Nodes represent the steps in a process. A step could be an activity where process participants are assigned specific tasks to be completed. A step could also be a place where a decision on the process flow is made. In this case, no user action is required.
There are the following node types. Each node type is represented by its own graphical symbol.
The Process Definition Editor, which is the main window for process modeling, offers a palette containing all the nodes that can be used while modeling a process definition. These nodes are grouped based on their purpose:
Start Node
Activity Nodes
Routes
Event Nodes
Customized Nodes
Start Node
The Start Node identifies the beginning of a process. Every process definition has one and only one Start Node, which is created automatically whenever you create a new process definition. Depending on whether a trigger has been defined for the process definition, the Start Node is displayed as follows:
Node Type | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
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| Start Node of a process definition for which no trigger has been defined so far. This is the default notation when starting to create a process definition. |
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| Start Node of a process definition for which one or more triggers have been defined. |
Activity Nodes
These are nodes that usually involve human activity in order to complete them:
Node Type | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
Activity Node |
| Activity Nodes are the main building elements of a process definition. They model tasks that require user actions or decision-making. They define the tasks, the forms associated with the task and the users assigned to perform the task. |
Voting Activity Node |
| A Voting Activity Node allows users to work on an activity in collaboration with one another. All users can make their own choice (or vote). All of their votes are polled. The winning vote, represented by one of the outgoing arrows, is determined by voting rules. |
Compound Activity Node |
| When you want to refer to the process state in terms that are larger in scope than its individual activities, a Compound Activity Node is used. A Compound Activity Node is a container that contains various nodes and arrows. |
Subprocess Node |
| A Subprocess Node represents a complex task. The details of that task are defined in another process definition. When a Subprocess Node is reached, control is passed to the subprocess. The parent process waits for the subprocess to complete and the results to come back. Subprocesses are used to break tasks into a hierarchy of easier-to-handle units. Note: If you click the + sign on the node, an image of the subprocess definition will be displayed. If you double-click the + sign, the subprocess definition will be opened in a separate editor. |
Chained-Process Node |
| Like a Subprocess Node, a Chained-Process Node represents a complex task. However, this task can be accomplished independently from the tasks defined in the parent process definition. Once a chained process is started, the parent process continues with its own process flow without waiting for the chained-process to complete. Note: If you click the + sign on the node, an image of the chained process definition will be displayed. If you double-click the + sign, the chained process definition will be opened in a separate editor. |
Routes
This area contains nodes that involve branching and process flow control. They are also called "Gateways". They are all automatic nodes that do not involve human interaction.
Node Type | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
AND Node |
| An AND Node synchronizes multiple branches in a process. When an AND Node is reached, the process does not continue until all activities that lead to this node are completed. |
OR Node |
| An OR Node splits process flow into multiple parallel branches. When an OR Node is reached, it activates all subsequent nodes connected to it simultaneously. |
Conditional Node |
| A Conditional Node controls the process flow by selecting 1 of multiple options based on the conditions that were specified. Conditional Nodes allow for automated decision-making. When a Conditional Node is reached, the process continues along the arrow that satisfies the criteria specified. |
Complex Conditional Node |
| A Complex Conditional Node, in the same way as the Conditional Node, controls the process flow by selecting 1 of multiple options based on the conditions that were specified. The Conditional Node can only specify simple conditions that compare one value with another. However, the Complex Conditional Node can specify detailed conditions using JavaScript expressions. |
Event Nodes
This area includes nodes that involve some kind of event related to the process flow. They are automatic nodes that do not involve human interaction.
Node Type | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
Delay Node |
| A Delay Node suspends process execution for a certain amount of time. The amount of time is specified with one or more timers. When a Delay Node is reached, the process pauses until the first timer attached to the Delay Node fires. Then the Delay Node activates all subsequent nodes connected to it simultaneously. |
Exit Node |
| An Exit Node identifies the end of a process branch. Every Exit Node process definition has at least one Exit Node. |
Customized Nodes
This area includes nodes that are customized to perform certain tasks. They are all automatic nodes that do not involve human interaction.
Email Node |
| An Email Node sends out predefined emails. After that, it activates all subsequent nodes connected to it simultaneously. No user action is required with this node. |
Start Node
