Mapping a Complex Object

Last Updated: 08/12/2016 Introduced in Verision: 2.0
 
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.

To map a complex object within the Mapping Editor, drag the anchors for selected outputs to the inputs which should be populated with that data.

Example

formPreview

 

Our example flow will create an Article object based on information collected from a form. The example assumes the Add Article Form already exists. It simply contains two input fields, one Text Box and one RichText field, and a Submit button.

 
formDesign 
Begin by navigating to a Designer Folder and selecting the Create Flow button. Give the new flow a name, for example “Create KB Article,” and click OK.
 
Begin building the flow by adding the step that displays our form – [Form] Add Article Form.
In the Flow Designer’s startup window, in the category Flows, Rules, Forms and Reports > Forms [Interaction] > [Current Folder], select an Add Article Form component and click Add to add it to the workspace. 
 
 flowStarts
 

Our next step will transform the output of [Form] Add Article Form into an Article object that can be saved in the database. To do this, add the Add Article component.

In the Toolbox panel, in the category Integration > Internal Services > KnowledgeBaseService, select an AddArticle component and drag it to the workspace. Connect the outcome paths in the flow.

dragAddStep

 

To map the inputs which will create the Article object, select Add Article and, in the Properties panel, click the link Show Mapping Editor.

showMappingEditor

 

Our Article object has three properties: the folder containing the entity, the title and the description. Because the folder containing the entity is not provided by our form, enter it manually by changing the mapping type of entityFolderId to Constant . . .

entityFolderIdConstant

 

. . . and giving it the value: “SYSTEM/KNOWLEDGE BASE.”

Our Article object’s remaining properties will be created from the output of [Form] Add Article Form. To map these outputs, drag the anchor from each output to the field that will receive it as input.

finishMapping

 

This completes the mapping for our Account object. Click OK to save this mapping and close the Mapping Editor.

This completes our flow, so save it and run it in the Debugger.

Note that in Decisions version 3.5 and above, you’ll need to click on Test Flow to access the Debugger.

3.5 Test Flow Shot

The flow runs, opening the Add Article form. Complete the fields and click Add Article.
formInDebugger
 

The information entered into this form is sent  to the Add Article step, which will in turn create an Article object

We click the Diagram tab to view the flow’s execution.

debuggerDiagram

 

To verify that the article is added, return to the portal and select the Knowledge Base folder, where the article displays.

 

 articleInFolder

 

 

Need more help with:

Mapping a Complex Object?

 

Contact us at support@decisions.com

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