Softlinks provide a flexible way to integrate additional processes within a main process without the need for strict sequential execution. They offer a dynamic approach to process modeling, allowing for greater adaptability and scalability.
Softlinks are established through a process variable contained within the softlink, referencing the main process's ID. This dynamic linking enables runtime determination of process relationships.
Softlinks can be created using either custom JavaScript functions or built-in ActionHandlers, offering flexibility in implementation based on specific requirements and expertise.
To facilitate the evaluation and monitoring of softlinks within a process, a corresponding Actionhandler can be used or JavaScript code must be implemented. This code enables graphical representation and analysis of softlink interactions within the form of the main process, enhancing visibility and understanding of process dynamics.
Use case 1: Starting softlinks via StartSoftlinkFromProcessVariableHandler
First, let’s prepare the form process variables to be processed by softlinks.
Inside the Form, set the variables in the form as below:
‘Variable 1’ to ‘softlink_nr[0]’
'Variable 2' to ‘softlink_nr[1]’
'Variable 3' to ‘softlink_nr[2]’
This means, that when we start the process, the process variables to be created by Form are named in a sequence ‘softlink_nr[0]’, ‘softlink_nr[1]’, ‘softlink_nr[2]’. For information about the necessary variables for the ActionHandler, please read
Let us set the softlink process details
Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
Softlink process name | Specifies the name of the process which should be started by a softlink. In this case it will start the process named: NewProcessFromSoftlink |
Include process variables by suffix | Specifies a suffix that will determine which process variables of the main process are to be included in the softlink started instances. |
Amount to start | Specifies the number of instances that are to be started by softlinks. In this case it will limit to 3 new process instances |
Softlink suffix | Specifies which variables are to be assigned to the individual softlinks. So, the three instances that will be started will take into consideration process variables ending with “_nr” and these will be set as process variables in each started instance via softlink. |
Softlink process instance starting
Specify the variable names, and click the 'Start Process Instance' button to initiate the process.
After initiating the process instance, you can download the instance report by navigating to the 'Properties' tab and clicking on the 'Reports' button to see which process variables are created.
Choose the option for the desired sheet(ex.PDF)
Process Variables displayed in the Downloaded PDF, that are created by the Form fields
Choose the task within the process and finalize it by selecting the 'Save and Complete' button.
After completing the task, the list now successfully displays the other three process instances that have been started by softlink (those matching _nr as provided in the actionhandler Softlink suffix) and created as much as it is set in “Amount to start”
The process variable is set in each starting instance by softlink as you can see in the photo below.
Use case 2: Using StartSoftlinksFromXLSVariablesHandler for setting process variables and Starting softlinks via StartsoftlinkFromProcessVariableHandler
In this example, we will set process variables via Excel, and those matching the softlink suffix will be used to start new instances.
Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
Event name | Specifies the name of the event, which in this case it to create variables. |
docName | Specifies the name of the document of XLS softlink. |
softLinkSuffix | Specifies which variables are to be assigned to the individual softlinks. |
softLinkCount | Specifies the row count for the soflinks. |
Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
Softlink process name | Specifies the name of the process which should be started by a softlink. |
Include process variables by suffix | Specifies a suffix that will determine which process variables of the main process are to be included in the softlink started instances. |
Amount to start | Specifies the amount of instances that are to be started by softlinks. |
Softlink suffix | Specifies which variables are to be assigned to the individual softlinks (in this case is email). |
The Excel file that contains data to be set as process variables in the process instance is as follows.
Upload the Excel file above.
After adding the file, the instance is ready to be started.
The tasks associated with the instance should be completed as well.
After completing the 'Testing Case' task, the other two instances are automatically started
Process Variables displayed in the report of the main process instance
Process Variables displayed in the report of the first softlink process instance