Linking a Data Object with a Structure Definition
Describe a business object's structure using a structure definition and link it with a data element.
Processes can use business objects. Their structure can be described in more detail in Innovator e.g. in structure diagrams using structure definitions and linked with data elements in the process.
A business object can also be described using a UML class or an entity. The process is the same.
State sequences can be defined for business objects and their states can be assigned to the data element.
- Select a structure definition in the Model Structure, Details or Result Region tool windows.
- Drag the structure definition and drop it on a data object, data input, data output or data store reference.
A new business object is automatically created (with the same name as the structure definition). The structure definition is defined as the structure for the business object. The business object is linked with the data element. The name of the business object is shown along with the name of the data element (this behavior can be modified using the model configuration if necessary).
It is also possible to create the business object separately in the model structure and link it with the data element or structure definition using the respective properties.
- If states are defined for the business object, drag a state and drop it on the data element to assign it.
The states are shown by the data element's name.
Describing Data Elements in More Detail Using States
States need to be defined for the business object which is assigned to the data element.
- Select a state of a business object in the model structure.
- Drag the state and drop it on a data object, data input, data output or data store reference.
The state is assigned and displayed below the data object's name. You can assign more than one state; these are then shown as a list.
States can also be assigned using the State (global) property.The uses Global State property needs to be set for this.
Note:You can drag a state to a data element which is not yet specified. This assigns both the owning business object and the state in one fell swoop.