Workflow arrows, also known as "flow control" arrows are used to link objects (i.e. Evaluation objects, Conditions, Sub-Workflows, Tasks) with one another and represent the direction of flow within a workflow. They are devices that binds all the other objects together and makes a workflow a cohesive unit. An arrow coming from one object and ending at another object represents that control passes to the object the arrow points to. A workflow executes along the path of any arrow containing the value equaling that of the previous object.
Arrows can behave differently depending on which object is their parent (i.e. which object they stem from). They don't simply connect two objects together, but they have fundamental meaning as well. Arrows can diagram the logical progression through the course of a workflow dependant on specific events or conditions that may occur during execution of subsequent workflow objects.
To obtain a better understanding of arrow behavior and view an assortment of examples, see Workflow Logic.
There are three types of Workflow arrows, each possessing their own unique characteristics:
Success Arrow - The Success Arrow is color coded green and proceeds to the object it is linked to providing that the previous object it stems from ran successfully.
Failure Arrow - The Failure Arrow is color coded red and proceeds to the object it is linked to providing that the previous object failed or generated an error. The Failure arrow is ideally used to link to an alternate task that corrects the issue encountered by the failed task.
Result Arrow - The Result arrow is color coded blue and mainly used in conjunction with the Evaluation object to provide conditional branching during a workflow's execution. For more on the Evaluation object, see Evaluation Object.
Upon dragging any available workflow object from the Available Objects pane to the workspace, for convenience, a small Success arrow (also known as nub) appears to the right of the new object. This arrow can be dragged to another workflow object to connect to that object. To use a Failure arrow, drag the it from the Available Objects pane to the workspace then connect each end of the arrow to the desired objects.
NOTE: An arrow is connected to an object properly when a green dot appears between the arrow and the object. Also the word ‘Success’ will change from the color gray to the color black.
For complete details about linking Result Arrows from Evaluation objects to other workflow objects, see Evaluation Object.
About Creating Workflows
Building a Workflow
Workflow Logic Explained