Process Automation - Global Variables

In the Global Variables view, you can configure variables which, with the same values, are required to carry out many of your processes. You can then link these global variables individually with different parameters of your processes.

You can link global variables anywhere that a globe symbol is displayed. A link symbol indicates an existing link. You can change and delete links.

Use global variables for values that are the same in multiple processes and which frequently change. This way you can reduce the time involved and the error rate in the maintenance of your processes.

You should use descriptive names for global variables and you should only use the variables in an appropriate context. If, for example, the number 42 happens to be both the number of employees in your company and the answer to a different question, then create two global variables (number_employees and answer).

Privileges for the global variables

In order to use the Process Automation module, you must have the Privilege Process Automation Open.

To create and change global variables, you require the Privileges Global Variables Create and Global Variables Edit. To delete global variables, you also require the Privilege Global Variables Delete.

Creating a new global variable

A Global Variable consists of a name, a description, a type, and a value.

Name

Name of the global variable

Mandatory field, must be unique, free text, max. 50 characters

Description

Description of the application

Free text, max. 2000 characters

Type

Type of the global variable Select one of the following types.

The type of variable determines where it can be used.

Integer

Integer value between -2147483647 and 2147483647.

Alphanumeric

Any character string without length restriction.

Boolean

Logical value. Set the checkmark in the checkbox Value for the value true and remove the checkmark for the value false.

Float

Floating-point number

Credential

Combination of user name (max. 80 characters) and password.

The password is used and displayed in encrypted form.

Coordinates

Combination of two integer values for an X-Y coordinate, which can each lie between -2147483647 and 2147483647.

Use global coordinates, for example, as an offset to determine a screen coordinate.

Global Variables Menu

Usage

Clicking on the Usage icon opens a table that displays all the Configurations in which this Global Variable is used.

Example: Global Variable Usage

Edit

Clicking the Edit icon opens the detailed view of the global variable. You can change all entries.

You should check all the links of the Global Variable before you change a global variable. Only make changes to the variable after you have checked all the affected processes and are satisfied that there will not be any negative effects. An warning is displayed before you save.

The changed values of the global variables will be used as of the next Process run.

Remove

Clicking on the Remove icon removes the global variable after you confirm the prompt.

You cannot delete global variables that are being used in a Process. Use the Usage icon to discover which processes are involved.