Connecting Process Steps

Connections control process flow. The originating step will process before the target step. Creating a connection between steps is a simple process; drag a connection from the originating step to the target step. Connections are formed one at a time between two steps, the originating step and the target step.

To create a connection:

  1. After you have added your steps, the graphical design tools available for each step except for the Start step, which cannot be deleted or edited, is the same and provides the graphical design tools, edit, delete, resize, and connection handle, as shown in the following figure.

    Graphical Design Tools

    Typical Process Step

  2. Move your cursor over the step that you want to use as the connection's origin.

    The cursor changes to the connection handle.

    Connection Handle

    Connection Tool

  3. Drag the connection tool over the target step.

    When the target step is highlighted, release the mouse to create a connection.

    Connecting the Steps

    Dragging the Connection Over a Target Step

  4. Release the connection tool over the target step to complete the connection. Continue with additional steps as needed.

    Completed Connection

    Completed Connection

    Each connection has a connection delete tool, conditional flag, and might have others depending on the originating step. Remove a connection by clicking the delete tool.

  5. After configuring the steps and their properties, to save the process design, in the process designer tools palette, click the Save icon (image); if you don't want to save your changes, click the Cancel icon (image).

    If saved, the step is on the design space and ready to be connected to other steps.

  6. To close the process designer overlay and navigate elsewhere, click the Close icon (image) in the upper right of the overlay.