Define composite application workflow

Define composite application workflow

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Overview

Define workflow in a composite application template allowing us to capture a collaborative business process or procedure and automate it.
A workflow is defined by creating a series of tasks that are assigned to application users. When the application containing the workflow runs, a user is assigned a task when the workflow gets to the step in the flow where that task is created. The user gets assigned based on the role assigned to him.
After the user completes a task the workflow progresses to the next task in the predefined flow until the workflow is complete. The workflow can include decision points that will branch the workflow.
Workflow that you design as part of a composite application template is best suited for:

Tasks that require human interaction, such as an approval process

Simple flows with decision-based branching

Tasks that rely on simple automated actions, such as sending an e-mail notification

If the business needs require a more complex workflow - for example, one that requires parallel routing, investigate using the capabilities of the business process application, which allows us to deploy a custom workflow solution.

Before you begin

Before we can create a workflow for a composite application, configure the workflow feature for use. Once the feature is successfully configured, the option to Edit Workflow will appear on the drop-down menu for an application template name in the Template Library.
If you choose...
Edit Workflow

...the...
Workflow Builder portlet

...opens so we can create a workflow and its associated tasks.

Who can design a workflow?

In addition to application designers, a business analyst who has domain knowledge about their processes can create a workflow for a composite application because no programming is required. Creating a workflow does require knowledge of creating or editing an application template as it requires the creation or manipulation of application components such as pages and roles. Any user with the access to edit an application template or an application can create a workflow. As part of the design process, the workflow creator defines tasks, associates the tasks with task pages, and assigns roles to specify which of the application users can view the workflow or execute a task.
For example, a business analyst might create a workflow to capture the tasks associated with bringing a new employee into an organization. The tasks defined for the workflow might include tasks for assigning office space, and ordering a computer. Different employees would be assigned the tasks using the application role model. The way a user responds to a task can direct the next task. For example, if a hiring manager requests a special piece of equipment, the next task would be an approval task for the purchase rather than an office assignment task. Other application users can view the workflow and monitor the progress of the tasks if they are assigned appropriate rights in the workflow. For example, a hiring manager could track the progress and make sure there are no delays.

Workflow portlets

When you design a workflow in the Application Template Library, you use the Workflow Builder portlet to name the workflow and create the tasks. When we deploy an application that includes workflow, the following portlets display information about the workflow or component tasks:

Task List portlet Displays tasks and allows a user to claim or unclaim a task assigned to them. Tasks can be filtered and displayed according to a variety of criteria.
Workflow List portlet Displays the status of all the workflows in process and the status of the current tasks in a workflow. We can also change the filter to view completed or failed workflows.
Current Task portlet Displays a task with the action buttons required to advance a task or mark it as complete. It also displays information about the task.
Related Content portlet Lets us add and view content that supports the workflow. For example, in a workflow for managing the tasks associated with hiring a new employee, this portlet might contain a link to an employee handbook, or documents detailing corporate employment policies.

See also

Configure workflow for use with a composite application
Scenario for designing a workflow
Scenario for running a workflow
Use the Workflow Builder portlet to define a workflow

Parent Topic
Composite applications

Task List portlet	Displays tasks and allows a user to claim or unclaim a task assigned to them. Tasks can be filtered and displayed according to a variety of criteria.
Workflow List portlet	Displays the status of all the workflows in process and the status of the current tasks in a workflow. We can also change the filter to view completed or failed workflows.
Current Task portlet	Displays a task with the action buttons required to advance a task or mark it as complete. It also displays information about the task.
Related Content portlet	Lets us add and view content that supports the workflow. For example, in a workflow for managing the tasks associated with hiring a new employee, this portlet might contain a link to an employee handbook, or documents detailing corporate employment policies.