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Detailed
contents
of Version 7 >>
Detailed
contents of the previous versions
Version
6
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Main évolutions
of Version 7.00 ...
"Assisted" management of the links ...
Version 7 continues
the tendency to the opening and the facility of parameter setting and
use of the meta-model of Win' Design.
The previous versions had brought a new management of the definition
of the types of objects. Version 7 supplements these possibilities by
the integration of the management of the links, while making it
possible to define for each type of object, the nature of the links
which connects it to the other types of objects ...
More
about this function ...
Data management integrated in business process modelling ...
Version 7 allows direct
creation in the process models, of external views, rules and
information ...
More...
The lane : a new tool of presentation
of the diagrams ...
A new tool
"Lane" was integrated in Version 7. It makes it possible to
manage and present whole or part of the diagrams in swimlanes. The
presentation in the form of columns is usable for the diagrams in
particular representing a distribution of work, like the OPM of the
Merise method or the diagrams of operations of OSSAD or diagrams of
detailed procedures of the BPMN (Swimlane) ...
More
...
Management of the states: extension of the concept and new dialog box ...
In the previous
versions, the state could be defined only for one entity or a table,
in the Database module. In Version 7, a state can be assigned to any
type of object
More about
this function and the functionning of the new dialog ...
New interface towards the engine of Workflow W4 ...
From the definition
of the profile, Win' Design enables to export a native W4 file W4
from a diagram of the module Business Process.
More
...
Meta-model
: management of the links
1 - Introduction
Version 7 continues the tendency to the
opening and the facility of parameter setting and use of the méta-model of
Win' Design.
The pre vious
versions had brought a new
management of the definition of the types of objects. Version 7 supplements
these possibilities by the integration of the management of the linkss, while
making it possible to define for each type of object, the nature of the links
which connects it to the other types of objects.
That does not relate to the standard links, known as "method links",
of the former versions, but the use of the free links already introduced into
the previous versions.
Thus when one traces a link starting from a type of object towards another,
the choice of the type of link is carried out automatically if there is only one
possibility or a choice by default, and on presentation of a list if there are
several possibilities.
2 -
Procedures
The definition of the links is done in the meta-model defined in the
level of a profile.
Select in the " Options" menu the
function "Profile standard - Modify
... ". The dialog of choice of the type of diagram is displayed.
Select the heading "Common Objects" or a type of diagram, then click
on the "Meta model" button.
The dialog box of management of the types and stereotypes is displayed.
Select one of the types or stereotypes of the list on the left (in the example
we will take the concept of "role", type of object derived itself
from the concept of actor).
The concept of role is used in particular in the formalisms of the Ossad
type or BPMN. It is an organisational concept. Click on the "Links"
tab.
The right part of the box makes it possible to define the possible links of
the type of object selected with the other types of object. In the example,
the definition relates to the objects which can be connected to the concept of
"role".
The defined links are not specific to a diagram in particular.
2.1 - Definition
of a link
To add a link, click on the button "+" in the tools bar.
A dialog box of definition of the links is displayed.
1rst stage
Choose the type of
object which will be connected. Activate the button "Change...".
A dialog box is displayed presenting the whole of the categories of
models of Win' Design.
Select the type of model, and
click on "+" to display the list of the types of objects
defined for this category of model.
In our example, we will define
the link between a "role" and an activity of the diagrams of
the module Business Process.
The concept of activity being generic, one can either use this root -
the link will apply then to all the types of activities (process,
procedure, operation, task...) - or select one of the alternatives of
activities so that the link is specifically defined in this level
there.
Select "Any activity"
in the list (the definition of the link will relate to all the types
of activities of the list presented below "Any activity").
Validate by "Ok". The field "Role" makes it possible to define the
semantics of the link, seen by the starting object. It is thus the
part which the object in the link plays that one indicates. It is this
terminology which will be used in the cross references.
In our case, we connect a concept of organization (the role) with
an activity. This link is a bond of assignment. Enter in the field the
significance of this link.
2nd stage :
Definition of the linkThe links like the objects, can have types
and stereotypes. If no selection is carried out, it is the free link
which will be selected. To modify the selection, activate the button
"Change ..." and select a type of link in the list of the
free links proposed.
Validate by "Ok". Enter in the field "object
Role" the part which plays the object dependent in the link.
Validate by OK.
The modification of the link can be done by click on 
each field of table (edition columns), causing the possible displaying of the
corresponding dialog boxs, or by clicking on after having selected a line.
The suppression is carried out by the button 
after having selected a line.
2.2 - Default link
If there can be several types of link between two objects, one can
indicate the default link. It is this link which will be taken automatically
as the link is layed out. If there is not default link, the list of the
possible links will be displayed for selection as the link is layed out. To
define a default link, tick the box in the column "Default".
2.3 - Reciprocal link
A link is defined with a starting object and an target objectl. This
link can not not have the same significance if it is traced in the other
direction. In this case, the definite link will exist only compared to the
starting object. In the other case (semantic identical whatever the type of
starting object maybe) and to avoid redefining the link twice, you only have
to tick the box in the "reciprocal" column to indicate that the link
can be traced in the two directions, with the role A and the role B reversed.
As the the dialog box of the links for a type of object is displayed, the
reciprocal links with this object defined from other types of objects are in
the list "reciprocal automatics", in the tree of the dependent
objects.
2.4 - Inherited link
A stereotype of object inherits the links defined in the type of
object to which it belongs. It is the same for the types of objects derived
from other types. These inherited bonds are in the box of the dependent
objects. Nota : the inherited links and the reciprocal lins are not modifiable
in the object which receives them. The modification of the link must be
carried out from the object which made it possible to define the linnk.
2.5 - Forbidden links
From a type of object, one could define a certain number of links with
other types of objects. One can nevertheless, apart from the preset links,
trace others links with the tool "Free links". If one does not wish
to authorize this possibility, it is then necessary to tick the corresponding
box in the dialog of definition of the links.
The layout of the link will then be refused if this option were not
selected.
3 - Layout of a link
As a link is layed out in the graph using the icon  ,
the parameter setting of the meta model is applied :If the link is single
between two objects or if a default link were specified, the link is traced
with the characteristics associated with the definition with the bond. If
there is several possible choices, a list is displayed allowing the type of
link concerned. The link is traced automatically.
The pop box up of the link displays these characteristics.
4 - Automatic management of
the links by the lane
In case of use of a table, the management of the links starts between the
object contained in the heading of a column and the objects contained in the
column. The link will not be traced but generated automatically. The same
behavior of choice as for the layout starts.
The management a posteriori of the links can be carried out starting from a
double click in the heading of the column, which displays the list of the
objects and the links with the object of heading.
To modify the type of link, double-click on the name of the object (column
"dependent Object") and select another link in the list proposed. To
modify the link, double click on the name of the link (column
"link") to display the pop box up link.
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The
lane : a new tool of presentation of the diagrams...
Version 7 integrates the new tool "Table" to allow the management
and the presentation of whole or part of the diagrams in swimlanes.
1 - Use of the lanes
The presentation in columns is usable for the diagrams
representing a distribution of work, like the OPM of the Merise method or the
diagrams of operations of OSSAD or diagrams of detailed procedures of the BPMN
(Swimlane).
In this context, the header of the columns usually represents actors, roles
or organisational units, and the content of the column, modelled activities
(task, operations...).
This representation induces the membership or the attribution of some objects of
the column to the header object : assignment of an activity to a role. This
tool replaces the concept of working station of the precious versions (the
station however is not removed for reasons of compatibility). Taking into
account the behavior of this new tool which makes it possible to put in the header
any type of object, it can be used in very varied contexts, like compositions
(object made up of objects), distributions (sites and its organisational units),
and more generally, any presentation of crossed references...
2 - Creation
of a lane
Select the icon  in the
main tools bar. Click then at the place where the lane will be positioned. The
dialog box presenting the options of drawing of the lane is displayed.
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When an object is placed in the column, the parameter setting of the meta model
is carried out, in particular for the management of the links.
If links were defined between the type of header object and the type of
object placed in the column, the link is automatically generated if there is
only one possibility or if this link were defined by default. If not, a box of choice
is displayed and makes it possible to select one of the possible types of link (See : meta model - Management of the links).
Nota 1: links although generated are not displayed graphically. Nota
2: it is possible to place several objects in the header of the column.
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Dialog of selection of the type of link (customized in the meta model)
4 - Management of the links
between the header object and the objects of the column
Although generated automatically, the links can be modified :
- Either by the graphic procedure running, by showing the links to modify
them
- Or by the procedure of the lane : double click in the header of a column
(apart from the symbol of the object of the header). The dialog box of the
characteristics of the column is displayed.
- the objects for which a link was generated are displayed in bold.
- In grayed, other objects (nondependent).
In our example, there is not any preset link in the meta model between the
role and the resource.
Nota : if several objects were placed in the header of the column,
the management of the links with the objects contained in the column is done
for all the objects of the header.
4.1 - To modify an existing link
To modify a link, double click in the 2nd column "Link" on
the line corresponding to the object concerned, to display the box of
definition of the link.
It makes it possible to change all the characteristics of this link.
4.2 To change type of link
From the box of the characteristics of the column, double click in
the 1st column "dependent Object" on the name of the object. If
there are several types of possible links, select one of them as for the first
association.
4.3 To create a new link
From the pop up dialog of the column, double click in the 1st
column "Linked objects", on an object not having been the subject of
an automatic generation of a link (objects displayed in grayed). A request for
confirmation of creation is displayed.
Click on "Yes". A free link is automatically created. To change the
nature of the link (stereotype and role), proceed like above in double
clicking on "free link" of the line of the object concerned.
Nota : One can also visualize the generation of the links by consulting
the cross references of the objects.
5 - Graphic procedures of
the lane
5.1 - To select a column
The selection of a column is done by clicking inside the header (except on
the symbol of the header object), or by clicking on the perimeter of the
column. Each column can be resized. Individually: the choice of the handle
depends on the orientation of the header. Collectively : for example for a
table with a upper header, the handles at the top and the bottom of a column
make it possible to change the size of the whole of the table.
5.2 - Style
Different style can be applied to each column. As for any object of Win'
Design, it is possible to choose a written form (with application of the
colors of lines and basic) or an image.
Nota : In option, if the style is
remained standard, one can not display the layout of the header of the
column.To modify the styles of a column, double click on the header of the
column and use the tabs "Display"
and "Style" in the pop up dialog or use one of the functions of the tools bar of styles
or in the pop up menu of the column (Appearance - Style).
5.3 - To add a column
To add a new column to the table, select any column, and in the pop
up menu, select the function "Add". A new column is added at the end
of the table (according to the selected mode of orientation).
5.4 - To move a column
To move a column, double click in the header of the chosen column to
display its pop up dialog.
Use the arrows  to move the
column to the left or to the right side. The moving of a column causes the
moving of its contents.
5.5 - To split the table
To split the table, click on the column from which the table will be
splitted. From the pop up menu of the column, use the function
"Split".
This function causes the dissociation of the table starting from this
column.
5.6 - To remove a column
To remove a column, select the column and press on key "SUPRR" of
the keyboard. The column is removed and the objects which it contained remain
displayed. The links between the objects of header and the objects of the
column are removed.
5.7 - To copy/paste a lane
The lane not being an object of the repository, is thus not in the
dictionary list. The copy of a column is carried out from the graph.
Pasting in a different diagram will also cause the pasting of the contents of
the column, with possibly the release of the mechanism of short cuts. There is
not short cut of column.
5.8 - To create multiple lanes
A lane can itself contain a lane (not theoretical limit of fitment). In
this case, the management of the automatic links is carried out as followed :
Main lane towards the secondary lane : the generation of the links is carried
out between the object of header of the main lane and the objects of header of the secondary
lane. In the secondary lane : behavior identical to the
simple lane.
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Management
of data integrated in process modeling ...
When modeling the business processes, the data are frequently
evoked on the level of :
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Flows of informations (messages) in entry and exit of the
activities
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Business rules
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States of business objects
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Actions carried out on the data (creation, modification,
suppression)
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Documents
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User Interfaces of the system (forms, editions...)
In the preceding versions, it was possible to associate data in
the processes modeling diagrams through the Database module, in
which the data were memorized. Those were then represented only as short cuts in
the models of the Business Process module.
In Version 7, some associating functions of the data were
integrated in the Business Process module.
One thus can now either call upon data defined in the Database
module (if one has this module), or define them directly in the Business
Process module.
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States
management
In the preceding versions, the state could be defined only for
one entity or a table, in the Database module.
In Version 7, a state can also be affected with any type of object in all the
modules of Win' Design. The interest of this evolution is to make it possible to
make itself independent of the Database module, and to be able to supplement
modeling, in particular for objects of follow-up, such as for example the
business objects or the documents (order, contract, invoice...).
The state reflecting the situation of these objects at one point
in their cycle of life. This evolution is particularly interesting within the
framework of the business process modeling, in the Business Process module.
Indeed, the state can be used in entry of an activity expressing
a pre-condition of release of this activity, or at exit, expressing the action
carried out by the activity and the result obtained on an object of follow-up.
The dialog box of creation of the states was completely redesigned and offers to
the user a much more intuitive procedure.
Procedures
1- Graphic representation of the
state
Select the icon 
in the method tools bar or  in the
specific palette .
Click in the graphic window to represent the state.The symbol
is displayed.
2 - To define the state
Double click on the symbol to display the pop up dialog.
A state is not defined in an autonomous way, but relative with
an object. Select the object concerned with the state (the state belongs only
to one object) by clicking on the button The box of selection of objects is
displayed. It presents by default the objects present in the standard model.
To obtain a list of the objects of other models, click on the button
"Other models..." at the bottom of the box.
Select an existing object and click on OK, then in the box of
definition of the state, fill the "Standard" and "States"
fields. The button "View..." makes it possible to reach the object
to which the state is attached.
"Types " field
For the same object, one can define several groups of state, representing
homogeneous phases in the cycle of life of the object, in which the object can
take several states. In our example, the claim file has 3 phases: the opening,
the payment and liquidation.
"States" field
Name characterizing the state, in general a significant adjective of a noted
situation (ex:"validated") or a situation to come (ex: "to
validate"). When types or states already exist for the same object, those
are presented in the drop-down list.
3 - Crossed references
The link between the state and its related object is automatic
(useless to trace a link) and materializes in the cross references of the
state and of the object :
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New
interface with the engine of woakflow W4
Nota : this interface corresponds to a complementary
option of the Business Process module.
To export a diagram Win' Design in a 4 native file, it is
necessary to have a XSL file establishing equivalences between the types of
objects used in Win' Design and the target types of objects in W4. Three XSL are
available in Version 7 :For a diagram of operations of Ossad For a diagram
of tasks BPMN For a diagram of worklow W4 (built in Win' Design)
1 - Parameter setting of the profile
Two types of parameter settings can be carried out :
1.1 - Types of diagrams 1rst solution :
parameter setting of a W4 workflow diagram
This solution consists in defining all the concepts of W4 in
Win' Design and to model the sequences of procedures with these concepts. That
allows to use in Win' Design the same vocabulary and to handle the same
concepts as in W4. In version 7, with the option "W4 Interface", the
profile contains the parameter settings necessary for the definition of all
the types of W4 objects. A specific diagram is also available for the modeling
of the W4 procedures.
Nota : the parameter setting carried out in the
profile corresponds to the objects handled in the "Studio" module of
W4.
The types of objects handled in Workflow have extended
characteristics added to the standard definition of the objects Win' Design.
They make it possible to supplement the definitions and to adapt specifically
to the W4 target.
Example of a stage
The variables of procedures are defined from a stereotype of
an external view : data structure. This external view is associated with the
procedure.
The contents of the external view describe the whole of the
variables used in the context of the procedure.
The activities are derived from the generic concept of rules
and are associated with the stages.
The variables used in the activity are defined by the entries
and exits of the rule.
2nd solution : adaptation of the
diagrams belonging to other methods
For instance : Ossad.In this case, the matter is to extend the
concepts of a formalism via stereotypes, to adapt them to the Workflow
implementation, while remaining within a conventional methodological
framework. The diagram used is that of the diagram of operations.
Example of the extension for the operation: the extended
characteristics will be associated with the specific W4 stereotypes.
This stereotype can be applied at any time. One can thus model
normally according to the Ossad method, then finally, stereotype the
operations likely to become stages of Workflow, without modifying the identity
of the operation. The stereotype will make it possible to use the suitable
extended characteristics for W4.
For the variables of procedures, same parameter setting
as in the first dedicated solution W4.
For the activities, it is the concept of rule which must be used in the
Ossad diagram, which will be then typified and stereotyped for W4.
2 - Export / Import
To export or import one or more diagrams, use the function
"Export" or "Import" in the file menu, function
"W4". A dialog box is displayed and make it possible to select the
"style sheet" (file XSL) to apply.
Then a box of selection of the diagrams to be exported is
displayed. Tick the selected diagrams, which must correspond to the selected
style sheet.
Once the export is finished, the file of export is recorded
under a name of the type file W4 studio (* w4m).
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