Types of processes (flows)

You can create different types of processes, or flows, based on the shapes or steps that you choose or way that you integrate your process with the case life cycle. By understanding what distinguishes one flow type from another, you can select the configuration options that meet your business needs.

The following types of flows are supported:

  • Simple — Contains a linear sequence of assignments, smart shapes, or subprocesses only

  • Complex — Contains at least one alternate path

    Decision shapes create alternate paths in a flow because they can have more than one outgoing connector.

  • Straight-through — Contains no assignments, and therefore runs from start to finish without user input

  • Screen — Contains a start shape that is configured with routing options, and therefore sends all assignments to a single user

  • Parent — Calls another flow by using the Subprocess, Split Join, or Split For Each shape

  • Subprocess — Called by another flow

    By default, control is returned to the parent flow when the End shape in the sequence is reached.

  • Parallel — Runs without causing the parent flow or another subprocess in the parent flow to wait for it to finish

    A spin-off subprocess is one example of a parallel flow.