In this lesson, we explore the Process Section of the Universal Model. This section covers the activities and processes used to manage and execute business process workflows, and the runtime artifacts required for those processes.
Understanding Runtime Artifacts
When we refer to runtime artifacts, we are talking about runtime environments, runtime functions, runtime fields, and connections. It is crucial to note that in the Universal Model, the activation of the business model occurs at the environment level, not the function level. If an environment is activated successfully, it becomes a runtime environment, which means it can be used in processes. Runtime functions that have been activated can be used in various activities.
Why is this useful for a modeler? Beyond providing a runtime version that can be used in processes and activities, users can still change a design-time version of the environment without affecting any subsequent processes where that environment is employed.
Applications Storing Runtime Artifacts
There are four key applications within the Universal Model that store runtime artifacts. Each has a specific role:
- Display Runtime Environments: This application lists all runtime environments.
- Display Runtime Functions: This application lists all runtime functions. Activities are built from a runtime function that has an API state labeled Active.
- Display Runtime Fields: This application lists all runtime fields, which can be used for activity selection of fields or parameters.
- Display Runtime Connections: This application lists all activated connections used within an activated environment.
Managing and Executing Processes and Activities
The following applications are particularly relevant for business users who manage and execute processes and activities:
- Manage Processes: This application allows you to manage processes that are specific to the runtime environment and can be imported into the next tenant along with the runtime environment.
- Manage Activities: This application is used to manage activities, which are the steps necessary to complete a business process workflow. Activities can be linked to a process or can function as standalone activities without any process dependencies.
Additional Authorizations and Data Protections
Several applications provide extra layers of authorization and data protection at the team level or dataset level. They include:
- Manage Teams: This application creates teams that link to SAP Business Technology Platform role attributes, offering a security function within the process section.
- Manage Data Privileges: This application ensures that specific sets of records can be seen or maintained by certain users, providing extra data protection. If no team is assigned to a data privilege entry, all users can maintain the corresponding data records.
- Manage Data Locks: This application restricts the maintenance of specified records to certain users, providing added data protection. If no team is assigned to a data lock, no user is allowed to maintain the data records stated in the lock.
Visualization and Layout Management
Visual representation of data is crucial for effective decision-making. The Manage Layouts application enables you to:
Create, Update, and Delete Layouts: Used for Show screen usage, layouts offer a visual representation of your data in an organized manner. For instance, you can visually display fields, add columns, and include graphs. This functionality ensures that your data is presented in the most insightful and actionable manner.