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Object Hierarchy That Workflow Processes Use

You use Siebel Tools to modify predefined Siebel objects and to define new objects that meet a business requirement for your organization. Just as you use Siebel Tools to modify the data model, modify business logic, and to define the user interface, you can also use Siebel Tools to define a workflow process that Siebel CRM uses to automate a business process for your organization.

Figure 7 includes the Object Explorer window and the Workflow Processes list in the Object List Editor window.

Figure 7. Object Explorer and Object List Editor

The Object Explorer allows you to navigate between each group of object definitions of a particular object type.

An object type is an entity that you can use as a template that Siebel Tools uses to create an object definition. Siebel Tools displays object types in the Object Explorer.

An object definition implements one piece of the software. It includes a predefined set of object properties, which are characteristics of that piece of the software. Siebel Tools displays object definitions in the Object List Editor.

If Siebel Tools does not display an object type in the Object Explorer, then you must display it. For more information, see Displaying Object Types You Use to Develop a Workflow Process.

Relationships Between Object Types of a Workflow Process

A parent and child relationship is a type of hierarchical relationship that exists between one object type and another object type. Figure 8 illustrates how the Object Explorer displays this parent and child relationship as a hierarchical tree.

Figure 8. Parent and Child Relationship Between Object Types in the Object Explorer

If you choose the Types tab in the Object Explorer, then Siebel Tools displays tree items as icons in a hierarchy. An object type that is beneath and slightly to the right of another object type is the child of the parent and child relationship. The object type that is above the child object type is the parent object type for the child. A parent object type can contain multiple child object types. For example, WF Process Metric, WF Process Prop, and WF Step are child object types of the Workflow Process object type.

Object Properties

If you click Workflow Process in the Object Explorer, then the Workflow Processes list in the Object List Editor displays a list of workflow processes that the SRF contains. One row in the Workflow Processes list represents one object definition. For example, values in the properties in the Contact-New Order workflow process constitute one object definition.

Siebel Tools displays each object property in one column in the list. You can edit the value of a property. You cannot change the set of properties that constitute an object definition.

You can also use the Properties window to edit the properties of the object definition that is currently chosen in the Object List Editor. Changing a value in the Properties window also changes the corresponding value in the Object List Editor.

This guide assumes that you understand the basics of using Siebel Tools. You must possess the following skills:

• Use the Siebel Tools application, particularly the Object Explorer and Object List Editor
• Define object properties, applets, and applet controls
• Use the Siebel Tools menu bar
• Check out and check in projects

For more information, see Using Siebel Tools and Configuring Siebel Business Applications.