There are some cases that you want to share Master data in multiple Process Models, and use it as choices of Select type data item. Questetra BPM Suite is not capable to manage Master data, but there are several way to use external Master data as choices. Here, we explain about the easiest way.
There are three ways for choices of Select type data item ;
This time, we use 'To retrieve from the outside via HTTP'.
First, locate following XML file in the external and accessible of Questetra BPM Suite via HTTP.
Like defining in the Process Model, Value of the choices and choice name are defined, but the difference is being defined in XML.
<item> an element is for each choice, an attribute value is for choice value , an attribute display is choice for name.
In the example, three choices are defined which are 'Japan', 'United States' and 'United Kingdom'. The XML file can be either statically prepared or dynamically generated by CGI. However be sure the character encoding is UTF-8 without BOM.
Once the XML file is available, all you have to do is to setup Select type data item in the Process Modeler, to refer the XML file. To setup, open detail setting screen of the select type data item, and press [Edit] button. Check [Specify choices via HTTP.] button, and enter the URL of the XML file. The XML file can be shared by multiple Process Models because it is independent from Process Model.
But there is a problem of where on the Internet to put the XML file. Without security, it would be a dangerous situation that anyone can access the XML file.
The Questetra BPM Suite, we also have the option to put the XML file inside the system. Please contact us when you are interested.
workflow, business process management, saas, bpmn, software
