mail message from the flow. Designate the To and From email address and the subject of the message in the Mapping Editor.

  • Sending SMS Text Notification Within a Flow

    The portal supports notifications in the form of email, popup within the portal, SMS text, Instant Message, Twitter, and a custom notification method. In order for the system to know a user's email address,...

  • Posting a Twitter Message Using a Flow

    Once Twitter integration has been activated, the platform uses a Twitter account to post messages as one method of notification. The platform can also post messages that are manually entered or automatically generated.

  • Recording and Transcription

    Using Decisions and Telephony, you can record and transcribe phone conversations. This article explains how.   Example If you haven't already done so, Register the Telephony Service in Portal and Create...

  • Downloading Email From a Mail Server [POP]

    Using the Get Email component, a flow can retrieve messages from a mail server. The flow can display the messages in a form or use them in other ways.

  • Listing Email From Server [IMAP]

    Using the Get Email component, a flow can retrieve messages from a mail server. The flow can display the messages in a list on a form or use them in other ways.

  • Downloading Email From a Mail Server [IMAP]

    Amazon Web Services' S3 offers cloud-based storage that can be integrated with your system.

  • Deleting Emails From a Mail Server [IMAP]

    Flows can download, list and delete email messages from either an IMAP or POP mail server. You can configure the Delete component to delete emails that meet certain criteria.

  • Sending Reminder Email for Task Assignment

    When a task is initially assigned, the default behavior of the portal is to send a popup notification to the assignee(s), in addition to an email containing the task name, description, and link. A follow-up...


PDF

  • Retrieving and Processing PDF Form Fields in a Flow

    PDF form field values can be extracted and used as variables in a flow using the Get PDF Form Fields component. This component is found in the Toolbox panel under the Data > PDF category.   Example In...

  • Turning RichText/HTML into PDF

    The HTML to PDF component in a flow can convert text to PDF format. When used in a flow, this step reads in an HTML or text file, then converts it to PDF. This step does not actually create the file;...

  • Filling in PDF Forms Using Flow

    The Set PDF Form Fields component in a flow can populate a PDF form template with data. When used in a flow, this step reads a PDF form template to identify its fields, then provides input fields for...


NVelocity

  • Creating Excel Data from Data Objects

    Data objects can be exported to CSV format within a flow by using the Custom Merge [NVelocity] and Create Text File components. The Custom Merge [NVelocty] component can be found in the Toolbox tab,...

  • Advanced Text Merge Using the NVelocity Component

    NVelocity is an open source java template engineering framework. The Custom Merge [NVelocity] component allows variables to be merged with text in a defined template. These templates can be used to generate...

  • Conditionals (if statements) using NVelocity

    This example simulates the lookup of a customer's account balance. The NVelocity step uses conditional statements to evaluate the account balance dollar amount and produces a custom message to communicate...


Amazon EC2

  • Starting new server using flow components

    The Amazon EC2 services allow you to run virtual machines in the cloud by creating machine images and then starting instances of those images. These EC2 machine instances can be started using the Start...

  • Monitoring files on amazon S3

    Amazon Web Services' S3 offers cloud-based storage that can be integrated with your system. Files that are stored on Amazon S3 can be monitored and listed with the ListObjects component.

  • Deleting Files From Amazon S3

    Amazon Web Services S3 offers cloud-based storage that can be integrated with your system. Users can view, monitor and delete files stored in the cloud.

  • Setting up Amazon WebServices Integration

    Amazon Web Services' S3 offers cloud-based storage that can be integrated with your system.


Capture Flow Data

  • Setting Up a Process Folder to Save Flow Data

    Flows can store and manage data inside of any storage scheme. As a convenience, the platform also offers internal tools for representing and managing persistent flow data within the portal.

  • Saving a Comment to a Process Folder

    Process folders allow process states, files and other flow data to be stored in a way that is easy to manage through the portal. Process folders can also contain comments - purely descriptive notations that can, but are not required to, contain any of the data actually handled by the flow.

  • Saving a Document to a Process Folder

    Process folders allow process states, files and other flow data to be stored in a way that is easy to manage through the portal. Process folders can also contain files input by users, forms, outside systems, or any other entity capable of outputting them.

  • Setting a Process's State and State Reason

    Process folders allow process states, files and other flow data to be stored in a way that is easy to manage through the portal. Process folders can also contain files input by users, forms, outside systems, or any other entity capable of outputting them.

  • Creating a Report of Process Folder Flow States

    Process folders allow process states, files and other flow data to be stored persistently in a way that is easy to manage through the portal. Processes that are expected to run for an extended period of time can be monitored and measured with process state reports.

  • Cache Steps

    This tutorial demonstrates how to use Cache Steps in Decisions. With Cache Steps we can store and retrieve some Data values in memory for defined time. In Decisions we are able to define different types...


Text Builder

  • Appending HTML Lines Using String Builder

    This tutorial demonstrates how to use String Builder steps to Append HTML Lines. String Builder steps can be found under Data > Text > Builder category in the ToolBox. Example: In...

  • Appending CSV File Using String Builder

    This tutorial demonstrates how to append new rows to the CSV file using String Builder steps. These steps can be found in Data > Text > Builder category in the ToolBox. Example: We begin...


Word Document

  • HTML to Word Document Step

    This tutorial shows how to use Html To Word Document step. This step can be found under Data > Html category in the ToolBox in the Flow Designer. This step can be used to convert Html Document into...

  • Appending Word Documents

    This tutorial demonstrates how to Append Word Documents using Append Word Doc To Word Doc and Combine Multiple Word Documents steps. These steps can be found in Data > Documents category in the ToolBox. Example: We...

  • Replacing Bookmarks With Text (Dynamic)

    This tutorial shows how to replace Bookmarks in Word Document with desirable Text. Replace Bookmark With Text (Dynamic) step that we will use for our purposes can be found in Data > Documents category...

  • Replace Bookmarks With Text

    This tutorial demonstrates how to use Replace Bookmarks With Text step from Data > Documents category in the ToolBox. This step gets bookmarks from the Constant Word Document, replaces them with a...


Expressions

  • Evaluate Expression

    Expression Steps are specially designed to evaluate calculations in one step within a Flow. These Steps can be found under Data > Numbers Category in the ToolBox in the Flow Designer. Example In...

  • Evaluate Dynamic Expression

    Expression Steps are specially designed to evaluate calculations in one step within a Flow. These Steps can be found under Data > Numbers Category in the ToolBox in the Flow Designer. The Evaluate...

  • Evaluate Dynamic Expression As Rule

    Expression Steps are specially designed to evaluate calculations in one step within a Flow. These Steps can be found under Data > Numbers Category in the ToolBox in the Flow Designer. The Evaluate...

  • Creating Expression Rule

    Expression Rule allows User to create a Defined Expression Entity which could be used as a Step for the Flow with Boolean outcome. To create one the User should click on Create Rule in the Designer Folder...


Components

  • File References

    File references allow large files to be saved in the file system rather than memory, but still be usable in the Portal. By default, uploaded files are stored in memory for fast retrieval and indexing....

  • Using Annotation Components

    Annotation components identify and label parts of the flow, but have no other function. They display in the workspace only and not in the Debugger. Use annotations to add design notes, to list components...

  • Generating a Unique ID

    The Generate GUID component creates a unique identifier for use in your flows. It can be found in the Toolbox panel, under the Data category. Example Our example flow will generate a unique identifier...

  • Checking if an Object is Null

    The Object Is Null component checks whether a given input is "null," or non-existent. Based on its determination, the component returns a "True" outcome if the input is null, or a "False" outcome if...

  • Using the Create or Copy Data Component

    When building a flow, use the Create or Copy Data component to create or copy data objects (or lists of objects) for use elsewhere in the flow. For example, select the Create or Copy Data component and,...

  • Using Random Rule and Sampling Rule Steps

    The Random Rule and Sampling Rule components provide tests for probability in a flow. Within certain boundaries, both components will randomly return one of two outcomes "True" or "False." This randomness...

  • Processing Lists of Items with the ForEach Step

    The ForEach component passes individual items from a collection to a flow loop which performs the same actions on each item. When every member has been processed, the loop forwards the finished collection...

  • Processing Lists of Items with the Branching ForEach Step

    The Branching ForEach Step component iterates through every item in a collection, passing them to one or more next steps. It is similar to a non-branching ForEach Step component, with two major differences....

  • Running Steps Asynchronously with the Go Async Component

    The Go Async component allows subsequent flow steps to be run asynchronously, returning control immediately to the flow's calling entity (such as a parent flow, user or process). In other words, any...

  • Jumping Position in a Flow with the GoTo Step

    The Go To Step component jumps the current position of a flow to a step elsewhere in the flow. It can be found in the Flow Designer, in the Toolbox panel, under Flow Management. Example Our example...

  • Pausing a Flow's Progression with the Pause Flow Component

    The Pause Flow component delays processing the next step of a flow until a specific date and time, or until a time duration has elapsed.

  • Retrieving Entities with the Fetch Entities Flow Step

    The Fetch Entities step is a flow step that allows for fetching of any entity within the system, such as folders, native data types, stored database types, and custom data types. The Fetch Entities step...

  • Saving Flow Step Configuration as a Template

    Add a Send Email component to the Flow Designer workspace to send an e-mail message from the flow. Add configuration to the properties and Save as Template. The Send Email component can be found in...

  • QR Codes Module

    This tutorial demonstrates how to use QR Codes Module in Decisions. QR Codes Module in Decisions was designed to expand Decisions functionality with QR Codes interaction. With this Module installed we...

  • Using the Masked Textbox Component

    The Masked Textbox form component requires the user to enter data that matches the specified format. The available formats are: general, email address, number, decimal, currency and social security number....

  • Using the Multiple File Upload and Download Components

    The Multiple File Upload and Multiple File Download form components allow users to upload and download files to a flow. They can be found in the Toolbox tab, under the File Handling category. Example Our...

  • Uploading and Downloading Large Files with File References

    File references allow large files to be saved in the file system rather than memory, but still be usable in the Portal. By default, uploaded files are stored in memory for fast retrieval and indexing....

  • Using the Mapping Step

    The Mapping step lets you map data from one object into another object. For example, if a flow has empty objects and you want to populate attributes of those objects, the Mapping step could meet this...

  • Using Foreign Exchange Components

    Decisions has a module that provides Foreign Exchange components. These components work with the StrikeIron.com web services, therefore it is necessary to set up an account on StrikeIron.com. These...


Converter Flow

  • Using Converters When Fetching Data From Database

    Database entities represent external databases which can be integrated with a flow. To add a database within the portal, navigate to the folder System > Designers > Integrations > Databases,...

  • Using Converter Flows

    Converter flows are flows designed to transform one type of data into another, and which are implemented as a mapping type. To use a converter flow in the Mapping Editor, select the input or output

  • Building a Converter Flow

    Converter flows are specially designated to create data or transform objects from one datatype to another. Because of their unique nature, converter flows are implemented as a mapping type, rather than as a sub-flow.

  • Changing Flow Behavior

    A flow's behavior can be changed using the flow's Action menu. By default, the appropriate flow behavior is assigned based on the folder type in which the flow is created. For example, a "standard" flow...


Debugging

  • Unit Tests Overview (Simple Flow)

    In Decisions 3.5 Unit Test utility is separated from the Debugger. User is able to Test Flow/Rule and see if it is executing correctly in the Debugger or create Unit Tests to apply custom Rules to the...

  • Unit Tests Advanced

    This document demonstrates advanced techniques of using Unit Test utility in Decisions Designer. To start with Unit Test utility please go through Unit Tests Overview (Simple Flow) document first. This...

  • Using the Flow Debugger

    Flows can span multiple systems, such as POP, IMAP, Application Servers, and Database Servers, and may or may not involve an end user. A flow can run an approval process, check or send email, handle an incident, or turn on a server. To ensure the flow runs without errors and has no performance issues, debugging is highly recommended throughout the development stages.

  • Using Debugging Steps

    When debugging a flow, it is sometimes useful to create debugging steps, which can provide information about or gather data from a certain step in the flow before the flow has finished running. Debugging steps can record information in system logs, output the current step's flow data, output a message, or output a string.

  • Using Breakpoints in the Flow Debugger

    The Flow Debugger is the platform's environment for testing and debugging flows before putting them into production. When testing, it may be necessary to temporarily halt the flow's progress so that data can be analyzed mid-flow.

  • Introduction to Exception Handling

    Exception handling is the process of responding to the occurrence, during computation, of exceptions – anomalous or exceptional events requiring special processing – often changing the normal flow of program execution.


Step Help

  • Run Flow For List Step

    This tutorial demonstrates how to use Run Flow For List step. This step was implemented in Decisions 3.5. This step works in the similar manner as For Each loop step, except with this step designer is...

  • Rule Collection Filter Step

    This tutorial demonstrates how to use Rule Collection Filter Step. This step designer is able to create a custom Rule to filter collection of any type in Decisions. Example: In this example we are going...

  • Wait On External System

    This tutorial demonstrates how to use Wait On External System step in Decisions. This step is an Assigned Form for the External System (Service, External Database etc.). This step monitors External System,...

  • Leased Entities

    This tutorial demonstrates how to create and use Leased Entities in Decisions. Leased Entity is a simple Database Structure (User Defined) that can be used instead of regular Database Structure (User Defined)...

  • Reset For Each Step

    This tutorial demonstrates how to use Reset For Each Step in Decisions. This step resets For Each loop iteration. This is important in cases when Workflow process has to be designed to quit looping when...

  • Xpath Query

    XPath uses path expressions to select nodes or node-sets in an XML document. The node is selected by following a path or steps. This tutorial demonstrates how to use XPath Query step in Decisions to be...

  • Raw SQL Step

    This tutorial demonstrates how to use Raw SQL Step in Decisions. This step requires the designer to be able to write and understand SQL queries. Raw SQL Step is an advanced step. It can be used in places...

  • Search And Replace Regex

    This tutorial demonstrates how to use Regex Replace Step in Decisions. The Regex Replace step is intended to look up text input by a regular expression pattern and replace text that matches the pattern. Example: We...

  • Getting File Data From a Document

    This tutorial demonstrates how to get data from the Document entity in Decisions. Example: In this example we are going to get data from the Document and display it on the Form. First, we need to get...


General

  • Lookup List Overview

    This tutorial demonstrates how to create and use Lookup Lists in Decisions. Lookup List is a feature that was implemented in Decisions 3.5 and newer. This feature allows to create a specific System Constants...

  • Folder Aware Flow Behavior

    This document demonstrates how to use Folder Aware Flow behavior. In this tutorial we are going to create a Page that can be used on different Folders to display Comments that live in that Folder using...

  • Flow Designer Wizard Overview

    Flow Designer Wizard is created to ease a flow creation process. This Wizard starts up every time we create a new flow. We start this overview from clicking Create Flow in the Designer Folder...

  • Connecting Steps and Changing Flow Execution Paths

    This article describes how Flow Designer Wizard helps to simplify Flow Design process. Next, this article briefly describes using GoTo step to jump between flow steps and Catch Exception step to catch...

  • Rest Handling for Services

    Summary A flow can be made into a REST web service that supports either HTTP GET or POST methods. REST calls to a flow require either (1) valid user session ID, or (2) valid user authentication ID....

  • Post to Flow Behavior

    Summary A flow can be made into a REST web service that supports either HTTP GET or POST methods. REST calls to a flow require either (1) valid user session ID, or (2) valid user authentication ID....

  • Creating Process Extension Data Structure

    Flow execution data extensions are custom data structures that can be attached to process folders for reporting, or to provide contextual data throughout the life of a process. Flow data extensions can...

  • Adding Actions to Folder Entities with the Flow Designer

    Folder entity actions are actions which can be taken upon a folder entity. Custom folder entity actions are built in flows, and saved within a [MyFolderEntity] folder for the entity type, within a Designer...

  • URL Alias For Flow

    Using a URL Alias to route to Decisions A URL Alias is a user defined text that can then be used to call Decisions workflows via Alias Name rather than FlowID or Path. This can be done as an action...

  • Form Assignment Handler Flows

    Automated actions, such as tagging a Form assignment, can occur at the moment a form is assigned by utilizing our Form Assignment Handler flow behavior. Example: This example demonstrates how to tag...

  • Creating a KB Article via a Flow

    Use the Mapping Editor to create complex objects from multiple step inputs. For example, map the output of data entered in form fields to the inputs of an internal service to transform user-entered information into a KB article (Knowledge Base).

  • Creating Your First Flow

    A Flow is a diagram of interconnected components that sequentially execute steps to accomplish a task. Almost all steps result in an outcome, such as true or false, and most output some type of data.

  • Using the Mapping Editor

    Each step in your application's flow accepts a data input and returns a data output for use in the next step. For some steps, multiple sources of data may be available to use as inputs. Use the Mapping...

  • Using Sub-Flows/Child Processes

    When using the Flow Designer, it is possible to embed another flow as a step in your parent flow by adding it from the list of available components. This is referred to as adding a "child process" or...

  • About Branching and Merging Flows

    Branching and merging allows us to process multiple flow steps in parallel, rather than one after the other. You can create branches and mergers by dragging and dropping the Branch Step and Merge Step...

  • Running a Flow from a URL

    It is possible to run a flow just by accessing its URL. The URL can be copied to the clipboard and emailed to a user, or bookmarked, for example. The URL can be lengthy, and one way to make it more...

  • Running a Flow On a Schedule

    Some flows should capture or transform data on a regular basis. Your application may require that flows run on an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly schedule. The Job Schedule wizard steps you through...

  • Creating Your First Form Flow

    A form displays controls that allow a user to perform an action, such as enter data, display a report or folder, or manage entities. You can create a flow that, when run, opens a form. Create a new...

  • Building an Array or List of Items

    The Array Builder is a simple way to aggregate multiple variables into single input. It can be found in the Mapping Editor, under the input type Build Array. Example Our example flow will display a...

  • Using Rule Steps in a Flow

    Rule Steps evaluate a data input and return an outcome of true or false depending on whether the input satisfies the conditions of the rule(s) they contain. Rule Steps can contain entirely original rules,...

  • Changing Output Data Mappings

    Most steps in your application's flow will return a data output for use in the next step. In cases where that data must be reorganized such as being renamed, ignored, combined into an array, or broken...

  • Mapping a Complex Object

    Use the Mapping Editor to create a complex object from multiple step inputs. For example, map the output of data entered in form fields to the inputs of an internal service to transform user-entered information into a Knowledge Base article.

  • Using the No Data Result Path

    If a flow step requires input but the input is not provided, the flow will stop running. For example, if a step requires input data from a user-completed form and the user submits the form with no data...

  • Managing Contact Information with the Flow Designer

    The Contact Info Entity is a folder entity which collects addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and other contact details into a single entity. These contact details can be updated and deleted in...

  • Using Placeholder Components to Sketch Out Flow Structure

    The Placeholder Step component simulates a working component by providing simulated outcomes or objects. It has no function except to describe a component to be inserted at a later date. Use a placeholder...

  • Outputting Data Objects From Rule Steps

    Rule Steps can be configured to return data objects rather than simple outcomes. For example, you can create a rule that outputs an account object that can then be displayed in a form. In the Properties...

  • Adding a Step Outcome for Exceptions

    Even under the best conditions, inputs can be unreliable. To handle missing or invalid data without crashing, steps need paths to account for errors or exceptions. We can add these outcome paths by selecting...

  • Adding Outcome Data to Step Output

    When a step is placed within a flow, its outputs are automatically given path names that follow some basic default rules. To help you make these path names more meaningful, the Flow Designer offers controls...

  • Expose Step as a Rule

    This tutorial demonstrates how to Expose Step as a Rule. This step configuration is available for any step in Decisions that has True/False outcome (including Rules). Expose Step as a Rule is helpful...

  • Catching All Unconnected Outcomes

    The Catch Outcome component listens to unconnected flow outcomes and provides a universal mechanism for handling them. To add the component to a flow, in the Flow Designer's Components panel, under...

  • Catching All Unhandled Exceptions

    An exception is an anomalous or exceptional situation in a flow requiring special processing. Exception handling is the response to this occurrence. The platform provides two ways to catch exceptions....

  • Running Unit Tests from the Flow Designer

    The Unit Tester organizes test data and scenarios. Unit tests can check for flow success, failure, errors or lack of errors. To manage unit tests, open a flow in the Flow Designer and select the Debug...

  • Swimlanes

    A Swimlane (or swimlane diagram) is a visual element used in process flow diagrams, or flowcharts that visually distinguishes job sharing and responsibilities for sub-processes of a business process. Swimlanes...

  • Fetching Report Data in the Flow Designer

    Report components make report data available for use in flows. Report components can be found in the Toolbox tab, under the category Integration > Reporting. Example In our example flow, we will...

  • Run Flow Async From Sync Step

    This tutorial demonstrates how to use Run Flow Async And Wait configuration for the Sub-Flow steps. Run Flow Async And Wait is an advanced configuration and should be used with caution. It is important...

  • Moving Folder Entities with the Flow Designer

    Folder entities can be moved with the Move Entity component. It can be found in the Toolbox tab, under the category Integration > Entity Framework. Example In our example flow, we will use two forms...

  • Adjusting at runtime what sub flows are run from flow engine

    Flows can call sub flows. The choice of which sub flow is called can be made at design time (see: Using Sub-Flows) or at run time. This article shows how to configure your flow to determine which sub...

  • Navigating to page at end of flow interaction

    Flows can be used to control portal navigation. This example will show how to navigate to a specific folder/page using a flow.   Example Before creating a flow, you need to know the id of the folder...

  • Overview of the Process View Page

    The Process View Page provides a snapshot of where a process resides. The name and the description of the process display, and its current state is in the upper right of the screen. The current assignment...

  • Establishing Constant Data (Global Variables)

    The Portal provides the ability to store constant values for reuse in flows. This is a way of creating "global data." It is useful because when a change is needed, the data itself is updated in one...

  • Using Validation Engine for Entities

    A folder entity can have validation applied, set up in the form of rules or a flow created by the entity's action folder. Setting up validation rules is particularly useful if the Action menu is...

  • Exposing Flow as a Web Service

    Decisions flows can be exposed as an external web service. This allows external applications to utilize this flow via a standard SOAP web service call.   Example Create a new flow. Click on any blank...

  • Using Collection Sort Step

    This tutorial demonstrates how to configure and use Collection Sort Step. This step can be found under All Steps [Catalog] > Data > List category in the Flow Designer. With this step we can implement...

  • Cache Fetch Flow Behavior

    This tutorial demonstrates how to use Cache Fetch Flow Behavior. This Flow Behavior can be used to fill the cache in with data that we need to keep for a certain time. Additionally, this tutorial demonstrates...

  • Retrieving Contact Information with the Flow Designer

    The Contact Info Entity is a folder entity which collects addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and other contact details into a single entity. These contact details can be retrieved in a...

  • Time Zones in Decisions

    Time zones in Decisions are derived from the Time Zones recorded in Windows 2008 Server. When time-shifting dates and times between time zones, be sure to use the Time Zone Value rather than the Display...

  • Asynchronous Invoking of Sub-Flows/Child Processes

    There are two ways to call a subflow: 1) The "non-asynchronous" method, which is what is used when you simply drag and drop a flow into the Flow Designer workspace, or use the Flows > [Pick or Create]...