Workflow - what is it really,and how does it work?

[EXploringEA]

Hi Guys

I've been playing with EA today rather than working (!) - trying to discover how some of the stuff I haven't used in EA works and in relation to Workflow have come up against a brick wall.

I get the scripts / event / functions etc - I looked back in the forums and can see that Phil and Geert had some function issues a long time ago, I assume that has all been resolved, but I didn't even get to the point that my functions were being called!

I think I have completely misunderstood what EA workflow is and how it could work.

I started with the assumption that I could define a process (in a diagram?) and provides some rules (e.g. in a script) stuff would move through the flow between users and subject to the rules?
Yes / No?

If yes is there an example / tutorial - couldn't find anything on Sparx site nor Google. Doesn't seem a lot written on this (same as many EA subjects).

So I assume NO - as none of the EA documentation (what little there is ! ) provides definition of the process and clarity on terms.

So a few questions to help me, please:

1. What is meant by workflow - is it just that I can write code to intercept events that relate to creating/editing items and allow or otherwise?  Or can I define and execute the process I imagine?
2. Follow on from this is the workflow window under personal tasks - is this related and if so how.
3. What kicks off the calls to my workflow scripts?  I have a script and saw no calls - so assume I must do something. So what do I need to do to effect the call - are there settings (none found so far) that enable workflow for users / projects?
4.  Does EA call each script which has workflow functions? i.e. is it working on a broadcast as with the AddIn model.

BTW: I have security enabled and groups etc set up

Really interested in the answers, and of course examples.  

Workflow seems so promising ...

Thanks

A little update:

I've observed that at times the calls to the events are called -  but behaviour seems to be odd, in that after making a change to a script you have to save it, refresh and then use.

If you only save then the event wasn't handled at all - i.e. appears that the script has been disabled.  Also appeared that it could take a few times and then I remembered that there was a potential issue with caching so assume that this is the same problem.  Not very friendly - so with lazy load off looks like it is working - however still interested in responses to questions above as this helps with the broader picture. Tnx

[Dermot]

Worklfow scripting is based, not on diagrams, but on creating grouped lists of entries in the Model Search - these are based on the user and say the status of the item (an Element), going through the workflow. For example, on change of a status it changes which users view it.

We are about to release a paper and model on the Community site with some examples of the scripting and how to debug it. If you are interested in a preview drop an email to support and I will pass on a draft copy.

[EXploringEA]

Hi Dermot,

Thanks - clearly what was missing for me was a description of the approach and the context in which workflow operates.  I suppose my assumption was that so much of EA is visually orientated that workflow would be as well, not least as the description in the help talks about policies and procedures; the later implying processes for me.


I'll ping you and email - as an example will be really useful.

Tnx

[EXploringEA]

Must add that Sparx  (Dermot!) were really great in providing me some useful information that help me better understand their implementation of workflow and I'll  be writing up in due course.  Look out for their paper / model.

[Dermot]

The workflow scripting whitepaper and example model are now available on the Sparx Community site:
http://community.sparxsystems.com/white-papers/765-workflow-scripting-in-enterprise-architect

This covers the general overview of using the scripting, as well as  methods for debugging new workflow scripts.