In this tech tip, we will explore the differences between Laserfiche Workflow 8’s Routing Decision activity and its Conditional Parallel activity. The scenarios explain how to determine when to use one versus the other.

Routing Decision

The Routing Decision activity specifies two or more possible routes for a document. When a workflow is performed, the activity decides which route is the most appropriate for the entry in question. This decision is made based on conditions you define.

For example, a workflow routes a document to Tim for approval. After he reviews it, Tim tags the document Approved or Denied. A Routing Decision activity uses this metadata to determine what should happen to the document. If the document was approved, the workflow sends an e-mail to another employee; if it was denied, the workflow archives the document.

Though a Routing Decision activity contains multiple branches, only one will become active each time the activity is performed. Branches are evaluated from left to right and the first branch whose condition is satisfied will become active. If no branch conditions can be satisfied, the workflow will skip the Routing Decision activity and proceed to the next step in the workflow.

Conditional Parallel

At first glance, the Conditional Parallel activity looks very similar to the Routing Decision activity: both contain branches that you assign conditions to and both activities’ branches represent different potential routes for a document.

For example, a workflow uses a Conditional Parallel activity to route a document to one, two, or three different users, depending on metadata assigned to the document.

In this scenario, one, two, or three branches may become active each time the workflow is performed.

The Difference – When to Use Each Activity

The difference between the two has to do with the number of branches that can become active each time a workflow is performed.

• The Routing Decision activity attempts to select a single branch to be executed. Once it finds a branch whose condition it can satisfy, it ignores all other branches.
• The Conditional Parallel activity attempts to satisfy as many branches as possible. Once it finds a branch it can satisfy, it executes that branch but does not forget about the additional branches. Each additional branch will also be evaluated and, if its condition can be satisfied, executed.

It is important to understand the fundamental difference between these activities in order for your workflows to function properly.

Tags: Workflow

Posted on Monday, March 2nd, 2009 at 3:28 pm under Support. You can comment on this post.