Add and Order Decisions

A decision is a container for logical notations such as decision tables, expressions, if-then rules, and so on. In Processes, you create a decision by selecting the logic type you plan to use to obtain a specific output.

Decision models contain two types of decisions:

• Main decision: The output of the main decision provides the result of the decision model.

• Supporting decision: One or more supporting decisions provide input to the main decision.

Add Decisions in Graph View

You can add a decision element to your model by dragging it from the diagram palette onto the canvas. After you add a decision, you define its properties, logic, and connections where they apply.

In the graph view, you can order decisions in several ways. For example, you can create a bottom-up sequence flow with the main decision at the top and supporting decisions below it, or a left-right flow, and so on. After adding all the decisions and connections, you can also click Auto Layout on the toolbar and select from a variety of layout or ordering options.

To add a decision to your model in the graph view:

1. On the diagram palette, click Expand next to Decision. The available decision types are:

   • Empty Decision

   • Decision Table

   • Expression

   • Context

   • Loop

   • Function

   • If-Then-Else

   • List

   • Relation

2. Select and drag a decision type onto the canvas.
3. Position the cursor at the point you want to add the decision and release the mouse click.
4. To edit decision properties, select the decision and click Open Properties .

   The Decision Properties pane opens. Note that when you add any decision element to the canvas, a new decision logic with a default name (for example, Decision1) is created and associated with the element. You can edit the information related to the logic from the properties pane.

5. Enter the necessary information about the decision logic in the properties pane.

   Field	Description
   Name	Enter a unique name for the decision logic you want to create and associate with the element. You can also select a previously defined decision logic for the element. Click Expand and select an implemented logic from the available options. Note: If you add a particular decision type to the canvas and select a different type of logic from the Name drop-down menu, the element's logic type changes. Click Edit to edit the decision element's logic. You can also double-click element on the canvas to view or edit its logic. See sections within Model Decision Logic to know how to edit the logic for all decision types. Click Delete to delete the decision logic associated with the element.
   Logic	Change the decision logic type if required. For example, you can add an empty decision to the canvas and change its logic from the properties pane. Note: If you select a previously implemented decision logic in the Name field and change its type in the Logic field, the content of the previous implementation is overwritten.
   Description	Provide additional information, if any, for the decision logic.
   Question	Add the questions allowed for the decision logic.
   Allowed Answers	Add the possible answers for the decision logic.
   Select Output Type	Select the output type for the decision logic. Set this field if you are certain about the logic output type. If the type selected in this field does not match the actual output type, a validation error occurs. If no selection is made, the logic output type is automatically inferred from its inputs.

6. If required, click Add New Decision in the pane to create a new decision logic to associate with the element or other elements in the model. The new logic you create appears in the Name drop-down menu.

   Click Close to save the information and close the pane.

7. If the decision you've added is a supporting decision, create outgoing connections from it.
   1. Select the element and click Create New Connection and keep the mouse depressed.
   2. Move the cursor to the decision you want to connect to, and then release the click.

   You can create multiple outgoing connections from a decision. To delete a connection, hover your cursor over the arrow to select it, and then double-click.

8. To delete the decision element you added to the canvas, select the element and click Delete .

Add Decisions in List View

In the list view, the decision order is important. The topmost decision is the main decision. Supporting decisions are listed below it. The main decision can reference the result of supporting decisions by name. Supporting decisions must always be beneath the decision that references them.

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.

To create a new decision in list view:

1. Click Add new decision in the Decision Model home page to open the Create Decision dialog box.
2. Choose the logic type you want to use, for example, Decision Table or Context
3. Enter the required information into the Create Decision dialog box.

   Field	Description
   Name	Enter a unique name for the decision.
   Description	Provide additional information, if any, for the decision.
   Question	Add the questions allowed for the decision.
   Allowed Answers	Add the possible answers for the decision.
   Select Output Type	Select the output type for the decision. Set this field if you are certain about the decision output type. If the type selected in this field does not match the actual output type, a validation error occurs. If no selection is made, the decision output type is automatically inferred from its inputs.

4. Click Create.

   Use the Options menu of a decision to edit or delete it.