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About Arguments for a Workflow Process Step

This topic describes arguments that can be defined in the Multi Value Properties Window for several types of workflow process steps.

An argument is a part of the process property hierarchy that allows you to define values for argument fields. An argument field is a variable on an argument that allows you to specify values that shape the parameters for a process property.

Table 14 describes arguments that can be defined in the MVPW to pass data to and from an individual workflow process step.

A given workflow step can have several types of arguments. The type of step determines the possible arguments that can be defined.

Input Arguments for the Business Service Step, Sub Process Step, and Wait Step

An input argument allows you to define values for argument fields that you need to pass to a service method. Many methods require input arguments. For reference information, see Argument Fields for an Input Argument.

Output Arguments for the Business Service Step, Sub Process Step, and Siebel Operation Step

An Output argument is the result of a business service method. An output argument can be stored in a process property. Calculated fields are not available as values for input or output arguments. If you need to use a calculated value, use an expression. For reference information, see Argument Fields for an Output Argument.

Process Properties and the Business Service Step

Process properties with the business service have a data type of hierarchy, integration object, or strongly typed integration object and can be used as input and output arguments for business service method arguments that have a data type of hierarchy, integration object, or strongly typed integration object.

When you need to call a workflow as a business service, you can map the data contained in the input and output property sets to and from process properties. This is useful when you need to run a workflow within a script.