Add Decisions

Let’s set up our decision model framework. In Decision Model and Notation (DMN), a decision model answers a central question. This model answers the question: what to bring to be prepared for the weather?

1. Add a result decision.
   1. Click Add new decision in the Decisions bar.
   2. In the Create Decision dialog box, enter a decision name (What To Bring), select Empty Logic, and click Create. The new decision displays in the Decisions pane. You can change its logic type later.
2. Create two more decisions to act as supporting decisions.

   Most decisions models include supporting decisions that feed into the result decision. Deciding what to bring requires supporting decisions to answer these questions: 1) Will it be warm or cold? 2) Will it rain?

   1. Click Add new decision to create another decision. Enter a decision name (Temperature), select Empty Logic, and click Create.
   2. Repeat to create another empty logic decision called Rain.

   
   Description of the illustration decisions.png

   Notice that the topmost decision is the main result decision. Supporting decisions are listed below the main result decision. Decision order is important.

   • Decision logic can reference the result of supporting decisions by name. For example, the decision table for What To Bring can reference the result of supporting decisions Rain and Temperature by name.

   • Supporting decisions must always be beneath the decisions that reference them. Decision logic can’t “see” the decisions listed above. To change the order of decisions in the model, drag the decision by its dotted handle and drop it at the desired position so that supporting decisions are always beneath the decisions that they support.