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Triggers, Inputs and Outputs Explained

An explanation of what triggers, inputs and outputs are, and how to add them to a process.

Hylet Pistorius avatar
Written by Hylet Pistorius
Updated over 2 weeks ago

Triggers start a process, inputs provide what’s needed, and outputs deliver the results. Triggers, inputs and outputs are available on processes and value streams.

Triggers

An action, or item, that causes the process to begin. For example, receiving a credit application form.

Inputs

An item that is needed within the process. For example, the completed credit application form that was received.

Outputs

An item that is produced by the process. For example, an approved credit application.

Input and Output Types

In BPMN, there are two ways to show data used in a process: data objects and data stores. There can also be other kinds of inputs/outputs through physical items, messages and signals. In ProcessPro we specify the use of data inputs and outputs only. All other inputs and outputs are categorised as default.

View T/I/O in a Process

Triggers, inputs and outputs (T/I/O) can be linked to different activities within a process. Process start and end points can also be linked to triggers, inputs and outputs. There's two ways to view T/I/O's in the diagram content menu:

  1. On the process steps: By clicking on the T/I/O icons that shows in the process steps, you can view the details of the T/I/O:

  2. T/I/O tab: On the diagram content menu, you will find a triggers, inputs and outputs icon . In this tab, T/I/O's are listed. When an activity is linked to a trigger, input or output, they will display in the order in which the activities are numbered. Therefore, if activities are reorganised, the triggers, inputs and outputs will reorder. If there is no activity linked to the T/I/O, they will be listed in alphabetical order before the ones linked to the activities.

Quick Steps to Add a T/I/O

  1. Open the process that you want to add a trigger, input or output to

  2. Click on the triggers, inputs and outputs icon in the diagram content menu

    1. Or use the keyboard shortcuts

      1. Alt-U for triggers

      2. Alt-I for inputs

      3. Alt-O for outputs

  3. Click on the + icon

  4. Enter the details

  5. Click Add to capture the details

  6. The added details will appear in the process steps and in the T/I/O tab

Quick Steps to Edit a T/I/O

  1. Click on the triggers, inputs and outputs icon in the diagram content menu

  2. Select the edit icon that appears next to the T/I/O that you wish to edit. Update {object} card will open up

  3. Make the necessary updates

  4. Select the green update button

Quick Steps to Delete a T/I/O

  1. Click on the triggers, inputs and outputs icon in the diagram content menu

  2. Select the delete icon that appears next to the T/I/O that you wish to delete. Update {object} card will open up

  3. Select Yes on the delete confirmation

  4. The T/I/O will disappear from the process steps and from the T/I/O tab

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