Introduction

The workflow process takes over after the front-end form is submitted. Workflow (using the Task Engine) has the ability to update and retrieve from numerous other systems, perform calculations (using Ruby), and dynamically determine process steps.

Goals

Learn to create routines for use in workflow

Routine Workflow Video

Creating Routines

A Routine is similar to a Tree except that it's independent of a source, so all inputs to the routine must be provided when the routine is called.

Clone and Export/Import

Cloning and Export/Import are done the same way as trees. While it is unusual to clone a routine, it is common to use the Export/Import functionality to move between environments.

Create from Scratch

The focus here and in the video is on creating a routine from scratch.

Naming

Each handler has both a descriptive name and an Id that needs to be unique. Both of these are required.

The Process Owner Email is optional and receives any errors.

Categories

Place the routine into one or more categories for display on the builder.

Inputs and Results

When you create the routine, you define what inputs are needed and what outputs are provided back to the tree after the routine completes.

Inputs need a name. They can have a default value, descriptive text, and be marked required if needed.

Outputs only have a name (required) and descriptive text.

If you change the inputs after the routine is used in a production capacity, it is recommended to update the Id with a new version. Changes in parameters should be considered a new routine and be used as a new node in the tree.

Routine workflow

Now that the basics of the routine are created and saved, you are taken to the builder. All the options of a tree are available, including any existing routines. The only requirement is that you must have a System Return node (a new handler in the System Controls for routines) if you want to pass any information back to the calling tree. Even of you don't pass any information, the System Return will complete the routine and allow the calling tree to continue. By default, every routine is set as a deferred node in the calling tree.

In the Next Article

That is all the articles for this training set. Look for more training sets in Kinetic Community.

Story for the Class

As a new Kinetic Admin, you have been tasked with cloning an existing Facilities form to collect more information. You also need to construct a basic notification after it's submitted.