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Flows

The Flows module allows designing workflow scenarios within Synergy IDE by linking documents, positions, decisions, and conditional logic in a visual diagram. The Flows section in the Synergy IDE enables users to design and manage complex workflow processes by defining a sequence of actions and decision branches triggered by form submissions, approvals, or automated rules.

Accessing the Flows Module

In the Solution Explorer, navigate to the Flows section and double-click the default Flow1 item to open the visual designer.

Flows Menu Item

To add a new flow, right-click on the Flows section and select New Item.

New Flow Dialog

Opening a newly created flow displays a canvas with default nodes: a Flow Starter and a Flow End.

Default Flow Nodes

Flow Controls (Toolbox)

The toolbox contains categorized flow control elements for building workflows.

Standard Controls

These are basic elements used to control flow progression and logic.

  • Flow Starter: Entry point of a workflow.
  • Flow End: Terminates the flow.
  • Variable: Stores dynamic values.
  • Compare: Applies conditional logic to split the flow.
  • Timer: Adds delay/wait logic.

Standard Flow Controls

Approval Controls

Used for user-driven decisions.

  • Position: Assigns the flow to a single user or role.
  • Position Group: Assigns to a group of users.
  • Department: Assigns based on department logic.

Approval Controls

Document Controls

Handles document-specific behaviors and actions.

  • Document: Binds a form to the flow.
  • Multiple Document: Handles multiple form types.

Document Controls

Advanced Controls

  • Information Node: Sends notification.
  • Flow Value Setter: Sets values dynamically.
  • Routing Controller: Routes based on advanced logic.
  • Parallel Controller: Handles parallel tasks.

Advanced Controls

Property Inspector

Each flow object exposes properties configurable through the Property Inspector panel.

Common Properties Tab

Modify general settings like label, bound document, or target logic.

Flow Property Inspector - Properties

Event Settings

Define behavior on events like Send, Approve, Reject, or Revise.

Flow Property Inspector - Events

Appearance Settings

Customize visual styles of the object.

Flow Document Property Inspector - Events

Working with Documents

Each document node can bind to a form and display the desired view.

  • Assign the document in Properties > Document.
  • Choose a view (default or custom).

Document Property Inspector - Properties

Customize appearance and layout for better visualization.

Document Appearance Tab

Flow Starter Node

Configure which document and form initiates the flow.

  • Document: Select the main form.
  • Start Event: Default is “Send”.

Flow Starter Properties

You can configure Events and Appearance for this node too.

Flow Starter Events

Flow Starter Appearance

Flow End Node

Represents the conclusion of a workflow.

Flow End Properties

Flow End Events

Flow End Appearance

Position Node

Assigns the flow to a specific user, position, or based on hierarchy.

  • Configure Target Object, Source Type, and Document.

Position Properties

Timer, Routing, and Parallel Controllers

Advanced control nodes allow waiting, routing logic, and concurrent task management.

Timer, Routing, Parallel Controls

Usage Example: Expense Approval Process

An example scenario showing how a flow can represent a business process such as Expense Declaration Approval:

  1. User fills out the Expense Form and submits.
  2. The manager approves or sends back for revision.
  3. Depending on the total amount, the flow routes to HR or Department Head.
  4. Final approval is given by the Finance Department.

Each node in the flow represents a step in this decision-based workflow, configured using the property inspector.

FAQs

How To's