Designing processes - EMC Community Network

Chapter 4
Creating the Data Model
This chapter discusses the following:
• Understanding the data model
• Selecting SDTs and package attributes for monitoring
Understanding the data model
The data model represents the data that is created or modified in a process. It is a key foundation for
the solution. A flawed data model leads to rework, which consumes valuable time. Therefore, the data
model must be established as early in the implementation phase as possible.
Process data refers to the different types of data that flow through the process. Process data consists of:
• Packages, which capture metadata associated with Documentum objects such as documents
or folders.
• Process variables, such as part numbers or customer addresses. Process variables can be simple
data types (like String or Int) or structured data types (SDTs).
• Process parameters, which enable administrators to modify and control all instances of a given
workflow template.
Process data can be used in transition conditions (where the next activity executing is dependent on the
data values), conditional performers (in which the performer for a manual activity is selected based on
a data value), and in creating service-specific messages (for instance, the creation of a SOAP message
to invoke a web service). The process data model can contain transient data (modeled using process
variables) as well as persistent data (modeled as packages). Define your data model early in the
design process before you begin creating the process within Process Builder. Also consider the data
requirements of the entire application, including the process, forms, and user interface (TaskSpace).
Understanding process variables
Process variables can be simple or complex. Simple process variables are based on a single attribute,
such as String or Boolean. Complex process variables are based on an SDT, which is composed
of a hierarchy of attributes.
SDTs are composed of several attributes, organized in a hierarchical order. SDTs are used to group
logically related business data. These can be created in Process Builder by importing XML schemas or
by manually creating the type and then adding individual attributes to it. For example, elements of an
appropriation request can be organized into the group Request with the attributes submitter_name,
EMC Documentum xCelerated Composition Platform Version 1.6 Best Practices Guide 29