2022.1

Workflow processes in OL Connect projects
About Workflow processes
A Workflow configuration consists of one or more processes. Each of these processes waits
until it is time to run or until it receives the necessary input, and then does its job. A process is
made up of tasks (also referred to as plugins). In the Workflow configuration tool they are
divided into groups. For example:
l Input tasks look for certain input data on a certain channel and start a process when they
find it. The data that enter the process are handed from one plugin to the next in the form
of a file: the 'job file'.
l Process logic tasks help you to control the process, for example by branching it, creating
a loop, or referring to another process or a subprocess.
l Action tasks perform a wide variety of operations.
l Metadata - data about a job, kept in the process - can be accessed and manipulated
using Metadata tasks.
l OL Connect tasks enable the process to communicate with the Connect Server and/or
database. (See: "OL Connect tasks" on the next page.)
l A process ends with an Output task.
Note
Workflow was originally developed - and is still used - as part of PlanetPress Suite.
Nevertheless, most plugins are just as useful in Connect as in PlanetPress Suite. Where
plugins are restricted to one software package or the other, it is indicated in Workflow's
Online Help.
Common OL Connect Workflow processes
In an OL Connect project there are typically a number of Workflow processes that communicate
with the Connect Server and/or database through one or more of the OL Connect tasks.
These are the most common Workflow processes in Connect solutions.
Page 184