Decisions in a process
A step that ends with a question mark is recognized as a decision and exported in BPMN as a branching point.
Purpose
Processes hinge on decisions; that is where errors and delays happen. The question mark at the end of the line makes them visible without you having to learn a modeling language.
How it works
- Under “New process”, enter the steps line by line.
- Phrase a decision as a question and end it with “?”, for example “Approval needed?”.
- Save with “Create draft”.
- In the list the decision is highlighted; in the “Download as BPMN” export it becomes a branching point.
As explained
- Order comes in
- Check urgency
- Rush order?
- Ask production
- Approval office confirms
Approve rush order
- Order comes in
- Check urgency
- Rush order?
- Ask production
- Approval office confirms
Responsible: head of purchasing
Fig. 1 Spoken steps become a process draft; the line with a question mark becomes a decision. After approval the process can be downloaded as BPMN.
How Universe Memory recognizes decisions
Only the last character of the line counts: if it ends with “?”, it is a decision. A question mark in the middle of a sentence does not count. Spaces at the end of the line are removed first.
Decisions in BPMN
In the BPMN export, a decision becomes an exclusive gateway and an ordinary step becomes a task. All elements are connected in the order of the lines. You draw the individual outgoing paths of a decision, such as “yes” and “no”, in the modeling tool.
Tips
Write the consequences of a decision as separate lines below it, for example “If yes: ask the approval office”.
Frequently asked questions
How do I mark a decision?
By ending the line with a question mark.
Does Universe Memory draw the yes and no paths?
No. The decision appears as a branching point; you add the individual outgoing paths in the modeling tool.
Related features
As of: · Concept & lead: Alexander Holtermann