Introduction
A well-structured business process is segmented into distinct stages, each designed to manage specific activities, goals, and decision points that drive the process forward. These stages are dynamic components that guide the process towards completion by assigning one or more activities (tasks) to a user, team, or every member of a team. Each task and its parent stage have their own owner, due date, and completion criteria, ensuring accountability and timely execution.
Among these stages, the 'start' stage holds special significance as it serves as the initial trigger point. Since it acts as the foundational stage, it cannot be deleted. In the following sections, we will discuss how to create a new stage, configure its properties, and detail the lifecycle it follows from activation to completion.
Creating a New Stage
When creating a new stage in a business process, it's essential to configure certain key fields to ensure seamless functionality. These fields must be filled diligently to provide structure to the tasks and their associated entities within the stage.
| Field | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stage Name | Yes | The unique name for the stage. |
| Task Entity | Yes | The activity entity associated with tasks within this stage. |
Now that we've covered creating a new stage, let's move on to the next step: exploring the phases within each stage.
Stage Properties
When setting up a stage, there are key configurations to consider. Each phase of a stage has its specific properties that dictate how it functions and interacts within the process. Here's a quick rundown:
| Phase | Description |
|---|---|
| General | The foundation of the stage, capturing the stage's name, titles in English and Arabic, and the designated owner. |
| On Entering | Executes specific logic flows or business processes when the stage is activated. |
| Task Configuration | Specifies task details within the stage, such as task entity, assignee, title, and due date. |
| Completion Criteria | Evaluates if the tasks meet the necessary conditions for stage completion. |
| On Exiting | Executes a predefined logic flow or business process when the stage is completed and evaluate the next stage transition. |
Each of these phases comes with its own detailed section, offering a deep dive into its properties.
Stage Lifecycle
Each stage progresses through a defined lifecycle, providing a clear and systematic flow of tasks and activities. Here's a breakdown of the journey a stage takes:
Activation: This is the initiation point of the stage lifecycle. A stage is considered "activated" when it becomes the active stage in the process, signaling the commencement of its specific tasks and activities.
On Entering: Upon activation, the stage enters the "On Entering" phase. Here, specific pre-defined logic flows are executed, setting the initial conditions or actions that should take place at the start of the stage.
Task Completion Wait: After the initial setup, the stage waits for the completion of its associated tasks. Tasks within the stage are carried out based on their configurations, and as they are completed, the stage's completion criteria are continually evaluated.
Completion Criteria Evaluation: Each time a task within the stage is completed, the stage's completion criteria are assessed. This evaluation determines whether all conditions for the stage's completion have been met.
Exiting: Once all tasks are completed and the completion criteria are satisfied, the stage prepares to transition to the next stage in the process. In the "On Exiting" phase, a predefined logic flow (created in flowOnrm logic) is executed, ensuring any final actions or conditions are addressed before moving on.
In summary, the lifecycle ensures that each stage moves forward with precision, from its start to its transition to the next stage.
Conclusion
In summary, business process stages are the essential building blocks that guide workflows from start to finish. Each stage is meticulously structured with task assignments, ownership, due dates, and completion criteria, ensuring clarity and accountability at every step. By creating well-defined stages, organizations can manage activities, decision points, and goals in a systematic way.
The stage lifecycle—starting from activation, moving through task execution and completion evaluation, and finally exiting—ensures smooth transitions between stages. Key logic flows and business processes are triggered at each phase to drive the process forward, while the "On Exiting" phase prepares the system for the next target stage based on the met transition guard. With this structured approach, business processes can be executed with precision and efficiency, making sure every task and stage is completed as intended, driving the overall process toward its successful conclusion.