Basic terminology used in the workflow:
The workflow definition is the set of rules that determine the path that the process takes. For example, how a purchase requisition is processed, from the initial request to the creation of the purchase order
A Workflow Instance, which is often simply referred to as the workflow, is a single workflow run. For example, the processing of a single purchase requisition for computers.
The Tasks are the steps in the process, which have to be performed either by people or automatically by the software. For example, to check for the availability of the spare computers in the company.
A Work item is the task instance that is performed as a single workflow step. For example, check that there are no spare computers available in the company.
Agents are the people who process the tasks (via the work items). For example, requisitioner and a member of the purchasing department.
Container is the place where all the data used in the workflow is collected.
Binding is the set of rules that define which data is passed to which part of the process.
Building a simple workflow application
The central tool for creating, displaying and processing a workflow is the workflow builder (Transaction SWDD). Within the workflow builder you can create all components of a workflow, including all the containers you need for getting the data from one step to another.
Generally, most of the workflows are started by an event (for example, when a material is created or when a new purchase requisition arrives). You define which data from this event needs to be passed to the workflow via binding.
However you can also start any workflow directly. Let us create a simple workflow and start the workflow directly, using the testing tools.
Call transaction SWDD. When the workflow builder is called for the first time, a newly created initial workflow definition appears or else last created workflow appears. In such cases you can opt to create a new workflow by pressing “Create New Workflow”(ctrl + shft + F5). The following screen appears.
The initial workflow screen has the following parts:
- The start of the workflow definition, indicated by
. - The end of the workflow definition, indicated by
. - The area in which you insert the new workflow definition is indicated by
.
Now select the undefined step and select Create step or double click the undefined step. Now among the different steps chose the User Decision by double clicking on it.
