Create Input Data

Use built-in or custom data types to create input variables for the decision model.

Create Input Variables in Graph View

1. On the diagram palette, select the Input Data element and drag it onto the canvas.
2. Position the cursor at the point you want to add the element and release the mouse click.
3. To edit the element's properties, select the element and click Open Properties .

   The Input Data Properties pane opens. Note that when you add an input data element to the canvas, a new input variable with a default name (for example, inputData1) and type is created and associated with the element. You can edit the information related to the variable from the properties pane.

4. In the pane:
   1. Enter a suitable name for the variable you want to create and associate with the element. You can also select a previously defined variable for the element. Click Expand and select a variable from the available options.

      Click Delete to delete the variable associated with the element.

   2. Change the Mode (that is, the data type) for the variable. You can select one of the built-in data types or choose a custom data type (Other Type).
      • If you select a built-in type, you can specify if the variable is a list by selecting the isList? check box. Additionally, you can restrict the variable to enumerated values or ranges.
      • If you select Other Type, you can either define a new data type or use a previously defined custom data type. See Define Custom Data Types in Graph View.

        Note:

        If you select a previously defined variable in the Name field, the mode and other details are auto-populated.

      Click Close to save the details and close the pane.

   
   Description of the illustration dmn-ip-data.png

5. Now, create outgoing connections from the input data element to the decisions in the model.
   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 an input data element. To delete a connection, hover your cursor over the arrow to select it, and then double-click.

6. To delete the input element from the canvas, select it and click Delete .

Create Input Variables in List View

1. In the Input Data section, click Add new input data to open the Add Input Data panel.
2. Enter a suitable name for the variable.
3. Select the Mode (that is, the data type) for the variable. You can select one of the built-in data types or choose a custom data type (Other Type).
   1. If you select a built-in type, you can specify if the variable is a list by selecting the isList? check box. Additionally, you can restrict the variable to enumerated values or ranges.
   2. If you select Other Type, you can either define a new type definition or use a previously defined custom data type. See Define Custom Data Types in List View.
4. Click Close to save the variable. You can edit or delete an input variable using the Menu .