Chapter 6. Advanced Process Modeling

6.1. Process modeling options

You can create processes in multiple ways:

Using one of the graphical editors
You can use two delivered graphical editors. Process Designer is available through Business Central and Eclipse Process Designer.
Using an XML editor
You can use any XML or text editor to create a process specification using the BPMN2 XML schema. See the Defining Processes Using XML chapter of the Red Hat JBoss BPM Suite Development Guide for further information.
Using the Process Fluent API

You can use the Red Hat JBoss BPM Suite API directly. The most important process model elements are defined in the following packages:

  • org.jbpm.workflow.core
  • org.jbpm.workflow.core.node

See the Process Fluent API chapter of the Red Hat JBoss BPM Suite Development Guide for further information.

6.2. Workflow patterns

Workflow patterns are predefined blocks of process elements that enable you to reuse a predefined combination of process elements. Workflow patterns include multiple nodes that are connected and form a common executable pattern that can be reused in a process model.

Workflow patterns are available in the Workflow Patterns section of the Object Library and can be dragged and dropped onto the canvas just like any other elements. To attach a pattern to an element on the canvas, select the element and drag and drop the pattern from the palette onto the canvas. The pattern automatically connects to the element.

Multiple predefined workflow patterns are provided by default and you can define your own workflow patterns as necessary.

The definitions are defined as JSON objects in the EAP_HOME/standalone/deployments/business-central.war/org.kie.workbench.KIEWebapp/defaults/patterns.json file.

6.2.1. Defining workflow patterns

To define custom workflow patterns:

  1. In the Workflow Patterns section of the Object Library, locate a workflow pattern that will serve as a base for your workflow pattern.
  2. Open the EAP_HOME/standalone/deployments/business-central.war/org.kie.workbench.KIEWebapp/defaults/patterns.json file in a text editor.
  3. Locate the JSON object with the description property set to the base workflow pattern name (for example, "description" : "Sequence Pattern").
  4. Copy the JSON object and modify its elements as needed. Note that all the JSON objects are nested in a pair of square brackets and are comma separated.

6.2.2. Changing workflow patterns for an existing project

You can change the patterns.json file as needed for projects.

  1. In Business Central, open the process in the Process Editor.
  2. Open the Project Explorer panel on the left side of the editor and switch to the Repository View.
  3. Expand the global folder and download and modify the patterns.json file as needed.
  4. Upload the revised file.
  5. Close and reopen the business process. You can view the new patterns under the the Workflow Patterns section of the Object Library.