Structure of Workflows

It is important to distinguish between the definition of a workflow (known as a metaworkflow) and one specific runtime occurrence of that workflow (the workflow instance).

Metaworkflow

• MetaWorkflows are collections of MetaNodes.
• MetaNodes are connected by MetaTransitions.

A MetaWorkflow (with its MetaNodes and MetaTransitions) is the template for workflow instances. It holds all information needed to run the workflow.

Workflow instance

• Workflow Instances are collections of Node instances.
• Node Instances are connected by Transition instances.

The workflow instance itself holds the runtime information about the workflow (nodes and transition states) and the actual data passed between nodes.

Note: Usually, each MetaNode represents a separate database transaction (also called Logical Unit of Work). Where necessary, it is possible to use the transaction of a previous node – this can be set in the transition properties.