Creating Elements in the Diagram View

Go Up to Session 3: Creating a Business Process Model Diagram

You can build a business process model diagram by placing elements in the Diagram View directly from the Business Process toolbar. The diagram we are going to create shows the business flow of filling an order in a warehouse for shipping.

1. On the Business Process toolbar, click the drop-down arrow next to the Start Event icon ().
2. Click the Message Start Event icon (), and then click once on the left-hand portion of the Diagram View. This message event indicates that the process must receive a message from an outside source before the event can start.

   Note: The cursor is in multi-drop mode () allowing you to place as many elements as you need. Press ESC or click the right mouse button to exit the multi-drop mode. The cursor changes from to . You can disable the multi-drop option by going to Windows > Preferences > Diagrams and deselect the Enable multi-drop on object creation option.

   In the Business Process Modeling Notation specification, all business process diagrams must contain at least one pool. A pool and lane with an invisible boundary were created when you created a new diagram. The pool with the invisible boundary is indicated by the icon in the Model View. In ER/Studio Business Architect, when you place an object in the diagram, that object is placed in this invisible pool. This invisible pool becomes visible when you drag it to another diagram in the Diagram View.

   

   • The start event is shown as a presentation element under the Diagram node (this is indicated by an arrow decorator placed on the icon
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   • The pool with the invisible boundary that you named at the time of the new workspace creation appears in the Model View hierarchy. In this case it is called Order Picking Pool. The pool contains the Process () and all elements placed in the diagram.
3. You have the option to display labels on elements. Right-click the start event on the diagram and select Show Name. You can also set a display option preference for each element type that automatically shows the label when you create an element.

   To open the Formatting Preferences dialog, do the following:

   1. From the main menu select Window > Preferences.
   2. Expand the Formatting node and select Business Process Modeling.
   3. Select the element you want to set the preference for in the list box, in this instance the End Event.
   4. Under the Diagram Display Options section, select Show name on creation, click Apply to Diagram, and then click OK.
4. Click the Task element () on the Business Process Objects palette and place four tasks in the Diagram View as shown in the following graphic.

   

5. Next we will label the tasks. You can double-click a task element, enter your label, and then close the Task properties window, and then go on to naming the next task. Label each task as follows:
   • Task = Check Order
   • Task1 = Check Inventory
   • Task2 = Confirm Order Pull
   • Task3 = Handle Fault