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Oracle Workflow

Developer's Guide
Release 12.2
Part No. E22011-10

July 2014

Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide, Release 12.2


Part No. E22011-10
Copyright 2003, 2014, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
Primary Author: Siu Chang, Clara Jaeckel
Contributing Author: Varsha Bhatia, George Buzsaki, John Cordes, Mark Craig, Avinash Dabholkar, Mark
Fisher, Yongran Huang, Kevin Hudson, Saroja Kandepuneni, George Kellner, Sai Kilaru, Angela Kung, David
Lam, Janet Lee, Jin Liu, Kenneth Ma, Steve Mayze, Santhana Natarajan, Rajesh Raheja, Varadarajan Rajaram,
Tim Roveda, Robin Seiden, Vijay Shanmugam, Sachin Sharma, Sheryl Sheh, Alejandro Sosa, Allison
Sparshott, Susan Stratton, Roshin Thomas, Shivdas Tomar, Robert Wunderlich
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Contents

Send Us Your Comments


Preface
1

Overview of Oracle Workflow


Overview of Oracle Workflow for Developers........................................................................ 1-1
Major Features and Definitions............................................................................................ 1-2
Workflow Processes............................................................................................................. 1-4

Defining a Workflow Process


Overview of Oracle Workflow Builder ....................................................................................2-1
The Navigator Tree Structure.............................................................................................. 2-2
Viewing the Navigator Tree...................................................................................................... 2-3
Creating Process Definitions in Oracle Workflow Builder......................................................2-5
Opening and Saving Item Types............................................................................................ 2-10
Quick Start Wizard Overview................................................................................................. 2-16
Using Oracle Workflow Builder with Different Server Versions......................................... 2-18

Defining Workflow Process Components


Workflow Process Components................................................................................................ 3-1
Item Types................................................................................................................................. 3-2
Attributes................................................................................................................................... 3-6
Defining Item Types and Attributes........................................................................................ 3-7
Allowing Access to an Object................................................................................................. 3-21
Lookup Types.......................................................................................................................... 3-23
Defining Lookup Types.......................................................................................................... 3-24

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Messages.................................................................................................................................. 3-28
Defining Messages.................................................................................................................. 3-60
Activities.................................................................................................................................. 3-73
Defining Activities.................................................................................................................. 3-81
Voting Activity........................................................................................................................ 3-94
Example Voting Methods........................................................................................................ 3-97
Deleting Objects in Oracle Workflow Builder..................................................................... 3-100
Modifying Objects in Oracle Workflow Builder................................................................. 3-100
Workflow Objects That Support Versioning.................................................................... 3-102
Workflow Objects That Do Not Support Versioning....................................................... 3-103

Defining a Workflow Process Diagram


Process Window........................................................................................................................ 4-1
Diagramming a Process............................................................................................................. 4-4
Modifying Fonts in Oracle Workflow Builder....................................................................... 4-21
Creating a Shortcut Icon for a Workflow Process...................................................................4-22
Referencing Roles.................................................................................................................... 4-23
Initiating a Process.................................................................................................................. 4-26

Predefined Workflow Activities


Standard Activities.................................................................................................................... 5-1
And/Or Activities................................................................................................................. 5-2
Comparison Activities......................................................................................................... 5-3
Compare Execution Time Activity....................................................................................... 5-3
Wait Activity........................................................................................................................ 5-4
Block Activity....................................................................................................................... 5-5
Defer Thread Activity.......................................................................................................... 5-6
Launch Process Activity....................................................................................................... 5-6
Noop Activity...................................................................................................................... 5-7
Loop Counter Activity......................................................................................................... 5-7
Start Activity........................................................................................................................ 5-9
End Activity......................................................................................................................... 5-9
Role Resolution Activity...................................................................................................... 5-9
Notify Activity..................................................................................................................... 5-9
Vote Yes/No Activity......................................................................................................... 5-10
Master/Detail Coordination Activities............................................................................... 5-11
Assign Activity.................................................................................................................. 5-15
Get Monitor URL Activity................................................................................................. 5-15
Get Event Property Activity............................................................................................... 5-15
Set Event Property Activity................................................................................................5-16

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Compare Event Property Activity......................................................................................5-17


Concurrent Manager Standard Activities............................................................................... 5-18
Execute Concurrent Program Activity............................................................................... 5-18
Submit Concurrent Program Activity................................................................................ 5-19
Wait for Concurrent Program Activity.............................................................................. 5-20

Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow


Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow...................................................... 6-1
Standard API for PL/SQL Procedures Called by Function Activities...................................... 6-2
Standard API for an Item Type Selector or Callback Function................................................6-8
Standard APIs for "PL/SQL" Documents................................................................................ 6-11
"PL/SQL" Documents......................................................................................................... 6-12
"PL/SQL CLOB" Documents.............................................................................................. 6-15
"PL/SQL BLOB" Documents............................................................................................... 6-21
MIME Types and Subtypes Defined Within Oracle Workflow.......................................... 6-24
Standard API for an Event Data Generate Function.............................................................. 6-27
Standard API for a PL/SQL Generate Function..................................................................6-28
Standard API for a Java Generate Function....................................................................... 6-28
Standard APIs for a Queue Handler....................................................................................... 6-29
Standard APIs for a PL/SQL Queue Handler..................................................................... 6-29
Standard APIs for a Java Queue Handler.......................................................................... 6-31
Standard API for an Event Subscription Rule Function........................................................ 6-32
Standard API for a PL/SQL Subscription Rule Function....................................................6-34
Standard API for a Java Subscription Rule Function......................................................... 6-36

Testing Workflow Definitions


Testing Workflow Definitions Using the Developer Studio................................................... 7-1

Managing Business Events


Managing Business Events........................................................................................................8-1
Event Manager........................................................................................................................... 8-3
Events......................................................................................................................................... 8-4
Defining Events......................................................................................................................... 8-9
Event Subscriptions................................................................................................................. 8-15
Defining Event Subscriptions................................................................................................. 8-36
Agents...................................................................................................................................... 8-46
Defining Agents...................................................................................................................... 8-61
Systems.................................................................................................................................... 8-66
Defining Systems.................................................................................................................... 8-71
Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge......................................................................................8-75

The Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge Item Type.........................................................8-82


Summary of the Master Ping Process.................................................................................8-83
Master Ping Process Activities........................................................................................... 8-84
Summary of the Detail Ping Process.................................................................................. 8-85
Detail Ping Process Activities............................................................................................ 8-85

Predefined Workflow Events


Predefined Workflow Events.................................................................................................... 9-1
Event Definition Events....................................................................................................... 9-2
Event Group Definition Events............................................................................................ 9-3
System Definition Events..................................................................................................... 9-5
Agent Definition Events....................................................................................................... 9-6
Agent Group Definition Events........................................................................................... 9-7
Event Subscription Definition Events.................................................................................. 9-8
Synchronize Event Systems Event....................................................................................... 9-9
Seed Event Group................................................................................................................ 9-9
Ping Agent Events............................................................................................................. 9-12
System Signup Event......................................................................................................... 9-14
Any Event.......................................................................................................................... 9-15
Unexpected Event.............................................................................................................. 9-18
User Entry Has Changed Event......................................................................................... 9-21
Notification Events............................................................................................................ 9-22
Notification Mailer Events................................................................................................. 9-39
Business Event System Control Events.............................................................................. 9-41
Generic Service Component Framework Control Events.................................................. 9-44
Workflow Engine Events................................................................................................... 9-47
Directory Service Events.................................................................................................... 9-48
Test BES Event................................................................................................................... 9-56
Workflow Send Protocol......................................................................................................... 9-58
The Workflow Send Protocol Item Type............................................................................ 9-59
Summary of the Workflow Event Protocol Process........................................................... 9-61
Workflow Event Protocol Process Activities...................................................................... 9-63
Workflow Send Protocol Events........................................................................................ 9-65

10

Sample Workflow Process


Sample Workflow Process...................................................................................................... 10-1
Requisition Process............................................................................................................ 10-1
Sample Requisition Data Model.........................................................................................10-2
Sample Requisition Item Type........................................................................................... 10-3
Summary of the Requisition Approval Process........................................................... 10-5

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Requisition Process Activities......................................................................................10-6


Summary of the Notify Approver Subprocess.......................................................... 10-10
Notify Approver Subprocess Activities..................................................................... 10-11
Sample StartProcess Function....................................................................................10-14
Example Function Activities......................................................................................10-17
Example: Select Approver................................................................................... 10-17
Example: Verify Authority.................................................................................. 10-20
Example Notification Activity................................................................................... 10-23
Example: Notify Requisition Approval Required............................................... 10-23

11

Error Handling
Error Handling......................................................................................................................... 11-1
Error Handling for Workflow Processes............................................................................ 11-1
Error Handling for Event Subscription Processing............................................................ 11-4
System: Error Item Type and Item Attributes.................................................................... 11-8
Default Error Process....................................................................................................... 11-10
Retry-only Process........................................................................................................... 11-13
Default Event Error Process............................................................................................. 11-16
Default Event Error Process (One Retry Option)............................................................. 11-21
Error Process for Notification Response Processing........................................................ 11-28

Oracle Workflow Developer Navigation Paths


Oracle Workflow Developer Navigation Paths....................................................................... A-1

Oracle Workflow Builder Menus and Toolbars


Oracle Workflow Builder Menus............................................................................................. B-1
Oracle Workflow Builder Toolbars.......................................................................................... B-5

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite


Predefined Workflows Embedded in Oracle E-Business Suite...............................................C-1
Applied Technology............................................................................................................ C-2
Communications................................................................................................................. C-5
Contracts............................................................................................................................. C-6
Corporate Performance Management................................................................................. C-8
Field Service...................................................................................................................... C-11
Financial Applications....................................................................................................... C-11
Higher Education.............................................................................................................. C-20
HRMS Applications...........................................................................................................C-26
Leasing.............................................................................................................................. C-37

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Logistics............................................................................................................................ C-41
Maintenance Applications................................................................................................. C-42
Manufacturing Applications............................................................................................. C-43
Order Management........................................................................................................... C-48
Procurement...................................................................................................................... C-49
Product Hub (PIM)............................................................................................................ C-52
Projects.............................................................................................................................. C-54
Sales, Marketing, and eCommerce.................................................................................... C-56
Service............................................................................................................................... C-59
Value Chain Planning....................................................................................................... C-60
Oracle Workflow Business Event System Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite...... C-62
Oracle Workflow Support Policy........................................................................................... C-62
Customization Guidelines................................................................................................. C-63
Resolving Customization Issues........................................................................................ C-63
What Is NOT Supported....................................................................................................C-64
What Is Supported............................................................................................................ C-64

Glossary
Index

viii


Send Us Your Comments
Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide, Release 12.2
Part No. E22011-10

Oracle welcomes customers' comments and suggestions on the quality and usefulness of this document.
Your feedback is important, and helps us to best meet your needs as a user of our products. For example:

Are the implementation steps correct and complete?


Did you understand the context of the procedures?
Did you find any errors in the information?
Does the structure of the information help you with your tasks?
Do you need different information or graphics? If so, where, and in what format?
Are the examples correct? Do you need more examples?

If you find any errors or have any other suggestions for improvement, then please tell us your name, the
name of the company who has licensed our products, the title and part number of the documentation and
the chapter, section, and page number (if available).
Note: Before sending us your comments, you might like to check that you have the latest version of the
document and if any concerns are already addressed. To do this, access the new Oracle E-Business Suite
Release Online Documentation CD available on My Oracle Support and www.oracle.com. It contains the
most current Documentation Library plus all documents revised or released recently.
Send your comments to us using the electronic mail address: [email protected]
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If you require training or instruction in using Oracle software, then please contact your Oracle local office
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www.oracle.com.

ix


Preface

Intended Audience
Welcome to Release 12.2 of the Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide.
This guide assumes you have a working knowledge of the following:

The principles and customary practices of your business area.

Computer desktop application usage and terminology.

The Oracle E-Business Suite graphical user interface.


To learn more about the Oracle E-Business Suite graphical user interface, read the
Oracle E-Business Suite User's Guide.

Operating system concepts.

Oracle Database and PL/SQL technology.


If you have never used these products, Oracle suggests you attend training classes
available through Oracle University.

See Related Information Sources on page xiii for more Oracle E-Business Suite product
information.

Documentation Accessibility
For information about Oracle's commitment to accessibility, visit the Oracle
Accessibility Program website at
http://www.oracle.com/pls/topic/lookup?ctx=acc&id=docacc.

Access to Oracle Support


Oracle customers have access to electronic support through My Oracle Support. For

xi

information, visit http://www.oracle.com/pls/topic/lookup?ctx=acc&id=info or visit


http://www.oracle.com/pls/topic/lookup?ctx=acc&id=trs if you are hearing impaired.

Structure
1 Overview of Oracle Workflow

This chapter introduces you to the concept of a workflow process and to the major
features of Oracle Workflow.
2 Defining a Workflow Process

This chapter tells you how to use Oracle Workflow Builder to define a workflow
process definition.
3 Defining Workflow Process Components

This chapter tells you how to use Oracle Workflow Builder to define the components
necessary to compose a workflow process diagram.
4 Defining a Workflow Process Diagram

This chapter tells you how to use Oracle Workflow Builder to define a workflow
process diagram and how to load roles from the database so you can assign notification
activities to specific roles.
5 Predefined Workflow Activities

This chapter tells you how to use Oracle Workflow's predefined activities.
6 Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow

This chapter describes the standard APIs to use for Oracle Workflow PL/SQL and Java
procedures and functions.
7 Testing Workflow Definitions

This chapter tells you how to test your workflow definitions using the Developer
Studio.
8 Managing Business Events

This chapter tells you how to manage business events using the Oracle Workflow Event
Manager Web pages.
9 Predefined Workflow Events

This chapter tells you how to use Oracle Workflow's predefined events.
10 Sample Workflow Process

This chapter describes a sample workflow process that illustrates several Oracle
Workflow features.
11 Error Handling

This chapter describes how Oracle Workflow handles errors in workflow processes and
event subscription processing.
A Oracle Workflow Developer Navigation Paths

This appendix lists the navigation paths to Oracle Workflow developer Web pages in
the seeded Oracle Workflow responsibilities for Oracle E-Business Suite.
B Oracle Workflow Builder Menus and Toolbars

xii

This appendix provides a description of the menus and toolbars in Oracle Workflow
Builder.
C Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite

This appendix lists embedded workflows in Oracle E-Business Suite, as well as Oracle's
support policy towards the customization of embedded workflows, events, and
subscriptions.
Glossary

Related Information Sources


This book is included in the Oracle E-Business Suite Documentation Library, which is
supplied in the Release 12.2 Media Pack. If this guide refers you to other Oracle
E-Business Suite documentation, use only the latest Release 12.2 versions of those
guides.
Online Documentation
All Oracle E-Business Suite documentation is available online (HTML or PDF).

Online Help - Online help patches (HTML) are available on My Oracle Support.

PDF Documentation - See the Oracle E-Business Suite Documentation Library for
current PDF documentation for your product with each release.

Release Notes - For information about changes in this release, including new
features, known issues, and other details, see the release notes for the relevant
product, available on My Oracle Support.

Oracle Electronic Technical Reference Manual - The Oracle Electronic Technical


Reference Manual (eTRM) contains database diagrams and a detailed description of
database tables, forms, reports, and programs for each Oracle E-Business Suite
product. This information helps you convert data from your existing applications
and integrate Oracle E-Business Suite data with non-Oracle applications, and write
custom reports for Oracle E-Business Suite products. The Oracle eTRM is available
on My Oracle Support.

Related Guides
You should have the following related books on hand. Depending on the requirements
of your particular installation, you may also need additional manuals or guides.
Oracle Alert User's Guide
This guide explains how to define periodic and event alerts to monitor the status of
your Oracle E-Business Suite data.
Oracle Application Framework Developer's Guide
This guide contains the coding standards followed by the Oracle E-Business Suite
development staff to produce applications built with Oracle Application Framework.

xiii

This guide is available in PDF format on My Oracle Support and as online


documentation in JDeveloper 10g with Oracle Application Extension.
Oracle Application Framework Personalization Guide
This guide covers the design-time and run-time aspects of personalizing applications
built with Oracle Application Framework.
Oracle Diagnostics Framework User's Guide
This manual contains information on implementing and administering diagnostics tests
for Oracle E-Business Suite using the Oracle Diagnostics Framework.
Oracle E-Business Suite Concepts
This book is intended for all those planning to deploy Oracle E-Business Suite Release
12.2, or contemplating significant changes to a configuration. After describing the
Oracle E-Business Suite architecture and technology stack, it focuses on strategic topics,
giving a broad outline of the actions needed to achieve a particular goal, plus the
installation and configuration choices that may be available.
Oracle E-Business Suite Developer's Guide
This guide contains the coding standards followed by the Oracle E-Business Suite
development staff. It describes the Oracle Application Object Library components
needed to implement the Oracle E-Business Suite user interface described in the Oracle
E-Business Suite User Interface Standards for Forms-Based Products. It provides information
to help you build your custom Oracle Forms Developer forms so that they integrate
with Oracle E-Business Suite. In addition, this guide has information for customizations
in features such as concurrent programs, flexfields, messages, and logging.
Oracle E-Business Suite Installation Guide: Using Rapid Install
This book is intended for use by anyone who is responsible for installing or upgrading
Oracle E-Business Suite. It provides instructions for running Rapid Install either to carry
out a fresh installation of Oracle E-Business Suite Release 12.2, or as part of an upgrade
to Release 12.2.
Oracle E-Business Suite Integrated SOA Gateway Developer's Guide
This guide describes how integration developers can perform end-to-end service
integration activities. These include orchestrating discrete Web services into meaningful
end-to-end business processes using business process execution language (BPEL), and
deploying BPEL processes at run time.
This guide also explains how to invoke Web services using the Service Invocation
Framework. This includes defining Web service invocation metadata, invoking Web
services, and testing the Web service invocation.
Oracle E-Business Suite Integrated SOA Gateway Implementation Guide
This guide explains how integration administrators can manage and administer the
Web service activities for integration interfaces including native packaged integration
interfaces, composite services (BPEL type), and custom integration interfaces. It also
describes how to invoke Web services from Oracle E-Business Suite by employing the

xiv

Oracle Workflow Business Event System, and how to manage Web service security,
configure logs, and monitor SOAP messages.
Oracle E-Business Suite Integrated SOA Gateway User's Guide
This guide describes the high level service enablement process, explaining how users
can browse and view the integration interface definitions and services residing in
Oracle Integration Repository.
Oracle E-Business Suite Maintenance Guide
This guide explains how to patch an Oracle E-Business Suite system, describing the
adop patching utility and providing guidelines and tips for performing typical patching
operations. It also describes maintenance strategies and tools that can help keep a
system running smoothly.
Oracle E-Business Suite Security Guide
This guide contains information on a comprehensive range of security-related topics,
including access control, user management, function security, data security, and
auditing. It also describes how Oracle E-Business Suite can be integrated into a single
sign-on environment.
Oracle E-Business Suite Setup Guide
This guide contains information on system configuration tasks that are carried out
either after installation or whenever there is a significant change to the system. The
activities described include defining concurrent programs and managers, enabling
Oracle Applications Manager features, and setting up printers and online help.
Oracle E-Business Suite User's Guide
This guide explains how to navigate, enter and query data, and run concurrent requests
using the user interface (UI) of Oracle E-Business Suite. This guide also includes
information on setting user profiles and customizing the UI.
Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide
This guide explains how to complete the setup steps necessary for any product that
includes workflow-enabled processes. It also describes how to manage workflow
processes and business events using Oracle Applications Manager, how to monitor the
progress of runtime workflow processes, and how to administer notifications sent to
workflow users.
Oracle Workflow API Reference
This guide describes the APIs provided for developers and administrators to access
Oracle Workflow.
Oracle Workflow Client Installation Guide
This guide describes how to install the Oracle Workflow Builder and Oracle XML
Gateway Message Designer client components for Oracle E-Business Suite.
Oracle Workflow User's Guide

xv

This guide describes how users can view and respond to workflow notifications and
monitor the progress of their workflow processes.
Oracle XML Gateway User's Guide
This guide describes Oracle XML Gateway functionality and each component of the
Oracle XML Gateway architecture, including Message Designer, Oracle XML Gateway
Setup, Execution Engine, Message Queues, and Oracle Transport Agent. It also explains
how to use Collaboration History that records all business transactions and messages
exchanged with trading partners.
The integrations with Oracle Workflow Business Event System, and the
Business-to-Business transactions are also addressed in this guide.

Integration Repository
The Oracle Integration Repository is a compilation of information about the service
endpoints exposed by the Oracle E-Business Suite of applications. It provides a
complete catalog of Oracle E-Business Suite's business service interfaces. The tool lets
users easily discover and deploy the appropriate business service interface for
integration with any system, application, or business partner.
The Oracle Integration Repository is shipped as part of the E-Business Suite. As your
instance is patched, the repository is automatically updated with content appropriate
for the precise revisions of interfaces in your environment.
Users who are granted the Integration Analyst role can navigate to the Oracle
Integration Repository through the Integration Repository responsibility. Users who
have the Integration Developer role or the Integration Administrator role can access the
Oracle Integration Repository through the Integrated SOA Gateway responsibility.

Do Not Use Database Tools to Modify Oracle E-Business Suite Data


Oracle STRONGLY RECOMMENDS that you never use SQL*Plus, Oracle Data
Browser, database triggers, or any other tool to modify Oracle E-Business Suite data
unless otherwise instructed.
Oracle provides powerful tools you can use to create, store, change, retrieve, and
maintain information in an Oracle database. But if you use Oracle tools such as
SQL*Plus to modify Oracle E-Business Suite data, you risk destroying the integrity of
your data and you lose the ability to audit changes to your data.
Because Oracle E-Business Suite tables are interrelated, any change you make using an
Oracle E-Business Suite form can update many tables at once. But when you modify
Oracle E-Business Suite data using anything other than Oracle E-Business Suite, you
may change a row in one table without making corresponding changes in related tables.
If your tables get out of synchronization with each other, you risk retrieving erroneous
information and you risk unpredictable results throughout Oracle E-Business Suite.
When you use Oracle E-Business Suite to modify your data, Oracle E-Business Suite

xvi

automatically checks that your changes are valid. Oracle E-Business Suite also keeps
track of who changes information. If you enter information into database tables using
database tools, you may store invalid information. You also lose the ability to track who
has changed your information because SQL*Plus and other database tools do not keep a
record of changes.

xvii

1
Overview of Oracle Workflow
This chapter introduces you to the concept of a workflow process and to the major
features of Oracle Workflow.
This chapter covers the following topics:

Overview of Oracle Workflow for Developers

Overview of Oracle Workflow for Developers


Oracle Workflow delivers a complete workflow management system that supports
business process based integration. Its technology enables modeling, automation, and
continuous improvement of business processes, routing information of any type
according to user-defined business rules.
E-business is accelerating the demand for integration of applications within the
enterprise as well as integration of a company's systems with trading partners and
business-to-business exchanges. Oracle Workflow automates and streamlines business
processes both within and beyond your enterprise, supporting traditional applications
based workflow as well as e-business integration workflow. Oracle Workflow is unique
in providing a workflow solution for both internal processes and business process
coordination between applications.

Routing Information
Business processes today involve getting many types of information to multiple people
according to rules that are constantly changing. With so much information available,
and in so many different forms, how do you get the right information to the right
people? Oracle Workflow lets you provide each person with all the information they
need to take action. Oracle Workflow can route supporting information to each decision
maker in a business process, including people both inside and outside your enterprise.

Overview of Oracle Workflow 1-1

Defining and Modifying Business Rules


Oracle Workflow lets you define and continuously improve your business processes
using a drag-and-drop process designer.
Unlike workflow systems that simply route documents from one user to another with
some approval steps, Oracle Workflow lets you model sophisticated business processes.
You can define processes that loop, branch into parallel flows and then rendezvous,
decompose into subflows, and more. Because Oracle Workflow can decide which path
to take based on the result of a stored procedure, you can use the power of Java and of
PL/SQL, the language of the Oracle Database, to express any business rule that affects a
workflow process. See: Workflow Processes, page 1-4.

Delivering Electronic Notifications


Oracle Workflow extends the reach of business process automation throughout the
enterprise and beyond to include any e-mail or Internet user. Oracle Workflow lets
people receive notifications of items awaiting their attention via e-mail, and act based
on their e-mail responses. You can even view your list of things to do, including
necessary supporting information, and take action using a standard Web browser.

Integrating Systems
Oracle Workflow lets you set up subscriptions to business events which can launch
workflows or enable messages to be propagated from one system to another when
business events occur. You can communicate events among systems within your own
enterprise and with external systems as well. In this way, you can implement
point-to-point messaging integration or use Oracle Workflow as a messaging hub for
more complex system integration scenarios. You can model business processes that
include complex routing and processing rules to handle events powerfully and flexibly.

Major Features and Definitions


Oracle Workflow Builder
Oracle Workflow Builder is a graphical tool that lets you create, view, or modify a
business process with simple drag and drop operations. Using the Workflow Builder,
you can create and modify all workflow objects, including activities, item types, and
messages. See: Workflow Processes, page 1-4.
At any time you can add, remove, or change workflow activities, or set up new
prerequisite relationships among activities. You can easily work with a summary-level
model of your workflow, expanding activities within the workflow as needed to greater
levels of detail. And, you can operate Oracle Workflow Builder from a desktop PC or
from a disconnected laptop PC.

1-2 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Workflow Engine
The Workflow Engine embedded in the Oracle Database implements process definitions
at runtime. The Workflow Engine monitors workflow states and coordinates the routing
of activities for a process. Changes in workflow state, such as the completion of
workflow activities, are signaled to the engine via a PL/SQL API or a Java API. Based on
flexibly-defined workflow rules, the engine determines which activities are eligible to
run, and then runs them. The Workflow Engine supports sophisticated workflow rules,
including looping, branching, parallel flows, and subflows.

Business Event System


The Business Event System is an application service that uses the Oracle Advanced
Queuing (AQ) infrastructure to communicate business events between systems. The
Business Event System consists of the Event Manager, which lets you register
subscriptions to significant events, and event activities, which let you model business
events within workflow processes.
When a local event occurs, the subscribing code is executed in the same transaction as
the code that raised the event. Subscription processing can include executing custom
code on the event information, sending event information to a workflow process, and
sending event information to other queues or systems.

Workflow Definitions Loader


The Workflow Definitions Loader is a utility program that moves workflow definitions
between database and corresponding flat file representations. You can use it to move
workflow definitions from a development to a production database, or to apply
upgrades to existing definitions. In addition to being a standalone server program, the
Workflow Definitions Loader is also integrated into Oracle Workflow Builder, allowing
you to open and save workflow definitions in both a database and file.

Complete Programmatic Extensibility


Oracle Workflow lets you include your own PL/SQL procedures or external functions as
activities in your workflows. Without modifying your application code, you can have
your own program run whenever the Workflow Engine detects that your program's
prerequisites are satisfied.

Electronic Notifications
Oracle Workflow lets you include users in your workflows to handle activities that
cannot be automated, such as approvals for requisitions or sales orders. The
Notification System sends notifications to and processes responses from users in a
workflow. Electronic notifications are routed to a role, which can be an individual user
or a group of users. Any user associated with that role can act on the notification.
Each notification includes a message that contains all the information a user needs to

Overview of Oracle Workflow 1-3

make a decision. The information may be embedded in the message body or attached as
a separate document. Oracle Workflow interprets each notification activity response to
decide how to move on to the next workflow activity.

Electronic Mail Integration


Electronic mail (e-mail) users can receive notifications of outstanding work items and
can respond to those notifications using their e-mail application of choice. An e-mail
notification can include an attachment that provides another means of responding to
the notification.

Internet-Enabled Workflow
Any user with access to a standard Web browser can be included in a workflow. Web
users can access a Notification Web page to see their outstanding work items, then
navigate to additional pages to see more details or provide a response.

Monitoring and Administration


Workflow administrators and users can view the progress of a work item in a workflow
process by connecting to the Workflow Monitor using a standard Web browser that
supports Java. The Workflow Monitor displays an annotated view of the process
diagram for a particular instance of a workflow process, so that users can get a
graphical depiction of their work item status. The Workflow Monitor also displays a
separate status summary for the work item, the process, and each activity in the
process.
You can also use the Oracle Workflow Manager component of Oracle Applications
Manager as an additional administration tool for Oracle Workflow. Oracle Applications
Manager is a tool that provides administrative and diagnostic capabilities for
concurrent processing, Oracle Workflow, and other functionality in Oracle E-Business
Suite.

Workflow Processes
Oracle Workflow manages business processes according to rules that you define. The
rules, which we call a workflow process definition, include the activities that occur in
the process and the relationship between those activities. An activity in a process
definition can be an automated function defined by a PL/SQL stored procedure or an
external function, a notification to a user or role that may optionally request a response,
a business event, or a subflow that itself is made up of a more granular set of activities.
A workflow process is initiated when an application calls a set of Oracle Workflow
Engine APIs. The Workflow Engine takes over by driving the relevant work item
defined by the application, through a specific workflow process definition. According
to the workflow process definition, the Workflow Engine performs automated steps
and invokes appropriate agents when external processing is required.
The following diagram depicts a simplified workflow process definition that routes a

1-4 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

requisition to a manager or set of managers for approval.


Sample Workflow Process in Oracle Workflow Builder

We refer to the whole drawing as a process or process diagram. The icons represent
activities, and the arrows represent the transitions between the activities. In the above
example, new items are created for the process when a user creates and submits a
requisition in the appropriate application.
This process contains several workflow activities implemented as PL/SQL stored
procedures, including:

Select Approver - to select, according to your business rules, who should approve
the requisition.

Verify Authority - to verify that a selected approver has the spending authority to
approve the requisition.

Overview of Oracle Workflow 1-5

2
Defining a Workflow Process
This chapter tells you how to use Oracle Workflow Builder to define a workflow
process definition.
This chapter covers the following topics:

Overview of Oracle Workflow Builder

Viewing the Navigator Tree

Creating Process Definitions in Oracle Workflow Builder

Opening and Saving Item Types

Quick Start Wizard Overview

Using Oracle Workflow Builder with Different Server Versions

Overview of Oracle Workflow Builder


Oracle Workflow Builder is a graphical tool for creating, viewing, and modifying
workflow process definitions. It contains a Navigator window that you use to define the
activities and components of your business process. You then assemble the activities in
a process window to create a process diagram. See: Creating Process Definitions in
Oracle Workflow Builder, page 2-5.
Note: A workflow process definition can also be stored as a flat file,

which can be opened and edited in a text editor so that the process
definition can be spoken by a screen reader for greater user
accessibility.

Defining a Workflow Process 2-1

Oracle Workflow Builder Navigator Window and Process Window

Note: If you maximize the Navigator window or any process window

in Oracle Workflow Builder, you will not be able to access the menu
from your keyboard using the Alt key.

The Navigator Tree Structure


The Navigator window displays a navigator tree hierarchy for each data store that you
open or load into Oracle Workflow Builder. A data store (primary branch) is a database
connection or flat file that holds your workflow process definition. Within each data
store there is at least one item type heading (secondary branch) that represents the
grouping of a particular set of processes and its component objects. The following
tertiary branches appear beneath each item type branch:

Attributes - lists the attributes for the current item type. Item type attributes
describe features of an item type. For example, if an item type is a purchase order
requisition, then an item type attribute can be the requisition amount or the
requisition ID. See: Item Type Attributes, page 3-2.

Processes - lists the process activities or workflow process definitions for the current
item type. See: Process Window, page 4-1 and Activities, page 3-73.

Notifications - lists the notification activities associated with the current item type.
A notification activity sends a message to a user or role. The message may prompt
for a response or may simply provide information. See: Activities, page 3-73.

2-2 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Functions - lists the function activities associated with the current item type. A
function activity represents a PL/SQL stored procedure that the Workflow Engine
executes automatically. A function activity can also have activity attributes
associated with it. See: Activities, page 3-73.

Events - lists the event activities associated with the current item type. An event
activity represents a business event that the process receives, raises, or sends. See:
Activities, page 3-73.

Messages - lists the messages that a notification activity associated with the current
item type can send to a user or role. A message can have message attributes
associated with it. See: Messages, page 3-28.

Lookup Types - lists the lookup types associated with the current item type. A
lookup type has one or more values called lookup codes associated with it. A
lookup type is a list of values that can be referenced by a message, or by a
notification, function, or process as its possible result type. See: Lookup Types, page
3-23.
Note: Each data store also contains a Directory Service branch. The

Directory Service branch lists all the directory service roles that you
load from your Oracle Workflow database. See: Roles, page 4-23.

If the data store is a database connection and the database contains other item types that
you have not loaded into Oracle Workflow Builder, a branch called Hidden Item Types
appears. When you double-click on Hidden Item Types, you get a Show Item Types
window that lets you load other item types into Oracle Workflow Builder.

Viewing the Navigator Tree


The navigator tree is organized much like the hierarchy of a file system, where you can
expand branches that begin with a plus sign (+) to further sub-branches until you find
your component of interest. Sub-branches appear indented below the branches from
which they are expanded. Branches that are expanded are preceded by a minus sign (-).
You can expand no further when a branch displays neither a plus nor minus sign. You
can use either your mouse or the arrow keys on your keyboard to expand or collapse
the navigator tree.
The Navigator window also contains a toolbar that you can use to perform actions
within the Navigator window. See: Navigator Toolbar, page B-5.

Defining a Workflow Process 2-3

Navigator Window

To Find an Object in the Navigator Tree:


1.

Choose Find... from the Edit menu to display a Search window that lets you specify
search criteria to find an object in the navigator tree.

2-4 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Search Window

2.

Enter the text to search for in the Search Text field. The search is case insensitive
and looks for the text pattern that you specify in the field that you specify.

3.

Specify to search for this text in the object's Display Name or Internal Name.

4.

Specify the object type to restrict this search to or check All Objects to search for the
text within the property pages of all objects.

5.

Choose Search.

6.

You can choose Find Again from the Edit menu to repeat the search using the
search criteria previously defined in the Search window.

Creating Process Definitions in Oracle Workflow Builder


Before using Oracle Workflow Builder, you should plan what your process needs to
accomplish. In particular, determine what activities need to occur, the order of the
activities, what results dictate the different branches of the process, who needs to be
informed and what they need to know. Oracle Workflow provides several
demonstration workflow examples. See: Sample Workflow Processes, page 10-1.
There are several ways you can go about creating a workflow process definition:

Top-Down Design - If you prefer to approach your design from a high level, you
can first sketch out the process diagram with activities, then go back later to create

Defining a Workflow Process 2-5

the supporting objects for each activity. See: To Create a Process Definition from
Top-Down, page 2-8.

Bottom-Up Design - If you prefer to take a more programmatic approach to your


design, you can first define each of the supporting objects of your process before
attempting to create a higher level process diagram. See: To Create a Process
Definition From Bottom-Up, page 2-7.
Note: To ensure that your customizations are handled appropriately in

conjunction with the Online Patching feature introduced in Release


12.2, follow the instructions in Deploying Customizations in Oracle
E-Business Suite Release 12.2, My Oracle Support Document 1577661.1.

Quick Start Wizard


The Quick Start Wizard helps you build a process definition from scratch using a
process definition template. The Quick Start Wizard creates a new item type for your
process, prompting you for the minimum required information. It then creates an
outline process diagram from which you can flesh out with more activities. Once the
Quick Start Wizard sets up the template, you can use either the top-down or bottom-up
approach to complete the design. See: To Use the Quick Start Wizard, page 2-16.

Versioning and Dates of Effectivity


Oracle Workflow Builder assigns a version number to each new activity that you create.
It also updates the version number whenever you make changes to an existing activity.
It saves the new version of the activity to the database without overwriting older
versions of the activity. In Oracle Workflow, activities also have dates of effectivity so
that at any point in time, only one version of the activity is "in effect". If a process is
running, Oracle Workflow uses the version of the activity that was in effect when the
process was initiated. It does not switch versions of the activity mid-way through the
process. Note that a process itself is an activity, so a process definition always remains
constant until the process instance completes.
Oracle Workflow Builder also supports the concept of saving and loading process
definitions according to an effective date. For example, you can load a definition into
Oracle Workflow Builder that was effective at an earlier point in time. You can also save
a definition to the database to be effective at some future time.
Note that Oracle Workflow Builder does not maintain version information for objects
that are considered constant, such as item types, item type attributes, messages and
lookup types. For these objects, their latest definition always apply, so you should
always consider whether a change to any of these objects is backwards compatible. If
the modification affects existing processes, you should create a new object rather than
edit the existing object.

2-6 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

See: Modifying Objects in Oracle Workflow Builder, page 3-100.

Using the Edit Button in a Property Page:


To create an object in Oracle Workflow Builder, you enter information in the object's
property page. Some of the information you provide can be selected from a list of
values. If a poplist field yields values that are themselves defined from some other
property pages in Oracle Workflow Builder, an Edit button appears to the right of that
poplist. When you select a value from a poplist, you can choose the adjacent Edit button
to display and edit the source property page(s) of the value. When you are done with
the source property page(s) and choose OK or Cancel, you return to the original
property page you were working on.
For example, if you create a notification activity, you must specify a Result Type for the
activity. The Result Type poplist field lets you select the value <None> or some
predefined lookup type. If you select a lookup type, you can then choose the adjacent
Edit button to display the property page for that lookup type. When you finish viewing
or editing the property page for that lookup type, you can choose OK or Cancel to
return to the notification activity property page.

To Create a Process Definition From Bottom Up:


1.

To start Oracle Workflow Builder, double-click the Oracle Workflow Builder icon
located in the Application Development folder within the Oracle - <SID NAME>
program group, or select the Oracle Workflow Builder icon from the appropriate
program folder of the Start menu.

2.

Choose New from the File menu to create a workspace for your new process
definition.
Tip: Alternatively, you can use the Quick Start Wizard to first

create the framework for your new process definition. Once the
Quick Start Wizard creates your new item type and new process
activity, you can skip to step 4 below to begin defining the
supporting objects for the new item type and process activity. See:
To Use the Quick Start Wizard, page 2-16.

3.

Create a new item type. The item type classifies the work item to be managed by the
process. See: To Create an Item Type, page 3-7.

4.

You can define item type attributes to fully describe your item type and have the
activities in your process refer to these attributes for information. See: To Define an
Item Type or Activity Attribute, page 3-8.

5.

Create new lookup types. See: To Create Lookup Types, page 3-24.
Before defining an activity, you should define the lookup type that represents your

Defining a Workflow Process 2-7

activity's Result Type. A Result Type is a list of possible results that an activity can
have upon completion. After defining a lookup type and an activity, you can drag
the lookup onto an activity in the navigator tree to assign that lookup as the
activity's result type. Lookup types can also be referenced by item type attributes,
activity attributes, messages, or message attributes.
6.

Create new messages. See: To Create a Message, page 3-60.


If you wish to create a notification activity for your process, you should first create
the message that you want the notification activity to send. You can drag a new
message onto a notification activity in the navigator tree to assign the message to
that activity.
You can also create message attributes for the message. You can incorporate
message attributes of type 'Send' into a message that are token substituted at
runtime to provide dynamic content. You can also define message attributes of type
'Respond' to prompt the notification recipient for a response. See: To Define a
Message Attribute, page 3-66.

7.

Create a new process activity, page 3-89, notification activity, page 3-81, function
activity, page 3-83, or event activity, page 3-86. You may also use predefined
standard activities associated with the Standard item type. See: Activities, page 373 and Standard Activities, page 5-1.
You need to define at least one process activity that represents your high level
process diagram. The process diagram establishes the relationship of all the
activities in your process.

8.

Diagram the process.


Display the Process window for your process activity to diagram the activities and
transitions that define your workflow process. You can drag activities from the
navigator tree into the Process window. See: Diagramming a Process, page 4-4.

9.

Save your work by choosing Save or Save As from the File menu. See: To Save Your
Work, page 2-13.

10. In a database accessible by your Oracle Workflow server, create the PL/SQL stored

procedures called by your PL/SQL function activities. You can do this through
SQL*Plus or the Oracle Procedure Builder. See: Oracle Workflow Procedures and
Functions, Oracle Workflow API Reference and Standard API for PL/SQL Procedures
Called by Function Activities, page 6-2.

To Create a Process Definition from Top Down:


1.

To start Oracle Workflow Builder, double-click on the Oracle Workflow Builder


icon located in the Application Development folder within the Oracle - <SID
NAME> program group, or select the Oracle Workflow Builder icon from the
appropriate program folder of the Start menu.

2-8 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

2.

Use the Quick Start Wizard to create the framework for your new process
definition. Specify the requested information for the new item type and new
process activity. See: To Use the Quick Start Wizard, page 2-16.

3.

A Process window appears, that shows a Start and an End activity node. Create
your process diagram by defining new activity nodes to place between the Start and
End nodes. See: To Define Nodes in a Process, page 4-6.
You may also use predefined standard activities associated with the Standard item
type. See: Standard Activities, page 5-1.

4.

Model your process by drawing transitions between your activities. See:


Diagramming a Process, page 4-4.

5.

Save your work by choosing Save or Save As from the File menu. See: To Save Your
Work, page 2-13.
Important: When you save your work, Oracle Workflow

automatically validates the process definition for any invalid or


missing information and displays what it finds in a Workflow Error
verification window. The Workflow Error window is non-modal,
so you can keep it up on your screen while you go back to your
process to correct the problems that are identified. You can also
save your work as is, and fix the problems later. Use the Copy
button to copy the information to the clipboard if you want to paste
it into another document for later reference. If you save your work
without correcting the problems, the Workflow Error window will
appear when you open this process definition later.

To Modify a Process Definition:


1.

To start Oracle Workflow Builder, double-click on the Oracle Workflow Builder


icon located in the Application Development folder within the Oracle - <SID
NAME> program group, or select the Oracle Workflow Builder icon from the
appropriate program folder of the Start menu.

2.

Choose Open from the File menu to open a connection to the database or file that
contains the process definition you want to modify. See: To Access Process
Definitions in an Existing Data Store, page 2-10.

3.

Select and expand the existing item type associated with the process definition you
want to modify.

4.

You can modify an item type, item type attribute, lookup, message, message
attribute, process activity, notification activity, function activity, or activity
attribute. See: To Create an Item Type, page 3-7, To Define an Item Type or

Defining a Workflow Process 2-9

Activity Attribute, page 3-8, To Create Lookup Types, page 3-24, To Create a
Message, page 3-60, To Define a Message Attribute, page 3-66, or Activities, page
3-73.
5.

You can also modify the process diagram by displaying the Process window for
your process activity. See: Diagramming a Process, page 4-4.

6.

Save your work by choosing Save or Save As from the File menu. See: To Save Your
Work, page 2-13.

Related Topics
Deleting Objects in Oracle Workflow Builder, page 3-100
Modifying Objects in Oracle Workflow Builder, page 3-100
Using Oracle Workflow Builder with Different Server Versions, page 2-18

Opening and Saving Item Types


All processes are associated with an item type. An item type can include one or more
processes. You can save an item type to a database or to a flat file. When you save your
work to a database, you actually save everything in the current data store that has been
modified. When you save your work to a flat file, you actually save everything in the
current data store to the file. You can also load an item type into Oracle Workflow
Builder from a database or flat file. Opening an item type automatically retrieves all the
attributes, messages, lookups, notifications, functions and processes associated with
that item type.
Important: Always save a copy of your workflow process definition as

a flat file and check that file into a source control system to maintain a
working version of your process definition. Avoid using the process
definition stored in your database as your source controlled version, as
others with access to the database can update the definition.

Note: To connect from Oracle Workflow Builder to a database, the

language of your Oracle Workflow Builder installation must match one


of the available languages of the Oracle Workflow Server installation in
the database.

To Access Process Definitions in an Existing Data Store:


1.

To start Oracle Workflow Builder, double-click on the Oracle Workflow Builder


icon located in the Application Development folder within the Oracle - <SID
NAME> program group, or select the Oracle Workflow Builder icon from the

2-10 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

appropriate program folder from the Start menu. In Oracle Workflow Builder,
select Open... from the File menu.
Open Window

2.

Select database or file to connect to the source containing the item type to which
your process definition is associated.

3.

To open a file: Provide the complete file path and choose OK, or use Browse to
locate and open the file (extension .wft).
Note: You can also drag and drop a .wft file from the Microsoft

Windows Explorer into the navigator tree to open that file in Oracle
Workflow Builder.

Note: When you use Browse to find and open a file, the current

directory that you open the file from becomes the new default
directory from which you open files in the future. This default
directory persists until you use Browse again to locate another file.

4.

To open a database connection, enter the username and password for the APPS
schema, enter the name of the database alias or connect string, and choose OK.

5.

If you wish to retrieve a process definition that was effective at a particular point in
time, you can specify a date and time in the Effective field and have Oracle

Defining a Workflow Process 2-11

Workflow Builder retrieve that data from the database. The format that you should
use to specify the date and time depends on the date and time preferences defined
in the Regional Settings of your Windows Control Panel.
6.

If multiple item types exist in the data store, the Show Item Types window appears.
Select from the Hidden list, the item type(s) you want to view, and choose << to
move it into the Visible list. Choose OK to load these item types into the navigator
tree.
Show Item Types Window

7.

If at any time you want to view and modify item types that are hidden in the
current data store, you can double-click on the Hidden Item Types branch in the
navigator tree to display the Show Item Types window and select the item types
you want to show. You can also choose Show/Hide Item Types from the File menu
to display the Show Item Types window.
Note: You can copy item types from one store to another in any

order even if the item types reference each other. However, you
may get validation errors due to foreign key references. Pay
attention to these errors as they may indicate that you need to also
copy other item types into the new store to resolve the foreign key
references. The final process definition in the new store will be
valid as long as all referenced item types are copied to the new
destination store.

8.

When you finish working, choose Save from the File menu to preserve your

2-12 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

changes and make them effective immediately. See: To Save Your Work, page 2-13.

To Save Your Work:


1.

Choose Save from the File menu to save your work and make the changes
immediately effective.
When you use the Save command, you save all modified objects in the currently
selected data store (even those that are hidden) back to that data store. If you want
to save only specific item types, then you must create a new data store, and copy
the specific item types you want to save into the new store and save the new store.
Important: Oracle Workflow Builder can save your work to the

database using one of two modes. In the "About Oracle Workflow


Builder" dialog box from the Help menu, there is a check box called
"Allow modifications of customized objects". If you check this
check box, Oracle Workflow Builder saves your edits in 'upload'
mode, overwriting any protected objects that you have access to
modify, as well as any previously customized objects. If you
uncheck this check box, Oracle Workflow Builder runs in 'upgrade'
mode and will only save edits to protected objects that you have
access to change and will not overwrite objects that have been
previously customized. These two modes match the upgrade and
upload behavior of the Workflow Definitions Loader program. As
the default, the check box is unchecked. See: To Set the Access
Level for an Object, page 3-22 and Using the Workflow Definitions
Loader, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Defining a Workflow Process 2-13

Save As Window

2.

If you want to save your work to a different data store (database or flat file), or if
you want to save it to a database with an effective date other than the current
system date, then choose Save As... from the File menu. Use the Save As window to
specify the file or database you want to save your process definition to, and the date
when you want your process definition to take effect in the database. You can leave
the Effective field blank to save and make the changes effective immediately. See:
Version/Effective Date, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
Note: If you save your work to a database with a future effective

date, and then in the same Oracle Workflow Builder session,


continue to modify your process and later choose Save from the
File menu, you automatically save the process definition to the
same database using the previously specified effective date.

3.

Note that when you save your work, Oracle Workflow automatically validates the
process definition for any invalid or missing information and displays what it finds
in a Workflow Error verification window. You can either correct the information
before saving your work, or save your work as is, and fix the problems later. Use
the Copy button to copy the information from the Workflow Error window to the
clipboard for later reference. If you save your work without correcting the
problems, the Workflow Error window will reappear when you reopen your
process definition.

2-14 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

4.

Choose Close Store from the File menu to close your connection to the current
database or file data store.

5.

Choose Exit from the File menu to exit Oracle Workflow Builder.
Important: The Close Store and Exit options from the File menu are

enabled only when the Navigator window is the current window.

To Start Oracle Workflow Builder from the MS-DOS Prompt:


Rather than starting Oracle Workflow Builder by double-clicking on its Windows icon,
you can also type in a command at the MS-DOS prompt and specify the file or database
to connect to.
1.

In an MS-DOS prompt window, type the following command to start Oracle


Workflow Builder with a specific workflow data file, where <filename.wft>
represents the full path and name of the data file:
wfbldr <filename.wft>

Note: You can also double-click a workflow data file (.wft) from

the Windows Explorer to automatically open that file and start


Oracle Workflow Builder.

2.

To start Oracle Workflow Builder with a specific database connection, type the
following command at the MS-DOS prompt, where
<username/password@connect> represents the database account information
for the APPS schema to connect to:
wfbldr -c <username/password@connect>

Caution: Including your password in plain text is a security risk.

You can avoid this risk by establishing your database connection


through the Oracle Workflow Builder user interface instead.

3.

To start Oracle Workflow Builder and open a specified item type in a data store,
append the following to the appropriate command shown in Step 1 or 2, where
<item_type> represents the internal name of the item type you want to open:
-E <item_type>

For example:
wfbldr wfdemo.wft -E wfdemo
4.

To start Oracle Workflow Builder and open a specified process diagram in a data
store, append the following to the appropriate command shown in Step 1 or 2,
where <item_type:process> represents the internal names of the item type and

Defining a Workflow Process 2-15

process you want to open:


-E <item_type:process>

For example:
wfbldr wfdemo.wft -E WFDEMO:NOTIFYAPPROVER

Related Topics
Using the Workflow Definitions Loader, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide
Creating a Shortcut to a Workflow Process, page 4-22

Quick Start Wizard Overview


The Quick Start Wizard lets you begin designing a workflow process immediately. It
first loads a file called wftemplate.wft that is an outline of all the mandatory objects
you need to build a workflow process and then displays a Process window for you to
diagram your process. Once you initiate the Quick Start Wizard, you can take the
bottom-up or top-down approach to complete your workflow process definition.

To Use the Quick Start Wizard:


1.

Select Quick Start Wizard from the File menu.


Workflow Quick Start Wizard Window

2-16 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

2.

The Workflow Quick Start Wizard window prompts you for the following
mandatory information:

New Item Type

Internal Name - Specify an all uppercase internal name with a maximum of


eight characters. All Oracle Workflow APIs, SQL scripts, and PL/SQL
procedures refer to the internal name when identifying an item type.
Important: To update the internal name of an item type

once it is defined, you must use a special SQL script called


wfchitt.sql. See: Wfchitt.sql, Oracle Workflow
Administrator's Guide.

Caution: Do not include colons ":" or leading/trailing

spaces in your internal name.

Display Name - Enter a translatable Display Name for the item type.

Persistence Type - Specify Temporary or Permanent persistence for the


status audit trail of the item type.

Days - If Persistence Type is Temporary, specify the number of days from


the time an item type instance completes before its status audit trail can be
purged. See: Persistence Type, page 3-4.

New Process

Internal Name - Specify an all uppercase internal name.


Important: To update the internal name of an activity once

it is defined, you must use a special SQL script called


wfchact.sql. See: Wfchact.sql, Oracle Workflow
Administrator's Guide.

Caution: Do not include colons ":" or leading/trailing

spaces in your internal name.

3.

Display Name - Enter a translatable Display Name for the process activity.
The Display Name also appears in the title bar of your Process window.

The Quick Start Wizard does the following:

Defining a Workflow Process 2-17

4.

Creates a new data store called "Untitled-n" in the Navigator window.

Uses the information you entered in the Workflow Quick Start Wizard window
to create a new item type and process activity in the data store.

Loads the Standard item type into the new data store so that you can include
standard activities in the process you create.

Opens the Process window for the new process activity you defined. The
Process window displays a Start and an End activity.

You can now customize your process definition in one of two ways:

Take a bottom-up design approach by first creating activities and all their
supporting objects before trying to draw a workflow diagram. See: To Create a
Process Definition From Bottom-Up, page 2-7.

Take a top-down design approach by creating activities that contain minimum


information so you can draw the workflow diagram first. You can go back later
to fill in the details of each activity and its supporting objects. See: To Create a
Process Definition from Top-Down, page 2-8.

Using Oracle Workflow Builder with Different Server Versions


The Oracle Workflow Builder Release 2.6.3 shipped with Oracle E-Business Suite is
compatible with all versions of the Oracle Workflow server embedded in Oracle
E-Business Suite Release 12 and Release 11i. However, if you are using the Oracle
Workflow Builder with an earlier version of the Oracle Workflow server, you should
only use features supported by that server version.
For example, you can create, view, and modify workflow processes that include only
Release 2.5 features. The current Oracle Workflow Builder version can upload and
download these process definitions to a database with Oracle Workflow Server Release
2.5 installed.

Using the Release 2.6.3 Oracle Workflow Builder with a Release 2.6 or
Higher Server:
If you are using the Release 2.6.3 Oracle Workflow Builder with Oracle Workflow
Server Release 2.6 or higher embedded in Oracle E-Business Suite, you can use all
currently available features in your workflow processes. You can save these process
definitions to the database and open process definitions from the database to view or
modify them.
You can also open existing process definitions that were created with a Release 2.5 or
earlier Release 2.6 Oracle Workflow Builder and save these process definitions to a
database with Oracle Workflow Server Release 2.6 or higher embedded in Oracle

2-18 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

E-Business Suite.

Using the Release 2.6.3 Oracle Workflow Builder with a Release 2.5
Server:
If you are using the Oracle Workflow Builder with Oracle Workflow Server Release 2.5,
you must include only Release 2.5 features in your workflow processes. You must not
use any of the following new features introduced in Release 2.6:

Event activities

Item attributes of type Event

You can open existing process definitions that were created with the Release 2.5 Oracle
Workflow Builder, view or modify these process definitions using only Release 2.5
components, and save the definitions to a database with Oracle Workflow Server
Release 2.5.
You can also create new workflow processes using only Release 2.5 components.
However, the version of the Standard item type used by the Oracle Workflow Builder
Release 2.6.3 contains some Release 2.6 components. If you want to save a new process
definition to a database with Oracle Workflow Server Release 2.5, perform the following
steps:
1.

Create your workflow process definition.

2.

Force delete the Standard item type from your data store.

3.

Force save the process definition to the database with Oracle Workflow Server
Release 2.5.

4.

Reopen the process definition from the database. The process definition now
includes the Release 2.5 version of the Standard item type.

Defining a Workflow Process 2-19

3
Defining Workflow Process Components
This chapter tells you how to use Oracle Workflow Builder to define the components
necessary to compose a workflow process diagram.
This chapter covers the following topics:

Workflow Process Components

Item Types

Attributes

Defining Item Types and Attributes

Allowing Access to an Object

Lookup Types

Defining Lookup Types

Messages

Defining Messages

Activities

Defining Activities

Voting Activity

Example Voting Methods

Deleting Objects in Oracle Workflow Builder

Modifying Objects in Oracle Workflow Builder

Workflow Process Components


Depending on the workflow process you wish to create, you need to define all or some
of the following types of components to make up the process:

Item Types, page 3-2

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-1

Attributes, page 3-6

Lookup Types, page 3-23

Messages, page 3-28

Activities, page 3-73

Roles, page 4-23


Note: When defining internal names for workflow objects in Oracle

Workflow Builder, use only characters from the ASCII character set.

Item Types
An item type is a classification of the components that make up a workflow process.
You must associate any component that you create for a process, such as a function
activity or a message, with a particular item type. Often it makes sense to define an item
type so that it describes the item being managed by your workflow process. For
example, purchase order requisition can be an item type while a purchase order
requisition identified by a particular ID number is an item of that item type. See: To
Create an Item Type, page 3-7.

Item Type Attributes


An item type attribute is a property associated with a given item type. It acts as a global
variable that can be referenced or updated by any activity within a process. An item
type attribute often provides information about an item that is necessary for the
workflow process to complete. For example, the "Workflow Demonstration" item type
has an item type attribute called "Requisition Amount." An activity in our example
Requisition Approval process requires the value of this item type attribute to determine
if a selected approver has the authority to approve a requisition of that amount.
Applications as well as function activities can reference and set item type attributes
using the Oracle Workflow Engine APIs. You can define and maintain as many item
type attributes as necessary for an item type. You should define as an item type
attribute, any information that will be required by an activity in your process, or any
information that will need to be sent in a notification message. See: To Define a Message
Attribute, page 3-66 and Item Attributes, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
By default, when a work item is initiated, Oracle Workflow creates a runtime copy of
each item attribute that is defined for that item type. You can optionally enhance
performance for a process by specifying that the Workflow Engine should create
runtime copies of item attributes only on demand. See: #ONDEMANDATTR Attribute,
page 3-79.

3-2 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Attribute Types
There are ten attribute types, as shown below. The type determines what values are
acceptable and how the attribute is used.

Text - The attribute value is a string of text.


Note: Due to security considerations, Oracle Workflow does not

permit HTML content to be passed in attributes of type text. If


Oracle Workflow encounters HTML tags in a text attribute, escape
characters will be applied to display the content as plain text rather
than executing the HTML. If you want to apply HTML formatting
to your content, define an attribute of type document instead, and
pass your HTML content as either a PL/SQL document or PL/SQL
CLOB document.

Number - The attribute value is a number with the optional format mask you
specify.

Date - The attribute value is a date with the optional format mask you specify.

Lookup - The attribute value is one of the lookup code values in a specified lookup
type.

Form - The attribute value is an Oracle E-Business Suite internal form function
name and its optional form function parameters.
If you include a form-type attribute in a notification message as a message attribute,
the notification, when viewed from the Notification Details Web page, displays an
attached form icon that lets users drill down to the referenced form. See: Overview
of Menus and Function Security, Oracle E-Business Suite Developer's Guide.

URL - The attribute value is a Universal Resource Locator (URL) to a network


location. If you reference a URL attribute in a notification message as a message
attribute, the notification, when viewed from the Notification Details Web page or
as an HTML-formatted e-mail, displays a link to the URL specified by the URL
attribute. The user can complete an activity or see additional information related to
the activity by accessing that URL. You can also use a URL attribute to display an
inline image in a notification message, when the notification is viewed from the
Notification Details Web page or as an HTML-formatted e-mail.

Document - The attribute value is an attached document. You can specify the
following types of documents in the default value field:

PL/SQL document - A document representing data from the database as a


character string, generated from a PL/SQL procedure.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-3

PL/SQL CLOB document - A document representing data from the database as


a character large object (CLOB), generated from a PL/SQL procedure. The
CLOB can contain plain text, HTML, an Adobe Acrobat Portable Document
Format (PDF) document, a Microsoft Rich Text Format (RTF) document, or
binary data encoded to base64.

PL/SQL BLOB document - A document representing data from the database as


a binary large object (BLOB), generated from a PL/SQL procedure. The BLOB
can contain an image or other types of application files that are stored as binary
data.

Oracle Application Framework region - A JSP call to an Oracle Application


Framework region for inclusion in a notification message

See: To Define a Document Attribute, page 3-17.

Role - The attribute value is the internal name of a role. If a message attribute of
type role is included in a notification message, the attribute automatically resolves
to the role's display name, eliminating the need for you to maintain separate
attributes for the role's internal and display names. Also when you view the
notification from a Web browser, the role display name is a hypertext link to the
e-mail address for that role. To set a default value for the attribute, you must
initially load roles from the database. See: Roles, page 4-23.

Attribute - The attribute value is the internal name of another existing item type
attribute that you want to maintain references to in a process.

Event - The attribute value is a Business Event System event message in the
standard WF_EVENT_T structure. See: Event Message Structure, Oracle Workflow API
Reference.
Note: If you store an event message in an item attribute of type

event, you can access the event data within that event message by
creating an item attribute of type URL and setting the value of the
URL attribute to reference the event data. See: SetItemAttribute,
Oracle Workflow API Reference.

Persistence Type
When you define an item type, you must also specify its persistence type. The
persistence type controls how long a status audit trail is maintained for each instance of
the item type. If you set Persistence to Permanent, the runtime status information is
maintained indefinitely until you specifically purge the information by calling the
procedure WF_PURGE.TotalPerm().
If you set an item type's Persistence to Temporary, you must also specify the number of

3-4 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

days of persistence ('n'). The status audit trail for each instance of a Temporary item
type is maintained for at least 'n' days of persistence after its completion date. After the '
n' days of persistence, you can then use any of the WF_PURGE APIs to purge the item
type's runtime status information. See: WF_PURGE, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
If you set an item type's Persistence to Synchronous, Oracle Workflow expects instances
of that item type to be run as forced synchronous processes with an item key of #SYNCH
. Forced synchronous processes complete in a single SQL session from start to finish
and never insert into or update any database tables. Since no runtime status information
is maintained, you do not normally need to perform any purging for a process with the
Synchronous persistence type. However, if you run the process with a unique item key
in asynchronous mode for testing or debugging purposes, Oracle Workflow does
maintain runtime status information for that process instance. You can purge this
information by changing the item type's Persistence to Temporary and running any of
the WF_PURGE APIs. Then change the item type's Persistence back to Synchronous.
See: Synchronous, Asynchronous, and Forced Synchronous Processes, Oracle Workflow
API Reference, WF_PURGE, Oracle Workflow API Reference, and Purging for Performance,
Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
Note: You can also use the Purge Obsolete Workflow Runtime Data

concurrent program to purge obsolete item type runtime status


information. The executable name for this concurrent program is
"Oracle Workflow Purge Obsolete Data" and its short name is
FNDWFPR. See: Purge Obsolete Workflow Runtime Data, Oracle
Workflow API Reference.

Item Type Selector Function


If your item type has or will have more than one runnable process activity associated
with it, define a PL/SQL function that determines which process activity to run in a
particular situation. For example, you may have two different requisition approval
process activities associated with the same item type. The process that Oracle Workflow
executes may vary depending on how and where the requisition originates. Your
selector function would determine which process would be appropriate in any given
situation.
You can also extend the Selector function to be a general callback function so that item
type context information can be reset as needed if the SQL session is interrupted during
the execution of a process, such as during background processing. See: Standard API for
an Item Type Selector or Callback Function, page 6-8.

External Document Integration


Documents have an enormous impact in the operations of an organization. With the
explosion of digital media and the worldwide Web, electronic documents of a wide
variety of formats, including non-printed media, are forcing organizations to address

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-5

the management of these documents. The value of information in these documents can
be maintained only if the documents can be managed and shared.
In a workflow process, you can attach documents generated by a PL/SQL procedure,
which we call PL/SQL, PL/SQL CLOB, or PL/SQL BLOB documents. You attach a
document to a workflow process by referencing the document in a predefined item
attribute or message attribute of type Document. See: Attribute Types, page 3-3, To
Define an Item Type or Activity Attribute, page 3-8, and To Define a Message
Attribute, page 3-66.
For PL/SQL, PL/SQL CLOB, or PL/SQL BLOB documents, the item or message
attribute's value would be the name of the PL/SQL package and procedure used to
generate the document. The PL/SQL procedure must follow an Oracle Workflow
standard interface. See: Standard APIs for "PL/SQL" Documents, page 6-11.
For PL/SQL and PL/SQL CLOB documents that contain text or HTML, the document
generated by the PL/SQL procedure can either be displayed within the text of a
notification or included as an attachment. Other types of content in PL/SQL CLOB
documents, as well as all PL/SQL BLOB documents, can only be included as
attachments.

In addition to text or HTML, PL/SQL CLOB documents that are included as


attachments can contain PDF or RTF documents or binary data encoded to base64.

PL/SQL BLOB documents that are included as attachments can contain images or
other application files that are stored as binary data.

PL/SQL documents can also be displayed in the subject line of a notification.


Oracle Workflow also supports using attributes of type document to embed an Oracle
Application Framework region in a notification. See: Embedding Oracle Application
Framework Regions in Messages, page 3-55.
Note: An Oracle Application Framework region can only be displayed

within the message body of a notification. It cannot be included as an


attachment to the notification.

Attributes
You can create an attribute for any of the following workflow process components:

Item type. See: To Define an Item Type or Activity Attribute, page 3-8.

Function activity. See: To Define an Item Type or Activity Attribute, page 3-8.

Event activity. See: To Define an Item Type or Activity Attribute, page 3-8.

Notification activity. See: To Define an Item Type or Activity Attribute, page 3-8.

3-6 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Message. See: To Define a Message Attribute, page 3-66.

Defining Item Types and Attributes


To Create an Item Type:
1.

Open an existing data store or, select New from the File menu to create a new data
store to define this new item type. Then define a new item type in the navigator tree
by choosing New Item Type from the Edit menu. An Item Type property page
appears.
Item Type Property Page

2.

Every item type has an all-uppercase internal name, which is a maximum of eight
characters long. All Oracle Workflow APIs, SQL scripts, and PL/SQL procedures
refer to the internal name when identifying an item type.
Important: To update the internal name for an item type once it is

defined, you must use a special SQL script called wfchitt.sql.


You should only use this script to correct errors in an item type's
internal name during design time. Do not use this script to rename
item types that are involved in running instances of processes. See:
Wfchitt.sql, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-7

Caution: Do not include colons ":" or leading/trailing spaces in

your internal name.

3.

Enter a translatable Display Name that is longer and more descriptive. You can also
supply a description for the item type.

4.

Specify a persistence type of Temporary or Permanent. If you set the persistence


type to Temporary, then specify the number of days from the time the item instance
completes before its status audit trail can be purged. See: Persistence Type, page 3-4
.

5.

If your item type has or will have more than one workflow process associated with
it, you may specify a selector function using the syntax <package_name>.
<procedure_name>. The selector function is a PL/SQL stored procedure that
automatically identifies the specific process definition the Workflow Engine should
execute when a workflow is initiated for this item type. You can also extend the
selector function to be a general callback function that resets context information
each time the Workflow Engine establishes a new database session to execute
activities. See: Standard API for an Item Type Selector or Callback Function, page 68.

6.

Choose Apply to save your changes.

7.

Select the Roles tab page to specify the roles that have access to this item type. (This
functionality will be supported in a future release.)

8.

Select the Access tab page to set the access and customization levels for this item
type. See: Allowing Access to an Object, page 3-21.

9.

Choose Apply to save your changes, OK to save your changes and close the
property page or Cancel to cancel your changes and close the property page.

10. A secondary branch appears in the navigator tree that represents the item type you

just created. You can review or edit the properties of this item type at any time by
double-clicking on the item type in the navigator tree or by selecting the item type
and choosing Properties from the Edit menu.
11. Define as many item type attributes as necessary to use as global variables in your

process. You use these item type attributes to pass values to and from your
function, notification, and event activities. See: To Define an Item Type or Activity
Attribute, page 3-8.

To Define an Item Type or Activity Attribute:


1.

To create an item type attribute, select an item type in the navigator tree, then

3-8 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

choose New Attribute from the Edit menu.


Item Type Attribute Property Page

To create an activity attribute, select an activity in the navigator tree and choose
New Attribute from the Edit menu.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-9

Activity Attribute Property Page

An Attribute property page appears in both cases.


2.

Provide an Internal Name in all uppercase with no leading/trailing spaces. All


Oracle Workflow APIs, SQL scripts, and PL/SQL procedures refer to the internal
name when identifying an attribute.
Important: To update the internal name for an attribute once it is

defined, you must use special SQL scripts called wfchita.sql


and wfchacta.sql. You should only use these scripts to correct
errors in an attribute's internal name during design time. Do not
use these scripts to rename attributes that are involved in running
instances of processes. See: Wfchita.sql, Oracle Workflow
Administrator's Guide and Wfchacta.sql, Oracle Workflow
Administrator's Guide.

Caution: Do not include colons ":" or leading/trailing spaces in

your internal name.

3.

Enter a Display Name. This is the name that appears in the navigator tree.

4.

Enter an optional description.

3-10 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

5.

Select the data type of the attribute. Form, URL, and document data types are not
relevant if you are defining an activity attribute.

6.

Depending on the data type of your attribute, provide the following default value
information:

Text - Specify the maximum length of the text attribute and an optional default
text string.

Number - Optionally provide a format mask for your number and a default
value. In the format mask, use the number format element G to represent the
group separators and the number format element D to represent the decimal
character. See: Number Format Models, Oracle Database SQL Language Reference.

Date - Optionally provide a format mask for the date and a default value.
The format mask you specify must be among the date formats supported by
Oracle E-Business Suite. To view the supported date formats, navigate to the
Application Object Library Lookups window from the Oracle E-Business Suite
Navigator by choosing Application Developer: Application > Lookups >
Application Object Library, and query the ICX_DATE_FORMATS lookup type.
Oracle Workflow uses the format mask you specify when displaying the date
attribute value in the user interface, such as in the Notification Details page,
Respond to Notifications as Group page, and Vacation Rules page.
If you do not specify a format mask, or if you specify a format mask that is not
supported by Oracle E-Business Suite, then Oracle Workflow displays the date
attribute value according to the user's date format preference.

Lookup - Choose a predefined Lookup Type from which to draw values.


Choose a lookup code from that lookup type for the default value.

URL - Specify an optional Universal Resource Locator (URL) to a network


location in the Default Value field and specify the frame target for the URL. See:
To Define a URL Attribute, page 3-13.
Note: The Frame Target field is applicable only for message

attributes of type URL. It is not used for item type attributes or


activity attributes.

Form - Specify an optional developer form function name and optional


argument strings (form function parameters) in the Default Value field. See:
Overview of Menus and Function Security, Oracle E-Business Suite Developer's
Guide and To Define a Form Attribute, page 3-16.

Document - Enter an optional string that identifies the document in the default
value field. See: To Define a Document Attribute, page 3-17.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-11

Note: The Frame Target field is not applicable for attributes of

type document. For document attributes, this field is reserved


for future use.

7.

Role - Specify a role name. See: Roles, page 4-23.

Attribute - Specify the name of an item type attribute that you want to maintain
references to in a process by choosing from the list of existing item type
attributes.

Event - If you are defining an item type attribute, you cannot specify any
default value for an event attribute. If you are defining an activity attribute, you
can only specify an event item type attribute as the default value.

For item type attributes, the optional default value is a constant that you enter or
select from a list of values. The constant, however, may be a text string that allows
for token substitution at runtime.
For activity attributes, the optional default value may be a constant or an item type
attribute. If you want the default to acquire its entire value from an item type
attribute, choose Item Attribute in the Default Value region, then use the adjacent
poplist field to choose the item type attribute. The item type attribute you select
must be associated with the same item type that the activity itself is associated with.
The item type attribute you select must also be of the same data type as the activity
attribute.
Note: An activity attribute type of 'Text' is compatible with any

item attribute type except the event type. All other activity attribute
types must match the item attribute type exactly.

Note: For attributes of type Lookup, the default value, if you

specify one, must be a lookup code belonging to that lookup type.

8.

Choose Apply to save your changes, OK to save your changes and close the
property page, or Cancel to cancel your changes and close the property page.

9.

If you are defining an item type attribute, select the Access tab page to set the access
levels allowed to modify this attribute. Activity attributes assume the
access/protection level of their parent activity. See: Allowing Access to an Object,
page 3-21.

10. Choose Apply to save your changes.

3-12 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

11. Any item type attribute you create appears beneath the Attributes branch in the

navigator tree. Any function activity attribute you define appears beneath the
activity you defined it for in the navigator tree. You can review or edit the
properties of an attribute at any time by double-clicking on the attribute in the
navigator tree or by selecting the attribute and choosing Properties from the Edit
menu.
Important: The order in which you list these attributes in the

navigator tree correlate to the order in which they appear in any list
of values that draw upon these attributes. You can use the drag and
drop feature of the navigator tree to reorder a set of attributes, or
select an attribute and choose Move Attribute Up or Move
Attribute Down from the Edit menu.

To Define a URL Attribute:


1.

Specify a Universal Resource Locator (URL) to a network location in the Default


Value field of the Attribute property page. The URL can be a constant or a value
returned from another item attribute.
Note: If you define a URL attribute that points to an Oracle

Application Framework-based Web page, that page must use the


self-secured security mode. A page that relies on the user session in
its security mode may not be accessible when a user navigates to
the URL from an e-mail notification. For more information about
Oracle Application Framework pages, refer to the Oracle Application
Framework Developer's Guide, available from My Oracle Support
Knowledge Document 1315485.1.

2.

You can include argument strings in your URL that are text strings. Additionally, if
you are defining a message attribute of type URL, you can include argument strings
that are token substituted with other message attributes. The message attributes
used for token substitution can have constant values or can reference the values
returned from item type attributes. See: To Define a Message Attribute, page 3-66
and To Token Substitute an Attribute, page 3-72.
To token substitute other message attributes in an argument string, specify the
message attributes as follows:
-&message_attr-

For example, the following string represents a URL with two arguments called
arg1 and arg2 that are token substituted with the runtime value of message
attributes msgattr1 and msgattr2, respectively:
http://www.oracle.com?arg1=-&msgattr1-&arg2=-&msgattr2-

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-13

Note: If you are defining a message attribute of type URL, you can

also include a special token in your argument string called


-&#NID- which Oracle Workflow substitutes with the notification
ID of the runtime notification.

3.

If your URL attribute contains an argument string, you must adhere to the
following restrictions:

You cannot token substitute that argument string with another item attribute of
type Document.

You can token substitute that argument string with another Form attribute or
URL attribute. However, the argument string for the other attribute is not
further token substituted.

4.

If you need to pass a date and time as an argument to a URL, you should use
TO_CHAR to format the string as YYYY/MM/DD+HH24:MI:SS. Similarly, you need
to do the correlating format translation in the function that the URL calls, using
TO_DATE. This formatting is required because in multibyte databases, the month
portion of the DD-MON-YYYY format could potentially translate to a value that is
not acceptable across a URL.

5.

You can also use a URL attribute to include an image in a notification. Define a
'Send' message attribute of type URL that points to an image file with an extension
of gif, jpg, png, tif, bmp, or jpeg. Then use a message attribute token to include
the URL attribute in the HTML message body.
You can optionally add a prefix to the URL attribute value to control whether an
image URL attribute appears in the message body as a link or as an inline image
when the notification is viewed from the Notification Details Web page or as an
HTML-formatted e-mail.

LNK: Oracle Workflow renders the URL attribute as a link with the <A HREF>
tag. Use the following format:
LNK:<image_URL>

For example:
LNK:http://www.oracle.com/redStar.gif

IMG: Oracle Workflow renders the URL attribute as an inline image with the
<IMG> tag. Use the following format:
IMG:<image_URL>

For example:
IMG:http://www.oracle.com/redStar.gif

3-14 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

If you define a URL for one of the listed image types without a prefix, then the
image appears inline in the message body by default.
When defining a URL attribute to point to an image, you must provide the
complete URL for the image, either as a constant or as a value returned from
another item attribute. You cannot token substitute any argument strings within the
image URL.
Additionally, for inclusion in an e-mail notification the image must be in a location
to which the notification mailer has access, whether that location is on a Web server
or on the local file system.
Note: Oracle Workflow displays images only in the message body

of a notification. If you check Attach Content for a URL attribute


that points to an image file, the URL attribute appears as an
attached link, just as other URLs do.
Also, Oracle Workflow displays images only in the
HTML-formatted versions of a notification. A plain text e-mail
notification displays all URL attributes as the display name of the
attribute, followed by a colon and the URL.

6.

If you are defining a URL attribute that links to an Oracle Application Framework
page, the page must have the security mode Self secured. This security mode is
required to ensure that the page can be accessed properly if the URL link is
included in an e-mail notification. The page should also explicitly validate all
parameters provided in the URL. For more information, see: Advanced OA
Framework Development Topics > Security > Accelerated Validation >
Bookmarkable Pages in the Oracle Application Framework Developer's Guide, available
from My Oracle Support Knowledge Document 1315485.1.
By default, when a user chooses an attached URL link to an Oracle Application
Framework page in a notification, Oracle E-Business Suite displays a list of
responsibilities assigned to that user that include that page. The user can then select
the responsibility with which he or she wants to navigate to the page. When
navigating from an e-mail notification, the user must also log into Oracle E-Business
Suite before selecting a responsibility.
When you define a URL attribute for an Oracle Application Framework page, you
can optionally include Oracle Application Framework URL parameters to specify
the responsibility and application context with which you want users to access that
page. In this case, users do not need to select a responsibility when they choose the
attached URL link; instead, they can navigate directly to the page. However, you
must ensure that the users who receive the notification have the specified
responsibility assigned to them. Otherwise they will not be able to access the page
from that attached URL link.

7.

Choose OK when you are done.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-15

To Define a Form Attribute:


1.

Specify a developer form function name and any optional argument string (form
function parameters) in the Default Value field of the form Attribute property page.

2.

The default value must be entered using the following format:


function_name:arg1=value1 arg2=value2 ...argN=valueN

The value of argN can be a text string enclosed in quotes (" ") or can be token
substituted with another item type attribute in any of the following ways, where
&item_attr represents the internal name of the item type attribute:

argN="&item_attr"

argN="Value &item_attr"

See: To Token Substitute an Attribute, page 3-72.


Note: If you are defining a message attribute of type Form, you can

also include a special token in your argument string called &#NID


which Oracle Workflow substitutes with the notification ID of the
runtime notification.

3.

4.

If your form attribute contains an argument string, you must adhere to the
following restrictions:

You cannot token substitute the value of argN with another item attribute of
type Document.

You can token substitute the value of that argument string with another Form
attribute or URL attribute; however, the argument string for the other attribute
is not further token substituted.

By default, when a user chooses an attached form link in a notification, Oracle


E-Business Suite displays a list of responsibilities assigned to that user that include
that form. The user can then select the responsibility with which he or she wants to
navigate to the form. When navigating from an e-mail notification, the user must
also log into Oracle E-Business Suite before selecting a responsibility.
When you define a form attribute, you can optionally specify the responsibility
through which you want users to access that form. In this case, users do not need to
select a responsibility when they choose the attached form link; instead, they can
navigate directly to the form. However, you must ensure that the users who receive
the notification have the specified responsibility assigned to them. Otherwise they
will not be able to access the form from that attached form link.
To specify a responsibility in the form attribute, append two special arguments in
the argument string for the form function.

3-16 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

#RESP_KEY - The responsibility key

#APP_SHORT_NAME - The application short name for the responsibility

The value for each of these arguments can be a text string enclosed in quotes (" ")
or can be token substituted with another item type attribute using the following
format: "&ITEM_ATTR"
For example, the following form attribute value specifies that the Users form should
be opened from the System Administration responsibility.
FND_FNDSCAUS:#RESP_KEY="SYSTEM_ADMINISTRATION"
#APP_SHORT_NAME="SYSADMIN"
5.

Choose OK when you are done.

To Define a Document Attribute:


1.

Enter a string that identifies the document in the default value field of the Attribute
property page.
You can identify the following types of document for a document attribute:

A PL/SQL document

A PL/SQL CLOB document

A PL/SQL BLOB document

An Oracle Application Framework region


Note: If you define a message attribute of type document, you must

assign that attribute a source of Send. You cannot use a document


attribute as a respond message attribute.

2.

A PL/SQL document represents data from the database as a character string,


generated from a PL/SQL procedure. Specify the default value of a PL/SQL
document as
plsql:<procedure>/<document_identifier>

Replace <procedure> with the PL/SQL package and procedure name, separated
by a period. Replace <document_identifier> with the PL/SQL argument string
that you want to pass directly to the procedure. The argument string should
identify the document.
Note: The PL/SQL procedure must follow a standard API format.

See: Standard APIs for "PL/SQL" Documents, page 6-11.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-17

For example, the following string represents the PL/SQL document po_req:2034,
generated by the procedure po_wf.show_req.
plsql:po_wf.show_req/po_req:2034

Note: The maximum length of the data that a PL/SQL document

can contain is 32 kilobytes. If you expect your document to exceed


32 Kb, you should use a PL/SQL CLOB document to hold the data
instead.

A PL/SQL document can be displayed in the subject line of a notification, displayed


in the message body of a notification, or included as an attachment to the
notification.
3.

A PL/SQL CLOB document represents data from the database as a character large
object (CLOB), generated from a PL/SQL procedure. Specify the default value of a
PL/SQL CLOB document as
plsqlclob:<procedure>/<document_identifier>

Replace <procedure> with the PL/SQL package and procedure name, separated
by a period. Replace <document_identifier> with the PL/SQL argument string
that you want to pass directly to the procedure. The argument string should
identify the document.
Note: The PL/SQL procedure must follow a standard API format.

See: Standard APIs for "PL/SQL" Documents, page 6-11.

For example, the following string represents the PL/SQL CLOB document,
po_req:2036, generated by the procedure po_wf.show_req_clob.
plsqlclob:po_wf.show_req_clob/po_req:2036

A PL/SQL CLOB document that contains text or HTML can either be displayed in
the message body of a notification or included as an attachment to the notification.
PL/SQL CLOB documents do not support further substitution of message attribute
tokens. The text or HTML contents of the CLOB are printed in a message body just
as they are generated by the PL/SQL procedure.

Do not use tokens within the CLOB.

Ensure that the PL/SQL procedure performs any formatting you require.

A PL/SQL CLOB document that you include as an attachment to a notification can


also contain a PDF or RTF document or other binary data encoded to base64. You
should first store the document in the database as a binary large object (BLOB) and
then convert the document into a CLOB as part of the PL/SQL procedure you use to
produce the CLOB. See: Standard APIs for "PL/SQL" Documents, page 6-11.
You can use the UTL_RAW.Cast_To_VARCHAR2 function to convert PDF or RTF

3-18 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

data from the BLOB into VARCHAR2 data that you write to a CLOB. You can
optionally use the WF_MAIL_UTIL.EncodeBLOB procedure to encode the binary
data to base64. See: UTL_RAW, Oracle Database PL/SQL Packages and Types Reference
and EncodeBLOB, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
4.

A PL/SQL BLOB document represents data from the database as a binary large
object (BLOB), generated from a PL/SQL procedure. Specify the default value of a
PL/SQL BLOB document as
plsqlblob:<procedure>/<document_identifier>

Replace <procedure> with the PL/SQL package and procedure name, separated
by a period. Replace <document_identifier> with the PL/SQL argument string
that you want to pass directly to the procedure. The argument string should
identify the document.
Note: The PL/SQL procedure must follow a standard API format.

See: Standard APIs for "PL/SQL" Documents, page 6-11.

For example, the following string represents the PL/SQL BLOB document
po_req:2038, generated by the procedure po_wf.show_req_blob.
plsqlblob:po_wf.show_req_blob/po_req:2038

PL/SQL BLOB documents do not support further substitution of message attribute


tokens.
A PL/SQL BLOB document can contain an image or an application file stored as
binary data, such as a PDF or RTF document or other types of files. You can include
a PL/SQL BLOB document as an attachment to a notfication. However, this type of
document cannot be displayed in the message body of a notification.
5.

If you wish to generate the document identifier for a PL/SQL, PL/SQL CLOB, or
PL/SQL BLOB document dynamically, you can token substitute the document
identifier with other item type attributes. The item attribute names must be in
uppercase and must be separated by a colon. See: To Token Substitute an Attribute,
page 3-72.
For example:
plsql:po_wf.show_req/&ITEM_ATTR1:&ITEM_ATTR2

Note: If you are defining a message attribute of type Document,

you can also include a special token in your argument string called
&#NID which Oracle Workflow substitutes with the notification ID
of the runtime notification.

6.

You can also use an attribute of type document to reference an Oracle Application
Framework region that you want to embed in a notification message. Specify the

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-19

JSP call to reference the region as the default value for the attribute. See: Embedding
Oracle Application Framework Regions in Messages, page 3-55.
An Oracle Application Framework region can only be displayed within the message
body of a notification. It cannot be included as an attachment to the notification.
7.

Choose OK when you are done.

To Copy an Item Type:


1.

Select the item type to copy in the navigator tree.

2.

Drag the item type, holding down your select mouse button, to the data store or
workspace you want to copy it to.
You can also use the Copy and Paste commands in the Edit menu.

3.

If you copy this item type back to the same data store, you get prompted to enter a
new internal and display name for the item type in the Item Type property page.
This is because every item type must have a unique internal and display name.
When you are done, choose OK.
Note that when you copy an item type, you also copy all the components associated
with the item type. Since most components must also have unique internal and
display names, you may get prompted to update those components' internal and
display names in their property pages as well.

4.

If you copy an item type to a data store where a previous version of the same item
type already exists, you update the existing version of the item type in that target
data store with the changes in the version of the item type you are copying.
Important: The order in which you drag two or more item types to

a new store is important. For example, suppose an item type


references objects in the Standard item type. If you plan to copy
that item type and the Standard item type to a new data store, you
should first drag the Standard item type to the new data store
before dragging the other item type over; otherwise the other item
type will have unresolved references to the Standard item type.

To Copy an Attribute:
1.

Select the attribute to copy in the navigator tree.

2.

Drag the attribute, holding down your select mouse button, to the component
branch you want to copy it to.

3.

If you copy an attribute to a component associated with the same item type, the

3-20 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

property page for the attribute appears.


Enter a new unique internal name and display name for the attribute.
When you are done, choose OK.
Note: You can also use the Copy and Paste options in the Edit

menu.

Related Topics
Using the Edit Button in a Property Page, page 2-7
To Define a Message Attribute, page 3-66

Allowing Access to an Object


Access Property Page

In the Access tab page, the 'Range of Editable Access Levels' indicator bar provides a
relative indication of the range of access levels that can edit the object. The shaded area
represents the access levels that can edit the object, while the vertical bar represents
your current access level. See: Overview of Oracle Workflow Access Protection, Oracle
Workflow Administrator's Guide.
The indicator bar can be shaded solid green, or shaded with any combination of solid

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-21

green and crosshatch grey. If the "Allow modifications of customized objects" check box
in the "About Oracle Workflow Builder" dialog box of the Help menu is:

Checked - The range of editable access levels can appear as a combination of solid
green and crosshatch grey areas. The levels depicted by grey crosshatches represent
levels that usually cannot modify customized objects, but can now do so because
Oracle Workflow Builder is operating in 'upload' mode. Upload mode means that
Oracle Workflow Builder can save your edits, overwriting any protected objects
that you have access to modify as well as any previously customized objects.

Unchecked - The range of editable access levels appears as a solid green area. This
indicates that when you save your work, Oracle Workflow Builder is operating in
'upgrade' mode, only saving edits to protected objects that you have access to
change and leaving objects that have been previously customized untouched.

These two modes match the upgrade and upload behavior of the Workflow Definitions
Loader program. See: To Set the Access Level for an Object, page 3-22 and Using the
Workflow Definitions Loader, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

To Set the Access Level for an Object:


1.

Select the Access tab of the property page.

2.

In the Options region, use the 'Preserve Customizations' and 'Lock at this Access
Level' check boxes to define the access levels that can modify this object. The
options that you check in this region directly affect the values that appear in the
Levels region.
The following table illustrates how the customization and protection levels of an
object are affected when you check different combinations of these options. This
table assumes that the user setting the options has an access level of 100.
Results of Access Option Combinations
Selected Checkbox

NONE - Object can be


updated at any time, by
anyone.

Resulting Levels

Customization = 0,
Access = 100,
Protection = 1000

3-22 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Levels Allowed to Modify


the Object
Object may be updated by
any access level (0-1000).

Selected Checkbox

Preserve Customizations Disallow customized objects


from being overwritten
during a workflow
definition upgrade.

3.

Resulting Levels

Customization = 100,
Access = 100,
Protection = 1000

Lock at this Access Level Protect the object at the


current access level and do
not allow the object to be
customized.

Customization = 0,

BOTH - Object can only be


updated by the access level
at which the object is
protected.

Customization = 100,

Access = 100,

Levels Allowed to Modify


the Object
Object may only be updated
by access levels from
100-1000. If the "Allow
modifications of customized
objects" checkbox is
checked, customized objects
can also be updated by
access levels 0-99, as
represented by grey
crosshatches in the indicator
bar.
Object may only be updated
by access levels from 0-100.

Protection = 100

Access = 100,
Protection = 100

Object cannot be updated by


any access level other than
100. If the "Allow
modifications of customized
objects" checkbox is
checked, customized objects
can also be updated by
access levels 0-99, as
represented by grey
crosshatches in the indicator
bar.

Choose the Apply button to save your changes.


Note: An object appears with a small red lock over its icon in the

navigator tree to indicate that it is a read-only object if you are


operating at an access level that does not have permission to edit an
object, that is, your access level is in a white area of the 'Range of
Editable Access Levels' indicator bar.

Lookup Types
A lookup type is a static list of values. These lists can be referenced by activities and by

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-23

item type, message or activity attributes. For example, an activity can reference a
lookup type for its possible result values, while a message attribute can reference a
lookup type as a means of providing a list of possible responses to the performer of a
notification.
When you define a lookup type, you associate it with an particular item type. However,
lookup types are not item type specific; when you create an activity or an attribute, you
can reference any lookup type in your current data store, regardless of the item type
that the lookup type is associated with.
Because lookup types can be referenced from multiple item types, the internal name
and the display name for a lookup type must both be globally unique across all item
types. You may find it useful to include a prefix such as the item type name to ensure
that the lookup type internal name and display name are unique.

Defining Lookup Types


To Create Lookup Types:
1.

Select an item type from the navigator tree and choose New Lookup Type from the
Edit menu. A Lookup Type property page appears.

3-24 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Lookup Type Property Page

2.

Lookup types have an all-uppercase Internal Name with no leading/trailing spaces


and a translatable Display Name. All Oracle Workflow APIs, SQL scripts, and
PL/SQL procedures refer to the internal name when identifying a lookup type.
The internal name and the display name for a lookup type must both be globally
unique across all item types. You may find it useful to include a prefix such as the
item type name to ensure that the lookup type internal name and display name are
unique.
Important: To update the internal name for a lookup type once it is

defined, you must use a special SQL script called wfchlut.sql.


You should only use this script to correct errors in a lookup type's
internal name during design time. Do not use this script to rename
lookup types that are involved in running instances of processes.
See: Wfchlut.sql, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Caution: Do not include colons ":" or leading/trailing spaces in

your internal name.

You can supply an optional description for this lookup type.


3.

Select the Access tab page to set the access levels allowed to modify this lookup
type. See: Allowing Access to an Object, page 3-21.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-25

4.

Choose Apply to save your changes, OK to save your changes and close the
property page, or Cancel to cancel your changes and close the property page.

5.

The lookup type you just defined now appears beneath the Lookup Types branch in
the navigator tree. You can review or edit the properties of this lookup type at any
time by double-clicking on the lookup type in the navigator tree or by selecting the
lookup type and choosing Properties from the Edit menu.

6.

Now define the lookup codes for your lookup type. See: To Create Lookup Codes
for a Lookup Type, page 3-26.

To Create Lookup Codes for a Lookup Type:


1.

Select a lookup type from the navigator tree and choose New Lookup Code from
the Edit menu. A Lookup Code property page appears.
Lookup Code Property Page

2.

Enter an Internal Name with no leading/trailing spaces and a Display Name for the
lookup code. You can also enter an optional description. All Oracle Workflow APIs,
SQL scripts, and PL/SQL procedures refer to the internal name when identifying a
lookup code.
Important: To update the internal name for a lookup code once it is

defined, you must use a special SQL script called wfchluc.sql.

3-26 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

You should only use this script to correct errors in a lookup code's
internal name during design time. Do not use this script to rename
lookup codes that are involved in running instances of processes.
See: Wfchluc.sql, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Caution: Do not include colons ":" or leading/trailing spaces in

your internal name.

3.

Choose Apply to save your changes, OK to save your changes and close the
property page, or Cancel to cancel your changes and close the property page.

4.

The lookup code you just defined now appears beneath the lookup type you
created it for in the navigator tree. You can review or edit the properties of this
lookup code at any time by double-clicking on the lookup code in the navigator tree
or by selecting the lookup code and choosing Properties from the Edit menu.

5.

Repeat steps 1, 2, and 3 if you wish to create additional lookup codes for a specific
lookup type.

To Copy a Lookup Type:


1.

Select the lookup type to copy in the navigator tree.

2.

Use the Copy and Paste options in the Edit menu to copy and paste the lookup type
to the item type you want. You can also drag and drop the lookup type to the item
type you want.

If you copy a lookup type back to the same item type, or if you copy a lookup
type to an item type in a different data store when the lookup type already
exists in any item type in that data store, then the property page appears for
you to enter a unique internal and display name for the new lookup type. When
you are done, choose OK.

If you copy a lookup type to an item type in a different data store, and that
lookup type does not yet exist in any item type in that data store, then the new
lookup type is copied with the same internal and display name as the original.
You do not have to enter new names.
Note: Copying a lookup type also copies any lookup codes

assigned to it.

Note: You cannot use the Copy and Paste options to copy a lookup

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-27

type to another item type in the same data store. However, you can
drag and drop a lookup type to another item type in the same data
store; by doing so, you actually move the lookup type to the new
item type.

To Copy a Lookup Code:


1.

Select the lookup code to copy in the navigator tree.

2.

Hold down your mouse select button as you drag the lookup code to the lookup
type you want to copy it to.

3.

If you drag the lookup code to the same lookup type or to a lookup type where this
code already exists, then when you release your mouse button, a properties page
appears for you to enter a unique internal and display name the new lookup code.
When you are done, choose OK.
Note: You can also use the Copy and Paste options in the Edit

menu.

Messages
The Messages branch of the navigator tree lists all available workflow messages for the
current item type.
A message is what a notification activity sends to a role in a workflow process. A
message can prompt a user for a reply or an action to take that determines what the
next activity in the process should be. The recipient of a workflow message is called the
performer.
Each message is associated with a particular item type. This allows the message to
reference the item type's attributes for token replacement at runtime when the message
is delivered.
When you define a message, you can specify that the message prompts a recipient for a
special result response value that the Workflow Engine then uses to determine how to
branch to the next eligible activity in the process. You can create a message with
context-sensitive content by including message attribute tokens in the message subject
and body that reference item type attributes. You can also use message attribute tokens
to embed inline images in the message body. A message function lets you include a
formatted table of message attributes or an action history table in the message body.
You can also attach message attributes that represent entire documents or URLs to a
notification message. In addition, you can create message attributes that generate a
response section that is unique to the message. You can also embed an Oracle
Application Framework region within the message body.

3-28 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

You can drag a message onto the Notifications branch to create a new notification
activity that sends that message. You can also drag a message directly onto an existing
notification activity to update the message that the activity sends.
Note: You can display message attributes specific to particular types of

notifications in the Personal Worklist by using worklist flexfields. See:


Defining Specialized Worklist Views with Worklist Flexfields, Oracle
Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Message Result
When you create a message for a notification activity, you should make note of whether
the notification activity has a Result Type specified. If it does, then the message you
create needs to prompt the notification recipient for a special response that is
interpreted as the result of the notification activity. The Workflow Engine uses that
result to determine how it should branch to the next eligible activity in the process.
To create a message that prompts for this special response, complete the Result tab in
the message's property page. The information you enter creates a special 'Respond'
message attribute for the message that has an internal name of RESULT. The RESULT
message attribute has a data type of Lookup and must be set to the same lookup type as
the notification activity's Result Type. This ensures that the performer of the notification
can choose from a list of possible response values that matches the list of possible
results that the notification activity is expecting. See: Send and Respond Message
Attributes, page 3-29.

Send and Respond Message Attributes


Once you create a message, you can define as many message attributes as necessary for
that message. Message attributes are listed beneath a message in the navigator tree.
The source (Send or Respond) of a message attribute determines how the message
attribute is used. When you define a message attribute with a source of 'Send', you can
embed the message attribute in the subject and/or body of the message for token
substitution. In addition, you can attach the message attribute to the message when the
notification is sent.
Each message attribute has a specific data type. The value of a 'Send' message attribute
can be a constant or can be a value returned by an item type attribute of that same data
type. To embed a message attribute in a message's subject or body for token
substitution, specify the internal name of the message attribute using the format
&MESGATTR within the subject or body text.
Note: If your workflow process will be translated into other languages,

you can embed PL/SQL document message attributes in the subject or


body of a message to enable translation of context-sensitive content.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-29

Include code in your workflow process that determines the


context-sensitive values and provides the corresponding translated
values dynamically at runtime.

A message attribute defined with a source of 'Respond' constitutes the response section
of a message. A 'Respond' message attribute provides instructions that prompts a
recipient for a response. When you define a 'Respond' message attribute, you must
specify the data type of the attribute. You can also provide an optional default value for
the response. The default value can be a constant or a value returned from an item type
attribute of the same data type.
You can define 'Respond' message attributes of type URL or form if you want the
notification recipient to respond to the notification through the specified Web page or
form. In this case that custom Web page or form must mark the notification as closed
and include a call to the Workflow Engine CompleteActivity() API to inform the
Workflow Engine when the notification response is complete. Also, you must not define
any 'Respond' message attributes of other types. Any response values that are required
must be entered in the specified Web page or form. See: CompleteActivity, Oracle
Workflow API Reference.
If you define 'Respond' message attributes of type URL or form, the Notification Details
page will display only the URL response links or form response icons and will not
display any other response fields. However, users will still be able to reassign or request
more information for the notification as usual, if the notification is defined to allow
those options.
See: Message Attributes, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Action History
A notification that is sent to an unexpanded recipient role can include an action history
table that shows what actions users have performed on the notification to date. The
action history table contains a row for each previous execution of the same notification
activity node in a process, as well as a row for the initial submission of the process. For
example, for a requisition approval notification activity that sends a certain notification
to several approvers in turn, the action history table would contain a row for each
approver to whom the notification was sent, as well as a row for the process owner.
Additionally, if a notification is reassigned to another user in either delegate or transfer
mode, or if one user requests more information about the notification and another user
answers or transfers that request, the action history contains rows for those actions also.
If Oracle Workflow cannot apply a vacation rule because the rule would reassign the
notification to the process owner or the from role for the notification, then the action
history contains a row showing that the reassignment was prevented and the rule was
not applied.

If the notification requires a response, then Oracle Workflow automatically includes


the action history table in the notification.

3-30 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

If the notification does not require a response, then Oracle Workflow only includes
the action history table automatically if the notification has been reassigned at least
once or if at least one recipient has requested more information about the
notification. However, you can manually include the action history table by calling
the special message function WF_NOTIFICATION(HISTORY) in the message body.
Note: Oracle Workflow does not support including the action history in

a notification with the Expand Roles check box selected, which causes a
separate copy of the notification to be sent to each user in the recipient
role. See: Notification Activity, page 3-74.

The formatting of the action history table depends on whether the notification contains
an embedded Oracle Application Framework region.

If the notification contains an Oracle Application Framework region, or if it contains


only plain text and calls to the special WF_NOTIFICATION() message function, the
table is formatted as an Oracle Application Framework region.

If the notification does not contain any Oracle Application Framework regions, but
does contain references to other types of message attributes, then the table is
formatted in a standard Oracle Workflow format.

The standard action history table provided by Oracle Workflow includes the following
columns:

Num - A sequence number indicating the order in which the actions on this
notification took place, beginning at one (1) for the initial submission of the process
by the process owner.

Action Date - The date that a user acted on the notification.

Action - The action performed on the notification.

From - The user who performed the action.

To - The next user who must act on the notification as a result of this action. For
example, the next approver, the user to whom the notification was reassigned, or
the user from whom more information was requested.

Details - An additional note from the user who performed the action. To allow a
recipient to add a note for the action history table while responding, you must
create a special 'Respond' message attribute with the internal name WF_NOTE.
Define the message attribute with the following properties:

Internal Name - WF_NOTE

Display Name - Note

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-31

Description - Note

Type - Text

Source - Respond

When the WF_NOTE attribute is defined with a source of 'Respond', it appears as


part of the notification response section, and the recipient can enter a note there
when responding to the notification. Oracle Workflow retrieves the note text stored
in the WF_NOTE attribute and displays it in the action history table.
If the responder did not enter a note, or if the WF_NOTE message attribute was not
defined for the notification, then the Note column in the action history table is left
blank.
Oracle Workflow also lets users enter notes while reassigning a notification,
requesting more information, or answering a request for more information. These
notes are likewise displayed in the action history table.
To allow the process owner to add a note for the action of submitting the process
and sending the initial notification, you must define a special message attribute
named #SUBMIT_COMMENTS. See: #SUBMIT_COMMENTS Attribute, page 3-43.
You can optionally create a custom action history table to replace the standard action
history table, using the special message attribute named #HISTORY. Your custom action
history table must be formatted as an Oracle Application Framework region, PL/SQL
document, or PL/SQL CLOB document. See: #HISTORY Attribute, page 3-42,
Embedding Oracle Application Framework Regions in Messages, page 3-55, and
WF_NOTIFICATION() Message Function, page 3-32.
You can use the special message attribute named #RELATED_HISTORY to include the
action history of one notification in another notification. See: #RELATED_HISTORY
Attribute, page 3-43.

WF_NOTIFICATION() Message Function


In addition to message attribute tokens, you can also use a special message function
called WF_NOTIFICATION() to add context-sensitive content to a message body.
Depending on the parameters you provide, the WF_NOTIFICATION() function can
produce either a table of message attributes or an action history table for the
notification.
By default, the tables are created as Oracle Application Framework regions, unless the
message body also includes any message attribute tokens that reference values other
than Oracle Application Framework regions. In this case, the tables are created in a
standard Oracle Workflow format. See: Embedding Oracle Application Framework
Regions in Messages, page 3-55.

3-32 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Note: WF_NOTIFICATION()is not a PL/SQL function, but rather a

special message function that can only be called within an Oracle


Workflow message body.

Message Attribute Table


To include a table of message attributes in a message body, call WF_NOTIFICATION()
with the ATTRS option followed by the internal names of the message attributes,
separated by commas. Use the following format:
WF_NOTIFICATION(ATTRS,<attribute1>,<attribute2>,<attribute3>,...)

Note: You must not include any spaces or carriage returns in the call to

WF_NOTIFICATION(). You only need to use a comma to delimit the


parameters in the list.

The message attribute table contains a row for each message attribute listed in the
WF_NOTIFICATION() call, showing the display name and the value for each attribute.

Action History Table


To include an action history table in a message body, call WF_NOTIFICATION() with
the HISTORY option in the following format:
WF_NOTIFICATION(HISTORY)

The action history table contains the standard action history information provided by
Oracle Workflow, unless you have defined the #HISTORY attribute for a message to use
a custom action history region instead. See: Action History, page 3-30 and #HISTORY
Attribute, page 3-42.

#WF_REASSIGN_LOV Attribute
You can use a special message attribute with the internal name #WF_REASSIGN_LOV to
specify the users to whom a message can be reassigned. Create a role whose members
are all the users that you want to allow as possible new recipients when the notification
is reassigned, and assign this role as the value for the #WF_REASSIGN_LOV attribute.
Then, when the notification recipient attempts to reassign the notification, only the
users that belong to that role will appear in the list of values for the Assignee fields in
the Reassign Notifications page. See: To Reassign a Notification to Another User, Oracle
Workflow User's Guide.
The #WF_REASSIGN_LOV attribute must be of type role and must have a source of
Send. You can either specify a particular role as a constant value for the
#WF_REASSIGN_LOV attribute, or specify an item type attribute as the value and
include logic in your workflow process that dynamically sets that item type attribute to
the role you want at runtime. If no existing role meets your needs, you can include logic
in your process to create an ad hoc role at runtime and add the users you want to that

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-33

role. See: CreateAdHocRole, Oracle Workflow API Reference and AddUsersToAdHocRole,


Oracle Workflow API Reference.
Note: If the notification recipient has grants for the Oracle Workflow

user list of values that allow access only to specific partitions within the
Oracle Workflow directory service, then the recipient can only select
roles from those partitions in the Assignee fields in the Reassign
Notifications page and the Vacation Rule: Response page, even if the
role you specify as the #WF_REASSIGN_LOV attribute value also
includes roles in other partitions. See: Configuring the Oracle
Workflow User List of Values, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
However, note that the #WF_REASSIGN_LOV attribute overrides any
grants that restrict access to specific user and role values in the Oracle
Workflow user list of values. If you define the #WF_REASSIGN_LOV
attribute, then the Assignee fields display the roles included in the
#WF_REASSIGN_LOV attribute value that are within the available
partitions.

#HIDE_REASSIGN Attribute
You can use a special message attribute with the internal name #HIDE_REASSIGN to
hide the Reassign button in the Notification Details Web page. The response section in
the Notification Details page includes the Reassign button by default. If you want to
restrict users from reassigning a notification, you can add the #HIDE_REASSIGN
attribute to control whether the Reassign button is displayed or hidden. See: To
Reassign a Notification to Another User, Oracle Workflow User's Guide.
Note: The Notification Details page may include the Delegate button or

the Transfer button instead of the Reassign button, depending on the


setting of the WF: Notification Reassign Mode profile option. The
#HIDE_REASSIGN attribute controls the Delegate button and the
Transfer button in the same way as the Reassign button. See: Setting the
WF: Notification Reassign Mode, page 3-66.

The #HIDE_REASSIGN attribute also controls whether a notification can be reassigned


using the Reassign button in the Advanced Worklist, Personal Worklist, or self-service
home page. The Reassign button in these pages will still be displayed, but an error
message will appear if users attempt to reassign notifications for which the
#HIDE_REASSIGN attribute has been set. See: To View Notifications from the
Advanced Worklist, Oracle Workflow User's Guide and To View Notifications from the
Personal Worklist, Oracle Workflow User's Guide.
Additionally, with this attribute you can specify whether or not the notification can still
be reassigned through vacation rules. You can choose to both hide the Reassign button
and prevent reassignment through vacation rules. In this case Oracle Workflow does

3-34 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

not apply any vacation rules to reassign those notifications, but simply delivers the
notifications to the worklist of the original recipient. You can also choose to hide the
Reassign button but still allow reassignment through vacation rules.
The #HIDE_REASSIGN attribute must be either of type text or lookup.

To hide the Reassign button in the Notification Details page, and to prevent
reassignment from the Advanced Worklist, Personal Worklist, and self-service
home page, as well as through vacation rules, set the value of this attribute to Y.

To hide the Reassign button in the Notification Details page, and to prevent
reassignment from the Advanced Worklist, Personal Worklist, and self-service
home page, but still allow reassignment through vacation rules, set the value of this
attribute to B.

To display the Reassign button in the Notification Details page, and to allow
reassignment from the Advanced Worklist, Personal Worklist, self-service home
page, and vacation rules, set the value to N.
Note: If you want to prevent reassignment in all cases, it is

recommended to define the #HIDE_REASSIGN attribute with a type of


lookup and assign it the predefined Yes/No lookup type that is
provided in the Standard item type. The Yes/No lookup type contains
two lookup codes with the display names Yes and No, representing the
values Y and N, respectively. However, if you want to set the value to B,
you must either define the attribute with a type of text or define a
custom lookup.

If you always want to restrict reassignment for notifications using a particular


message, specify the value Y or B as a constant.

If you only want to restrict reassignment in certain cases, specify an item type
attribute as the value. Then include logic in your workflow process that
dynamically determines at runtime whether reassignment should be permitted or
restricted and sets the item type attribute to Y, B, or N, accordingly.
Note: Users who have workflow administrator privileges can reassign

all notifications, regardless of any restrictions set through the


#HIDE_REASSIGN attribute. For users with workflow administrator
privileges, Oracle Workflow always displays the Reassign button in the
Notification Details page and allows reassignment from the Advanced
Worklist, Personal Worklist, and self-service home page, even if the
#HIDE_REASSIGN attribute for a notification is set to Y or B. This
ability to override restrictions on reassignment lets administrators
intervene when necessary in exception cases.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-35

Workflow administrator privileges are assigned in the Workflow


Configuration page. See: Setting Global User Preferences, Oracle
Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Note: The #HIDE_REASSIGN attribute does not affect a user's ability to

transfer a request for more information about a notification to another


user. This attribute controls only the reassignment of the original
notification.

#HIDE_MOREINFO Attribute
You can use a special message attribute with the internal name #HIDE_MOREINFO to
hide the Request Information button in the Notification Details page. When users view
a notification that requires a response from their Worklist page, the response region in
the Notification Details page includes the Request Information button by default. If you
want to prevent users from requesting more information about a notification, you can
add the #HIDE_MOREINFO attribute to control whether the Request Information button
is displayed or hidden.
Note: The #HIDE_MOREINFO attribute also determines whether the

Request Information response link is included or excluded in


HTML-formatted e-mail notifications. However, note that if the
#HIDE_MOREINFO attribute is not defined for a particular notification,
the default behavior is different for the Notification Details page and
for HTML-formatted e-mail notifications. The Notification Details page
displays the Request Information button if the #HIDE_MOREINFO
attribute is not defined, while an HTML-formatted e-mail notification
will exclude the Request Information response link by default if the
#HIDE_MOREINFO attribute is not defined. To control this option in all
interfaces where users access notifications, you should explicitly define
and set the #HIDE_MOREINFO attribute. See: To Respond to an HTML
E-mail Notification, Oracle Workflow User's Guide.

The #HIDE_MOREINFO attribute must be either of type text or lookup. To hide the
Request Information button, set the value of this attribute to Y. To display the Request
Information button, set the value to N.
Note: It is recommended to define the #HIDE_MOREINFO attribute with

a type of lookup and assign it the predefined Yes/No lookup type that
is provided in the Standard item type. The Yes/No lookup type
contains two lookup codes with the display names Yes and No,
representing the values Y and N, respectively.

3-36 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

If you always want to hide the Request Information button for notifications using a
particular message, specify the value Y as a constant.

If you only want to hide the Request Information button in certain cases, specify an
item type attribute as the value. Then include logic in your workflow process that
dynamically determines at runtime whether the button should be hidden or
displayed and sets the item type attribute to Y or N, respectively.

#MORE_INFO_PARTICIPANTS Attribute
You can use a special message attribute with the internal name
#MORE_INFO_PARTICIPANTS to designate additional users or roles from whom the
notification recipient can request more information. When a user chooses to request
more information about a notification, the Request More Information From page or the
e-mail request template includes a list of workflow participants to whom the user can
choose to send the request. By default, the list of workflow participants includes the
following:

The owner of this workflow process and the owner of the parent process, if this
process has a parent

The current recipient roles of all notifications sent by this workflow process or its
parent process

The original recipient roles of all notifications sent by this workflow process or its
parent process, if any notifications were reassigned

The From roles for all notifications sent by this workflow process or its parent
process

If you want to designate additional users as participants from whom information about
this message can be requested, create a role whose members are all the users that you
want to add, and assign this role as the value for the #MORE_INFO_PARTICIPANTS
attribute. Then, when the notification recipient chooses to request more information, the
users that belong to that role are added to the default list of workflow participants.
The #MORE_INFO_PARTICIPANTS attribute must be of type role and must have a
source of Send. You should specify an item type attribute as the value for the
#MORE_INFO_PARTICIPANTS attribute and include logic in your workflow process
that dynamically sets that item type attribute to the role you want at runtime. If no
existing role meets your needs, you can include logic in your process to create an ad hoc
role at runtime and add the users you want to that role.
See: To Respond to an HTML E-mail Notification, Oracle Workflow User's Guide and To
Request More Information From Another User, Oracle Workflow User's Guide.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-37

#FROM_ROLE Attribute
You can use a special message attribute with the internal name #FROM_ROLE to specify
the role that is the source of a notification. For example, if you have a notification that
informs an approver that a requisition was submitted, you can set the requisition
preparer as the From Role for the message.
If a notification with this attribute is reassigned through the Worklist Web pages, Oracle
Workflow automatically sets the From Role to the previous recipient when sending the
notification to the new recipient. Also, Oracle Workflow automatically sets the From
Role for a request for more information to the user who sent the request, and sets the
From Role for a response providing more information to the user who sent the
response.
The From Role for each notification is displayed in the Worklist Web page and in e-mail
notifications to give users additional information for reviewing and responding to the
notifications. Additionally, the Notification Search page and Personal Worklist let you
search for notifications based on the From Role. See: To View Notifications from the
Advanced Worklist, Oracle Workflow User's Guide, Searching for Users' Notifications in
Oracle E-Business Suite, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide, and To View
Notifications from the Personal Worklist, Oracle Workflow User's Guide.
To enhance security, Oracle Workflow does not allow a notification to be reassigned to
the role specified as its From Role.
The #FROM_ROLE attribute must be of type role and must have a source of Send. The
display name and description of the attribute should both be From Role. You should
specify an item type attribute as the value for the #FROM_ROLE attribute and include
logic in your workflow process that dynamically sets that item type attribute to the role
you want at runtime.

#WF_SIG_POLICY Attribute
You can use a special message attribute with the internal name #WF_SIG_POLICY to
require that a user's response to a notification be signed electronically. This electronic
signature is analogous to a written signature. If you define a notification to require an
electronic signature, users must respond to the notification from the Notification Details
Web page and enter the appropriate type of signature. Otherwise, the response will not
be considered valid.

If you define a notification to require a password-based signature, users must sign


their response by entering their Oracle E-Business Suite user name and password.

If you define a notification to require a certificate-based digital signature, users


must sign their response with a valid X.509 certificate issued by a certificate
authority. After the signed response is submitted, Oracle Workflow performs the
following steps:

3-38 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Verifies that the signature was well formed, that it was created with a private
key corresponding to the offered signing certificate, and that it is signing the
plain text that it purports to sign.

Confirms that this user is authorized to sign the notification by checking that
the certificate is assigned to a user who is a member of the recipient role for the
notification.

Confirms that the certificate used to create the signature was valid at the time
the signature was received, meaning it had not expired or been revoked. To
validate a certificate, Oracle Workflow checks that the certificate does not
appear on a certificate revocation list (CRL) issued by the certificate authority
after the time the signature was received.

The signed response text for both types of signatures contains the notification header
information and the response values entered by the user. You can optionally require the
signed response text to include the notification message body as well.
Note: If the message body contains a link or an image, the signed

response text includes the HTML code used to reference the link or
image, rather than the content of the referenced file itself. The signed
response text does not include notification attachments.

The #WF_SIG_POLICY attribute must be either of type text or lookup.

To require a password-based signature without including the message body in the


signed response text, set the value of the #WF_SIG_POLICY attribute to
PSIG_ONLY.

To require a password-based signature and include the message body in the signed
response text, set the value of the #WF_SIG_POLICY attribute to PSIG_BODY.

To require a certificate-based digital signature without including the message body


in the signed response text, set the value of the #WF_SIG_POLICY attribute to
PKCS7X509_ONLY.

To require a certificate-based digital signature and include the message body in the
signed response text, set the value of the #WF_SIG_POLICY attribute to
PKCS7X509_BODY.

If you set the value to DEFAULT, leave the value blank, or if you do not define a
#WF_SIG_POLICY attribute for the message, Oracle Workflow performs the default
response processing that does not require a signature.

For ease of maintenance, you can define the #WF_SIG_POLICY attribute with a type of
lookup and assign it the predefined Signature Policy lookup type provided in the
Standard item type. The Signature Policy lookup type contains five lookup codes with

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-39

the display names Password Signature, Password Signature With Body, X509 Signature,
X509 Signature With Body, and Default, representing the values PSIG_ONLY,
PSIG_BODY, PKCS7X509_ONLY, PKCS7X509_BODY, and DEFAULT, respectively.
You can also define the #WF_SIG_POLICY attribute with a type of text. In this case, you
must manually maintain the values that you set for this attribute.
You can either specify a constant value for the #WF_SIG_POLICY attribute, or specify
an item type attribute as the value and include logic in your workflow process that
dynamically determines at runtime whether a signature should be required or not and
sets that item type attribute accordingly.
Oracle Workflow records the status of requested and submitted signatures in the
Signature Evidence Store, for both password-based signatures and certificate-based
digital signatures. You can search for signatures in the Signature Evidence Store to
check the status of a signature request and review details that provide evidence of the
signature. If your business logic requires a signature to be validated as a prerequisite for
other activities, your workflow can include a notification to an administrator to confirm
the signature status before continuing. See: Reviewing Electronic Signature Details,
Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
To preserve electronic signature evidence for future reference, the Purge Obsolete
Workflow Runtime Data concurrent program and the Oracle Workflow purging APIs
by default do not delete any notifications that required signatures or their associated
signature information. If you anticipate needing access to signature evidence after the
associated workflow processes are complete, ensure that you choose to preserve
signature data when purging. If you do not need to maintain signature evidence, you
can choose to delete signature-related information when purging. See: Purging
Workflow Data, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide and Workflow Purge APIs, Oracle
Workflow API Reference.
For more information, see: Setting Up for Electronic Signatures, Oracle Workflow
Administrator's Guide, Electronic Signatures, Oracle Workflow User's Guide, Viewing
Responses, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide, and NtfSignRequirementsMet, Oracle
Workflow API Reference.

#WF_SIG_ID Attribute
You can specify an electronic signature policy for notifications by defining the
#WF_SIG_POLICY message attribute. If you specify a signature policy that requires an
electronic signature to confirm a user's response to a notification, Oracle Workflow
creates another message attribute named #WF_SIG_ID after the notification is signed.
The #WF_SIG_ID attribute stores the identifier for the signature, which you can use to
reference information about the signature later if necessary. This attribute is of type text
and has a source of 'Respond'.
Note: Oracle Workflow automatically creates and sets the value of the

#WF_SIG_ID attribute when a user submits a response to a notification

3-40 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

with an electronic signature. You do not need to manually create or set


this attribute.

#WF_SECURITY_POLICY Attribute
You can use a special message attribute with the internal name
#WF_SECURITY_POLICY to control whether notifications that include sensitive content
can be sent in e-mail. If you specify that a notification's content must not be sent in
e-mail, users receive an e-mail message that only informs them that they must access
the notification through the Notification Details Web page instead to view its content
and respond. To access the Notification Details page, users can either log into Oracle
E-Business Suite separately, or, if their notification preference includes HTML
attachments, use the Notification Detail Link. See: Reviewing Notifications via
Electronic Mail, Oracle Workflow User's Guide.
The #WF_SECURITY_POLICY attribute must be of type text. To prevent notification
content from being sent in e-mail, set the value of the #WF_SECURITY_POLICY
attribute to NO_EMAIL. If you set the value to EMAIL_OK or DEFAULT, leave the value
blank, or if you do not define a #WF_SECURITY_POLICY attribute for the message,
Oracle Workflow sends the full notification content in e-mail to users whose notification
preference is set to receive e-mail.
You can either specify a constant value for the #WF_SECURITY_POLICY attribute, or
specify an item type attribute as the value and include logic in your workflow process
that dynamically determines at runtime whether the notification content can be sent in
e-mail or not and sets that item type attribute accordingly.

Header Attributes
You can use special header message attributes to display key information in the
notification header region of the Notification Details page. Header attributes are also
displayed at the beginning of e-mail notifications. To identify a message attribute as a
header attribute, you must define an internal name for it that begins with #HDR_ using
the following format:
#HDR_<name>

The display order of any header attributes in the Notification Details page or the e-mail
notification is determined by the sequence of those attributes within the navigation tree
in the Workflow Builder. The display name of each header attribute will appear as a
label before the attribute value in the notification header region. You can either specify
a constant value for each attribute, or specify an item type attribute as the value and
include logic in your workflow process that dynamically sets the item type attribute
value at runtime.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-41

#HDR_REGION Attribute
The notification header region by default contains general message information such as
the from role, recipient, sent date, due date, and notification ID, together with any
special header attributes defined for the notification and any linked Oracle E-Business
Suite attachments. You can optionally use a special message attribute with the internal
name #HDR_REGION to replace this default header with a custom header region.
Your custom header must be defined as an Oracle Application Framework region. For
more information about building an Oracle Application Framework region, refer to the
Oracle Application Framework Developer's Guide, available from My Oracle Support
Knowledge Document 1315485.1.
The #HDR_REGION attribute must be of type document and must have a source of Send.
Set the value of this attribute to a Java Server Page (JSP) call that references your custom
header region. For detailed instructions on how to specify the attribute value, see:
Embedding Oracle Application Framework Regions in Messages, page 3-55.
Note: The Frame Target field is not applicable for message attributes of

type document. Additionally, you must not select the Attach Content
check box for the #HDR_REGION attribute.

#RELATED_APPL Attribute
The Related Applications region in Oracle Application Framework-based notifications
by default contains icons with links to attached URLS, documents, or forms. You can
optionally use a special message attribute with the internal name #RELATED_APPL to
replace this default region with a custom Related Applications region.
Your custom Related Applications region must be defined as an Oracle Application
Framework region. For more information about building an Oracle Application
Framework region, refer to the Oracle Application Framework Developer's Guide, available
from My Oracle Support Knowledge Document 1315485.1.
The #RELATED_APPL attribute must be of type document and must have a source of
Send. Set the value of this attribute to a Java Server Page (JSP) call that references your
custom region. For detailed instructions on how to specify the attribute value, see:
Embedding Oracle Application Framework Regions in Messages, page 3-55.
Note: The Frame Target field is not applicable for message attributes of

type document. Additionally, you must not select the Attach Content
check box for the #RELATED_APPL attribute.

#HISTORY Attribute
Response-required notifications and some FYI notifications include an action history

3-42 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

table. You can optionally use a special message attribute with the internal name
#HISTORY to replace the default action history table provided by Oracle Workflow with
a custom action history region. See: Action History, page 3-30.
Your custom action history table must be defined as an Oracle Application Framework
region, or as a PL/SQL or PL/SQL CLOB document that contains text or HTML. For
more information about building an Oracle Application Framework region, refer to the
Oracle Application Framework Developer's Guide, available from My Oracle Support
Knowledge Document 1315485.1.
The #HISTORY attribute must be of type document and must have a source of Send. For
an Oracle Application Framework region, set the value of this attribute to a Java Server
Page (JSP) call that references your custom action history region. For detailed
instructions on how to specify the attribute value, see: Embedding Oracle Application
Framework Regions in Messages, page 3-55.
For a PL/SQL or PL/SQL CLOB document, set the attribute value to the procedure and
document ID from which the document is generated. See: To Define a Document
Attribute, page 3-17.
Note: The Frame Target field is not applicable for message attributes of

type document. Additionally, you must not select the Attach Content
check box for the #HISTORY attribute.

#SUBMIT_COMMENTS Attribute
The action history region for notifications begins with a row for the initial submission of
the process, when the notification is first sent. You can optionally use a special message
attribute with the internal name #SUBMIT_COMMENTS to display comments from the
process owner for this initial action. See: Action History, page 3-30.
The #SUBMIT_COMMENTS attribute must be of type text and must have a source of
Send. You should specify an item type attribute as the value for the
#SUBMIT_COMMENTS attribute and include logic in your workflow process that
dynamically sets that item type attribute to contain the comments at runtime. Ensure
that you provide a way for the process owner to enter the comments when submitting
the process and store the comments in the appropriate item type attribute.

#RELATED_HISTORY Attribute
You can use a special message attribute with the internal name #RELATED_HISTORY to
include the action history of one notification in another notification. For example, if a
workflow process contains a notification that submits a request for approval and
another notification that informs the requestor whether the request was approved or
rejected, the second notification can include the action history of the first notification to
show the requestor more details about the approvers' decisions.
You can include related action history in both FYI (For Your Information) and

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-43

response-required notifications. Each notification can only include the related action
history for one related notification. The related notification can belong to the same work
item or to a different work item, identified by the item type and item key.
The notification for which you define the #RELATED_HISTORY attribute must be
formatted using an embedded Oracle Application Framework region. See: Embedding
Oracle Application Framework Regions in Messages, page 3-55.
The related action history table appears as an embedded Oracle Application Framework
region. The default title for the table is Related Action History. You can
optionally specify a custom title to use instead. The related action history table includes
the same columns as the default action history table for a notification's own action
history. See: Action History, page 3-30.
The #RELATED_HISTORY attribute must be of type text and must have a source of
Send. Specify the value for this attribute in the following format:
{<title>}[<item_type>:<item_key>]<process_name>:<activity_label_name>

If you want to display a custom title for the related action history table, then replace
<title> with the custom title. If you want to use the default title, then you can
omit {<title>} from the attribute value.

If necessary, specify the item type and item key for the work item to which the
related notification belongs.

If the related notification belongs to a different work item than this notification,
then replace <item_type> and <item_key> with the item type and item key
for that work item, respectively.

If the related notification belongs to a work item that is a parent of the work
item to which this notification belongs, then replace <item_type> with the
item type for the parent work item. In this case Oracle Workflow derives the
item key automatically, so you can omit :<item_key> from the attribute
value.

If the related notification belongs to the same work item as this notification,
then you can omit [<item_type>:<item_key>] from the attribute value.

If the activity node label name does not uniquely identify the activity node of the
related notification within the item type, then replace <process_name> with the
internal name of the process to which the related notification activity node belongs.
If the activity node label name is unique within the item type, then you can omit
<process_name>: from the attribute value.

Replace <activity_label_name> with the label name of the related notification


activity node whose action history you want to include.

For instance, the following example shows the attribute value for a related notification
in another work item, fully qualified with the process name, specifying a custom table

3-44 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

title.
{Approval History}[WFDEMO:1234]NOTIFYAPPROVER:NTF_APPROVE_REQUISITION

The following example shows the attribute value for a related notification in another
work item, that is unique within its item type and does not require the process name to
be specified, and that will be displayed with the default table title.
[WFDEMO:1234]NTF_APPROVE_REQUISITION

The following example shows the attribute value for a related notification in a parent
work item, fully qualified with the process name, specifying a custom table title.
{Approval History}[WFDEMO]NOTIFYAPPROVER:NTF_APPROVE_REQUISITION

The following example shows the attribute value for a related notification in the same
work item, fully qualified with the process name, specifying a custom table title.
{Approval History}NOTIFYAPPROVER:NTF_APPROVE_REQUISITION

The following example shows the attribute value for a related notification in the same
work item, that is unique within its item type and does not require the process name to
be specified, and that will be displayed with the default table title. Note that in this case
only the activity node label name is required.
NTF_APPROVE_REQUISITION

You can either specify a constant value for the #RELATED_HISTORY attribute, or
specify an item type attribute as the value and include logic in your workflow process
that dynamically determines the related notification details at runtime and sets that
item type attribute accordingly. You can also token substitute individual arguments in
the #RELATED_HISTORY attribute value with other message attributes. The message
attributes used for token substitution in turn can have constant values or can reference
the values returned from item type attributes. See: To Token Substitute an Attribute,
page 3-72.
For instance, the following example shows the attribute value using token substitution
for a related notification in another work item, fully qualified with the process name,
specifying a custom table title.
{&TITLE}[&ITEM_TYPE:&ITEM_KEY]&PROCESS_NAME:&ACTIVITY_LABEL_NAME

In this example the values for the title, item type, item key, process name, and activity
label name are derived from the values of other message attributes named TITLE,
ITEM_TYPE, ITEM_KEY, PROCESS_NAME and ACTIVITY_LABEL_NAME,
respectively.
Note: The format for the #RELATED_HISTORY attribute value has been

extended to include enhancements introduced in Release 12.2,


including the ability to display a custom title and to specify a related
notification that belongs to a different work item. However, the
enhanced format is backwardly compatible with the format used in
previous releases, <process_name>:<activity_label_name>. No
changes are required to continue using any #RELATED_HISTORY

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-45

attributes that you defined previously.

Region Personalization Attributes


You can use special message attributes to apply personalizations at different levels to
Oracle Application Framework regions embedded in notifications.

#PERZ_FUNCTION_NAME - Define this attribute for a message to apply a


personalization at function level to a region embedded in the notification. Set the
attribute value to the function name.

#PERZ_ORGANIZATION_ID - Define this attribute for a message to apply a


personalization at organization level to a region embedded in the notification. Set
the attribute value to the organization ID.

#PERZ_LOCALIZATION_CODE - Define this attribute for a message to apply a


personalization at localization level to a region embedded in the notification. Set the
attribute value to the localization code.

You can also create personalizations for an Oracle Application Framework region at site
level. In this case the personalizations will automatically be applied when the region
appears embedded in a notification, as well as when it appears in any other location.

Notification Mailer Attributes


You can use special message attributes to control how a notification mailer generates
the e-mail message for a notification, if the recipient has a notification preference to
receive e-mail notifications. For example, if you want to customize notifications from a
particular department, you can define these attributes for those notifications.

#WFM_FROM - Define this attribute for a message to specify the value that appears in
the From field of the message header when the e-mail notification message is
delivered to a user. If the #WFM_FROM message attribute is defined for a notification,
the notification mailer that sends the message will use the #WFM_FROM attribute
value in the From field for that message, overriding the mailer's From parameter
value.

#WFM_REPLYTO - Define this attribute for a message to specify the address of the
e-mail account that receives incoming messages, to which e-mail notification
responses should be sent. If the #WFM_REPLYTO message attribute is defined for a
notification, the notification mailer that sends the message will use the
#WFM_REPLYTO attribute value as the reply address for that message, overriding
the mailer's Reply-To Address parameter value.

#WFM_HTMLAGENT - Define this attribute for a message to specify the base URL that
identifies the HTML agent that handles HTML notification responses. This URL is

3-46 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

required to support e-mail notifications with HTML attachments. The default URL
for Oracle E-Business Suite is derived from the Applications Servlet Agent (
APPS_SERVLET_AGENT) profile option. You can define a different value for a
particular notification mailer in the mailer's HTML Agent parameter. You can also
override any other HTML agent value by defining a different value for this
attribute. If the #WFM_HTMLAGENT message attribute is defined for a notification,
the notification mailer that sends the message will use the #WFM_HTMLAGENT
attribute value as the HTML agent for that message, overriding both the underlying
default and the mailer's HTML Agent parameter value.
The HTML agent value for Oracle E-Business Suite should have the following
format:
http://<server_name:port>/OA_HTML/

#WFM_LANGUAGE - Define this attribute for a message to specify the value of the
NLS_LANGUAGE database initialization parameter that determines the language for
the e-mail notification. Set the attribute value to a language name supported by the
Oracle Database, such as ARABIC. If the #WFM_LANGUAGE message attribute is
defined with a valid value for a notification, the notification mailer that sends the
message will use the #WFM_LANGUAGE attribute value when generating the e-mail
message, overriding the language preference of the recipient role.

#WFM_TERRITORY - Define this attribute for a message to specify the value of the
NLS_TERRITORY database initialization parameter that determines the
territory-dependent formatting for the e-mail notification. Set the attribute value to
a territory name supported by the Oracle Database, such as UNITED ARAB
EMIRATES. If the #WFM_TERRITORY message attribute is defined with a valid value
for a notification, the notification mailer that sends the message will use the
#WFM_TERRITORY attribute value when generating the e-mail message, overriding
the territory preference of the recipient role.
Note: The #WFM_LANGUAGE and #WFM_TERRITORY attributes

function independently of each other. If you define only one of


these attributes with an overriding value for the corresponding
NLS parameter, the notification mailer still uses the recipient role's
preference for the other parameter.
These message attributes are optional. You need to define them
only when you do not want to use the recipient role's own
language and territory preferences to generate the e-mail
notification.

Note: The notification mailer can only use installed languages. If

you set the #WFM_LANGUAGE attribute to a language that is not


installed, the notification mailer generates the e-mail notification

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-47

with the base language for the database.

#WFM_RESET_NLS - Define this attribute for a message to specify whether the


notification mailer should encode the message with character encoding according to
the notification recipient's preferred language.

Set the attribute value to Y to encode the message with character encoding
according to the language specified in the notification recipient's user
preferences. Oracle Workflow takes the character encoding for the language
either from the WF_LANGUAGES table or from the override settings specified
in the Character Encoding Configuration page.

Set the attribute value to N to send the message in the default character
encoding for the database or the override character encoding specified in the
Character Encoding Configuration page.

If the #WFM_RESET_NLS message attribute is defined with a valid value for a


notification, the notification mailer that sends the message will use the
#WFM_RESET_NLS attribute value when generating the e-mail message, overriding
the mailer's Reset NLS parameter value. For more information about how Oracle
Workflow determines which character encoding to use, see: Configuring Character
Encoding for Notification Mailers, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
Note: The #WFM_RESET_NLS attribute takes effect at the

notification message level. If the recipient role for the notification


has multiple members, then the notification mailer applies the
#WFM_RESET_NLS attribute value for every e-mail recipient.

Note: The notification mailer can only use installed languages. If

you set the #WFM_LANGUAGE attribute for a message to a language


that is not installed, then the base language for the database takes
effect. If you also define the #WFM_RESET_NLS attribute for that
message, it affects the encoding of the e-mail message only for that
base language.

#WFM_NODENAME - Use this attribute in conjunction with the #WFM_FROM and


#WFM_REPLYTO attributes, if required, to indicate that the response to a notification
should be processed by a different mailer node than the one that sends the
notification. If the #WFM_NODENAME message attribute is defined for a notification,
the response template generated from the notification will include the
#WFM_NODENAME attribute value in the NID line, overriding the sending mailer's
Mailer Node Name parameter value.

#WFM_HTML_DELIMITER - Define this attribute for a message to specify which

3-48 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

characters the notification mailer uses to delimit response values in response


templates for HTML-formatted e-mail notifications. Valid values for the
#WFM_HTML_DELIMITER attribute are:

DEFAULT - The notification mailer uses the default delimiters, currently set as
the single quote (') for both the opening and the closing delimiter.

APOS - The notification mailer uses the single quote, or apostrophe ('), as both
the opening and the closing delimiter. This setting is currently the same as the
default.

QUOTE - The notification mailer uses the double quote (") as both the opening
and the closing delimiter.

BRACKET - The notification mailer uses the left bracket ([) as the opening
delimiter and the right bracket (]) as the closing delimiter.

Using single quotes as the delimiters accommodates e-mail applications that cannot
process double quotes in the <A HREF="mailto:"> tag for the response template link,
but can accept single quotes. However, if you want users to be able to use
apostrophes or single quotes in their response values without entering an escape
character, you can use double quotes or brackets as the delimiters, depending on
what your e-mail application supports. For example, Microsoft Outlook Express
does not support using double quotes, so if you use Microsoft Outlook Express, you
can set the #WFM_HTML_DELIMITER attribute to DEFAULT, APOS, or BRACKET, but
you should not set this parameter to QUOTE. See: To Respond to an HTML E-mail
Notification, Oracle Workflow User's Guide.
Note: If the #WFM_HTML_DELIMITER attribute is set to an invalid

value, the notification mailer throws an exception and uses the


default delimiters instead.

If the #WFM_HTML_DELIMITER message attribute is defined for a notification, the


notification mailer that sends the message will use the #WFM_HTML_DELIMITER
attribute value to determine which delimiters to use for that notification, overriding
the mailer's HTML_DELIMITER parameter value.
Note: The #WFM_HTML_DELIMITER attribute only controls the

response templates for HTML-formatted notifications. This


attribute does not apply to plain text notifications.

For more information, see: Notification Mailer Configuration Wizard, Oracle Workflow
Administrator's Guide, Setting Up Notification Mailers, Oracle Workflow Administrator's
Guide. and Locale Data, Oracle Database Globalization Support Guide.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-49

Notification Mailer Message Template Attributes


You can use special message attributes to specify which message templates a
notification mailer uses to generate the e-mail message for a notification, if the recipient
has a notification preference to receive e-mail notifications. For example, if you want to
customize notifications from a particular department, you can define these attributes for
those notifications. The templates specified in these attributes for a particular
notification override the templates specified in the configuration parameters for a
notification mailer.
You can create your own message templates by using the Workflow Builder to define
skeleton messages within an item type. See: Modifying Your Message Templates, Oracle
Workflow Administrator's Guide.
The value for a message template attribute must be specified in the following format:
<item_type_internal_name>:<message_internal_name>

For example, to specify the Workflow Open Mail (Templated) message within the
System: Mailer item type, you would enter the following value:
WFMAIL:OPEN_MAIL

You can either specify a constant value for a message template attribute, or specify an
item type attribute as the value and include logic in your workflow process that
dynamically determines at runtime which message template to use and sets that item
type attribute accordingly.
You can define the following attributes to specify templates to be used for a notification
message at various stages in e-mail notification processing.

#WFM_OPEN_MAIL - Specify the template to use for e-mail notifications that require
a response, if you are using the templated response method.

#WFM_OPEN_MAIL_DIRECT - Specify the template to use for e-mail notifications


that require a response, if you are using the direct response method.
Note: If you defined the #WF_SIG_POLICY attribute for a message

to require an electronic signature in users' responses, you do not


need to define the #WFM_OPEN_MAIL or
#WFM_OPEN_MAIL_DIRECT attributes for that message. The
notification mailer always uses the Workflow Signature Required
Mail message in the System: Mailer item type as the template for
notifications that require an electronic signature, overriding any
other template setting.

#WFM_OPEN_MAIL_FYI - Specify the template to use for e-mail notifications that do


not require a response.

3-50 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

#ATTACHED_URLS - Specify the template to use to create the Notification


References attachment for HTML-formatted notification messages that include URL
attributes with Attach Content checked.

#WFM_CANCELED - Specify the template to use to inform the recipient that a


previously sent notification is canceled.

#WFM_OPEN_INVALID - Specify the template to send to a user when the user


responds incorrectly to a notification.

#WFM_CLOSED - Specify the template to use to inform the recipient that a


previously sent notification is now closed.

#WFM_OPEN_MORE_INFO - Specify the template to use to send a request for more


information from one user to another user.

See: Notification Mailer Configuration Wizard, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Additional E-mail Recipient Attributes


You can use special message attributes to specify additional recipients for a notification
e-mail message, if the primary recipient has a notification preference to receive
individual e-mail notifications.

#WFM_CC - Define this attribute to specify one or more secondary recipients for a
notification e-mail message. These recipients are stored in the CC (Carbon Copy)
field of the message header.

#WFM_BCC - Define this attribute to specify one or more additional recipients for a
notification e-mail message whose identities are not included in copies of the
message sent to the primary and secondary recipients. These recipients are stored in
the BCC (Blind Carbon Copy) field of the message header.

The #WFM_CC and #WFM_BCC attributes must be of type text and must have a source of
Send. Specify the attribute value as a list of the e-mail addresses or role names of the
additional recipients, separated by semicolons (;).

If you specify e-mail addresses, each address must be fully qualified with a valid
domain. If any addresses are not fully qualified, the notification mailer treats them
as role names.

If you specify role names, ensure that those roles have valid e-mail addresses
defined.

You can either specify a constant value for each attribute, or specify an item type
attribute as the value and include logic in your workflow process that dynamically
determines the e-mail address at runtime and sets that item type attribute accordingly.
The notification mailer sends the CC and BCC recipients copies of the e-mail message

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-51

generated for the primary recipient. However, the CC and BCC recipients are not added
to the recipient role for the notification in the Notification System.

CC and BCC recipients receive the notification e-mail message only if the primary
recipient has a notification preference of MAILTEXT, MAILHTML, MAILHTM2, or
MAILATTH, and the format of the e-mail is determined by the notification, language,
and territory preferences of the primary recipient.

If the primary recipient has one of the listed notification preferences, the
notification mailer sends the notification e-mail message to CC and BCC recipients
irrespective of their own notification preferences. However, the notification mailer
does check whether any CC or BCC recipients that are specified as role names have
a notification preference of DISABLED, which indicates that the e-mail address on
record for the role is invalid. To help avoid unnecessary processing, the notification
mailer does not send further e-mails to roles marked with the DISABLED
preference. See: Outbound Notification Mailer Processing, Oracle Workflow
Administrator's Guide.

If the primary recipient is a role with multiple members, each of whom receives an
individual notification e-mail message, then the CC and BCC recipients receive
copies of all the e-mail messages sent to all the primary recipient role members.

The notification does not appear in the worklists of CC and BCC recipients.

CC and BCC recipients do not receive copies of any requests for more information
about a notification, nor of any answers providing more information.

Adding CC and BCC recipients is recommended only for FYI notifications. If you do
add CC or BCC recipients to a response-required notification, consider whether the
additional recipients should be able respond to the notification, and set up your security
options accordingly.

If the notification includes the Notification Detail Link attachment and you enable
guest access to the Notification Details page, then CC and BCC recipients can use
the Notification Detail Link attachment to access the Notification Details page, and
view and respond to the notification there. If you do not want CC and BCC
recipients to access the Notification Details page, then you should disable guest
access, or require your users to set notification preferences that do not include the
Notification Detail Link attachment, such as MAILTEXT or MAILHTM2.

If the notification allows responses by e-mail and you select the Allow Forwarded
Response mailer configuration parameter, then CC and BCC recipients can respond
to the notification by e-mail. If you do not want CC and BCC recipients to respond
by e-mail, deselect the Allow Forwarded Response mailer configuration parameter,
or choose notification options that require users to respond through the Notification
Details page. For example, users must use the Notification Details page to respond
to notifications that require electronic signatures and notifications marked as
including secure content not sent by e-mail. See: #WF_SIG_POLICY_ATTRIBUTE,

3-52 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

page 3-38 and #WF_SECURITY_POLICY Attribute, page 3-41.

If the notification requires an electronic signature, then only a primary recipient


who provides a valid signature in the Notification Details page can respond. In this
case CC and BCC recipients cannot respond to the notification.

See: E-mail Notification Security, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Example 'Respond' Message Attributes


Following are examples of how the Notification System generates the Response section
of an e-mail notification using a sample set of 'Respond' message attributes that have no
default values.
The following table lists some sample 'Respond' message attributes.
Sample Respond Attributes
Internal Name

Type

Format/Lookup
Type

Display Name

Description

RESULT

lookup

WFSTD_APPRO
VAL

Action

Do you approve?

COMMENT

text

2000

Review
Comments

REQDATE

date

DD-MON-YYYY

Required Date

If there is no
required date,
leave this blank.

MAXAMT

number

Maximum
Amount

This is the
maximum
approved
amount.

For the templated response method, the following boilerplate text is used to generate
the Response template section of an e-mail notification:
<Description><Display Name>: " "
<list of lookup codes>

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-53

Portion of Resulting Response Template as Shown in a Templated Response E-mail


Notification
Do you approve?
Action: " "
Approve
Reject

Review Comments: " "

If there is no required date, leave this blank.


Required Date: " "

This is the maximum approved amount.


Maximum Amount: " "

For the direct response method, the following boilerplate text is used to generate the
Response section of an e-mail notification:
Enter the <Display Name> on line <Sequence>. <Description><Type_Hint>

<Display Name> is replaced with the Display Name of the message attribute.
<Sequence> is replaced with the relative sequence number of the 'Respond' message
attribute as it appears in the Navigator tree among all 'Respond' message attributes
(that is, the presence of 'Send' message attributes is ignored when determining the
sequence). <Description> is replaced with the Description of the message attribute.
In addition, <Type_Hint> is replaced with a hint statement if the message attribute
matches a data type that has a hint. The following table shows the data types with hints
and the corresponding hint statements.

3-54 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Data Type Hints


Type

Type Hint

Lookup

Value must be one of the following: <list of


lookup codes>

Date

Value must be a date [in the form "<format>"].

Number

Value must be a number [in the form "<format>


"].

Text

Value must be <format> bytes or less.

Portion of Resulting Response Section as Shown in a Direct Response E-mail Notification


Enter the Action on line 1. Do you approve? Value must be one of the following:
Approve
Reject

Enter the Review Comments on line 2. Value must be 2000 bytes or less.

Enter the Required Date on line 3. If there is no required date, leave this blank. Value must be a
date in the form "DD-MON-YYYY".

Enter the Maximum Amount on line 4. This is the maximum approved amount. Value must be
a number.

Embedding Oracle Application Framework Regions in Messages


If you have Oracle Application Framework set up in Oracle JDeveloper for custom
development, you can embed Oracle Application Framework regions in a notification
message. To embed a region, define a message attribute whose value is a Java Server
Page (JSP) call that references the region.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-55

The message attribute representing the region must be of type document and must have
a source of Send. You can assign the attribute any appropriate internal name, display
name, and description.
Specify the value for the attribute in the following format:
JSP:/OA_HTML/OA.jsp?OAFunc=<Function_Name>

where <Function_Name> is the self-service function name for the region you want to
embed in the notification, as registered in the Form Functions window in Oracle
E-Business Suite. For example:
JSP:/OA_HTML/OA.jsp?OAFunc=EMBED_WL_FUNC

To pass parameters to the region, specify the value for the attribute in the following
format:
JSP:/OA_HTML/OA.jsp?OAFunc=<Function_Name>&<Name1>=<Value1>
&<Name2>=<Value2>...

where <Function_Name> is the function name for the region, <Name1> and
<Value1> are the parameter name and value for the first parameter, <Name2> and
<Value2> are the parameter name and value for the second parameter, and so on. For
example:
JSP:/OA_HTML/OA.jsp?OAFunc=EMBED_WL_FUNC&Order_Type=12345

You can set the value for the message attribute in the following ways:

Specify the complete JSP call as a constant default value for the message attribute.

Specify an item type attribute of type document as the message attribute value, and
include logic in your workflow process that dynamically sets the item type attribute
value at runtime. This method lets you dynamically set the complete JSP call.

Use token substitution in the message attribute value to dynamically set the
function name within the JSP call.

Create an item type attribute for the function name.

Create an additional message attribute for the function name, and specify the
corresponding item type attribute as the value of that message attribute.

Include logic in your workflow process that dynamically sets the item type
attribute value to the appropriate function name at runtime.

Specify the value for the message attribute representing the region in the
following format:
JSP:/OA_HTML/OA.jsp?OAFunc=-&funcname_attr-

where funcname_attr is the internal name of the message attribute that


specifies the function name.

Use token substitution in the message attribute value to dynamically set the

3-56 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

parameter values for the function within the JSP call. In this case you must specify
the function name and the parameter names as constants within the JSP call, and
token substitute only the parameter values.

Create an item type attribute for each parameter value.

Create an additional message attribute for each parameter value, and specify
the corresponding item type attribute as the value of that message attribute.

Include logic in your workflow process that dynamically sets the item type
attribute values to the appropriate parameter values at runtime.

Specify the value for the message attribute representing the region in the
following format:
JSP:/OA_HTML/OA.jsp?OAFunc=<Function_Name>&<Name1>
=-&msgattr1-&<Name2>=-&msgattr2-...

where <Function_Name> is the function name for the region, <Name1> and
<Name2> are the first and second parameter names, msgattr1 and msgattr2
are the internal names of the message attributes that specify the first and second
parameter values, and so on.
Note: The Frame Target field is not applicable for message attributes of

type document. Additionally, you must not select the Attach Content
check box for a message attribute that references a region. An Oracle
Application Framework region can only be displayed within the
message body of a notification. It cannot be included as an attachment
to the notification.

To embed the region in the message, enter the token for the message attribute in the
HTML body for the message. A message can include multiple regions, which will be
displayed in the sequence in which their tokens appear in the HTML Body field.
Additionally, the message can include calls to the special message function
WF_NOTIFICATION() to produce a table of message attributes or an action history
table, which will also be rendered as Oracle Application Framework regions. See:
WF_NOTIFICATION() Message Function, page 3-32.
Note: If you embed an Oracle Application Framework region in a

message, then the message body can only contain message attribute
tokens referencing such regions and calls to the special message
function WF_NOTIFICATION(). The message body cannot contain any
tokens for message attributes that do not reference regions.

Leave the Text Body field blank for an Oracle Application Framework region message.
Oracle Workflow does not use the text body for such messages. Instead, a text version
of the message is derived directly from the included regions. Note that non-text content

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-57

such as images, links, or special HTML formatting will not appear in the text version of
a region.
Follow these guidelines when you are developing an Oracle Application Framework
region for inclusion in a notification message:

Oracle Workflow notifications support embedded Oracle Application Framework


regions only. You cannot include an entire Oracle Application Framework page.

The region style must be Stack Layout. This region style lets users personalize the
region with Oracle Application Framework Personalization.

Ensure that the event handling in the controllers for the embedded Oracle
Application Framework region does not interfere with the event handling of the
region controller for the main message body. To avoid such interference, when
handling any events in the controller code, you must qualify those events with the
region associated with the controller.

The embedded region must be complete within itself. You should associate the
region with its own application module (AM) and assign it a region title.

You should retain the calling AM in the code of the application that owns the
region. For example, if you create a custom attachments region to be displayed in a
notification in the Notification Details page, the root AM as well as the subsequent
nested AMs should be retained in the owning application's controllers and should
not be refreshed. This is required to avoid issues when the owning application
returns control to Oracle Workflow.

The embedded region must be a view-only region. That is, it cannot contain
elements that allow user input, such as buttons.

The embedded region must not contain any information that is specific to a
particular user session.

The embedded region must not perform a form submit. The embedded region also
must not include any Oracle Application Framework components that perform an
implicit form submit, such as subtabs or hideShow beans.

If you do not want to send an embedded region in e-mail, you can exclude the
message body from notification e-mail messages by assigning the notification a
message template that directs recipients to access the notification through the
Worklist Web pages instead.

For a notification that requires a response, define the special message attributes
#WFM_OPEN_MAIL and #WFM_OPEN_MAIL_DIRECT, and set the values of these
attributes to WFMAIL:VIEW_FROMUI to use the Workflow View From UI
message template.

3-58 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

For a notification that does not require a response, define the special message
attribute #WFM_OPEN_MAIL_FYI, and set the value of this attribute to
WFMAIL:VIEW_FROMUI_FYI to use the Workflow View FYI From UI message
template.

See: Notification Mailer Message Template Attributes, page 3-50, Workflow View
From UI Message, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide, and Workflow View FYI
From UI Message, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

For usability reasons, we recommend that if your Stack Layout region includes a
Table Layout region, you should restrict to 200 the number of rows returned from
the query for the Table Layout region.
If your Stack Layout region includes a region in the Table Layout region style, the
Notification Details page displays the Table Layout region with the Next and
Previous rowset functionality available when appropriate. However, because e-mail
clients cannot interpret the rowset functionality, e-mail notifications display the
Table Layout region with static row data, which is restricted to 200 rows.

Do not enable sorting or navigation features for table components


programmatically at runtime.

Register your Oracle Application Framework region as a self-service function


(non-form function) in the Form Functions window in Oracle E-Business Suite. The
internal name that you define for the function is the function name that you must
include in the message attribute value to reference the region. See: Form Functions
Window, Oracle E-Business Suite Developer's Guide.
When you register the function, enter the HTML Call in the Web HTML tabbed
region of the Form Functions window, using the following format:
OA.jsp?page=/<directory_path>/<Region_Code>
&akRegionApplicationId=<Region_Application_ID>

For example:
OA.jsp?page=/oracle/apps/fnd/wf/worklist/webui/
WFNTFWORKLIST&akRegionApplicationId=601

For more information about building an Oracle Application Framework region, refer to
the Oracle Application Framework Developer's Guide, available from My Oracle Support
Knowledge Document 1315485.1.
When you configure a notification mailer, you can set certain parameters to control how
the notification mailer includes Oracle Application Framework content in e-mail
notifications. For example, you can specify the user, responsibility, and application
through which a notification mailer accesses Oracle Application Framework content.
You can also specify whether to attach any stylesheet and images referenced in Oracle
Application Framework regions to e-mail notifications, or simply display the stylesheet
and image references as URLs. See: Notification Mailer Configuration Wizard, Oracle
Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-59

You can use the Workflow Mailer URL Access Tester page to test whether Oracle
Application Framework content can be generated correctly for e-mail notifications. See:
Testing Mailer URL Access, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Related Topics
To Create a Message, page 3-60
To Define a Message Attribute, page 3-66
To View the Details of a Notification, Oracle Workflow User's Guide
Reviewing Notifications via Electronic Mail, Oracle Workflow User's Guide

Defining Messages
To Create a Message:
1.

Select the item type that you want to create a message for in the navigator tree, and
choose New Message from the Edit menu. A Message property page appears.
Message Property Page

2.

Provide an internal name for the message that is all uppercase with no
leading/trailing spaces, and provide a display name. You may also enter an optional
description. All Oracle Workflow APIs, SQL scripts, and PL/SQL procedures refer
to the internal name when identifying a message.

3-60 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Important: To update the internal name for a message once it is

defined, you must use a special SQL script called wfchmsg.sql.


You should only use this script to correct errors in a message's
internal name during design time. Do not use this script to rename
messages that are involved in running instances of processes. See:
Wfchmsg.sql, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Caution: Do not include colons ":" or leading/trailing spaces in

your internal name.

3.

Choose High, Normal, or Low for the default priority of the message. The priority
level simply informs the recipient of the urgency of the message. It does not affect
the processing or delivery of the message.
Note: When you assign this message to a notification activity and

you incorporate the notification activity into a process diagram as a


node, you can override this default message priority with a new
priority that is constant or dynamically determined at runtime. See:
To Define Nodes in a Process, page 4-4.

Note: In earlier versions of Oracle Workflow, the message priority

was represented as a numeric value between 1 (high) and 99 (low).


Oracle Workflow now automatically converts the priority values of
all message definitions defined in earlier versions as follows: 1-33 =
High, 34-66=Normal, and 67-99=Low.

4.

Choose Apply to save your changes.

5.

Select the Body tab to display the Body property page of the message.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-61

Body Property Page

6.

The subject gets its default value from the display name that you entered in the
Message tab. You can choose to keep the default subject or enter a new subject for
the message. The subject can include message attributes that get token replaced
with runtime values when the message is delivered. To include a message attribute
in the subject, use an ampersand (&) followed by the message attribute's internal
name. The maximum length for the complete token-substituted subject is 240 bytes.
See: Send and Respond Message Attributes, page 3-29 and To Define a Message
Attribute, page 3-66.
Tip: For clarity, you can assign a message attribute the same name

as the item type attribute it references.

7.

If the message will not contain any embedded Oracle Application Framework
regions, enter a plain text message body in the Text Body field. You can select the
ellipsis button (...) to expand the view of the Subject and Text Body fields in
another window.
Oracle Workflow uses the content you enter in the Text Body field to generate a
plain text version of the notification message. The plain text message can be viewed
from the from an e-mail reader that displays plain text messages.
Important: If the message will not contain any embedded Oracle

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Application Framework regions, ensure that you enter a plain text


message body in the Text Body field. If Text Body is null, you get
an empty notification when you view your message from a plain
text e-mail reader. However, if the message does contain one or
more embedded Oracle Application Framework regions, then you
should leave the Text Body field blank, because the text body is not
used for this type of notification. See: Embedding Oracle
Application Framework Regions in Messages, page 3-55.

8.

Enter an HTML-formatted message body in the HTML Body field by selecting the
HTML Body tab and typing in the content, or by selecting Import to import the
content from a .HTM or .HTML file. You can also select the ellipsis button (...) to
expand the view of the Subject and HTML Body fields in another window.
If the message will contain an embedded Oracle Application Framework region,
then the HTML body is required. Otherwise, the HTML Body field is optional. See:
Embedding Oracle Application Framework Regions in Messages, page 3-55.
Important: When you enter or import the HTML message body,

you do not need to include the <Body>...</Body> HTML tags. If


you do include these tags, Oracle Workflow simply extracts the
content between these tags to use as the HTML message body. As a
result, Oracle Workflow ignores any HTML tags or content prior to
the <Body> tag.

Important: Oracle Workflow Builder does not verify the HTML

formatting of the message body.

Oracle Workflow uses the content you enter in the HTML Body field to generate an
HTML-formatted version of the notification message. You can view an
HTML-formatted notification message from the Notification Details Web page, or
from an e-mail reader that displays HTML-formatted messages or HTML-formatted
message attachments.
Note: If HTML Body is null, Oracle Workflow uses the message

body entered in Text Body to generate the notification message. It


inserts the plain text between the <pre>...</pre> HTML tags.

9.

You can embed message attributes in the text or HTML body. Oracle Workflow
token replaces the message attributes with runtime values when it delivers the
notification. To embed a message attribute, enter an ampersand ("&") followed by
the message attribute's internal name.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-63

Important: The text in a message body must be less than 4000 bytes.

If you include message attributes in the text for token substitution,


then the final message body can increase up to 32000 bytes.

Note: You can also include a special token in the message subject or

body called &#NID. Oracle Workflow substitutes this token with


the notification ID of the runtime notification.

Note: If you define a 'Send' message attribute of type URL that

points to an image file with an extension of gif, jpg, png, tif,


bmp, or jpeg, and you embed the URL attribute in the HTML body
of the message, then the prefix in the attribute value controls
whether Oracle Workflow displays the image inline in the
Notification Details page and HTML-formatted e-mail notifications
or displays the image URL as a link. See: To Define a URL
Attribute, page 3-13.

Additionally, you can use the message function WF_NOTIFICATION() to include a


formatted table of message attributes or an action history table in the text or HTML
message body.
10. Choose Apply to save your changes.
11. Select the Roles tab page to specify the roles that have access to this message. (This

functionality will be supported in a future release.)


12. Select the Access tab page to set the access levels allowed to modify this message.

See: Allowing Access to an Object, page 3-21.


13. If you want the notification message to prompt the performer for a response value

and you want Oracle Workflow to interpret that response value as the result of the
notification activity, select the Result tab page and complete the information
requested. Oracle Workflow uses the information you specify in the Result tab page
to create a special 'Respond' message attribute called RESULT. See: Message Result,
page 3-29.

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Result Property Page

Specify a display name and description for RESULT. Select a lookup type from the
poplist field. The lookup type you select should be identical to the lookup type
specified for the notification activity's result type. Select a lookup code in the
Default Value region. The lookup code you select appears as the default value of
the RESULT message attribute.
Note: To create any other type of message attribute, see: To Define

a Message Attribute, page 3-66.

14. Choose Apply to save your changes, OK to save your changes and close the

property page, or Cancel to cancel your changes and close the property page.
15. The message you just defined now appears beneath the Message branch in the

navigator tree. You can review or edit the properties of this message at any time by
double-clicking on the message in the navigator tree or by selecting the message
and choosing Properties from the Edit menu.
If a message has a Result defined, then its message icon in the Navigator tree has a
red question mark overlay to help you distinguish it from messages that do not
have a Result defined.
16. You must now define all the message attributes that you have included in the

subject and body of this message.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-65

17. To create a message attribute that references an item type attribute, select the

referenced item type attribute in the navigator tree, and hold down your mouse
select button as you drag the item type attribute to your message.
Edit the property page that appears, making sure the message attribute has the
proper Source. The Default Value region is automatically set to Item Attribute and
references the originating item attribute.
18. You can also create message attributes that are not based on existing item type

attributes. See: To Define a Message Attribute, page 3-66.

To Define a Message Attribute:


1.

To create a message attribute that does not reference an existing item type attribute,
select a message in the navigator tree and choose New Attribute from the Edit
menu.
An Attribute property page appears.
Message Attribute Property Page

2.

Provide an Internal Name in all uppercase with no leading/trailing spaces. All


Oracle Workflow APIs, SQL scripts, and PL/SQL procedures refer to the internal
name when identifying an attribute.
Important: To update the internal name for a message attribute

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once it is defined, you must use a special SQL script called


wfchmsga.sql. You should only use this script to correct errors in
a message attribute's internal name during design time. Do not use
this script to rename message attributes that are involved in
running instances of processes. See: Wfchmsga.sql, Oracle Workflow
Administrator's Guide.

Caution: Do not include leading/trailing spaces or reserved

characters such as a colon (":"), ampersand ("&"), or number sign ("


#") in the internal name of a message attribute. Additionally, do not
include any spaces within the internal name of a message attribute.

3.

Specify 'Send' or 'Respond' in the Source field to indicate whether this attribute
should send information to the notification recipient or prompt a notification
message recipient for a response, respectively.

4.

Enter a Display Name. This is the name that appears in the navigator tree. If this is a
'Respond' message attribute, then this display name is also used as the response
prompt. See: Example 'Respond' Message Attributes, page 3-53.
For 'Send' message attributes, the Display Name of the attribute appears in plain
text e-mail notifications only if the attribute is of type URL, to describe what the
URL drills down to.

5.

Enter an optional description. If this is a 'Respond' message attribute, use this field
to elaborate on response instructions. Oracle Workflow includes this description to
provide supplemental instructions to the notification recipient as follows:

The description appears as text along with the response prompt in the response
section of an e-mail notification. See: Example 'Respond' Message Attributes,
page 3-53.

The description appears as a tooltip when a user positions the cursor over the
response field or pull-down menu corresponding to this attribute in the
Notification Details Web page. See: To View the Details of a Notification, Oracle
Workflow User's Guide.

6.

Select the data type of the attribute.

7.

Depending on the Type of your attribute, provide the following default


information:

Text - Specify the maximum length of the text attribute.

Number - Optionally provide a format mask for your number and a default

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-67

number value.

Date - Optionally supply a format mask for the date and a default date value.

Lookup - Choose the name of a predefined Lookup Type from which to draw
values. Choose a lookup code for the default value.

URL - Specify a Universal Resource Locator (URL) to a network location in the


Default Value field. See: To Define a URL Attribute, page 3-13.
Important: 'Respond' message attributes of type URL do not

appear properly when you view the notification from a plain


text e-mail reader. You should advise your workflow users to
view their notifications from the Notification Details Web page
if you plan to create messages with 'Respond' message
attributes of type URL.

Important: A single 'Respond' message attribute of type URL

replaces the Notification Details Web page response frame and


takes the notification recipient to a custom HTML page to
complete the notification response. Your custom HTML
response page must include references to all your 'Respond'
message attributes, including the special RESULT attribute, if
one is defined, and must also include a call to the Workflow
Engine CompleteActivity() API to inform the Workflow Engine
when the notification response is complete.

Note: If you define a 'Send' message attribute of type URL that

points to an image file with an extension of gif, jpg, png, tif


, bmp, or jpeg, and you embed the URL attribute in the HTML
body of the message, then the prefix in the attribute value
controls whether Oracle Workflow displays the image inline in
the Notification Details page and HTML-formatted e-mail
notifications or displays the image URL as a link. See: To
Define a URL Attribute, page 3-13.

Form - Specify a developer form function name and any optional argument
string (form function parameters) in the Default Value field. See: Overview of
Menus and Function Security, Oracle E-Business Suite Developer's Guide and To
Define a Form Attribute, page 3-16.
Important: 'Send' and 'Respond' message attributes of type

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Form appear only when your Worklist Web pages are launched
from Oracle E-Business Suite. The attached form icon is
enabled if a notification message includes a 'Send' message
attribute of type Form. The notification recipient can click on
the attached form icon to drill down to the form function
defined by the message attribute.

Important: If a message includes a 'Respond' message attribute

of type Form, the attached form icon that appears in the


notification's Response section simply drills down directly to
the designated form function. This form function must be
coded with a call to the Workflow Engine CompleteActivity()
API to inform the Workflow Engine that the notification
response is complete. See: Workflow Engine APIs, Oracle
Workflow API Reference.

Document - Enter a string that identifies the document in the Default Value
field. See: To Define a Document Attribute, page 3-17.
Document attributes can only have a source of Send. You cannot use a
document attribute as a respond attribute.

Role - Specify a role name. If a message attribute of type role is included in a


notification message, the attribute automatically resolves to the role's display
name, eliminating the need for you to maintain separate attributes for the role's
internal and display names. Also when you view the notification from a Web
browser, the role display name is a hypertext link to the e-mail address for that
role. To set a default value for the attribute, you must initially load roles from
the database. See: Roles, page 4-23.

Event - Specify an event item type attribute as the default value.


Important: Do not specify a message attribute's data type as

Attribute, as it serves no purpose in a notification message and is


also not supported by the Workflow Notification System.

Important: 'Respond' message attributes of type Date, Number,

Text, or Role prompt the notification recipient to respond with a


date, number, text value, or role (internal or display name),
respectively.
For 'Respond' message attributes of type Role, if an administrator

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-69

has defined grants to restrict the Oracle Workflow user list of


values, then when a notification recipient enters response values
for the role attribute in the Notification Details page, Respond to
Notifications as Group page, or Vacation Rule: Response page, only
the values to which the notification recipient has access appear in
the list of values. See: Configuring the Oracle Workflow User List
of Values, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
'Respond' message attributes of type Lookup prompt the
notification recipient to select a response from a list of values.

8.

If your message attribute is a URL attribute, specify a Frame Target. When you
reference this message attribute in a message and the user who receives the
message clicks the URL link in the message body, the URL opens according to what
you specify as the frame target. The frame target can be:

New Window - the URL loads in a new, unnamed browser window.

Full Window - the URL loads into the full, original window, thus cancelling all
other frames. This value is equivalent to Same Frame if the current frame has no
parent.
Note: You should only choose New Window or Full Window as the

frame target for URL attributes. The Notification Details page no


longer uses frames to display notifications, so choosing Same
Frame or Parent Frameset is equivalent to choosing Full Window.

Note: If the URL attribute points to an image file with an extension

of gif, jpg, png, tif, bmp, or jpeg, the attribute value has a
prefix of IMG: or no prefix, and you embed the URL attribute in the
notification message by token substitution, then Oracle Workflow
displays the image inline in the Notification Details page and
HTML-formatted e-mail notifications, rather than as a link. In this
case the frame target value is not applicable.

9.

If your message attribute is a Send attribute, is of type Document, and contains a


PL/SQL, PL/SQL CLOB, or PL/SQL BLOB document, you can check Attach Content
to attach the content of the attribute to the notification message. When you view
your notification from the Notification Details Web page, you see a document icon
following the notification message body that displays the contents of the attached
message attribute when you click on it. If you view your notification from e-mail,
the presentation of the attachment will vary depending on what your e-mail
notification preference setting is. See: Reviewing Notifications via Electronic Mail,

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Oracle Workflow User's Guide.


Note: You can attach, as well as embed (by token substitution)

PL/SQL document attributes in the notification message and are not


limited to one or the other. However, a document attribute that
references an Oracle Application Framework region can only be
embedded in the notification message. A region cannot be attached
to a notification. See: Embedding Oracle Application Framework
Regions in Messages, page 3-55.

10. If your message attribute is a Send attribute and is of type URL, you can check

Attach Content to attach the URL to the message.

In the Notification Details Web page, an attached URL appears with an


attachment icon after the notification message body.

For a notification e-mail message that does not include an embedded Oracle
Application Framework region, Oracle Workflow appends an attachment called
Notification References to the e-mail. This attachment includes a link to each
URL attribute for the message that has Attach Content checked. You can
navigate to a URL by choosing its link.

For a notification e-mail message that includes an embedded Oracle


Application Framework region, Oracle Workflow includes a Related
Applications region in the e-mail after the message body. The Related
Applications region displays a link to each attached URL attribute.
Note: You can attach, as well as embed (by token substitution) URL

attributes in the notification message and are not limited to one or


the other.

Note: If you check Attach Content for a URL attribute that points to

an image file, the URL attribute appears as a link in the Notification


References attachment or Related Applications region, just as other
URLs do.

11. For message attributes, the default value may be a constant or an item type

attribute. If the default references its entire value directly from an item type
attribute, choose Item Attribute, then use the poplist field to choose an item type
attribute. The item type attribute you select must be associated with the same item
type that the message itself is associated with. The item type attribute you select
must also be of the same data type as the message attribute.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-71

Note: A message attribute type of 'Text' is compatible with any item

attribute type except Event, but all other message attribute types
must match the item attribute type exactly.

12. Choose Apply to save your changes, OK to save your changes and close the

property page, or Cancel to cancel your changes and close the property page.
13. Any message attribute you define appears beneath the respective message you

defined it for in the navigator tree. You can review or edit the properties of an
attribute at any time by double-clicking on the attribute in the navigator tree or by
selecting the attribute and choosing Properties from the Edit menu. Respond
message attribute icons in the Navigator tree have a red question mark overlay to
help you distinguish them from Send message attribute icons.
Note: Message attributes assume the access/protection level of their

parent message.

Important: The order in which you list 'Respond' message attributes

in the navigator tree correlates to the order in which they appear in


the response section of the notification message. You can use the
drag and drop feature of the navigator tree to reorder a set of
attributes, or select an attribute and choose Move Attribute Up or
Move Attribute Down from the Edit menu.

To Token Substitute an Attribute:


Oracle Workflow supports runtime token substitution of attributes. You can embed
attributes within an attribute as well as embed attributes within a message subject and
body. To embed an attribute, specify the attribute that you want to have token
substituted as &attr_name, where attr_name is the internal name of the attribute.
When performing token substitution, Oracle Workflow fetches the internal name of the
attribute and its value. If an attribute requiring token substitution is nested with
another attribute, Oracle Workflow orders the nested list of attributes according to the
length of their internal attribute names and then begins substituting the attributes with
the longest internal names first.
Important: If you find that you need to nest message attributes more

than two layers deep to display the necessary message body content,
you should investigate creating a PL/SQL document-type message
attribute. See: External Document Integration, page 3-5.

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To Copy a Message:
1.

Select the message to copy in the navigator tree.

2.

Hold down your mouse select button as you drag the message to the item type
branch you want to copy to.

3.

When you release your mouse button, a property page appears for the new
message.
Note: You can also use the Copy and Paste options in the Edit

menu.

4.

Enter a new internal name and display name.

5.

Make any additional modifications to the properties of the message.

6.

When you are done, choose OK.


Note: Copying a message also copies any message attributes

assigned to it.

Related Topics
Using the Edit Button in a Property Page, page 2-7
To Copy an Attribute, page 3-20
Reviewing Notifications via Electronic Mail, Oracle Workflow User's Guide

Activities
An activity is a unit of work that contributes toward the accomplishment of a process.
An activity can be a notification, a function, an event, or a process. A notification
activity sends a message to a workflow user. The message may simply provide the user
with information or request the user to take some action. A function activity calls a
PL/SQL stored procedure or some external program to perform an automated function.
An event activity receives, raises, or sends a business event. A process activity is a
modelled workflow process, which can be included as an activity in another process to
represent a sub-process.
Activities are organized beneath their respective Processes, Notifications, Functions, or
Events headings in the navigator tree. You can create, edit, and delete activity
definitions in the navigator tree, and drag an activity from the tree into a Process
window to create a new usage of that activity in a process diagram. Each activity is

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-73

depicted as an icon in a process diagram


Oracle Workflow provides an item type called Standard that includes generic activities
you can use in any process you define. For example, some of the activities perform
standard functions such as comparing two values. See: Standard Activities, page 5-1.
Oracle Workflow also provides an item type called System:Error that includes standard
error processes and activities you can use to create a custom error process. You can
assign an error process to a process activity. If an error occurs, the error process informs
Oracle Workflow how to handle the error. See: Error Handling for Workflow Processes,
page 11-1.

Notification Activity
When the workflow engine reaches a notification activity, it issues a Send() API call to
the Notification System to send the message to an assigned performer. You define the
message that the notification sends. The message can be an informative note or it can
prompt the performer for a response. When a performer responds to a notification
activity, the Notification System processes the response and informs the Workflow
Engine that the notification activity is complete so that it can continue processing the
next eligible activity. See: To Create a Notification Activity, page 3-81.
You specify the performer of a notification activity when you include the notification
activity as a node in the process. You can either designate the performer to be a specific
role or an item type attribute that dynamically returns the name of a role. A role can
correspond to a single user or contain multiple users as members. See: To Define Nodes,
page 4-6 and Roles, page 4-23.
When you define a notification activity, you can also optionally:

Check Expand Roles to send an individual copy of the notification message to each
user in the role. The notification remains in a user's notification queue until the user
responds to or closes the notification.
Important: You should expand roles to send out a broadcast-type

message that you want all users of that role to see.


If you do not expand the role for a notification activity, Oracle
Workflow sends one copy of the notification message to the
assigned performer role and that notification is visible in the
notification queue of all the users in that role. If one user in that
role responds to or closes that notification, the notification is
removed from the notification queue of all other users in that role.

Specify a post-notification function that the Workflow Engine executes in response


to an update of the notification's state after the notification is delivered. The
Workflow Engine runs the post-notification function in the following modes:

3-74 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

VALIDATE, RESPOND, and RUN - When a notification recipient responds to the


notification.
The Workflow Engine initially runs the post-notification function in VALIDATE
mode which allows you to validate the response values before accepting the
response. Then the Workflow Engine runs the post-notification function in
RESPOND mode to record the response. Finally, when the Notification System
completes execution of the post-notification function in RESPOND mode, the
Workflow Engine then runs the post-notification function again in RUN mode.

FORWARD - When a notification recipient forwards the notification.

TRANSFER - When a notification recipient transfers the notification.

QUESTION - When a notification recipient requests more information about the


notification from another user.

ANSWER - When a request recipient responds with more information about the
notification.

TIMEOUT - When the notification times out.

CANCEL - When the notification activity is reset to be reexecuted as part of a


loop.

For example, if you wish to restrict the roles that a notification can be forwarded to,
you can specify a post-notification function that the Workflow Engine executes in
FORWARD mode when the notification recipient attempts to forward the notification.
The post-notification function would audit the role and either allow the forward to
occur or reject it with an error. See: Post-Notification Functions, Oracle Workflow API
Reference and Notification Model, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
To create a post-notification function, you should use the same PL/SQL API
required for function activities. See: Standard API for PL/SQL Procedures Called by
Function Activities, page 6-2.
By both checking Expand Roles and specifying a post-notification function, you can
create your own custom vote tallying activity. See: Voting Activity, page 3-94.

Function Activity
A function activity is defined by the PL/SQL stored procedure or external program that
it calls. Function activities are typically used to perform fully automated steps in the
process. As a PL/SQL stored procedure, a function activity accepts standard arguments
and can return a completion result.
If you pass a parameter for the stored procedure, you can expose that parameter as an
activity attribute. The activity attribute's value can be set when you define that activity
as a node in your process. Note that these activity attributes are available only to the

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-75

current activity and are not global like item type attributes. See: To Define Activity
Attribute Values, page 4-16.
As an external program, a function activity is able to enqueue payload information into
an Oracle Advanced Queuing outbound queue for some external agent to dequeue and
consume. The external agent can similarly enqueue updated attributes and a
completion result into an inbound queue that the Workflow Engine consumes and
processes.

Event Activity
An event activity represents a business event from the Business Event System within a
workflow process. Include event activities in workflow processes to model complex
processing or routing logic for business events beyond the standard event subscription
actions. See: Managing Business Events, page 8-1.
An event activity can either receive, raise, or send a business event.

Receive Event Activity


A Receive event activity accepts an event sent from the Event Manager. You can send
an event to launch one particular new process or continue one particular existing
process identified by a specific item type, process name, and item key. You can also
send an event to continue one or more existing processes based only on a business key
attribute.
A Receive event activity can be marked as a Start activity for a process, meaning it is
always enabled to receive events. Alternatively, a Receive event activity can be placed
within the process, so that it is only enabled to receive events after the process
transitions to that activity.
You can define a Receive event activity to accept only one specific event, to accept only
an event that is a member of a specific event group, or to accept any event.
When an event subscription sends an event to a workflow process, the Workflow
Engine performs the following processing:

Sets any parameters in the event message parameter list as item type attributes for
the process, creating new item type attributes if a corresponding attribute does not
already exist for any parameter.

Sets the subscription's globally unique identifier (GUID) as a dynamic item attribute
so that the workflow process can reference other information in the subscription
definition.

If the event was originally raised by a Raise event activity in another workflow
process, the item type and item key for that process are included in the parameter
list within the event message. In this case, the Workflow Engine automatically sets
the specified process as the parent for the process that receives the event, overriding
any existing parent setting. See: SetItemParent, Oracle Workflow API Reference.

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Searches for receive event activities that are eligible to accept the event. For an
activity to be eligible, the event must match the activity's event filter, and the
activity must either be marked as a Start activity or have a status of 'NOTIFIED',
meaning the process has transitioned to the event.
Note: If the event was sent to one or more existing workflow

processes based on a business key, rather than to one particular


workflow process, then to be eligible an activity must have an
event filter that matches the event, a status of 'NOTIFIED' , and a
#BUSINESS_KEY attribute that matches the event key. See: Event
Subscriptions, page 8-15.

If an event arrives at a Start activity to launch a new process instance, the Workflow
Engine also searches for all other receive event activities that are marked as Start
activities and that do not have any incoming transitions, regardless of their event
filter. For these activities, the Workflow Engine sets the activity status to 'NOTIFIED
' so that they will be ready to receive an event if any more events are sent to this
process. This feature lets you design a workflow process that requires multiple
events to be received when you do not know in advance the order in which the
events will arrive.

Stores the event name, event key, and event message in item type attributes, as
specified in each eligible activity node's event details.

Marks all the eligible event activity nodes with a status of 'COMPLETED' and
continues the thread of execution from each of those nodes.

If an event activity has already received an event and another matching event is sent to
the process, then the On Revisit flag for the activity determines whether the Workflow
Engine reexecutes the activity. See: To Define Optional Activity Details, page 3-91.
Example - Using a Business Key
Use a business key to identify which workflow processes should receive an event when
the event applies to one or more processes that are already started and are awaiting
input to continue. For example, a workflow process initiated for a purchase order with
the number PO123 may be awaiting input such as credit card authorization from
another workflow or from an external interface, through an event named
po.credit.authorization. The authorization event should only continue the
workflow process instance associated with the PO123 purchase order; it should not
continue any other purchase order processes.
To achieve this purpose, the receive event activity in the purchase order workflow
process should be defined to accept only the po.credit.authorization event and
should include an activity attribute named #BUSINESS_KEY with a value of PO123.
The other workflow process or external system that raises the event must set the event
key to PO123. Additionally, either the event subscription to the
po.credit.authorization event must use the WF_RULE.Instance_Default_Rule

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-77

rule function, or the subscription must be defined with the Launch When Business Key
Matches option. With this configuration, when the event arrives, it will continue only
the workflow process instance associated with the specific purchase order number
PO123 through the #BUSINESS_KEY activity attribute.

Raise Event Activity


A Raise event activity retrieves information about the event and raises the event to the
Business Event System, which will then execute subscriptions to the event. The activity
retrieves the event name, event key, and event data as specified in the node's event
details. The event details can be dynamically determined at runtime using item type
attributes. You can also specify the event name as a predefined constant for the event
activity node.
Additionally, the activity retrieves the names and values of any activity attributes
defined for it and sets these attributes as parameters in the parameter list for the event
message. If the event message is later received by another process, the Workflow Engine
sets the event parameters as item type attributes for that process. See: Event Message
Structure, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
The activity also automatically sets the item type and item key for the current workflow
process in the parameter list for the event message. If the event message is later received
by another process, the Workflow Engine uses that item type and item key to
automatically set the process that raised the event as the parent for the process that
receives the event. See: SetItemParent, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
If you want to raise the new event using the event data and parameter list from an
existing event message, you can define a special activity attribute named
#EVENTMESSAGE2 for the raise event activity. Set the existing event message as the
value of the #EVENTMESSAGE2 attribute, which must be an attribute of type event. If
this attribute is defined, the activity retrieves the event data and parameter list from the
specified event and sets them into the new event message before it is raised.
Note: If you also specified event data in the node's event details,

however, the activity sets that event data into the event, overriding any
event data from the #EVENTMESSAGE2 attribute. If you specified any
additional parameters in activity attributes for the raise event activity,
the activity also sets those parameters into the parameter list for the
event message, overriding the values of any parameters with the same
names from the #EVENTMESSAGE2 attribute.

For example, if the process previously received an event and you want to raise a new
event with that event data, you can define the #EVENTMESSAGE2 attribute for the raise
event activity and set its default value to the item attribute where the received event is
stored.

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Send Event Activity


A Send event activity retrieves the event name, event key, event message, outbound
agent, and inbound agent, as specified in the node's event details. If no correlation ID is
initially specified in the event message, the correlation ID is automatically set to the
item key of the process. Then the Send event activity sends the event directly from the
outbound agent to the inbound agent. The event details can be dynamically determined
at runtime using item type attributes. You can also specify the event name, outbound
agent, and inbound agent as predefined constants for the event activity node. See: To
Create an Event Activity, page 3-86 and To Define Event Details for an Event Node,
page 4-11.
Note: A Send event activity does not raise the event to the Business

Event System, so no subscription processing is performed.

Process Activity
A process activity represents a collection of activities in a specific relationship. When a
process activity is contained in another process it is called a subprocess. In other words,
activities in a process can also be processes themselves. There is no restriction on the
depth of this hierarchy. See: To Create a Process Activity, page 3-89 and Subprocesses,
Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
Caution: Oracle Workflow does not support using a subprocess activity

multiple times within a process hierarchy.

#ONDEMANDATTR Attribute
When you create a top-level runnable process activity, you can use a special process
activity attribute with the internal name #ONDEMANDATTR to enhance performance for
the process. By default, when a work item is initiated, Oracle Workflow creates a
runtime copy of each item attribute that is defined for that item type. The Workflow
Engine refers to these runtime copies whenever an item attribute is referenced during
execution of the work item. However, depending on the process logic, an item type may
contain many item attributes that are not used during execution of a particular work
item. You can define the #ONDEMANDATTR activity attribute for a process activity to
specify that Oracle Workflow should create runtime copies of item attributes only when
the process sets values for those item attributes. Otherwise, the Workflow Engine
simply references the default values specified for the item attributes in the design-time
workflow definition.
The Workflow Engine simply checks for the presence of the #ONDEMANDATTR attribute
to determine how to proceed. To create runtime copies of item attributes only on
demand, define the #ONDEMANDATTR attribute for the appropriate process activity. The
attribute can be of any type and does not need to contain any particular value. To create

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-79

runtime copies of all item attributes when the process is created, do not define this
attribute for the process activity.
If you define a default value for the #ONDEMANDATTR activity attribute, you must
define the default value as a constant value. Do not define the #ONDEMANDATTR
attribute to take its default value from an item attribute.
See: Item Type Attributes, page 3-2 andItem Attributes, Oracle Workflow Administrator's
Guide.
Note: If you specify that a process should use on-demand item

attributes, you should plan carefully when modifying the workflow


definition to ensure that the changes do not adversely affect active
work items. See: Workflow Objects That Do Not Support Versioning,
page 3-103.

Activity Cost
Each function activity and event activity has a cost associated with it. The cost is a value
representing the number of seconds it takes for the Workflow Engine to execute the
activity. If you do not know how long it takes for the Workflow Engine to perform the
activity, you can enter an estimated cost and update it later as you accumulate more
information about its performance. Generally, you should assign complex, long running
activities a high cost.
The valid range for cost is 0.00 to 1,000,000.00.
Important: Although the cost is entered and displayed in seconds in

Oracle Workflow Builder, it is actually converted and stored in the


database as hundredths of a second.

In normal processing, the Workflow Engine completes the execution of a single activity
before continuing to a subsequent activity. In some cases, an activity might take so long
to process that background processing would be more appropriate.
You can define your Workflow Engine to defer activities with a cost higher than a
designated threshold to a background process. The engine then continues processing
the next pending eligible activity that may occur in another parallel branch of the
process.
The default threshold for the Workflow Engine is 50 hundredths of a second. Activities
with a cost higher than this are deferred to background engines. A background engine
can be customized to execute only certain types of activities. You can set the workflow
engine threshold through SQL*Plus. See: Setting Up Background Engines, Oracle
Workflow Administrator's Guide, To Set Engine Thresholds, Oracle Workflow
Administrator's Guide, and Deferring Activities, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

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Defining Activities
To Create a Notification Activity:
1.

Select the item type that you want to create a notification for in the navigator tree,
then choose New Notification from the Edit menu. Define your notification activity
in the Activity property page that appears.
Notification Activity Property Page

You can also select a message in the navigator tree and drag and drop the message
into the Notifications branch of the same item type to create a notification activity
that sends that message.
2.

A notification activity must have an Internal Name (all uppercase and no


leading/trailing spaces) and a Display Name, which is the translatable name that
appears in your process diagram. Use the description to provide an explanation
about this activity.
Important: To update the internal name for an activity once it is

defined, you must use a special SQL script called wfchact.sql.


You should only use this script to correct errors in an activity's
internal name during design time. Do not use this script to rename
activities that are involved in running instances of processes. See:
Wfchact.sql, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-81

Caution: Do not include colons ":" or leading/trailing spaces in

your internal name.

3.

Indicate the result type (a predefined Lookup Type) for this activity. Result types
list the possible results returned by this activity. Your workflow diagram may
branch depending on the value returned by your completed activity. See: To Create
Lookup Types, page 3-24.
You can choose <None> as the result type if your activity does not return a value,
or if your workflow process does not depend on the value returned.

4.

Select the name of the message you want this notification to send. See: To Create a
Message, page 3-60.

5.

If you plan to assign this notification to a role consisting of multiple users and you
want to send an individual copy of this notification to each user in the role, then
check Expand Roles. If you uncheck Expand Roles, then only one copy of the
notification is delivered to the role as a whole. See: Notification Activity, page 3-74.

6.

You can optionally specify a PL/SQL stored procedure in the Function field. The
procedure is known as a post-notification function and lets you couple processing
logic to the notification activity. See: Standard API for PL/SQL Procedures Called by
Function Activities, page 6-2 and Post-Notification Functions, Oracle Workflow API
Reference.
If you check Expand Roles, and you assign a message that has a special Result to
this notification activity, then use the Function field to specify the name of a custom
PL/SQL stored procedure that tallies the responses you get back from each of the
recipients of this notification. Specify the procedure using the format:
<package_name>.<procedure_name>. See: Voting Activity, page 3-94.

7.

Choose an icon that identifies your activity. You can use any icon, as long as the
icon is stored in a .ico file, to symbolize the action of an activity. See: Adding
Custom Icons to Oracle Workflow, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
Choose Browse to view the icon files listed in the workflow icons subdirectory.
You can also drag and drop icon files from the Windows Explorer onto an activity
in your navigator tree to assign that icon to the activity.

8.

Choose Apply to save your changes.

9.

Select the Details tab to display and modify optional Details of the activity. See: To
Define Optional Activity Details, page 3-91.

10. Select the Roles tab page to specify the roles that have access to this notification

activity. (This functionality will be supported in a future release.)

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11. Select the Access tab page to set the access levels allowed to modify this

notification. See: Allowing Access to an Object, page 3-21.


12. Choose OK to save your changes and close the property pages.
13. The notification activity now appears beneath Notifications in the navigator tree.

You can review or edit the properties of this activity at any time by double-clicking
on the activity in the navigator tree or by selecting the activity and choosing
Properties from the Edit menu or by pressing Enter on your keyboard.

To Create a Function Activity:


1.

Select the item type that you want to create a function for in the navigator tree, then
choose New Function from the Edit menu. Define your function activity in the
Activity property page that appears.
Function Activity Property Page

2.

A function activity must have an Internal Name (all uppercase and no


leading/trailing spaces) and a Display Name, which is the translatable name that
appears in your process diagram. Use the description to provide an explanation
about this activity.
Important: To update the internal name for an activity once it is

defined, you must use a special SQL script called wfchact.sql.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-83

You should only use this script to correct errors in an activity's


internal name during design time. Do not use this script to rename
activities that are involved in running instances of processes. See:
Wfchact.sql, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Caution: Do not include colons ":" or leading/trailing spaces in

your internal name.

3.

Enter the name of the function you want this activity to execute. In the Type field,
specify whether the function is a PL/SQL function, an External function, or an
External Java function.

For a PL/SQL function, set the function type to PL/SQL and specify the function
as <package_name>.<procedure_name>. The function must be defined
according to a standard API. See: Standard API for PL/SQL Procedures Called
by Function Activities, page 6-2.

For an external function activity, set the function type to External. The
Workflow Engine enqueues an entry in the "Outbound" queue and sets the
correlation value of that entry to a value composed of the Workflow schema
name and the item type in the following format:
<schema_name><item_type>

See: Workflow Queue APIs, Oracle Workflow API Reference.


You must create your own queue handler to search for this type of record on
the "Outbound" queue. The queue handler must execute the action associated
with the record and seed the result of the action onto the "Inbound" queue. The
background engine then takes care of messages on the inbound queue and
restarts your original workflow process. See: Deferred Processing, Oracle
Workflow API Reference.
Note: These 'Outbound' and 'Inbound' queues are separate

from the queues used for the Business Event System. See:
Workflow Queue APIs, Oracle Workflow API Reference.

Note: The External Java function type is not currently used.

4.

Indicate the result type (a predefined Lookup Type) for this activity. Result types
list the possible results returned by this activity. Your workflow diagram may
branch depending on the value returned by your completed activity. See: To Create
Lookup Types, page 3-24.

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You can choose <None> as the result type if your activity does not return a value,
or if your workflow process does not depend on the value returned.
5.

Specify the cost of this function activity. See: Activity Cost, page 3-80.

6.

Choose an icon that identifies your activity. You can use any icon, as long as the
icon is stored in a .ico file, to symbolize the action of an activity. See: Adding
Custom Icons to Oracle Workflow, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
Choose Browse to view the icon files listed in the workflow icons subdirectory.
You can also drag and drop icon files from the Windows Explorer onto an activity
in your navigator tree to assign that icon to the activity.

7.

Choose Apply to save your changes.

8.

Select the Details tab to display and modify the optional details of the activity. See:
To Define Optional Activity Details, page 3-91.

9.

Select the Roles tab page to specify the roles that have access to this function
activity. (This functionality will be supported in a future release.)

10. Select the Access tab page to set the access levels allowed to modify this function.

See: Allowing Access to an Object, page 3-21.


11. The function activity now appears beneath Functions in the navigator tree. You can

review or edit the properties of this activity at any time by double-clicking on the
activity in the navigator tree or by selecting the activity and choosing Properties
from the Edit menu or by pressing Enter on your keyboard.
12. If your function requires input arguments, you can expose those arguments in

Oracle Workflow Builder as attributes of the function activity. Function activity


attributes behave as parameters whose values you can modify for each usage of the
activity in a process. Function activity attributes are specific to a function activity
and are not global to a process. See: To Define an Item Type or Activity Attribute,
page 3-8.
To create a function activity attribute that references an item type attribute, select
the referenced item type attribute in the navigator tree, and hold down your mouse
select button as you drag the item type attribute to your function activity. The
Default Value region is automatically set to Item Attribute and references the
originating item attribute.
When you include a function activity as a node in a process, you can assign a value
to the function activity attribute that is specific to that node. See: To Define Activity
Attribute Values, page 4-16.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-85

To Create an Event Activity:


1.

Select the item type that you want to create an event for in the navigator tree, then
choose New Event from the Edit menu. Define your event activity in the Activity
property page that appears.
Event Activity Property Page

2.

An event activity must have an Internal Name (all uppercase and no


leading/trailing spaces) and a Display Name, which is the translatable name that
appears in your process diagram. Use the description to provide an explanation
about this activity.
Important: To update the internal name for an activity once it is

defined, you must use a special SQL script called wfchact.sql.


You should only use this script to correct errors in an activity's
internal name during design time. Do not use this script to rename
activities that are involved in running instances of processes. See:
Wfchact.sql, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Caution: Do not include colons ":" or leading/trailing spaces in

your internal name.

3.

Choose an icon that identifies your activity. You can use any icon, as long as the

3-86 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

icon is stored in a .ico file, to symbolize the action of an activity. See: Adding
Custom Icons to Oracle Workflow, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
Choose Browse to view the icon files listed in the workflow icons subdirectory.
You can also drag and drop icon files from the Windows Explorer onto an activity
in your navigator tree to assign that icon to the activity.
4.

Select the Event Action for the activity.

Receive - Receive an event from the Business Event System.

Raise - Raise an event to the Business Event System.

Send - Send an event directly from one Event agent to another agent without
re-raising the event to the Business Event System.
Note: Depending on the event action you select, you may need to

define item type attributes for some or all of the following event
details:

Event Name

Event Key

Event Message

Event Data

Out Agent

To Agent

When you include the event activity as a node in a process, you can
use the item type attributes to specify where to store or retrieve the
required event detail information for that node. The item type
attributes that you use for event details must be associated with the
same item type as the event activity itself. See: To Define an Item
Type or Activity Attribute, page 3-8 and To Define Event Details
for an Event Node, page 4-11.

5.

If you are defining a Receive event activity, you can optionally enter an Event Filter
to specify the event that the activity can receive.

To allow the activity to accept only one specific event, enter the full internal
event name.

To allow the activity to accept any event that is a member of a specific event

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-87

group. enter the full internal event group name.

To allow the activity to accept any event, leave the Event Filter field blank.

See: Defining Events, page 8-9.


6.

Enter an optional cost for the activity. For event activities with the event actions
Raise or Send, you can use the cost to defer long running activities to a background
engine. See: Activity Cost, page 3-80.

7.

Choose Apply to save your changes.

8.

Select the Details tab to display and modify the optional details of the activity. See:
To Define Optional Activity Details, page 3-91.

9.

Select the Roles tab page to specify the roles that have access to this function
activity. (This functionality will be supported in a future release.)

10. Select the Access tab page to set the access levels allowed to modify this event. See:

Allowing Access to an Object, page 3-21.


11. The event activity now appears beneath Events in the navigator tree. You can

review or edit the properties of this activity at any time by double-clicking on the
activity in the navigator tree or by selecting the activity and choosing Properties
from the Edit menu or by pressing Enter on your keyboard.
12. For a raise event activity, if the event raised by the activity requires additional

parameters to be included in the event message, you can define those parameters as
attributes of the raise event activity. When the event is raised, the activity attributes
are set as parameters in the parameter list for the event message. If the event
message is later received by another process, the Workflow Engine sets the event
parameters as item type attributes for that process. You can modify the values of
the attributes for each usage of the raise event activity in a process. Event activity
attributes are specific to an event activity and are not global to a process. See: To
Define an Item Type or Activity Attribute, page 3-8.
Note: A Raise event activity also automatically sets the item type

and item key for the current workflow process in the parameter list
for the event message. If the event message is later received by
another process, the Workflow Engine uses that item type and item
key to automatically set the process that raised the event as the
parent for the process that receives the event. See: SetItemParent,
Oracle Workflow API Reference.

If you want to raise the new event using the event data and parameter list from an
existing event message, you can also define a special activity attribute named

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for the raise event activity. Set the existing event message as the value of the
#EVENTMESSAGE2 attribute, which must be an attribute of type event. If this
attribute is defined, the activity retrieves the event data and parameter list from the
specified event and sets them into the new event message before it is raised.
Note: If you also specified event data in the node's event details,

however, the activity sets that event data into the event, overriding
any event data from the #EVENTMESSAGE2 attribute. If you
specified any additional parameters in activity attributes for the
raise event activity, the activity also sets those parameters into the
parameter list for the event message, overriding the values of any
parameters with the same names from the #EVENTMESSAGE2
attribute.

To create an event activity attribute that references an item type attribute, select the
referenced item type attribute in the navigator tree, and hold down your mouse
select button as you drag the item type attribute to your event activity. The Default
Value region is automatically set to Item Attribute and references the originating
item attribute.
When you include an event activity as a node in a process, you can assign a value to
the event activity attribute that is specific to that node. See: To Define Activity
Attribute Values, page 4-16.
13. For a receive event activity, if you want to match the event with one or more

workflow processes based on a business key rather than sending the event to one
particular workflow process, define a special activity attribute named
#BUSINESS_KEY. This attribute must be of type text. Set the default value of the
activity attribute to an item type attribute, and include logic in your workflow
process to set that item type attribute to an appropriate business key value at
runtime. For the workflow process to receive an event, this business key must
match the event key. See: To Define an Item Type or Activity Attribute, page 3-8
and Event Subscriptions, page 8-15.

To Create a Process Activity:


Before you can draw a workflow process diagram, you must first create a process
activity in the navigator tree to represent the process diagram.
1.

Select the item type that you want to create a process activity for in the navigator
tree, then choose New Process from the Edit menu. Define your process activity in
the Activity property page that appears.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-89

Process Activity Property Page

If a process activity is closed and you want to redisplay it, select the process activity
in the navigator tree and press Enter or select Properties from the mouse menu
button.
2.

A process activity must have an Internal Name (all uppercase and no


leading/trailing spaces) and a Display Name, which is the translatable name that
appears in your process diagram. Use the description to provide an explanation
about this activity.
Important: To update the internal name of an activity once it is

defined, you must use a special SQL script called wfchact.sql.


You should only use this script to correct errors in an activity's
internal name during design time. Do not use this script to rename
activities that are involved in running instances of processes. See:
Wfchact.sql, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Caution: Do not include colons ":" or leading/trailing spaces in

your internal name.

3.

Indicate the result type (a predefined Lookup Type) for this activity. Result types
list the possible results returned by this process. See: To Create Lookup Types, page
3-24.

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You can choose <None> as the result type if you do not need to record any specific
result for the completion of your process.
4.

Choose an icon that identifies your activity. You can use any icon, as long as the
icon is stored in a .ico file, to symbolize the action of an activity. See: Adding
Custom Icons to Oracle Workflow, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
Choose Browse to view the icon files listed in the workflow icons subdirectory.
You can also drag and drop icon files from the Windows Explorer onto an activity
in your navigator tree to assign that icon to the activity.

5.

Check Runnable so that the process that this activity represents can be initiated as a
top-level process and run independently. If your process activity represents a
subprocess that should only be executed if it is called from a higher level process,
then uncheck Runnable. See: CreateProcess, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
Caution: Oracle Workflow does not support reusing a subprocess

activity multiple times within a process hierarchy. If you wish to


use a subprocess more than once in a process, you must create a
distinct copy of the subprocess for each instance needed.

6.

Choose Apply to save your changes.

7.

Select the Details tab to display and modify the optional details of the activity. See:
To Define Optional Activity Details, page 3-91.

8.

Select the Access tab page to set the access levels allowed to modify this process.
The access you set for a process activity determines who has access to edit its
process diagram. See: Allowing Access to an Object, page 3-21.

9.

Choose Apply to save your changes, OK to save your changes and close the
property page, or Cancel to cancel your changes and close the property page.

10. The process activity now appears beneath Processes in the navigator tree. You can

review or edit the properties of this activity at any time by selecting the activity and
choosing Properties from the Edit menu or by pressing Enter on your keyboard.
11. For a runnable process activity, you can define a special process activity attribute

named #ONDEMANDATTR to enhance performance by having the Workflow Engine


create runtime copies of item attributes only on demand. See: #ONDEMANDATTR
Attribute, page 3-79 and To Define an Item Type or Activity Attribute, page 3-8.

To Define Optional Activity Details:


1.

Select the Details tab in the activity's property pages.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-91

Details Property Page

2.

If you are creating a process activity, you can specify an error process to execute in
the event that an error occurs in the current process. Enter the internal name of the
item type that owns the error process and then specify the internal name of the
error process activity to execute. Note that the error process item type does not
need to be open in your current Oracle Workflow Builder session for you to define
it here. See: Error Handling for Workflow Processes, page 11-1.
Note: Both the error item type and the error process must be

specified for an error process to be launched when an error occurs.


The error item type defaults to WFERROR, the internal name for the
System: Error item type. If you want to launch one of the
predefined error processes provided in this item type, you must
enter the internal name of that process. You can also enter a custom
error item type and process.
If you assign one of the predefined error processes to your activity,
you can customize the behavior of the error process by defining
two special item type attributes within your own item type. A
WF_ADMINISTRATOR attribute lets you specify the role to which
Oracle Workflow sends an error notification, and an
ERROR_TIMEOUT attribute lets you specify whether the error
notification times out. See: Customizing Error Notifications for an
Item Type, page 11-3.

3-92 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

3.

The effective date tells you when this version of the activity is available for the
Workflow Engine to execute. If the Effective Date field is blank, the activity is
effective immediately.
You set the effective date when you save your changes using the Save As option in
the File menu. All your activity modifications share the same effective date when
you save.

4.

Select a value for On Revisit to determine how the Workflow Engine handles this
activity when it is transitioned to more than once. If this activity is the first activity
that is revisited, as in a loop, you should set On Revisit to specify how you want the
Workflow Engine to process the loop. The first activity in a loop is also called the
pivot activity. For all other activities in a loop, the value of On Revisit is irrelevant.

If On Revisit is set to Ignore, the Workflow Engine executes the activity only
once, and ignores the activity for all subsequent revisits.

If On Revisit is set to Reset, the Workflow Engine resets the completed


activities in the loop by traversing through the loop in forward order from the
pivot activity, executing each activity in CANCEL mode. You can include special
logic in each function's CANCEL mode to undo prior operations. The Workflow
Engine then traverses through the loop in forward order, reexecuting each
activity, starting with the pivot activity, in RUN mode.

If On Revisit is set to Loop, the Workflow Engine simply reexecutes the pivot
activity and all activities that follow in the loop, without resetting, as if they
have never been executed before. See: Looping, Oracle Workflow API Reference.

5.

The version number identifies which revision of the activity you are examining. The
engine ensures that it uses the most recent updates to an activity by using the latest
effective version number of that activity.

6.

Choose Apply to save your changes.

To Copy an Activity:
1.

Select the activity to copy in the navigator tree.

2.

Hold down your mouse select button as you drag the activity to the item type
branch you want to copy it to.

3.

If you copy the activity within the same item type, a property page will appear
prompting you for a new unique internal and display name for the copied activity.
Note: You can also use the Copy and Paste options in the Edit

menu.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-93

4.

When you are done, choose OK.


Note: Copying a function, event, or notification activity also copies

any attributes or message associated with it, respectively.

Related Topics
Using the Edit Button in a Property Page, page 2-7

Voting Activity
You can create a voting activity that lets you send a notification to a group of users in a
role and tally the responses from those users. The results of the tally determine the
activity that the process transitions to next.
A voting activity is a notification activity that first sends a notification message to a
group of users and then performs a PL/SQL post-notification function to tally the users'
responses (votes).
The activity attributes you define and the following four fields in the property pages of
the notification activity determine its voting behavior:

Message field

Result Type field

Expand Roles check box

Function field

Creating a Voting Activity:


1.

Create a voting lookup type that contains the responses you want to tally in your
voting activity. See: To Create Lookup Types, page 3-24.

2.

Create a voting message that prompts a recipient to respond with one of the values
in the voting lookup type. Complete the Result tab for the message. Set the lookup
type in the Result tab to the voting lookup type defined in Step 1. See: To Create a
Message, page 3-60.

3.

Select the item type that you want to create a voting activity for in the navigator
tree, then choose New Notification from the Edit menu.

4.

Specify an Internal Name (all uppercase and no leading/trailing spaces) and a


Display Name. Use the description to provide an explanation about this voting
activity.

3-94 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Important: To update the internal name for an activity once it is

defined, you must use a special SQL script called wfchact.sql.


You should only use this script to correct errors in an activity's
internal name during design time. Do not use this script to rename
activities that are involved in running instances of processes. See:
Wfchact.sql, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Caution: Do not include colons ":" or leading/trailing spaces in

your internal name.

5.

The Result Type field must contain the lookup type that lists the responses that you
want the voting activity to tally. This is the voting lookup type defined in Step 1.

6.

Choose an icon that identifies your voting activity.

7.

In the Message field, select the name of the voting message you created in Step 2.
The voting message prompts the recipient for a response. The response choices are
one of the predefined values specified in your voting lookup type.

8.

Check Expand Roles so that the Workflow Engine polls for responses from the
multiple users in the role rather than just from the first user in the role that replies.
See: Notification Activity, page 3-74.

9.

In the Function field, specify a function that tallies the responses from users. You
can use the PL/SQL procedure WF_STANDARD.VOTEFORRESULTTYPE that the
Standard Vote Yes/No activity calls. WF_STANDARD.VOTEFORRESULTTYPE is a
generic tallying function. The Result Type that you specify for the voting activity
defines the possible responses for the function to tally. The activity attributes that
you define for the voting activity determine how the function tallies the responses.
See: Vote Yes/No Activity, page 5-10.
Alternatively, you can specify your own custom tallying function, but you should
make sure it conforms to the standard API for function activities. Specify the
procedure using the format: <package_name>.<procedure_name>. See:
Standard API for PL/SQL Procedures Called by Function Activities, page 6-2.

10. Choose Apply to save your changes.


11. Select the Details tab to display and modify the Details property page of the

activity. See: To Define Optional Activity Details, page 3-91.


12. Select the Roles tab page to specify the roles that have access to this notification

activity. (This functionality will be supported in a future release.)


13. Select the Access tab page to set the access levels allowed to modify this

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-95

notification. See: Allowing Access to an Object, page 3-21.


14. If you use the WF_STANDARD.VOTEFORRESULTTYPE tallying function, create a

custom activity attribute of type Number for each possible voting response.
Remember that each possible voting response is a lookup code associated with the
voting activity's result type. Hence, when you define your custom activity attribute,
the internal name of the activity attribute must match the internal name of the
lookup code, that is, the response value.
The value of the activity attribute can either be blank or a number that represents
the percentage of votes required for a particular result. If you provide a percentage,
then the result is matched if the actual tallied percentage for that response is greater
than your specified percentage. If you leave an activity attribute value blank, then
the Workflow Engine treats the response for that activity attribute as a default. In
other words, if no particular percentage is satisfied after the votes are tallied, then
the response that received the highest number of votes among those associated with
a blank activity attribute becomes the result.
Note: If the tallied votes do not satisfy any response percentages

and there are no default responses (blank activity attributes)


specified, the result is #NOMATCH. If a <No Match> transition from
the voting activity exists, then the Workflow Engine takes this
transition, otherwise, it takes the <Default> transition. If no
<Default> transition exists, it raises an error that no transition for
the result is available (ERROR:#NOTRANSITION).

Note: If the tallied votes satisfy more than one response percentage

or if no response percentage is satisfied, but a tie occurs among the


default responses, the result is #TIE. If a <Tie> transition from the
voting activity exists, then the Workflow Engine takes this
transition, otherwise, it takes the <Default> transition. If no
<Default> transition exists, it raises an error that no transition for
the result is available (ERROR:#NOTRANSITION).

15. If you use the WF_STANDARD.VOTEFORRESULTTYPE tallying function, then in

addition to defining your set of custom activity attributes, you must also define an
activity attribute called Voting Option, whose internal name must be
VOTING_OPTION. You can also copy the Voting Option activity attribute from the
Vote Yes/No standard activity.
The Voting Option activity attribute specifies how the votes are tallied. The possible
values are:

"Wait for All Votes" - the Workflow Engine waits until all votes are cast before
tallying the results as a percentage of all the users notified. If a timeout

3-96 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

condition occurs, the Workflow Engine calculates the resulting votes as a


percentage of the total votes cast before the timeout occurred.

"Tally on Every Vote" - the Workflow Engine keeps a running tally of the
cumulative responses as a percentage of all the users notified. If a timeout
condition occurs, then the responses are tallied as a percentage of the total
number of votes cast. Note that this option is meaningless if any of the custom
response activity attributes have a blank value.

"Require All Votes" - the Workflow Engine evaluates the responses as a


percentage of all users notified only after all votes are cast. If a timeout
condition occurs, the Workflow Engine progresses along the standard timeout
transition, or if none is available, raises an error, and does not tally any votes.

Related Topics
Example Voting Methods, page 3-97
Vote Yes/No Activity, page 5-10

Example Voting Methods


1.

Simple Majority
The following table shows the custom response activity attribute value assigned to
each response for a simple majority voting method.
Simple Majority Voting Method
Response

Custom Response Activity Attribute


Value

50

50

50

The result is any response that gets more than fifty percent of the votes. If no
response gets more than fifty percent, the result is that no match is found (
#NOMATCH).
2.

Simple Majority with Default


The following table shows the custom response activity attribute value assigned to

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-97

each response for a simple majority with default voting method.


Simple Majority with Default Voting Method
Response

Custom Response Activity Attribute


Value

50

50

blank

If response A gets more than fifty percent of the votes, A is the result. Similarly if
response B gets more than fifty percent of the votes, B is the result. If neither
response A nor B gets more than fifty percent of the votes, then C is the result.
3.

Simple Majority with Multiple Defaults


The following table shows the custom response activity attribute value assigned to
each response for a simple majority with multiple defaults voting method.
Simple Majority with Multiple Defaults Voting Method
Response

Custom Response Activity Attribute


Value

50

blank

blank

If response A gets more than fifty percent of the votes, A is the result. If A gets fifty
percent of the votes, or less, then response B or C is the result depending on which
of the two received the higher number of votes. If A gets fifty percent of the votes,
or less, and both B and C receive the same number of votes, then the result is a tie (
#TIE).
4.

Popularity
The following table shows the custom response activity attribute value assigned to
each response for a popularity voting method.

3-98 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Popularity Voting Method


Response

Custom Response Activity Attribute


Value

blank

blank

blank

The result is the response that gets the highest number of votes.
5.

Black Ball
The following table shows the custom response activity attribute value assigned to
each response for a black ball voting method.
Black Ball Voting Method
Response

Custom Response Activity Attribute


Value

YES

100

NO

Any vote for response NO makes NO the result.


6.

Jury
The following table shows the custom response activity attribute value assigned to
each response for a jury voting method.
Jury Voting Method
Response

Custom Response Activity Attribute


Value

GUILTY

100

NOT_GUILTY

100

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-99

A unanimous response is required, otherwise no match is found (#NOMATCH).

Related Topics
Voting Activity, page 3-94
Vote Yes/No Activity, page 5-10

Deleting Objects in Oracle Workflow Builder


You can delete an object in Oracle Workflow Builder even if the object is referenced by
other objects, assuming the object is not protected against customizations. If the object
you want to delete is referenced by other objects, a Workflow Error dialog box appears,
warning you about the foreign key references that will break. You can proceed to delete
the object anyway or cancel the action. If you choose to delete, then when you save or
verify the workflow process definition, a Workflow Error dialog box appears, reporting
all broken foreign key references that exist in the definition.
As a result of this behavior, you can load workflow definitions with invalid foreign
keys into Oracle Workflow Builder to correct. Oracle Workflow Builder preserves the
original internal name reference for any missing foreign key, and displays it in a
validation error message when you load the process definition. You can restore a
broken foreign key reference in a process definition by recreating the deleted object
with its original internal name under its original item type.
You can also delete an entire item type definition in Oracle Workflow Builder.
Note: If you want to delete an item type attribute from a workflow

definition in a database, you must use Oracle Workflow Builder to


connect to that database in order to perform the deletion. Deleting an
item attribute from a workflow definition stored in a flat file and then
uploading that flat file definition to a database will not delete the item
attribute from the definition stored in the database. To delete an item
attribute completely, you must delete it from your flat file definition
and also delete it specifically from any databases in which that
workflow item type is loaded while connected to those databases.

Modifying Objects in Oracle Workflow Builder


Before you modify the definitions of any Workflow objects, you should ensure that your
changes will not adversely affect any active work items that are based on those
definitions. Changes to Oracle Workflow objects have different effects on active work
items depending on whether or not the objects support versioning.
For a Workflow object, versioning means that either the object itself or the object that
owns it supports multiple occurrences of the same object in the database, distinguished

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only by a version number, begin date, and end date. For example, the following table
shows two versions of a Vote activity that could exist simultaneously in the
WF_ACTIVITIES table.
Sample Activity Versions
Name

Version

Begin Date

End Date

Message

Lookup Type

Vote

01-JAN-2006

31-DEC-2006

Vote Message

Yes/No

Vote

01-JAN-2007

<blank>

New Vote
Message

Approval

When you modify a Workflow object that supports versioning, both the original version
and the new version exist in the database. Any active work items that reference that
object will continue to completion still using the same version that was in effect when
the work items were initiated. Only new work items initiated after the change will use
the new version.
In the above example, work items that are initiated between January 1, 2006 and
December 31, 2006 will send the message Vote Message with result options of Yes or No,
whether the work items are completed before January 1, 2007 or not. Only work items
that are initiated on or after January 1, 2007 will send the message New Vote Message
with result options of Approve or Reject.
Note: All process definition information is versioned.

When you modify a Workflow object that does not support versioning, however, the
previous definition of the object is updated and only the modified definition exists in
the database. Any active work items that reference that object will use the modified
object after the change.
If the modified object is no longer compatible with the rest of the workflow definition
used by the work item, errors may arise. To avoid such errors, you must take all
references to the object into consideration when planning your changes to ensure that
the changes do not cause any incompatibility.
Note: If your situation allows, you can avoid the risk of backward

incompatibility by aborting and restarting all active work items after


you make your changes. This method forces the restarted work items to
use the modified definitions of all Workflow objects, including those
that support versioning as well as those that do not.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-101

Workflow Objects That Support Versioning


The following Workflow objects support versioning:

Notifications

Functions

Events

Processes and subprocesses

Process activities (nodes)

Activity attributes

Activity attribute values

Activity transitions

When you modify any of these objects in the Workflow Builder and save them to the
database, the Workflow Loader does not update the existing definition of the object.
Instead, a new version of the object or owning object is created.
As a result, you can modify any of these objects without affecting active work items that
were initiated before the change.
For example:

If you update a notification activity to reference a new message, the notification will
be versioned.

If you update a function activity to reference a new lookup type, the function will
be versioned.

If you update a function activity to reference a new API, the function will be
versioned.

If you remove a process activity, or node, from a process diagram, the owning
process will be versioned, as well as all the process activities that exist within the
process.

If you add an activity attribute to an activity, the owning activity will be versioned.

The modifications in all of these examples will affect only work items that are initiated
after the changes are made.

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Workflow Objects That Do Not Support Versioning


The following Workflow objects do not support versioning:

Item attributes

Messages

Lookups

PL/SQL code referenced by function activities

When you modify any item attributes, messages, or lookups in the Workflow Builder
and save them to the database, the Workflow Loader updates the existing definition of
the object. Also, if you modify the existing PL/SQL API for a function activity, the
function activity will reference the updated API stored in the database.
As a result, if you modify any of these objects, your changes immediately affect any
active work items that reference the object. Plan your changes carefully to ensure that
the changes do not cause any backward incompatibility.
Note: The Workflow Builder does not support the editing of PL/SQL

code. PL/SQL code is listed as a Workflow object here solely for the
purpose of explaining the consequences of changing the code
referenced by a Workflow function activity.

Item Attributes
By default, when a work item is initiated, Oracle Workflow creates a runtime copy of
each item attribute that is defined for that item type. The Workflow Engine refers to
these runtime copies whenever an item attribute is referenced in the workflow process.
For such work items, keep in mind the following considerations:

Adding a new item attribute after work items have been initiated will not affect the
active work items. However, these work items will not include the new item
attribute unless you specifically create the attribute for them by calling the
AddItemAttr or AddItemAttributeArray APIs. If you also add references to the new
item attribute in the existing PL/SQL code within the workflow process, those
references may cause errors in active work items that do not include the attribute.
For example, if you change the PL/SQL API for a function activity by calling a
Workflow Engine API to communicate with a new item attribute, the function
activity will fail for active work items that do not have the new item attribute
defined.

You should plan carefully when making any modifications to the existing PL/SQL
code within a workflow process to ensure that you do not add references to a new

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-103

item attribute without also creating the item attribute for active work items that
require it. See: PL/SQL Code, page 3-106.
Note: You can, however, add references to new item attributes in

the API that starts a workflow process, without making special


provisions for active work items. For example, you can call the
SetItemAttribute or SetItemAttributeArray APIs to populate the new
item attributes at the start of the process. Active work items will not
be affected by such changes, since these work items have already
passed through this code.

If the top-level runnable process for a work item has the special #ONDEMANDATTR
activity attribute defined, then Oracle Workflow creates runtime copies of item
attributes only when the process sets values for those item attributes. Otherwise, the
Workflow Engine simply references the default values specified for the item attributes
in the design-time workflow definition. For such work items, keep in mind the
following considerations:

Work items that use on-demand item attributes do have access to new item
attributes added after the work items have been initiated. You do not need to create
the attribute specifically for them through the AddItemAttr or AddItemAttributeArray
APIs.

However, if you delete an item attribute from the workflow definition in the
database after the work item has been initiated, and the work item did not already
make a runtime copy of the item attribute on demand, then that work item can no
longer access the item attribute. You should plan carefully when deleting any item
attributes to ensure that you do not remove attributes that active work items may
still require.

See: #ONDEMANDATTR Attribute, page 3-79.

Messages
When the Workflow Engine requests the Notification System to send a message, the
Notification System creates a notification attribute in the notification tables for every
message attribute. The notification attribute rows contain the variable data that will be
token-replaced into the message body, including the subject line and body text, at
runtime.
The message body, however, is not copied into the notification tables. Instead, the
message body is referenced by the various Notification System APIs at runtime, when
the notification is displayed to the user. As a result, any modifications to a message
body will affect notifications in active work items that were sent before the change, as
well as notifications that are sent after the change.
You can make certain types of modifications to a message body without risking
incompatibility errors. These modifications include:

3-104 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Adding static text

Editing static text

Removing static text

Removing message attribute tokens

For example, if you add a static sentence such as "Please approve within five days" to a
message body, all notifications in active work items will include the additional sentence
when you access the notifications. The Notification System can display the modified
message body without any errors because no further information is required to resolve
the additional sentence.
However, inappropriate modifications, such as adding tokens for newly created
message attributes, may cause notifications in active work items to be displayed
incorrectly. You should plan your changes carefully to avoid errors.
If you need to add tokens for new message attributes to a message body, you should
implement the change by creating a new message rather than by modifying the existing
message. You can attach the new message to your existing notification activity without
affecting active work items, since notification activities support versioning.
For example, if you create a new message attribute such as Approver Name and you add
a token for that attribute in the message body, all notifications in active work items will
include the new token when you access the notifications. However, notifications that
were sent before the change will not include the new message attribute Approver Name
as a notification attribute. The Notification System will not be able to resolve the
reference to the new message attribute and will display the token "&APPROVER_NAME"
in the notifications instead.
In this example, instead of modifying the original message body, you should create a
new message that includes the new message attribute, add the token for the new
attribute to the body of the new message, and attach the new message to your
notification activity. When you save your changes, the notification activity will be
versioned. Then active work items will continue to reference the old version of the
notification activity, and the incompatible token will not appear in those notifications.

Lookup Types and Codes


Lookup types have the following important uses in Oracle Workflow:

Determining the possible completion statuses (lookup codes) for workflow


activities

Determining the possible completion statuses (lookup codes) for 'Respond' message
attributes.

Inappropriate modifications to lookup types may cause active work items that reference
those lookup types to fail.

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-105

To avoid errors caused by backward incompatibility, follow these guidelines for lookup
types that are referenced by active work items:

Do not delete lookup types.

Do not delete lookup codes from existing lookup types.

Do not add lookup codes to existing lookup types.

If you need to make any of the above changes, you should implement the change by
creating a new lookup type rather than by modifying the existing lookup type.
You can attach new lookup types to existing activities without affecting active work
items, since activities support versioning. However, you should not attach new lookup
types to existing message attributes, since Workflow messages do not support
versioning.
The following examples show some errors that can be caused by inappropriate lookup
type modifications:

If you add a lookup code to a lookup type that is referenced by a 'Respond' message
attribute, the new lookup code will be available for users to select as a response to a
notification. However, previous versions of the notification activity will not have
branching logic modeled for the new lookup code. If a user selects the new code,
the process will enter an 'ERROR' state.

If you delete a lookup code from a lookup type that is referenced by a 'Respond'
message attribute, users will no longer be able to choose that result code to respond
to a notification.

PL/SQL Code
Although function activities support versioning, the underlying PL/SQL code does not
support versioning, unless you implement versioning for your code yourself.
Modifying PL/SQL code without versioning changes the business flow for active work
items that reference that code. Inappropriate modifications may cause these work items
to fail.
To prevent changes in the PL/SQL API for a function activity from affecting active work
items, you should implement the changes by creating a new API rather than by
modifying the existing API. You can attach the new API to your existing function
activity without affecting active work items, since function activities support
versioning.
If you need to modify an existing API and you cannot create a new API instead, you
should plan your changes carefully to ensure that the changes do not cause any
backward incompatibility.
For example, if you plan to add a lookup code to the group of values that an API can
return, you should first ensure that the function activity node has an outgoing

3-106 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

transition, such as 'Default,' that the Workflow Engine can follow when the API returns
that value. Otherwise, the process will enter an 'ERROR' state when that value is
returned. If there is no appropriate outgoing transition, you must implement the change
in a new API and update the process to model branching logic for the additional return
value.
Also, if you change the existing PL/SQL API for a function activity by calling a
Workflow Engine API to communicate with a new item attribute, you should ensure
that you also create the new item attribute for active work items. Otherwise, the
function activity will fail for active work items which do not have the new item
attribute defined.
Note: This restriction only applies for work items that do not use

on-demand item attributes.

Calls to any of the following APIs with newly created item attributes as parameters may
cause the function activity to fail if active work items do not have the item attributes
defined:

wf_engine.SetItemAttrText

wf_engine.SetItemAttrNumber

wf_engine.SetItemAttrDate

wf_engine.SetItemAttrEvent

wf_engine.SetItemAttrFormattedDate

wf_engine.SetItemAttrDocument

wf_engine.SetItemAttrTextArray

wf_engine.SetItemAttrNumberArray

wf_engine.SetItemAttrDateArray

wf_engine.GetItemAttrText

wf_engine.GetItemAttrNumber

wf_engine.GetItemAttrDate

wf_engine.GetItemAttrEvent

wf_engine.GetItemAttrDocument

wf_engine.GetItemAttrClob

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-107

wf_engine.GetItemAttrInfo

To create copies of a new item attribute for active work items, call AddItemAttr() or one
of the AddItemAttributeArray APIs. You can place this call either in a custom upgrade
script or in an exception handler.

Upgrade script - Before you modify your API, write and execute a custom upgrade
script that creates and populates the new item attribute for any active work items
that reference that API. The following example shows one way to structure an
upgrade script.
for <each active work item>
begin
wf_engine.AddItemAttr(itemtype,
itemkey,
'<new_attribute_name>');
wf_engine.SetItemAttrText(itemtype,
itemkey,
'<new_attribute_name>',
'<New attribute value>');
end;
end loop;

Note: Active work items are identified as those items for which

WF_ITEMS.END_DATE is null.

Exception handler - After the reference to the new item attribute in your modified
API, add an exception handler to create and populate the attribute when the
attribute does not already exist. The following example shows one way to structure
such an exception handler.

3-108 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

procedure <procedure_name>
(itemtype in varchar2,
itemkey in varchar2,
actid in number,
funcmode in varchar2,
result in out varchar2)
is
begin
--- RUN mode - normal process execution
-if (funcmode = 'RUN') then
-- your run code goes here
null;
wf_engine.SetItemAttrText(itemtype,
itemkey,
'<existing_attribute_name>',
'<Existing attribute value>');
begin
wf_engine.SetItemAttrText(itemtype,
itemkey,
'<new_attribute_name>',
'<New attribute value>');
exception
when others then
if (wf_core.error_name = 'WFENG_ITEM_ATTR') then
wf_engine.AddItemAttr(itemtype,
itemkey,
'<new_attribute_name>');
wf_engine.setitemattrtext(itemtype,
itemkey,
'<new_attribute_name>',
'<New attribute value>');
else
raise;
end if;
end;
-- example completion
result := 'COMPLETE:';
return;
end if;
-------if

CANCEL mode - activity 'compensation'


This is in the event that the activity must be undone,
for example when a process is reset to an earlier point
due to a loop back.

(funcmode = 'CANCEL') then


-- your cancel code goes here
null;
-- no result needed
result := 'COMPLETE';
return;
end if;
--- Other execution modes may be created in the future.

Your

Defining Workflow Process Components 3-109

-- activity will indicate that it does not implement a mode


-- by returning null
-result := '';
return;
exception
when others then
-- The line below records this function call in the error
-- system in the case of an exception.
wf_core.context('<package_name>',
'<procedure_name>',
itemtype,
itemkey,
to_char(actid),
funcmode);
raise;
end <procedure_name>;

See: Item Attributes, page 3-103.

3-110 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

4
Defining a Workflow Process Diagram
This chapter tells you how to use Oracle Workflow Builder to define a workflow
process diagram and how to load roles from the database so you can assign notification
activities to specific roles.
This chapter covers the following topics:

Process Window

Diagramming a Process

Modifying Fonts in Oracle Workflow Builder

Creating a Shortcut Icon for a Workflow Process

Referencing Roles

Initiating a Process

Process Window
The process window in Oracle Workflow Builder graphically represents the activities
(icons) and transitions (arrows) for a particular process. Each activity is a node, a logical
step that contributes toward the completion of a process.
You can drag and drop activities from the navigator tree into the process window or
create activities directly in the process window. The properties for an activity node may
be viewed or edited by double clicking on the node in the process window with the
select mouse button. You define transitions between activities by drawing arrows from
one node to the next using the secondary mouse button.
Notification, function, event, and process activities make up the nodes of a process. If a
process contains a process activity in its diagram, that process activity is known as a
subprocess. There is no restriction on the depth of this hierarchy. To display the
subprocess diagram in a process window, double-click on the subprocess activity node
in the parent process window.

Defining a Workflow Process Diagram 4-1

Transitions
Transitions appear as arrows in your diagram and represent the completion of one
activity and the activation of another. For an activity that completes with a result type
of <None>, any transition that you draw from it simply appears as an arrow to the next
activity, indicating that as long as the originating activity completes, the process
transitions to the next activity.
For an activity that has a defined result type, you must associate the transition arrow
that you create with one of the activity's possible results. The result that the activity
returns when it completes then determines what the next eligible activity is, as defined
by the results-based transitions that originate from the completed activity. For example,
"Notify Approver" with a result of 'REJECTED' transitions to "Reject Requisition." See:
Requisition Process Activities, page 10-6.
You can also create a <Default>, <Any>, or <Timeout> transition for an activity that has
a defined result type. The Workflow Engine follows a <Default> transition if no other
transition matching the completion result exists. The Workflow Engine follows an
<Any> transition regardless of what completion result the activity returns. This allows
you to include a generic activity in the process that the Workflow Engine executes in
parallel with the result-specific activity. The Workflow Engine follows a <Timeout>
transition if the notification activity times out before completion. See: Setting Up
Background Engines, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
Activities can have multiple transitions for a single result to create parallel branches.

Timeout Transitions
Draw a <Timeout> transition from a notification activity to some other activity to force
the process to perform the other activity if the notification activity does not complete by
a specified period of time. See: To Define Nodes in a Process, page 4-6.
When an activity times out, Oracle Workflow marks the activity as timed out and then
cancels any notification associated with the timed out activity. The Notification System
sends a cancellation message to the performer only if the canceled notification was
expecting a response and the performer's notification preference is to receive e-mail.
Note: You can optionally use the Send E-mails for Canceled

Notifications mailer parameter to prevent notification mailers from


sending any notification cancellation messages. See: Notification Mailer
Configuration Wizard, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Processing then continues along the <Timeout> transition as indicated by your process
definition. If a timed out activity does not have a <Timeout> transition originating from
it, Oracle Workflow executes the error process associated with the timed out activity or
its parent process(es). See: To Define Optional Activity Details, page 3-91.

4-2 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Note: You must have a background engine set up to process timed out

activities. See: Setting Up Background Engines, Oracle Workflow


Administrator's Guide.

Creating Multiple Transitions to a Single Activity


You can create multiple transitions to a single activity in a process diagram. Sometimes
these multiple transitions indicate that there are multiple ways that the process can
transition to this one node and you may want the node to execute just once.
In other cases, the multiple transitions may indicate that the activity may be
transitioned to multiple times because it is the starting point of a loop. In these cases,
you want the activity to be reexecuted each time it is revisited.
The On Revisit flag for an activity determines whether the activity reexecutes when it is
revisited more than once. It is an important flag to set for the pivot activity of a loop. On
Revisit is set initially in an activity's Details property page. However, for each usage of
an activity in a process, you may change On Revisit for that node in the activity's Node
property page. You can also use the standard Loop Counter activity as the initial
activity in a loop to control how many times a process can transition through a loop.
See: Looping, Oracle Workflow API Reference and Loop Counter Activity, page 5-7.
Tip: If you have multiple incoming transitions from parallel branches,

you should always use an And, Or, or custom join activity to merge
those branches. This is especially true if after merging the parallel
branches, you want to create a loop in your process. By using a joining
activity to merge parallel branches and designating the following
activity as the start of the loop, you create a less complicated process for
the engine to execute. See: Standard Activities, page 5-1.

Designating Start and End Activities


Each process has to have a Start activity that identifies the beginning point of the
process. You may designate any node from which it is logical to begin the process as a
Start activity. When initiating a process, the Workflow engine begins at the Start activity
with no IN transitions (no arrows pointing to the activity). If more than one Start
activity qualifies, the engine runs each possible Start activity and transitions through
the process until an End result is reached. The engine may execute acceptable Start
activities in any order. Processes may contain multiple branches that each have an End
activity. When the Workflow Engine reaches an End activity, the entire process ends
even if there are parallel branches still in progress.
An End activity should return a result that represents the completion result of the
process. The result is one of the possible values from that process activity's result type.
Start activities are marked with a small green arrow, and End activities by a red arrow,

Defining a Workflow Process Diagram 4-3

that appear in the lower right corner of the activity node's icon in the process window.

Diagramming a Process
This section discusses how to draw and define a workflow process in the process
window:

To Add Nodes to a Workflow Process, page 4-4

To Define Nodes, page 4-6

To Define Event Details for an Event Node, page 4-11

To Define Activity Attribute Values, page 4-16

To Create and Edit a Transition, page 4-18

To Display a Process Overview, page 4-19

To Print a Process, page 4-20

To Copy a Process Diagram to the Clipboard, page 4-20

To Validate a Process Definition, page 4-20

To Add Nodes to a Workflow Process:


1.

To begin drawing a process diagram, you must first display the process window for
your process activity. To display a process window, you can do one of several
things:

Double-click on a predefined process activity on the navigator tree.

Select a predefined process activity and press Ctrl + E.

Select a predefined process activity and choose Process Details from the Edit
menu.

Use the Quick Start Wizard to create a new process activity. See: To Use the
Quick Start Wizard, page 2-16.

A process window opens with the name of your process in the window title.

4-4 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Sample Oracle Workflow Builder Process Window

2.

Create a new node in a process by using one of the following methods:

Drag and drop a notification, function, event, or process activity from the
navigator tree into the process window. The activity you drag must belong to
the same data store as the process you are dragging it to.
Note: If you want to drag an activity into a process, where the

activity is in a different data store than the process you are


dragging it to, then you must first copy the item type that the
activity belongs to into the same data store as the process.

Choose the New Function, New Process, New Event, or New Notification
toolbar button to create a new activity. See: Process Window Toolbar, page B8.

Choose New Function, New Process, New Event, or New Notification from the
right mouse button menu while your cursor is in the process window to create
a new activity node. An activity property page appears for you to select the
activity for this node. See: To Define Nodes in a Process, page 4-6.

3.

In the process window, you can display information about an activity by moving
your mouse over the activity. The Label Name, Internal Name, Display Name,
Comment and Performer, appear in a "tool-tip"-style display.

4.

If you single click on an activity node in the process window, Oracle Workflow
Builder expands the navigator tree and highlights the master activity of the node

Defining a Workflow Process Diagram 4-5

you select.
5.

Create an arrow (transition) between two activity nodes by holding down your
right mouse button and dragging your mouse from a source activity to destination
activity.

6.

If the source activity has no result code associated with it, then by default, no label
appears on the transition. If you specifically choose to show the label for such a
transition, the label <Default> appears. See: To Create and Edit a Transition, page 418.
If the source activity has a result code associated with it, then a list of lookup values
appears when you attempt to create a transition to the destination activity. Select a
value to assign to the transition. You can also select the values <Default>, <Any>, or
<Timeout> to define a transition to take if the activity returns a result that does not
match the result of any other transition, if the activity returns any result, or if the
activity times out, respectively.
You can also drag and drop a lookup code from the navigator tree onto an existing
transition in the process window to change the result of that transition. The lookup
code you drag and drop must belong to the same data store and same lookup type
as the lookup code you replace.

7.

You can select an entire region of a process diagram, containing multiple activity
nodes and transitions, and make a copy of the selection by holding down the
Control or Shift key as you drag the selection to a new position in the process
window.
Important: Oracle Workflow does not support reusing a subprocess

activity multiple times within a process hierarchy. If you wish to


use a subprocess more than once in a process, you must create a
distinct copy of the subprocess for each instance needed.

8.

Turn on grid snap from the View menu to snap your activity icons to the grid when
you complete your diagram. Grid snap is initially turned on by default until you
change the setting, at which point the latest setting becomes your default.

To Define Nodes in a Process:


1.

Open the process window for your process activity.

2.

To create a new function, notification, event, or process node, first select the New
Function, New Notification, New Event, or New Process icon from the process
window toolbar. Next, click on the position within the process window where you
want to place this new node. The property page for the new node appears.

4-6 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Note: You can also create a new node by dragging and dropping a

predefined activity from the navigator tree into the process


window. This automatically populates the node's property page
with predefined information. Double-click on the node and skip to
Step 5 to further edit its property page.

3.

In the Item Type field, select the item type that you want this activity node to be
associated with.

4.

Choose one of the following methods to define the remaining information for the
node.

Select either the internal name or display name of a predefined activity. Oracle
Workflow Builder then populates all the fields with predefined information
from the master activity as shown in the Navigator window.

Alternatively, choose the New button to define a new activity. To complete the
following tabs of the property page, refer to the sections listed:

Process - To Create a Process Activity, page 3-89

Function - To Create a Function Activity, page 3-83

Notification - To Create a Notification Activity, page 3-81

Event - To Create an Event Activity, page 3-86

Details - To Define Optional Activity Details, page 3-91

Roles - The information in this tab is currently not supported.

Access - To Set the Access Level for an Object, page 3-22


Caution: Any changes that you make to the any of the above tabs

automatically propagate to the master activity and affect all other


instances of that activity. Only changes that you make to the Node
and Node Attributes tabs, and to the Event Details tab for an event
activity, are local and specific to the current node activity.

5.

Select the Node tab to specify information that is specific to this node. Specify a
Label for the node. Since an activity can be used more than once in any given
process, the Label field lets you give a unique name to the instance of this particular
activity in the process. By default, the label name is the activity name, but if the
activity is used more than once in the process, -N is appended to the activity name,
where N represents the 'Nth' instance of the activity in use.

Defining a Workflow Process Diagram 4-7

Important: When you call most Oracle Workflow APIs, you must

pass the activity's label name and not its activity name. See:
Workflow Engine APIs, Oracle Workflow API Reference.

Node Tab

6.

Indicate if the current node is a start or end activity in your process, by choosing
'START' or 'End', respectively. 'NORMAL' is the default if it is neither. You may
have multiple START and END nodes in your process.
A Start activity is marked (Start) and has a small green arrow in its activity icon,
and an End activity is marked (End) and has a red arrow in its activity icon.
Important: The Start/End field is always set to Normal by default

for all activity nodes. Even if you use the Standard Start or
Standard End activity, you must manually edit the Start/End field
to be either Start or End, respectively.

7.

For an END node, you must also select a value for the final process result if the
overall process activity has a result type associated with it. The list of values for the
final process result is derived from the lookup type specified as the process
activity's result type.

8.

You can provide a comment to yourself about this node.

4-8 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

9.

For a notification that requires a response, a process activity that is a subprocess


within another process, an event activity with an event action of Receive, or a
blocking function activity, specify whether the activity must be completed by some
specified time. If the activity is not completed by a given time, you can redirect the
parent process to transition to a different activity. See: Timeout Transitions, page 42.
Choose 'No Timeout' if the activity does not have to be completed by a given time.
Choose 'Relative Time' if you want the activity to be completed by some constant
relative time. You can enter any combination of days, hours and minutes to specify
when the activity times out. The value you enter is interpreted as a relative offset
from the begin date of the activity, in the unit of minutes. A relative timeout value
of zero means no timeout.
Choose 'Item Attribute' if you want the activity to be completed by some relative
time that is computed dynamically at runtime. Note that you must first create an
item attribute of type number to store the computed timeout value and reference
that predefined item attribute here. See: Item Type Attributes, page 3-2 and To
Define an Item Type or Activity Attribute, page 3-8.
Important: The dynamic timeout value stored in this attribute is

interpreted as a relative offset from the begin date of the activity, in


the unit of minutes. A null timeout value or a value of zero means
no timeout.

10. For a notification activity node, or for an event activity node with an event action of

Send, you can override the priority assigned to the activity's message. Choose
'Default' to keep the default priority of the message.
Choose 'Constant' to override the default priority with the new specified priority
level.
Choose 'Item Attribute' to override the default priority with a new priority level
that is dynamically determined at runtime. Note that you must first create an item
attribute of type number to store the computed priority value and reference that
predefined item attribute here. See: Item Type Attributes, page 3-2 and To Define an
Item Type or Activity Attribute, page 3-8.
Note: The computed priority value can be any number between

1-99. Oracle Workflow automatically converts the number to a


priority level as follows: 1-33 = High, 34-66=Normal, and
67-99=Low.

11. For a notification activity node, specify the performer of the activity. The performer

is the role to whom the notification is sent. You may either select a constant role
name or an item type attribute that dynamically determines the role at runtime.

Defining a Workflow Process Diagram 4-9

Note that you must first create an item attribute of type role to store the computed
role name and reference that predefined item attribute here. See: Item Type
Attributes, page 3-2, To Define an Item Type or Activity Attribute, page 3-8, and
Referencing Roles, page 4-23.
Note: If you set the Performer Type to Constant and you are

connected to the database and have loaded roles from the database,
you can select a constant role name from the Performer poplist. If
you are working in a .wft file data store without any open
connection to the database, you can directly type in a valid role
display name in the Performer field. When you upload the file to a
database, the role will be resolved to the appropriate role data
stored in the database based on the role display name you entered.

Note: When you assign a notification to a multi-user role, the

Workflow Engine keeps track of the individual from that role that
actually responds to the notification. See: Respond API, Oracle
Workflow API Reference.

Note: Although Oracle Workflow Builder allows you to specify a

performer for any type of node activity, Oracle Workflow only


considers the value of Performer for notification activity nodes.

12. Choose Apply to save your changes, OK to save your changes and close the

property page or Cancel to cancel your changes and close the property page.
When you save and close your property page, the activity node appears in the
position you specified in the process window. If this is a new activity you created, a
corresponding master activity is also created under the appropriate branch in the
navigator tree.
13. If the node is an event activity, you can specify additional required event

information by choosing the Event Details tab. See: To Define Event Details for an
Event Node, page 4-11.
14. If the node is a function, notification, or event activity and the activity has activity

attributes, you can assign values to those activity attributes by choosing the Node
Attributes tab. See: To Define Activity Attribute Values, page 4-16.
15. If the node is a process activity, then a small subprocess overlay icon appears over

the upper right corner of process activity icon. The subprocess overlay icon
identifies the node as a subprocess within the process diagram.

4-10 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

To Define Event Details for an Event Node:


The event action defined for the event activity determines which event details you must
define for an event node. For each event detail, it is either required or optional to use an
item type attribute to store or retrieve the detail information. Note that you must first
create item type attributes of the appropriate types before you can reference those
predefined item attributes here. The item type attributes you use for event details must
be associated with the same item type as the event activity itself. See: Item Type
Attributes, page 3-2, To Define an Item Type or Activity Attribute, page 3-8, Event
Activity, page 3-76, and To Create an Event Activity, page 3-86.
1.

Display the property pages of an event activity node. Select the Event Details tab.

2.

For an activity with the event action Receive, enter the following event details:

Event Name - Optionally select an item type attribute of type text where you
want to store the event name that the node receives.
Note: The event activity can only receive events that match its

event filter. Additionally, if the event activity has a


#BUSINESS_KEY attribute, it can only receive an event whose
event key matches its #BUSINESS_KEY value. See: To Create
an Event Activity, page 3-86.

Event Key - Optionally select an item type attribute of type text where you want
to store the event key that the node receives.

Event Message - Optionally select an item type attribute of type event where
you want to store the event message that the node receives.

Defining a Workflow Process Diagram 4-11

Event Details Tab for a Receive Event Activity

Note: When the activity receives an event, the Workflow Engine

stores the event name, event key, and event message in the item
type attributes you specify, and also sets any parameters in the
event message parameter list as item type attributes for the process,
creating new item type attributes if a corresponding attribute does
not already exist for any parameter.
Additionally, if the event was originally raised by a Raise event
activity in another workflow process, the item type and item key
for that process are included in the parameter list within the event
message. In this case, the Workflow Engine automatically sets the
specified process as the parent for the process that receives the
event, overriding any existing parent setting. See: SetItemParent,
Oracle Workflow API Reference.

3.

For an activity with the event action Raise, enter the following event details:

Event Name - Enter the name of the event that the node raises. You can either
specify a constant event name or select an item type attribute of type text that
dynamically determines the event name at runtime.
Note: You can only raise an individual event. You cannot raise

4-12 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

event groups.

Event Key - Select the item type attribute of type text that contains the event
key for the event that the node raises.

Event Data - Optionally select an item type attribute that contains the event
data for the event that the node raises. You can store event data in item type
attributes of type text, number, date, lookup, role, or attribute. The maximum
length of the data you can enter in a text attribute is 4000 bytes. If the event data
exceeds 4000 bytes, you should assign a generate function in the event
definition to generate the event data, rather than providing the event data
through a text attribute. See: Defining Events, page 8-9.
You must not specify an item type attribute of type event for the Event Data
field, since the event data is only a part of the complete event message structure
which is the format for the event attribute type. If you want to use the event
data stored within an existing event message, leave the Event Data field
unspecified and instead define the #EVENTMESSAGE2 activity attribute for the
raise event activity.

Defining a Workflow Process Diagram 4-13

Event Details Tab for a Raise Event Activity

Note: The Event Name and Event Key are required for a Raise

event activity.

Note: In addition to these event details, you can use the activity

attributes for a Raise event activity node to specify parameters that


you want to include in the parameter list for the event message. If
the event message is later received by another process, the
Workflow Engine sets the event parameters as item type attributes
for that process. See: To Define Activity Attribute Values, page 416.
Also, a Raise event activity automatically sets the item type and
item key for the current workflow process in the parameter list for
the event message. If the event message is later received by another
process, the Workflow Engine uses that item type and item key to
automatically set the process that raised the event as the parent for
the process that receives the event. See: SetItemParent, Oracle
Workflow API Reference.
If you want to raise the new event using the event data and
parameter list from an existing event message, you can also define
a special activity attribute named #EVENTMESSAGE2 for the raise
event activity. Set the existing event message as the value of the

4-14 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

#EVENTMESSAGE2 attribute, which must be an attribute of type


event. If this attribute is defined, the activity retrieves the event
data and parameter list from the specified event and sets them into
the new event message before it is raised.
If you also specified event data in the node's event details,
however, the activity sets that event data into the event, overriding
any event data from the #EVENTMESSAGE2 attribute. If you
specified any additional parameters in activity attributes for the
raise event activity, the activity also sets those parameters into the
parameter list for the event message, overriding the values of any
parameters with the same names from the #EVENTMESSAGE2
attribute.

4.

For an activity with the event action Send, enter the following event details:

Event Message - Select the item type attribute of type event that contains the
event message that the node sends.

Event Name - Optionally enter the name of the event that the node sends. You
can either specify a constant event name or select an item type attribute of type
text that dynamically determines the event name at runtime. The event name
that you enter here overrides the previous event name value in the event
message.

Event Key - Optionally select an item type attribute of type text that contains
the event key of the event that the node sends. The event key that you enter
here overrides the previous event key value in the event message.

Out Agent - Optionally enter the outbound agent from which the node sends
the event. Specify both the agent name and the system name for the agent using
the following format:
<agent_name>@<system_name>

You can either specify a constant Out Agent name or select an item type
attribute of type text that dynamically determines the Out Agent name at
runtime. The Out Agent that you enter here overrides the previous outbound
agent value in the event message.

To Agent - Optionally enter the inbound agent to which the node sends the
event. Specify both the agent name and the system name for the agent using the
following format:
<agent_name>@<system_name>

You can either specify a constant To Agent name or select an item type attribute
of type text that dynamically determines the To Agent name at runtime. The To

Defining a Workflow Process Diagram 4-15

Agent that you enter here overrides the previous inbound agent value in the
event message.

Event Details Tab for a Send Event Activity

Note: The Event Message is required for a Send event activity.

Additionally, you must either include a To Agent or a From Agent


within the event message, or specify a To Agent or an Out Agent in
the event details for this node. If you neither specify an inbound
agent nor an outbound agent, the event cannot be sent.

Note: If no correlation ID is initially specified in the event message,

Oracle Workflow automatically sets the correlation ID to the item


key of the process.

5.

Choose Apply to save your changes, OK to save your changes and close the
property page, or Cancel to cancel your changes and close the property page.

To Define Activity Attribute Values:


Activity attribute values for a function or notification activity are used by the PL/SQL
stored procedure that the activity calls. Activity attribute values for a raise event
activity are set as parameters in the parameter list for the event message, except for the
special #EVENTMESSAGE2 activity attribute. If the #EVENTMESSAGE2 attribute is

4-16 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

defined, the raise event activity retrieves the event data and parameter list from the
specified existing event and sets them into the new event message before it is raised. For
a receive event activity, the special #BUSINESS_KEY attribute is used to determine
whether the activity is eligible to receive an event sent from the Event Manager based
on whether the business key value matches the event key. See: To Define an Item Type
or Activity Attribute, page 3-8.
1.

Display the property pages of an activity node. Select the Node Attributes tab.
Node Attributes Tab

2.

Select an attribute.

3.

In the Value region, enter the value for this attribute. The value can be a constant or
a value stored in an item type attribute.
The value you enter must match the data type of the activity attribute, and of the
actual activity parameter itself as it is defined in the PL/SQL function associated
with the activity, if there is one. The attribute type is displayed along with the
name, description, value type, and value of each attribute in the attributes summary
region.

4.

Choose Apply to save your changes, OK to save your changes and close the
property page or Cancel to cancel your changes and close the property page.

Defining a Workflow Process Diagram 4-17

To Create and Edit a Transition:


1.

To create a transition between two activities, hold down your right mouse button
and drag your mouse from a source activity to a destination activity.
Note: Overlapping transitions appear in a different color than

single, non-overlapping transitions.

2.

To edit a transition, select the transition.

3.

To reposition a transition label, simply select the label with your mouse and drag it
to its new position. The label snaps onto the transition.

4.

You can bring up the following menu of editing options at any time by selecting a
transition with your mouse and clicking on the right mouse button:

Delete Transition - deletes the selected transition.

Locked - toggles between locking and unlocking the transition from further
edits. If a transition is locked, you cannot add or delete vertex points along the
transition, but you can delete the transition.

Hidden Label - toggles between displaying and hiding the transition label.

Straighten - straightens the transition by removing the extra vertex points that
can cause bends in the transition.

Results... - if the transition has a result assigned to it, use this option to change
the result label on the transition. An additional menu appears that lists the
possible result labels you can choose.

5.

To bend a transition, create a vertex point by selecting the transition and dragging
the transition as you hold down your left mouse button. You can reposition any
vertex point to create a bend in the transition.

6.

You can create a transition that loops back to its source activity node in one of two
ways:

Hold down your right mouse button and drag your mouse from a source
activity back to itself to create a self loop.

From a source activity node, create a transition to another arbitrary activity


node. Add a vertex point to create a bend in the transition. Then select and drag
the arrowhead of the transition back to the source activity node. Create
additional vertex points as necessary to improve the visual display of the
looping transition.

4-18 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

7.

To remove a single vertex point from a transition, select the vertex and drag it over
another vertex to combine the two points.

To Display a Process Overview:


1.

Place your cursor in the process window and choose Overview from the right
mouse button menu.

2.

An Overview dialog window of your process appears.


Overview Window

The upper pane of the window shows a size-reduced sketch of your entire process,
while the bottom pane is a list of the activities in your process.
3.

You can resize the Overview dialog window to get a better view of the process
sketch.

4.

A cross hairs cursor that you can drag appears in the process sketch pane. Use the
cross hairs cursor to pinpoint an area in your process that you want the process
window to display.

5.

Single click on an activity in the lower pane to move the cross hairs cursor to that
activity within the sketch. Choose OK to close the dialog window and to jump to
that activity in the process window.

Defining a Workflow Process Diagram 4-19

You can also drag and double-click on the cross hairs cursor in the upper pane to
close the dialog window and to jump to the resulting region in the process window.

To Print a Process:
1.

Display the process window containing the process you wish to print.

2.

With the process window selected as the active window, choose Print Diagram
from the File menu or from the right mouse button menu.
The Print Diagram option captures your process diagram as a picture (metafile),
enlarges it to the correct size to print and sends it to a printer. If your diagram is
large, it may span more that one page when printed. However, depending on the
printer driver you use, you may get a Print dialog box that lets you scale your
image down to one page for printing.
Note: If your process diagram uses a font that the printer cannot

find, your printer driver may either substitute a similar font or not
print any text.

To Copy a Process Diagram to the Clipboard:


1.

Display and make the process window containing the process you wish to copy
active.

2.

Choose Copy Design from the Edit menu or from the right mouse button menu.
This copies the process to the clipboard in the form of a metafile and a bitmap
diagram.

3.

To paste the metafile-version or bitmap-version of the process diagram into another


application window, you should consult the other application's documentation on
how to paste metafiles or bitmaps.
To edit a bitmap image, you must paste the image into an application that can edit
bitmaps.

To Validate a Process Definition:


1.

Choose Verify from the File menu to validate all process definitions for the
currently selected data store.

2.

The following list is an example of some of the validation that the Verify command
performs:

Checks that a process has at least one Start and one End activity.

4-20 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Verifies that a process does not contain itself as a process activity.

Restricts the same subprocess from being used twice in a process.

Validates that all possible activity results are modelled as outgoing transitions.
If an activity completes with a result that is not associated with an outgoing
transition, and a <Default> transition doesn't exist for that activity, the activity
enters an 'ERROR' state.

Validates that activity nodes marked as END nodes do not have any outgoing
transitions.

Validates that a notification activity's result type matches the lookup type
defined for the message's 'RESULT' message attribute.

Verifies that message attributes referenced in a message body for token


substitution exist in the message definition.

For processes that reference objects from another item type, verifies that the
requisite item attributes associated with the referenced item type exist.
Important: You should always validate any new process definition

you create as it helps you to identify any potential problems with


the definition that might prevent it from executing successfully.

Related Topics
To Find an Object in the Navigator Tree, page 2-4
Using the Edit Button in a Property Page, page 2-7

Modifying Fonts in Oracle Workflow Builder


You can modify the font that is used by the windows in Oracle Workflow Builder. Any
change you make applies to all windows within the program.

To Modify Fonts:
1.

Choose Font from the View menu to display the Fonts property page.

Defining a Workflow Process Diagram 4-21

Fonts Property Page

2.

Select the font to use as the label for your icons. This font is used for all icons in
Workflow Builder. The Sample region shows the appearance of the font you select.

3.

Choose the font style: Regular, Bold, Italic or Bold Italic. Some fonts have a limited
selection of font styles.

4.

Indicate the font size to use. Some fonts have a limited selection of font sizes.

5.

Select the Underline or Strikeout check boxes to apply that effect.

6.

Choose OK when you are done. These font settings take effect immediately and are
also used the next time you start Oracle Workflow Builder.

Creating a Shortcut Icon for a Workflow Process


You can create a shortcut to Oracle Workflow Builder on your Windows desktop. The
shortcut can start Oracle Workflow Builder by automatically connecting to a designated
data store and opening specific process windows from that data store.

To Create an Oracle Workflow Builder Shortcut:


1.

Start Oracle Workflow Builder.

2.

Choose Open from the File menu to open a data store.

3.

Optionally expand the Process branch and double-click on one or more process

4-22 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

activities to open the process windows for those processes.


4.

Choose Create Shortcut from the File menu.

5.

Enter a name for the shortcut, as you want it to appear on your desktop.

6.

When you double-click on the new shortcut icon on your desktop, it automatically
starts Oracle Workflow Builder opening the data store that was selected and any
process windows that were open when you created the shortcut.
If the data store for the shortcut is a database, the shortcut will prompt you for the
password to the database.

Referencing Roles
Oracle Workflow roles are stored in the database, in the Oracle Workflow directory
service. Currently, new workflow roles cannot be created in Oracle Workflow Builder,
but Oracle Workflow Builder can display and reference the roles stored in a database.
One example of how roles are referenced in a workflow process is when you include a
notification activity in a process as a node. You must assign that node to a performer.
The performer can be a designated role or an item type attribute that dynamically
returns a role. To assign a performer to a role, you must initially load the roles from
your Oracle Workflow database into your Oracle Workflow Builder session. See: Setting
Up an Oracle Workflow Directory Service, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide and To
Define Nodes in a Process, page 4-6.
Note: Referencing roles in a workflow process is currently supported in

Oracle Workflow Builder, although the Roles tab page seen in the
property pages of certain workflow objects will not be supported until
a future release. The purpose of the Roles tab page is to give a role
access to a certain object.

Ad Hoc Users and Roles:


Oracle Workflow allows you to create new ad hoc users and roles within a workflow
process, to add to your directory service. To do so, you define a function activity that
makes a server-side call to the appropriate WF_DIRECTORY API and include that
function activity in your process diagram. See: Standard API for PL/SQL Procedures
Called by Function Activities, page 6-2 and Workflow Directory Service APIs, Oracle
Workflow API Reference.

To Load Roles:
1.

If you are not connected to an Oracle Workflow database, choose Open from the
File menu to connect to the database and open your item type.

Defining a Workflow Process Diagram 4-23

2.

Choose from the File menu, Load Roles from Database. A Role Selection window
appears. You can enter search criteria using SQL query syntax in the Find Roles
field to find a subset of roles, or just choose Find without specifying any search
criteria to identify all roles. The Role Selection window finds the roles you specify
and displays them in the Query Results list box.
Role Selection Window

3.

Select the roles you want to load from the Query Results list and choose Add to add
them to the Loaded Roles list. Alternatively, just choose Add All to add all the roles
in the Query Results list to the Loaded Roles list. Choose OK to load the selected
roles into Oracle Workflow Builder and make them available to the workflow
objects in your open item type.
The workflow objects that need to reference role information contain specific fields
in their property pages. These fields are poplist fields that display the list of roles
you loaded from the database, such as the Performer fields in the Node property
page.

4-24 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Node Property Page

4.

When you select a role from one of these poplist fields, you can also choose the Edit
button to the right of the field to display the property sheet of the selected role.

5.

The Role property page that appears lists read-only information about that role.
Note: When you reopen a saved process definition in Oracle Workflow

Builder, any role information that the process references automatically


gets loaded even if you open the process definition from a file and are
not connected to the database.

To Display the Directory Service in Oracle Workflow Builder:


1.

Once you load your roles from the database in Oracle Workflow Builder, you can
display your directory service information in the navigator tree. See: To Load Roles,
page 4-23.

2.

Expand the Directory Service branch in the navigator tree. All the roles that you
loaded from the database appear.

3.

Double-click on a role to display read-only information about that role, including


the role's internal name, display name, description, language, territory, e-mail
address, fax number, notification preference, status, and expiration date. Note that
the Directory Service branch does not currently allow you to view the participant

Defining a Workflow Process Diagram 4-25

users of a role.
Role Property Page

Initiating a Process
A workflow process begins when an application calls the Workflow Engine
CreateProcess() and StartProcess() APIs or when a Business Event System subscription
sends an event to launch the process. A subprocess is started when the Workflow
Engine transitions to a process activity that represents the subprocess.
You can also use the Workflow Engine bulk APIs to initiate several instances of the
same workflow process at once. See: Workflow Engine Bulk APIs, Oracle Workflow API
Reference.

To launch a workflow process using the Business Event System:


1.

Define a business event.

2.

Define a subscription to this business event. In the subscription properties, specify


the workflow item type and process that you want to launch.
By default, Oracle Workflow uses the event key as the item key for the workflow
process that is launched. If you want to generate the item key based on a custom
rule, create a function that populates the correlation ID in the event message with
the item key you want, and assign that function as the subscription's rule function.

4-26 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Note: The item key for a process instance can only contain

single-byte characters. It cannot contain a multibyte value.

3.

Add the Raise() API to your custom application code at the point where you want
to launch the workflow process.

Related Topics
Workflow Engine APIs, Oracle Workflow API Reference
Workflow Engine Bulk APIs, Oracle Workflow API Reference
Raise, Oracle Workflow API Reference
Managing Business Events, page 8-1

Defining a Workflow Process Diagram 4-27

5
Predefined Workflow Activities
This chapter tells you how to use Oracle Workflow's predefined activities.
This chapter covers the following topics:

Standard Activities

Concurrent Manager Standard Activities

Standard Activities
Oracle Workflow provides some generic activities you can use to control your process.
The activities are associated with the Standard item type but can be used within any
process you define. The Standard item type is automatically installed on your Oracle
Workflow server. You can also access the Standard item type from the file wfstd.wft
located on your PC in the <ORACLE_HOME>\Wf\data\<language> directory.
Note: Predefined activities are also available for the predefined

workflows shipped with Oracle E-Business Suite. For more information


on application-specific workflow activities, consult the documentation
or help for that specific Oracle E-Business Suite product.
The XML Get Tag Value, XML Compare Tag Value (Date), XML
Compare Tag Value (Number), XML Compare Tag Value (Text), and
XML Transform activities are not currently used.

Note: If you want to drag an activity into a process, where the activity

is in a different data store than the process you are dragging it to, then
you must first copy the item type that the activity belongs to into the
same data store as the process. Suppose you are modifying a process
that is stored in wfexample.wft and you want to add some standard
activities into the process that are stored in wfstd.wft. First you need
to open both files as data stores in Oracle Workflow Builder, then you

Predefined Workflow Activities 5-1

need to copy the Standard item type in wfstd and paste it into the
wfexample data store. Now you can drag any standard activity in the
wfexample data store into your process.

Related Topics
And/Or Activities, page 5-2
Comparison Activities, page 5-3
Compare Execution Time Activity, page 5-3
Wait Activity, page 5-4
Block Activity, page 5-5
Defer Thread Activity, page 5-6
Launch Process Activity, page 5-6
Noop Activity, page 5-7
Loop Counter Activity, page 5-7
Start Activity, page 5-9
End Activity, page 5-9
Role Resolution Activity, page 5-9
Notify Activity, page 5-9
Vote Yes/No Activity, page 5-10
Master/Detail Coordination Activities, page 5-11
Assign Activity, page 5-15
Get Monitor URL Activity, page 5-15
Get Event Property Activity, page 5-15
Set Event Property Activity, page 5-16
Compare Event Property Activity, page 5-17

And/Or Activities
In cases where multiple parallel branches transition to a single node, you can decide
whether that node should transition forward when any of those parallel branches
complete or when all of the parallel branches complete. Use the And activity as the node
for several converging branches to ensure that all branches complete before continuing.
Use the Or activity as the node for several converging branches to allow the process to
continue whenever any one of the branches completes.

5-2 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

And - Completes when the activities from all converging branches complete. Calls a
PL/SQL procedure named WF_STANDARD.ANDJOIN.

Or - Completes when the activities from at least one converging branch complete.
Calls a PL/SQL procedure named WF_STANDARD.ORJOIN.

Comparison Activities
The comparison activities provide a standard way to compare two numbers, dates, or
text strings.

Compare Date - Use to compare the value of an item type attribute of type Date
with a constant date.

Compare Number - Use to compare the value of an item type attribute of type
Number with a constant number.

Compare Text - Use to compare the value of two item type attributes of type Text.

All the Comparison activities call a PL/SQL procedure named


WF_STANDARD.COMPARE.

Activity Attributes
Each comparison activity has two activity attributes:

Test Value - a constant number, date, or text string which to compare to a reference
value.

Reference Value - an item type attribute of type Number, Date, or Text.

The comparison activities use the Comparison lookup type for a result code. Possible
values are "Greater Than," "Less Than," "Equal," or "Null," if the item type attribute is
null. You can guide your workflow process based on how the value of an item type
attribute compares to a given value that you set. See: To Define Activity Attribute
Values, page 4-16.

Compare Execution Time Activity


The Compare Execution Time activity provides a standard way to compare the elapsed
execution time of a process with a constant test time.
The Compare Execution Time activity calls a PL/SQL procedure named
WF_STANDARD.COMPAREEXECUTIONTIME.

Activity Attributes
The Compare Execution Time activity has two activity attributes:

Predefined Workflow Activities 5-3

Test Execution Time - the time, in seconds with which to compare the elapsed
execution time.

Parent Type - takes as its value, the lookup codes, "Root" or "Parent". A value of
"Root" compares the test time with the elapsed execution time of the current root
process. A value of "Parent" compares the test time with the elapsed execution time
of just the immediate parent process, which can be a subprocess.

The activity uses the Comparison lookup type for a result code. Possible values are
"Greater Than," "Less Than," "Equal," or "Null," if the test time is null. See: To Define
Activity Attribute Values, page 4-16.

Wait Activity
The Wait activity pauses the process for the time you specify. You can either wait until:

a specific date

a given day of the month

a given day of the week

a period of time after this activity is encountered

This activity calls the PL/SQL procedure named WF_STANDARD.WAIT.


Note: You must run a background engine for deferred activities to

determine when the wait time has passed. The background engine then
completes the Wait activity so that the process can continue. See:
Setting Up Background Engines, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Activity Attributes
The Wait activity has six activity attributes:

Wait Mode - use this attribute to specify how to calculate the wait. You can choose
one of the following wait modes:

Absolute Date - to pause the activity until the date specified in the Absolute
Date activity attribute is reached.

Relative Time - to pause the activity until the number of days specified in the
Relative Time activity attribute passes.

Day of Month - to pause the activity until a specified day of the month, as
indicated in the Day of Month activity attribute.

5-4 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Day of Week - to pause the activity until a specified day of the week, as
indicated in the Day of Week activity attribute.

Absolute Date - If Wait Mode is set to Absolute Date, enter an absolute date.

Relative Time - If Wait Mode is set to Relative Time, enter a relative time expressed
in <days>.<fraction of days>. For example, enter 0.5 for a wait time of half
a day (12 hours).

Day of Month - If Wait Mode is set to Day of Month, choose a day of the month
from the list. If the day you choose has already arrived in the current month, then
the activity waits until that day in the following month.

Day of Week - If Wait Mode is set to Day of Week, choose a day of the week from
the list. If the day you choose has already arrived in the current week, then the
activity waits until that day in the following week.

Time of Day - The Wait activity always pauses until midnight of the day specified,
unless you use this Time of Day activity attribute to specify a time other than
midnight that the Wait activity should pause until.
Note: For the Day of Month and Day of Week wait modes, if a process

transitions to a Wait activity during the specified day in the current


month or week, the Wait activity pauses until that day in the following
month or week, because the beginning of the day has already passed.
To pause the activity until the end of a particular day, use the Absolute
Date wait mode and set the Absolute Date attribute to the time 00:00:00
on the next day. For example, if you want to pause until the end of the
last day of a month, set the Absolute Date attribute to the time 00:00:00
on the first day of the next month.

See: To Define Activity Attribute Values, page 4-16.

Block Activity
The Block activity lets you pause a process until some external program or manual step
completes and makes a call to the CompleteActivity Workflow Engine API. Use the Block
activity to delay a process until some condition is met, such as the completion of a
concurrent program. Make sure your program issues a CompleteActivity call when it
completes to resume the process at the Block activity. See: CompleteActivity, Oracle
Workflow API Reference.
This activity calls the PL/SQL procedure named WF_STANDARD.BLOCK.

Predefined Workflow Activities 5-5

Defer Thread Activity


The Defer Thread activity defers the subsequent process thread to the background
queue without requiring you to change the cost of each activity in that thread to a value
above the Workflow Engine threshold. This activity always interrupts the process
thread by causing a disconnect to occur in the current database session, even if the
thread is already deferred.
This activity calls the PL/SQL procedure named WF_STANDARD.DEFER.

Launch Process Activity


The Launch Process activity lets you launch another workflow process from the current
process. This activity calls the PL/SQL procedure named
WF_STANDARD.LAUNCHPROCESS.

Activity Attributes
The Launch Process activity has six activity attributes:

Item Type - the item type of the process to launch. Specify the item type's internal
name. This activity attribute requires a value.

Item Key - an item key for the process to launch. If you do not specify a value, the
item key defaults to <current_item_type>:<current_item_key>-<n>,
where <current_item_type> and <current_item_key> identify the current
process instance, and <n> is the number of processes launched by the current
process instance, starting at 1.
Note: The item key for a process instance can only contain

single-byte characters. It cannot contain a multibyte value.

Process name - the internal name of the process to launch. If a process name is not
specified, the activity will check the item type selector function of the process to
launch for a process name.

User Key - a user defined key for the process to launch.

Owner - a role designated as the owner of the process to launch.

Defer immediate - choose between YES or NO to determine whether the process to


launch should be immediately deferred to the background engine. The default is NO
, so once the process is launched, it continues to execute until completion or until
one of its activities is deferred.

See: To Define Activity Attribute Values, page 4-16.

5-6 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Noop Activity
The Noop activity acts as a place holder activity that performs no action. You can use
this activity anywhere you want to place a node without performing an action. You can
change the display name of this activity to something meaningful when you include it
in a process, so that it reminds you of what you want this activity to do in the future.
This activity calls the PL/SQL procedure named WF_STANDARD.NOOP.

Loop Counter Activity


Use the Loop Counter activity to limit the number of times the Workflow Engine
transitions through a particular path in a process. The Loop Counter activity can have a
result of Loop or Exit.
This Loop Counter activity calls the PL/SQL procedure named
WF_STANDARD.LOOPCOUNTER.

Activity Attribute
The Loop Counter activity has an activity attribute called Loop Limit. If the number of
times that the Workflow Engine transitions to the Loop Counter activity is less than the
value specified in Loop Limit, the Loop Counter activity will complete with a result of
Loop and the engine will take the 'Loop' transition to the next activity. If the number of
times that the Workflow Engine transitions to the Loop Counter activity exceeds the
value of Loop Limit, the activity will complete with a result of Exit and the engine will
take the 'Exit' transition to an alternative activity.
For example, suppose your workflow process contains a branch of activities that can be
transitioned to from multiple source activities, and you want to ensure that that
particular branch of activities gets executed just once in the process. Include a Loop
Counter activity as the first activity in that branch and specify the Loop Limit activity
attribute value as 1. Also draw an 'Exit' transition from the Loop Counter activity to an
activity that you want the engine to execute if the Loop Counter activity is visited more
than once, as shown in the diagram below.

Predefined Workflow Activities 5-7

Example Loop Counter Activity in a Branch

Additionally, for example, as shown in the diagram below, you can include a Loop
Counter activity as the initial activity in a loop. The value you specify for the Loop
Limit activity attribute will designate the number of times the engine is allowed to
traverse through the loop. If the number of visits to the Loop Counter activity exceeds
the value set in Loop Limit, then the process moves along the 'Exit' transition to the
designated activity.
In this example, the engine moves from the Loop Counter activity through Activities 1,
2, 3, and 4 in the loop. If the result of Activity 4 is 'Accepted,' the process moves along
the 'Accepted' transition. Otherwise, if the result is 'Rejected,' the process moves along
the 'Rejected' transition to return to the Loop Counter activity. If the item is rejected
multiple times, once the number of visits to the Loop Counter activity exceeds the Loop
Limit value, the process moves along the 'Exit' transition and ends.
Example Loop Counter Activity in a Loop

5-8 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

See: To Define Activity Attribute Values, page 4-16.

Start Activity
The Start activity marks the start of a process and does not perform any action.
Although it is not necessary, you may include it in your process diagram to visually
mark the start of a process as a separate node. This activity calls the PL/SQL procedure
named WF_STANDARD.NOOP.

End Activity
The End activity marks the end of a process and does not perform any action. You can
use it to return a result for a completed process by specifying a Result Type for the
activity. Although it is not necessary, you may include it in your process diagram to
visually mark the end of your process as a separate node. This activity calls the PL/SQL
procedure named WF_STANDARD.NOOP.

Role Resolution Activity


The Role Resolution activity lets you identify a single user from a role comprised of
multiple users. In a process diagram, place the Role Resolution activity in front of a
notification activity and specify the performer of that notification activity to be a role
consisting of several users. The Role Resolution activity selects a single user from that
role and assigns the notification activity to that user.
This activity calls the PL/SQL procedure named WF_STANDARD.ROLERESOLUTION.

Activity Attributes
Use the Method activity attribute in the Role Resolution activity to specify how you
want to resolve the role. A value of "Load Balance" compares how many open
notifications from that activity each qualified user has and selects the user with the
fewest open notifications from that activity. A value of "Sequential" selects a user from
the role sequentially by determining the user that experienced the longest interval of
time since last receiving a notification from that activity. See: To Define Activity
Attribute Values, page 4-16.

Notify Activity
The Notify function activity lets you send a notification, where the message being sent
is determined dynamically at runtime by a prior function activity. To use the Notify
activity, you must model a prerequisite function activity into the process that selects
one of several predefined messages for the Notify activity to send.
Important: Since the Notify activity is locked against modifications at

access level 0, you cannot change the result type from its value of

Predefined Workflow Activities 5-9

<None>. Therefore, the message that the function activity dynamically


selects must not have a result type, that is, it can only be an informative
message that does not solicit a response.

Important: If you want the Notify activity to send a message that

requires a response, then you must copy and create your own version
of the Notify activity. Since any one of several messages (with response
attributes) can be sent by your version of the Notify activity, you must
model into your process all the possible notification results that can be
returned.

Note: If you want to define an activity that always sends the same

message, you should define a notification activity and not use this
Notify function activity.

The Notify activity calls a PL/SQL procedure named WF_STANDARD.NOTIFY.

Activity Attributes
The Notify activity has three activity attributes:

Message Name - the name of the predefined message to send. The prerequisite
function activity that determines which message to send should store the name of
that message in an item attribute. The Message Name activity attribute should
reference that item attribute to determine the name of the message to send.

Performer - the name of the role to which to send the notification message. If you
load the roles from your database, you can select a constant role as the performer.
Alternatively, you can set the performer to an item attribute that returns the name
of a role at runtime.

Expand Roles - takes as its value, the lookup codes Yes or No. Set Expand Roles to
Yes if you wish to send an individual copy of the notification message to every user
in the role.

See: To Define Activity Attribute Values, page 4-16.

Vote Yes/No Activity


The Vote Yes/No activity lets you send a notification to a group of users in a role and
tally the Yes/No responses from those users. The results of the tally determine the
activity that the process transitions to next.
The Vote Yes/No activity, classified as a notification activity, first sends a notification
message to a group of users and then performs a PL/SQL post-notification function to

5-10 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

tally the users' responses (votes).

Activity Attributes
The Vote Yes/No activity has three activity attributes:

Percent Yes - The percentage of Yes votes cast in order for the activity to complete
with a result of Yes.

Percent No - The percentage of No votes cast in order for the activity to complete
with a result of No
Note: The values for the Percent Yes and Percent No attributes are

both defined as null in order to use a Popularity voting method, in


which the result is the response with the highest number of votes.
See: Example Voting Methods, page 3-97.

Voting Option - specify how the votes are tallied by selecting one of three values:

"Wait for All Votes" - the Workflow Engine waits until all votes are cast before
tallying the results as a percentage of all the users notified. If a timeout
condition occurs, the Workflow Engine calculates the resulting votes as a
percentage of the total votes cast before the timeout occurred.

"Tally on Every Vote" - the Workflow Engine keeps a running tally of the
cumulative responses as a percentage of all the users notified. If a timeout
condition occurs, then the responses are tallied as a percentage of the total
number of votes cast. Note that this option is meaningless if any of the custom
response activity attributes have a blank value.

"Require All Votes" - the Workflow Engine evaluates the responses as a


percentage of all users notified only after all votes are cast. If a timeout
condition occurs, the Workflow Engine progresses along the standard timeout
transition, or if none is available, raises an error, and does not tally any votes.

See: To Define Activity Attribute Values, page 4-16.

Related Topics
Voting Activity, page 3-94

Master/Detail Coordination Activities


The Master/Detail coordination activities let you coordinate the flow of master and
detail processes. For example, a master process may spawn detail processes that need to
be coordinated such that the master process continues only when every detail process
has reached a certain point in its flow or vice versa.

Predefined Workflow Activities 5-11

When you spawn a detail process from a master process in Oracle Workflow, you are in
effect creating a separate process with its own unique item type and item key. You
define the master/detail relationship between the two processes by making a call to the
Workflow Engine SetItemParent API after you call the CreateProcess API and before you
call the StartProcess API when you create the detail process. See: SetItemParent, Oracle
Workflow API Reference.
You can then use the two activities described below to coordinate the flow in the master
and detail processes. One activity lets you pause a process and the other signals the
halted process to continue. To use these activities, you place one activity in the master
process and the other in each detail process.
Both activities contain two activity attributes that you use to identify the coordinating
activity in the other process(es).

Wait for Flow Activity


Place this activity in a master or detail process to pause the flow until the other
corresponding detail or master process completes a specified activity. This activity calls
a PL/SQL procedure named WF_STANDARD.WAITFORFLOW. You can use multiple
Wait for Flow activities in the same workflow process.

If a master process has a single set of detail processes but waits for those detail
processes at multiple stages in its flow, then the master process should include a
separate Wait for Flow activity node for each time it waits, and the detail processes
should each include Continue Flow activities corresponding to every Wait for Flow
activity in the master process. In this case, when you call the
WF_ENGINE.SetItemParent API to associate a detail process with the master
process, you can leave the parent context parameter null.
You can also leave the parent context parameter for the WF_ENGINE.SetItemParent
API null if the parent process contains only one Wait for Flow activity.

If a master process has multiple different sets of detail processes at different stages
in its flow, then the master process should include a separate Wait for Flow activity
node for each set of detail processes, and the detail processes should each include a
Continue Flow activity only for the Wait for Flow activity to which they
correspond. In this case, when you call the WF_ENGINE.SetItemParent API, you
must specify the parent context parameter as the activity label name for the Wait for
Flow activity node to which that detail process corresponds.

Activity Attributes
The Wait for Flow activity contains two activity attributes:

Continuation Flow - specify whether this activity is waiting for a corresponding


"Master" or "Detail" process to complete.

Continuation Activity - specify the label of the activity node that must complete in

5-12 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

the corresponding process before the current process continues. The default value is
CONTINUEFLOW.
See: To Define Activity Attribute Values, page 4-16.

Continue Flow Activity


Use this activity to mark the position in the corresponding detail or master process
where, upon completion, you want the halted process to continue. This activity calls a
PL/SQL procedure named WF_STANDARD.CONTINUEFLOW.
When a Continue Flow activity is executed, the WF_STANDARD.CONTINUEFLOW
procedure checks whether the corresponding Wait for Flow activity is associated with
any other processes that have not yet completed their Continue Flow activities. If so, the
waiting process keeps waiting for those other processes. If the Wait for Flow activity is
not waiting for any other processes, then the WF_STANDARD.CONTINUEFLOW
procedure completes the Wait for Flow activity so that the process that was waiting
now continues to the next activity.
Activity Attributes
The Continue Flow activity contains two activity attributes:

Waiting Flow - specify whether the halted process that is waiting for this activity to
complete is a "Master" or "Detail" flow.

Waiting Activity - specify the label of the activity node in the halted process that is
waiting for this activity to complete.

See: To Define Activity Attribute Values, page 4-16.

Example
The following figures show an example of how these coordination activities can be
used. In the master process example, after the process begins with the Start activity, the
Start Detail Flows activity initiates several detail processes. The master process then
completes Activity 1 before it pauses at the Wait For Flow activity. Wait For Flow is
defined to wait for all its detail processes to complete a Continue Flow activity before
allowing the master process to transition to Activity 2 and finally end. An example of
one of the detail processes below shows that after the detail process begins with the
Start activity, it completes Activity A. When it reaches the Continue Flow activity, it
signals to the Workflow Engine that the master process can now continue from the Wait
For Flow activity. The detail process itself then transitions to Activity B and finally
ends.

Predefined Workflow Activities 5-13

Example Master Process

Example Detail Process

Note: You can include a Wait for Flow activity in a master process

without including a Continue Flow activity in one or more of its


corresponding detail processes. However, in this case you must ensure
that all detail processes without a Continue Flow activity are entirely
completed before the Workflow Engine attempts to continue the master
process based on the coordination activities that you do include. That
is, at least one of the following must occur after the detail processes
without a Continue Flow activity are completed:

The master process reaches its Wait for Flow activity.

A detail process that contains a Continue Flow activity completes


that Continue Flow activity.

Otherwise, the Workflow Engine cannot properly coordinate the


continuation of the master process.
If it does not matter when any of the detail processes complete before a
master process continues (or when a master process completes before
all the detail processes continue), then you simply omit both of the
coordination activities from your master/detail processes.

Important: If you include a Continue Flow activity in a process, you

must also include a Wait for Flow activity in its corresponding master
or detail process as defined by the activity attributes in the Continue
Flow activity.

5-14 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Assign Activity
The Assign activity lets you assign a value to an item attribute. This activity calls the
PL/SQL procedure named WF_STANDARD.ASSIGN.

Activity Attributes
The Assign activity has an activity attribute called Item Attribute. Use Item Attribute to
choose the item attribute that you want to assign a value to. Depending on the item
attribute's format type, use the Date Value, Numeric Value, or Text Value activity
attribute to specify the value that you want to assign to the item attribute.

Get Monitor URL Activity


The Get Monitor URL activity generates the URL for the Workflow Monitor diagram
window and stores it in an item attribute that you specify. This activity calls the PL/SQL
procedure named WF_STANDARD.GETURL.

Activity Attributes
The Get Monitor URL activity has two activity attributes:

Item Attribute - choose the name of the item attribute that you want to use to store
the URL for the Workflow Monitor window.

Administration Mode - determine how the URL displays the Workflow Monitor
window. If you set Administration Mode to "Yes", the URL displays the Workflow
Monitor in 'ADMIN' mode, otherwise it displays the Workflow Monitor in 'USER'
mode.

See: To Define Activity Attribute Values, page 4-16.

Get Event Property Activity


The Get Event Property activity lets you retrieve a property of an event message from
the Business Event System and store the property value in an item attribute. This
activity calls the PL/SQL procedure named WF_STANDARD.GETEVENTPROPERTY.

Activity Attributes
The Get Event Property activity has four activity attributes:

Event - choose the item attribute of type event that contains the event message from
which you want to retrieve a property.

Property - the event property whose value you want to retrieve. This attribute takes
as its value a lookup code from the Event Property lookup type. Possible values are

Predefined Workflow Activities 5-15

"Priority," "Send Date," "Receive Date," "Correlation ID," "Event Parameter," "Event
Name," "Event Key," "From Agent," "From Agent Name," "From Agent System," "To
Agent," "To Agent Name," and "To Agent System." See: Event Message Structure,
Oracle Workflow API Reference.

Event Parameter - if you choose the Event Parameter property in the Property
attribute, enter the name of the parameter whose value you want to retrieve. Oracle
Workflow uses this name to identify the parameter within the event message's
parameter list. If you choose any property other than Event Parameter, leave this
attribute blank.

Item Attribute - the item attribute where you want to store the event property
value.

See: To Define Activity Attribute Values, page 4-16.

Set Event Property Activity


The Set Event Property activity lets you set the value of a property in an event message
from the Business Event System. This activity calls the PL/SQL procedure named
WF_STANDARD.SETEVENTPROPERTY.

Activity Attributes
The Set Event Property activity has six activity attributes:

Event - choose the item attribute of type event that contains the event message
whose property you want to set.

Property - the event property whose value you want to set. This attribute takes as
its value a lookup code from the Event Property lookup type. Possible values are
"Priority," "Send Date," "Receive Date," "Correlation ID," "Event Parameter," "Event
Name," "Event Key," "From Agent," "From Agent Name," "From Agent System," "To
Agent," "To Agent Name," and "To Agent System." See: Event Message Structure,
Oracle Workflow API Reference.

Event Parameter - if you choose the Event Parameter property in the Property
attribute, enter the name of the parameter whose value you want to set. Oracle
Workflow uses this name to identify the parameter within the event message's
parameter list. If you choose any property other than Event Parameter, leave this
attribute blank.

Date Value - the value of type date that you want to set for the event property, if
you choose the Send Date or Receive Date property.

Numeric Value - the value of type number that you want to set for the event
property, if you choose the Priority property.

5-16 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Text Value - the value of type text that you want to set for the event property, if you
choose the Correlation ID, Event Parameter, Event Name, Event Key, From Agent
Name, From Agent System, To Agent Name, or To Agent System property.
Note: You must enter the value to set in the activity attribute that

matches the data type of the event property you choose.

See: To Define Activity Attribute Values, page 4-16.

Compare Event Property Activity


The Compare Event Property activity lets you compare a property of an event message
from the Business Event System with a test value that you specify. This activity calls the
PL/SQL procedure named WF_STANDARD.COMPAREEVENTPROPERTY.

Activity Attributes
The Compare Event Property activity has six activity attributes:

Event - choose the item attribute of type event that contains the event message
whose property you want to compare to a test value.

Property - the event property whose value you want to compare to a test value. This
attribute takes as its value a lookup code from the Event Property lookup type.
Possible values are "Priority," "Send Date," "Receive Date," "Correlation ID," "Event
Parameter," "Event Name," "Event Key," "From Agent," "From Agent Name," "From
Agent System," "To Agent," "To Agent Name," and "To Agent System." See: Event
Message Structure, Oracle Workflow API Reference.

Event Parameter - if you choose the Event Parameter property in the Property
attribute, enter the name of the parameter whose value you want to compare to a
test value. Oracle Workflow uses this name to identify the parameter within the
event message's parameter list. If you choose any property other than Event
Parameter, leave this attribute blank.

Date Value - the test value of type date with which to compare the event property
value, if you choose the Send Date or Receive Date property.

Numeric Value - the test value of type number with which to compare the event
property value, if you choose the Priority property.

Text Value - the test value of type text with which to compare the event property
value, if you choose the Correlation ID, Event Parameter, Event Name, Event Key,
From Agent Name, From Agent System, To Agent Name, or To Agent System
property.

The Compare Event Property activity uses the Comparison lookup type for a result

Predefined Workflow Activities 5-17

code. Possible values are "Greater Than," "Less Than," "Equal," or "Null," if the test
activity attribute value is null. You can guide your workflow process based on how the
event property value compares to the test value. See: To Define Activity Attribute
Values, page 4-16.
Note: You must enter the test value in the activity attribute that

matches the data type of the event property you choose. If you enter the
test value in an inappropriate activity attribute, the Compare Event
Property activity returns the "Null" result code.

Concurrent Manager Standard Activities


Oracle E-Business Suite provides some generic activities you can use to control
concurrent programs within your process. These activities are associated with the
Concurrent Manager Functions item type but can be used within any process you
define:

Execute Concurrent Program Activity, page 5-18

Submit Concurrent Program Activity, page 5-19

Wait for Concurrent Program Activity, page 5-20

The Concurrent Manager Functions item type is automatically installed on your Oracle
E-Business Suite server. You can also access this item type from the file fndwfaol.wft
located in the $FND_TOP/admin/import directory.

Execute Concurrent Program Activity


The Execute Concurrent Program activity submits an Oracle E-Business Suite
concurrent program from your workflow process and waits for it to complete, at which
point it updates the status of the activity and returns execution of the workflow process
to the background engine. The concurrent program can complete with any of the
following results, as defined by the Concurrent Program Status lookup type: NORMAL,
ERROR, or WARNING . You should make sure all of these results are modelled into your
process diagram.
Note: The CANCELLED and TERMINATED values in the the

Concurrent Program Status lookup type are reserved for future use.

Important: To use the Execute Concurrent Program activity, you must

ensure that the background engine is set up to run.

5-18 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Important: Generally, the context for your process' item type is always

set if your session is initiated from an Oracle E-Business Suite form.


However, if an interrupt occurs in your session, for example, due to a
notification or blocking activity, you must ensure that the context is set
by calling FND_GLOBAL.APPS_INITIALIZE(user_id, resp_id,
resp_appl_id) in SET_CTX mode in your Selector/Callback function.
See: Standard API for an Item Type Selector or Callback Function, page
6-8 and FNDSQF Routine APIs, Oracle E-Business Suite Developer's
Guide.

The Execute Concurrent Program activity calls the standard Oracle Application Object
Library API FND_WF_STANDARD.EXECUTECONCPROGRAM.

Activity Attributes
The Execute Concurrent Program activity has the following activity attributes:

Application Short Name - Short name of the application to which the concurrent
program is registered.

Program Short Name - Short name of the concurrent program to run.

Number of Arguments - Number of arguments required for the concurrent


program.

Item Attribute Name - Optional name of the item attribute to store the concurrent
program request ID.

Argument1, Argument2, ... Argument100 - Value of each concurrent program


argument, ordered to match the correct syntax of the concurrent program. Up to
100 arguments are allowed, but you should only specify as many argument values
as you define in the Number of Arguments activity attribute.

See: To Define Activity Attribute Values, page 4-16.

Submit Concurrent Program Activity


The Submit Concurrent Program activity submits an Oracle E-Business Suite concurrent
program from your workflow process, but does not wait for it to execute or complete.
Once this activity submits a concurrent request, the Workflow Engine continues with
the next activity in the process.
Important: Generally, the context for your process' item type is always

set if your session is initiated from an Oracle E-Business Suite form.


However, if an interrupt occurs in your session, for example, due to a
notification or blocking activity, you must ensure that the context is set

Predefined Workflow Activities 5-19

by calling FND_GLOBAL.APPS_INITIALIZE(user_id, resp_id,


resp_appl_id) in SET_CTX mode in your Selector/Callback function.
See: Standard API for an Item Type Selector or Callback Function, page
6-8.

The Submit Concurrent Program activity calls the standard Oracle Application Object
Library API FND_WF_STANDARD.SUBMITCONCPROGRAM.

Activity Attributes
The Submit Concurrent Program activity has the following activity attributes:

Application Short Name - Short name of the application to which the concurrent
program is registered.

Program Short Name - Short name of the concurrent program to run.

Number of Arguments - Number of arguments required for the concurrent


program.

Item Attribute Name - Name of the item attribute to store the concurrent program
request ID.

Argument1, Argument2, ... Argument100 - Value of each concurrent program


argument, ordered to match the correct syntax of the concurrent program. Up to
100 arguments are allowed, but you should only specify as many argument values
as you define in the Number of Arguments activity attribute.

See: To Define Activity Attribute Values, page 4-16.

Wait for Concurrent Program Activity


If you submit a concurrent program from your workflow process, you can use the Wait
for Concurrent Program activity as a means of blocking the process from further
execution until the concurrent program completes. When the concurrent program
completes, this activity clears the block by updating the status of the activity and
returning execution of the workflow process to the background engine. The concurrent
program can complete with any of the following results, as defined by the Concurrent
Program Status lookup type: NORMAL, ERROR, WARNING, CANCELLED, or TERMINATED.
You should make sure all of these results are modelled into your process diagram.
Important: To use the Wait for Concurrent Program activity, you must

ensure that the background engine is set up to run.

The Wait for Concurrent Program activity calls the standard Oracle Application Object
Library API FND_WF_STANDARD.WAITFORCONCPROGRAM.

5-20 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Activity Attributes
The Wait for Concurrent Program activity has one activity attribute called Request ID,
which should be set to the concurrent program request ID that you are waiting for to
complete. See: To Define Activity Attribute Values, page 4-16.

Predefined Workflow Activities 5-21

6
Defining Procedures and Functions for
Oracle Workflow
This chapter describes the standard APIs to use for Oracle Workflow PL/SQL and Java
procedures and functions.
This chapter covers the following topics:

Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow

Standard API for PL/SQL Procedures Called by Function Activities

Standard API for an Item Type Selector or Callback Function

Standard APIs for "PL/SQL" Documents

Standard API for an Event Data Generate Function

Standard APIs for a Queue Handler

Standard API for an Event Subscription Rule Function

Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow


Oracle Workflow lets you integrate your own custom PL/SQL and Java procedures and
functions at certain points in your workflow processes and in the Business Event
System. To ensure that Oracle Workflow can properly execute your custom code, follow
these standard APIs when developing your procedures and functions.

Standard API for PL/SQL Procedures Called by Function Activities, page 6-2

Standard API for an Item Type Selector or Callback Function, page 6-8

Standard APIs for "PL/SQL" Documents, page 6-11

Standard API for an Event Data Generate Function, page 6-27

Standard APIs for a Queue Handler, page 6-29

Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow 6-1

Standard API for an Event Subscription Rule Function, page 6-32

Standard API for PL/SQL Procedures Called by Function Activities


All PL/SQL stored procedures that are called by function or notification activities in an
Oracle Workflow process should follow this standard API format so that the Workflow
Engine can properly execute the activity.
Important: The Workflow Engine traps errors produced by function

activities by setting a savepoint before each function activity. If an


activity produces an unhandled exception, the engine performs a
rollback to the savepoint, and sets the activity to the ERROR status. For
this reason, you should never commit within the PL/SQL procedure of
a function activity. The Workflow Engine never issues a commit as it is
the responsibility of the calling application to commit.
For environments such as database triggers or distributed transactions
that do not allow savepoints, the Workflow Engine automatically traps
"Savepoint not allowed" errors and defers the execution of the activity
to the background engine.
Oracle Workflow components that continue workflow processing
asynchronously, such as background engines and the Notification
System, do issue commits when appropriate on behalf of the calling
application.

The example in this section is numbered with the notation (1) for easy referencing. The
numbers themselves are not part of the procedure.

6-2 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

(1)

procedure <procedure name>


(itemtype in varchar2,
itemkey in varchar2,
actid in number,
funcmode in varchar2,
resultout out varchar2) is

(2)<local declarations>(3)

begin

if ( funcmode = 'RUN' ) then


<your RUN executable statements>
resultout := 'COMPLETE:<result>';
return;
end if;
(4)

if ( funcmode = 'CANCEL' ) then


<your CANCEL executable statements>
resultout := 'COMPLETE';
return;
end if;

(5)

if ( funcmode = 'SKIP' ) then


<your SKIP executable statements>
resultout := 'COMPLETE:<result>';
return;
end if;

(6)

if ( funcmode = 'RETRY' ) then


<your RETRY executable statements>
resultout := 'COMPLETE:<result>';
return;
end if;

(7)

if ( funcmode = 'VALIDATE' ) then


<your VALIDATE executable statements>
resultout := 'COMPLETE';
return;
end if;

(8)

if ( funcmode = 'RESPOND' ) then


<your RESPOND executable statements>
resultout := 'COMPLETE';
return;
end if;

(9)

if ( funcmode = 'FORWARD' ) then


<your FORWARD executable statements>
resultout := 'COMPLETE';
return;
end if;

(10) if ( funcmode = 'TRANSFER' ) then


<your TRANSFER executable statements>
resultout := 'COMPLETE';
return;
end if;
(11) if ( funcmode = 'QUESTION' ) then
<your QUESTION executable statements>
resultout := 'COMPLETE';
return;

Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow 6-3

end if;
(12) if ( funcmode = 'ANSWER' ) then
<your ANSWER executable statements>
resultout := 'COMPLETE';
return;
end if;
(13) if ( funcmode = 'TIMEOUT' ) then
<your TIMEOUT executable statements>
if (<condition_ok_to_proceed>) then
resultout := 'COMPLETE';
else
resultout := wf_engine.eng_timedout;
end if;
return;
end if;
(14) if ( funcmode = '<other funcmode>' ) then
resultout := ' ';
return;
end if;
(15) exception
when others then
WF_CORE.CONTEXT ('<package name>', '<procedure name>',
<itemtype>, <itemkey>,
to_char(<actid>), <funcmode>);
raise;
(16) end <procedure name>;

(1) When the Workflow Engine calls a stored procedure for a function activity, it passes
four parameters to the procedure and may expect a result when the procedure
completes. The parameters are defined here:
itemtype

The internal name for the item type. Item types are defined
in the Oracle Workflow Builder.

itemkey

A string that represents a primary key generated by the


workflow-enabled application for the item type. The string
uniquely identifies the item within an item type.

actid

The ID number of the activity from which this procedure is


called.

funcmode

The execution mode of the activity. If the activity is a


function activity, the mode can be 'RUN', 'CANCEL', 'SKIP',
or 'RETRY'. If the activity is a notification activity, with a
post-notification function, then the mode can be 'RESPOND',
'FORWARD', 'TRANSFER', 'QUESTION', 'ANSWER', 'VALIDATE
', 'TIMEOUT', CANCEL, or 'RUN'. Other execution modes may
be added in the future.

resultout

If a result type is specified in the Activities properties page

6-4 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

for the activity in the Oracle Workflow Builder, this


parameter represents the expected result that is returned
when the procedure completes. The possible results are:

COMPLETE:<result_code> - activity completes with


the indicated result code. The result code must match
one of the result codes specified in the result type of
the function activity.

WAITING - activity is pending, waiting on another


activity to complete before it completes. An example is
the Standard 'AND' activity.

DEFERRED:<date> - activity is deferred to a


background engine for execution until a given date.
<date> must be of the format:
to_char(<date_string>, wf_engine.date_format)

NOTIFIED:<notification_id>:
<assigned_user> - an external entity is notified that
an action must be performed. A notification ID and an
assigned user can optionally be returned with this
result. Note that the external entity must call
CompleteActivity() to inform the Workflow Engine
when the action completes.

ERROR:<error_code> - activity encounters an error


and returns the indicated error code.

(2) This section declares any local arguments that are used within the procedure.
(3) The procedure body begins in this section with an IF statement. This section
contains one or more executable statements that run if the value of funcmode is 'RUN'.
One of the executable statements can return a result for the procedure. For example, a
result can be 'COMPLETE:APPROVED'.
Note: The Workflow Engine automatically runs a post-notification

function in RUN mode after the Notification System completes


execution of the post-notification function in RESPOND mode. The RUN
mode executable statements can perform processing such as vote
tallying and determine what result to return for the notification activity.

(4) This section clears the activity and can contain executable statements that run if the
value of funcmode is 'CANCEL'. Often, this section contains no executable statements
to simply return a null value, but this section also provides you with the chance to
'undo' something if necessary. An activity can have a funcmode of 'CANCEL' in the
special case where the activity is part of a loop that is being revisited.

Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow 6-5

The first activity in a loop must always have the Loop Reset option set in the activity
properties Detail page. When the Workflow Engine encounters an activity that has
already run, it verifies the activity's Loop Reset option. If this option is set to Reset, the
engine then identifies the activities that belong in that loop and sets funcmode to
'CANCEL' for those activities. Next, the engine transitions through the loop in forward
order and executes each activity in 'CANCEL' mode to clear all prior results for the
activities so they can run again. See: Looping, Oracle Workflow API Reference and Loop
Counter Activity, page 5-7.
(5) This section can contain executable statements that run if the value of funcmode is
'SKIP'. For example, you can validate the result supplied for the skipped activity or
notify an administrator that the activity was skipped. An activity can have a funcmode
of 'SKIP' if a user skips the activity from the Status Monitor, from an error
notification, or using the WF_ENGINE.HandleError API.
Note: If you want to prevent users from skipping the activity, return a

result of '#NOSKIP' or wf_engine.eng_noskip instead of


'COMPLETE:<result>'. When you set the result to specify that the
activity cannot be skipped, Oracle Workflow raises an error instead of
executing the skip operation. For example, set the result as follows:
resultout := wf_engine.eng_noskip;

(6) This section can contain executable statements that run if the value of funcmode is
'RETRY'. For example, you can verify that the retried activity is eligible to be
reexecuted. An activity can have a funcmode of 'RETRY' if a user retries the activity
from the Status Monitor, from an error notification, or using the
WF_ENGINE.HandleError API.
(7) This section is needed only for post-notification functions. Use this section to include
execution statements that run if the value of funcmode is 'VALIDATE'. This mode is
executed before 'RESPOND' mode, if you define this section in your post-notification
function. For example, include execution statements that validate the response values
before accepting and recording the response.
(8) This section is needed only for post-notification functions. Use this section to include
execution statements that run if the value of funcmode is 'RESPOND', that is, when a
RESPOND operation is performed. For example, include execution statements that
validate the response to the notification. After the Notification System completes
execution of the post-notification function in RESPOND mode, the Workflow Engine
then runs the post-notification function again in RUN mode. See: Post-Notification
Functions, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
(9) This section is needed only for post-notification functions. Use this section to include
execution statements that run if the value of funcmode is 'FORWARD', that is, when a
notification's state changes to 'FORWARD'. For example, include execution statements
that validate the role to which the notification is being forwarded.
(10) This section is needed only for post-notification functions. Use this section to

6-6 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

include execution statements that run if the value of funcmode is 'TRANSFER', that is,
when a notification's state changes to 'TRANSFER'. For example, include execution
statements that validate the role to which the notification is being transferred.
(11) This section is needed only for post-notification functions. Use this section to
include execution statements that run if the value of funcmode is 'QUESTION', that is,
when a user requests more information about a notification from another user. For
example, include execution statements that validate the role to which the request for
more information is being sent.
(12) This section is needed only for post-notification functions. Use this section to
include execution statements that run if the value of funcmode is 'ANSWER', that is,
when a user answers a request. For example, include execution statements that validate
the answering information.
Note: For the 'VALIDATE', 'RESPOND', 'FORWARD', 'TRANSFER',

'QUESTION', and 'ANSWER' modes, the resultout parameter is


ignored, unless the returned value looks something like 'ERROR%'.
Therefore, if you do not want the Validate, Respond, Forward,
Transfer, Question, or Answer operation to occur after having executed
your post-notification function, you can do one of two things:

Return 'ERROR:<errcode>' in the resultout parameter to


convert it to a generic exception with the error code mentioned in
the message.

Raise an exception directly in your procedure with a more


informative error message. See: Post-Notification Functions, Oracle
Workflow API Reference and Notification Model, Oracle Workflow API
Reference.

(13) This section is needed only for post-notification functions. Use this section to
include execution statements that run if a notification activity times out. You can
include logic to test whether the workflow can proceed normally, and if so, to complete
the activity so that the workflow can continue to the next activity. For example, if a
Voting activity times out before all recipients respond, you can include logic that
determines how to interpret the responses based on the current response pool and
completes the activity with the appropriate result.
You should also include logic to return a result of wf_engine.eng_timedout if the
workflow cannot proceed normally. Model any subsequent behavior in your process
diagram using a <Timeout> transition to another activity. The Workflow Engine will
follow the <Timeout> transition when the result wf_engine.eng_timedout is
returned.
(14) This section handles execution modes other than those already specified. Other
execution modes may be added in the future. Since your activity does not need to
implement any of these other possible modes, it should simply return null.

Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow 6-7

(15) This section calls WF_CORE.CONTEXT() if an exception occurs, so that you can
include context information in the error stack to help you locate the source of an error.
See: CONTEXT, Oracle Workflow API Reference.

Standard API for an Item Type Selector or Callback Function


For any given item type, you can define a single function that operates as both a selector
and a callback function. A selector function is a PL/SQL procedure that automatically
identifies the specific process definition to execute when a workflow is initiated for a
particular item type but no process name is provided. Oracle Workflow also supports
using a callback function to reset or test item type context information. You can define
one PL/SQL procedure that includes both selector and callback functionality by
following a standard API.
Oracle Workflow can call the selector/callback function with the following commands:

RUN - to select the appropriate process to start when either of the following two
conditions occur:

A process is not explicitly passed to WF_ENGINE.CreateProcess.

A process is implicitly started by WF_ENGINE.CompleteActivity with no prior


call to WF_ENGINE.CreateProcess.

SET_CTX - to establish any context information for an item type and item key
combination that a function activity in the item type needs in order to execute. The
Workflow Engine calls the selector/callback function with this command each time
it encounters a new item type and item key combination, to ensure that the correct
context information is always set.

TEST_CTX - to determine if the current item type context information is correct


before executing a function, such as during background processing.

The standard API for the selector/callback function is as follows. The example in this
section is numbered with the notation (1) for easy referencing. The numbers themselves
are not part of the procedure.

6-8 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

(1)

procedure <procedure name>


(item_type in varchar2,
item_key in varchar2,
activity_id in number,
command in varchar2,
resultout in out varchar2) is

(2)<local declarations>(3)

begin

if ( command = 'RUN' ) then


<your RUN executable statements>
resultout := '<Name of process to run>';
return;
end if;
(4)

if ( command = 'SET_CTX' ) then


<your executable statements for establishing
context information>
return;
end if;

(5)

if ( command = 'TEST_CTX' ) then


<your executable statements for testing
the validity of the current context information>
resultout := '<TRUE or FALSE or NOTSET> ';
return;
end if;

(6)

if ( command = '<other command>' ) then


resultout := ' ';
return;
end if;

(7)

exception
when others then
WF_CORE.CONTEXT ('<package name>', '<procedure name>',
<itemtype>,<itemkey>,
to_char(<actid>), <command>);
raise;

(8)

end <procedure name>;

(1) When the Workflow Engine calls the selector/callback function, it passes four
parameters to the procedure and may expect a result when the procedure completes.
The parameters are defined here:
itemtype

The internal name for the item type. Item types are defined
in the Oracle Workflow Builder.

itemkey

A string that represents a primary key generated by the


workflow-enabled application for the item type. The string
uniquely identifies the item within an item type.

actid

The ID number of the activity that this procedure is called


from. Note that this parameter is always null if the
procedure is called with the 'RUN' command to execute
the selector functionality.

Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow 6-9

command

The command that determines how to execute the


selector/callback function. Either 'RUN', 'SET_CTX', or
'TEST_CTX'. Other commands may be added in the
future.

resultout

A result may be returned depending on the command that


is used to call the selector/callback function.
If the function is called with 'RUN', the name of the
process to run must be returned through the resultout
parameter. If the function is called with 'SET_CTX', then
no return value is expected. If the function is called with
'TEST_CTX', then the code must return 'TRUE' if the
context is correct, 'FALSE' if the context is incorrect, or
'NOTSET' if the context has not been initialized yet. If any
other value is returned, Oracle Workflow assumes that this
command is not implemented by the callback.

(2) This section declares any local arguments that are used within the procedure.
(3) The procedure body begins in this section with an IF statement. This section
contains one or more executable statements that make up your selector function. It
executes if the value of command is 'RUN'. One of the executable statements should
return a result for the procedure that reflects the process to run. For example, a result
can be 'REQUISITION_APPROVAL', which is the name of an example process activity.
(4) This section contains one or more executable statements that set item type context
information if the value of command is 'SET_CTX'. The Workflow Engine calls the
selector/callback function with this command each time it encounters a new item type
and item key combination, before executing any function activities for that combination.
This command is useful when you need to set item type context information in a
database session before the activities in that session can execute as intended. For
example, you might need to set up the responsibility and organization context for
function activities that are sensitive to multi-organization data.
(5) This section contains one or more executable statements that validate item type
context information if the value of command is 'TEST_CTX'. The Workflow Engine
calls the selector/callback function with this command to validate that the current
database session context is acceptable before the Workflow Engine executes an activity,
such as during background processing. The code in this section should return 'TRUE'
if the context is correct, 'FALSE' if the context is incorrect, or 'NOTSET' if the context
has not been initialized yet.
Note: The selector/callback function should return'NOTSET' only

when none of the context variables has been initialized. If one or more
context variables are set but not all the required variables are set, then
the selector/callback function should return 'FALSE'. Likewise, if any
context variable is set to an invalid value, then the selector/callback

6-10 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

function should return 'FALSE'.


Many context variables for Oracle E-Business Suite, such as
FND_GLOBAL.user_id and FND_GLOBAL.resp_id, are already
initialized by the Oracle Forms, Oracle Application Framework, or
concurrent processing connection. Consequently, with such
connections a selector/callback function should usually return 'FALSE'
if the context is incorrect, rather than 'NOTSET'. The selector/callback
function should return 'NOTSET' only when none of the required
context variables is set, which may be the case with a SQL*Plus or
patching connection that does not initialize Oracle E-Business Suite
context variables.

If the result is 'TRUE', the Workflow Engine keeps the current context.

If the result is 'NOTSET', the Workflow Engine runs the function in 'SET_CTX'
mode to set the context.

If the result is 'FALSE' and the Workflow Engine permits context switching at this
point in its processing, it runs the function in 'SET_CTX' mode to set the correct
context. However, if the result is 'FALSE' but the Workflow Engine requires the
current context to be preserved, it defers the activity to be processed by a
background engine instead.
Note: The Workflow Engine permits context switching during

background processing, such as workflow background engine


processing, workflow mailer response processing, agent listener
processing, and so on. The Workflow Engine requires the current
context to be preserved during online sessions, such as when a user
is logged into Oracle E-Business Suite and responding to a
notification from the worklist.

(6) This section handles execution modes other than 'RUN', 'SET_CTX' or
'TEST_CTX' as others may be added in the future. Since your function does not need
to implement any of these other possible commands, it should simply return null.
(7) This section calls WF_CORE.CONTEXT() if an exception occurs, so that you can
include context information in the error stack to help you locate the source of an error.
See: CONTEXT, Oracle Workflow API Reference.

Standard APIs for "PL/SQL" Documents


You can integrate a document into a workflow process by defining an attribute of type
document for an item type, message, or activity. Oracle Workflow supports document
types called "PL/SQL" documents, "PL/SQL CLOB" documents, and "PL/SQL BLOB"

Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow 6-11

documents. A PL/SQL document represents data as a character string, a PL/SQL CLOB


document represents data as a character large object (CLOB), and a PL/SQL BLOB
document represents data as a binary large object (BLOB).
The document-type attribute that you create tells Oracle Workflow how to construct a
dynamic call to a PL/SQL procedure that generates the document. You can embed a
PL/SQL or PL/SQL CLOB document-type message attribute in a message body to
display the document in a notification. You can also attach a PL/SQL, PL/SQL CLOB, or
PL/SQL BLOB document-type message attribute to a message to include the document
as an attachment to the notification.
The PL/SQL procedures that generate PL/SQL, PL/SQL CLOB, and PL/SQL BLOB
documents must follow standard API formats.
Note: If you create a PL/SQL document or a PL/SQL CLOB document

that contains HTML, you should take security precautions to ensure


that only the HTML code you intend to include is executed. If you
retrieve any data from the database at runtime for inclusion in the
document, use the WF_CORE.SubstituteSpecialChars() API to substitute
entity references for any HTML tag characters in that data, so that those
characters will not be interpreted as HTML code and executed. See:
SubstituteSpecialChars, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
Note that you should not substitute entity references for HTML tags
that you include in the document yourself. Otherwise, the document
will not be displayed with your intended HTML formatting. You only
need to perform this substitution for data that is retrieved from the
database at runtime, which may be entered from an external source.

Note: If your PL/SQL document contains date values, you can use the

WF_NOTIFICATION_UTIL.GetCalendarDate() API to format the date


value according to the calendar preference of the notification recipient.
See: WF_NOTIFICATION_UTIL, Oracle Workflow API Reference.

Related Topics
"PL/SQL" Documents, page 6-12
"PL/SQL CLOB" Documents, page 6-15
"PL/SQL BLOB" Documents, page 6-21

"PL/SQL" Documents
The PL/SQL procedure that generates a PL/SQL document must have the following
standard API:

6-12 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

procedure <procedure name>


(document_id in varchar2,
display_type in varchar2,
document in out nocopy varchar2,
document_type in out nocopy varchar2)

The arguments for the procedure are as follows:


document_id

A string that uniquely identifies a document. This is the


same string as the value that you specify in the default
value field of the Attribute property page for a "PL/SQL"
document (plsql:<procedure>/
<document_identifier>). <procedure> should be
replaced with the PL/SQL package and procedure name in
the form of package.procedure. The phrase
<document_identifier> should be replaced with the
PL/SQL argument string that you want to pass directly to
the procedure. The argument string should identify the
document. For example: plsql:po_wf.show_req/2034.
If you wish to generate the PL/SQL argument string value
dynamically, create another item attribute, and reference
that item attribute as "&ITEM_ATTRIBUTE" in place of the
PL/SQL argument string. Then before any activity that
references this other item attribute gets executed, call the
WF_ENGINE.SetItemAttribute API to dynamically set the
PL/SQL argument string value. For example:
plsql:po_wf.show_req/&POREQ_NUMBER.

display_type

One of three values that represents the content type used


for the notification presentation, also referred to as the
requested type:

text/plain - the document is embedded inside a


plain text representation of the notification as viewed
from an e-mail message. The entire e-mail message
must be less than or equal to 32K, so depending on
how large your e-mail template is, some of the plain
text document that the procedure generates may get
truncated. See: Modifying Your Message Templates,
Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

text/html - the document is embedded inside an


HTML representation of the notification as viewed
from the Notification Web page, or the HTML
attachment to an e-mail message. The procedure must
generate an HTML representation of the document of
up to 32K, but should not include top level HTML tags
like <HTML> or <BODY> since the HTML page that the

Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow 6-13

document is being inserted into already contains these


tags. If you include top level HTML tags accidentally,
Oracle Workflow removes the tags for you when the
document attribute is referenced in a message body.
Note that the procedure can alternatively generate a
plain text document, as the notification system can
automatically surround plain text with the appropriate
HTML tags to preserve formatting.

'<type>/<subtype>' - the document is presented as


a separate attachment to the notification. Any content
type may be returned.

document

The outbound text buffer where up to 32K of document


text is returned.

document_type

The outbound text buffer where the document content type


is returned. Also referred to as the returned type. If no type
is supplied, then 'text/plain' is assumed.
For a document that will be attached to the notification, the
value for this argument can also include a file name for the
attachment. If you do not specify a file name for the
attachment as part of this argument, then Oracle Workflow
uses the message attribute display name as the base file
name and checks its list of defined MIME types and
subtypes to determine the file extension, based on the
display_type argument. If the MIME type and subtype
specified in the display_type argument are not defined
within Oracle Workflow, then the name of the specified
subtype is used as the file extension. However, note that for
some subtypes the file extension differs from the subtype
name.
Consequently, you must explicitly specify the file name for
the attachment in the document_type parameter if either of
the following conditions applies:

6-14 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

You want to use a base file name that is different than


the message attribute display name.

The MIME type and subtype for your document are


not on the list defined within Oracle Workflow, and the
file extension for the MIME subtype differs from the
subtype name. For the list of MIME types and
subtypes, see: MIME Types and Subtypes Defined
Within Oracle Workflow, page 6-24.

To specify a file name as part of the document_type


argument, use a semicolon (';') to separate the file name
from the preceding value in the argument, and specify the
file name in the format 'name=<filename>' with no
spaces before or after the equal sign ('='). For example, you
can set a value for the document type with the following
command:
document_type := 'text/html; name=filename.htm';

Note: If the file name contains a semicolon

(;) or an equal sign (=), then you should


include a backslash (\) as an escape
character preceding the semicolon or equal
sign. For example, if the file name is
my;document.htm then set the
document_type value as follows:
document_type := 'text/html;
name=my\;document.htm';

Related Topics
To Define a Document Attribute, page 3-17

"PL/SQL CLOB" Documents


The PL/SQL procedure that generates a PL/SQL CLOB document must have the
following standard API:
procedure <procedure name>
(document_id in varchar2,
display_type in varchar2,
document in out nocopy clob,
document_type in out nocopy varchar2)

A PL/SQL CLOB document that you include as an attachment to a notification can


contain a PDF or RTF document. You should first store the document in the database as
a binary large object (BLOB) and then convert the document into a CLOB as part of the
PL/SQL procedure that generates the CLOB. You can use the
UTL_RAW.Cast_To_VARCHAR2 function to convert the data from the BLOB into
VARCHAR2 data that you write to a CLOB. See: UTL_RAW, Oracle Database PL/SQL
Packages and Types Reference.
A PL/SQL CLOB document that you include as an attachment to a notification can also
contain any other binary data that is encoded to base64. With this database version, you
can optionally use the WF_MAIL_UTIL.EncodeBLOB procedure to encode the PDF,
RTF, or other binary data to base64. See: EncodeBLOB, Oracle Workflow API Reference.

Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow 6-15

Note: You can call WF_NOTIFICATION.WriteToClob() to help build a

CLOB by appending a string of character data to it. See: WriteToClob,


Oracle Workflow API Reference.

The arguments for the procedure are as follows:


document_id

A string that uniquely identifies a document. This is the


same string as the value that you specify in the default
value field of the Attribute property page for a "PL/SQL
CLOB" document (plsqlclob:<procedure>/
<document_identifier>). <procedure> should be
replaced with the PL/SQL package and procedure name in
the form of package.procedure. The phrase
<document_identifier> should be replaced with the
PL/SQL argument string that you want to pass directly to
the procedure. The argument string should identify the
document. For example:
plsqlclob:po_wf.show_req_clob/2036. If you wish
to generate the PL/SQL argument string value dynamically,
create another item attribute, and reference that item
attribute as "&ITEM_ATTRIBUTE" in place of the PL/SQL
argument string. Then before any activity that references
this other item attribute gets executed, call the
WF_ENGINE.SetItemAttribute API to dynamically set the
PL/SQL argument string value. For example:
plsqlclob:po_wf.show_req_clob/&POREQ_NUMBER.

display_type

One of three values that represents the content type used


for the notification presentation, also referred to as the
requested type:

6-16 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

text/plain - the document is embedded inside a


plain text representation of the notification.

text/html - the document is embedded inside an


HTML representation of the notification as viewed
from the Notification Web page. The procedure must
generate an HTML representation of the document, but
should not include top level HTML tags like <HTML>
or <BODY> since the HTML page that the document is
being inserted into already contains these tags. If you
include top level HTML tags accidentally, Oracle
Workflow removes the tags for you when the
document attribute is referenced in a message body.
Note that the procedure can alternatively generate a
plain text document, as the notification system can

automatically surround plain text with the appropriate


HTML tags to preserve formatting.

'<type>/<subtype>' - the document is presented as


a separate attachment to the notification. Any content
type may be returned.

document

The outbound LOB locator pointing to where the document


text is stored. This locator is a temporary LOB locator, so
you must append your document text to this locator rather
than overwriting or replacing its value. If this value is
overwritten, the temporary LOB is not implicitly freed. For
more information about LOB locators and storing CLOB
data, see DBMS_LOB - Operational Notes, Oracle Database
PL/SQL Packages and Types Reference and Temporary LOBs,
Oracle Application Developer's Guide - Large Objects (LOBs).

document_type

The outbound text buffer where the document content type


is returned. Also referred to as the returned type. If no type
is supplied, then 'text/plain' is assumed. For a PDF or
RTF document, this argument should specify an
appropriate Multi-purpose Internet Mail Extension (MIME)
type, such as 'application/pdf' or
'application/rtf'.
For a document that will be attached to the notification, the
value for this argument can also include a file name for the
attachment. If you do not specify a file name for the
attachment as part of this argument, then Oracle Workflow
uses the message attribute display name as the base file
name and checks its list of defined MIME types and
subtypes to determine the file extension, based on the
display_type argument. If the MIME type and subtype
specified in the display_type argument are not defined
within Oracle Workflow, then the name of the specified
subtype is used as the file extension. However, note that for
some subtypes the file extension differs from the subtype
name.
Consequently, you must explicitly specify the file name for
the attachment in the document_type parameter if either of
the following conditions applies:

You want to use a base file name that is different than


the message attribute display name.

The MIME type and subtype for your document are

Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow 6-17

not on the list defined within Oracle Workflow, and the


file extension for the MIME subtype differs from the
subtype name. For the list of MIME types and
subtypes, see: MIME Types and Subtypes Defined
Within Oracle Workflow, page 6-24.
To specify a file name as part of the document_type
argument, use a semicolon (';') to separate the file name
from the preceding value in the argument, and specify the
file name in the format 'name=<filename>' with no
spaces before or after the equal sign ('='). For example, you
can set a value for the document type with the following
command:
document_type := 'application/pdf;
name=filename.pdf';

Note: If the file name contains a semicolon

(;) or an equal sign (=), then you should


include a backslash (\) as an escape
character preceding the semicolon or equal
sign. For example, if the file name is
my;document.pdf then set the
document_type value as follows:
document_type := 'application/pdf;
name=my\;document.pdf';

Note: If you are using the

WF_MAIL_UTIL.EncodeBLOB API to
encode binary data to base64 in order to
store the data in this PL/SQL CLOB
document, then the document_type
parameter should specify an appropriate
MIME type with a primary type of either
application or image, such as
'application/doc',
'application/pdf', 'image/jpg', or
'image/gif'. The MIME type must be
followed by a semicolon (';') and then by
the encoding specification
'encoding=base64' with no spaces
before or after the equal sign. You can also
optionally specify a file name for the
attachment as part of this argument. Use a
semicolon (';') to separate the file name

6-18 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

from the preceding value in the argument,


and specify the file name in the format
'name=<filename>' with no spaces
before or after the equal sign ('='). For
example, you can set a value for the
document type with the following
command:
document_type := 'image/jpg;
encoding=base64;
name=filename.jpg';

Example
The following example shows a sample procedure to produce a PL/SQL CLOB
document that contains a PDF or RTF document, using the
UTL_RAW.Cast_To_VARCHAR2 function to convert a BLOB to a CLOB.

Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow 6-19

procedure cdoc
(document_id in varchar2,
display_type in varchar2,
document in out nocopy clob,
document_type in out nocopy varchar2)
is
bdoc blob;
cdoc clob;
content_type varchar2(100);
lob_id number;
amount number;
bdoc_size number;
block number := 10000;
blockCount number;
rawBuff RAW(32000);
pos number;
charBuff varchar2(32000);
charBuff_size number;
filename varchar2(200);
location varchar2(200);
data_type varchar2(100);
begin
dbms_lob.createTemporary(cdoc, FALSE, dbms_lob.call);
-- Determine the document to display from the
-- Document ID
lob_id := to_number(document_id);
-- Obtain the BLOB version of the document
select filename, location, content_type, data_type, bdata
into filename, location, content_type, data_type, bdoc
from sjm_lobs
where id = lob_id;
-- recast the BLOB to a CLOB
bdoc_size := dbms_lob.getLength(bdoc);
if block < bdoc_size then
blockCount := round((bdoc_size/block)+0.5);
else
blockCount := 1;
end if;
pos := 1;
for i in 1..blockCount loop
dbms_lob.read(bdoc, block, pos, rawBuff);
charBuff := utl_raw.cast_to_varchar2(rawBuff);
charbuff_size := length(charBuff);
dbms_lob.writeAppend(cdoc, charbuff_size, charBuff);
pos := pos + block;
end loop;
-- Now copy the content to the document
amount := dbms_lob.getLength(cdoc);
dbms_lob.copy(document, cdoc, amount, 1, 1);

6-20 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

-- Set the MIME type as a part of the document_type.


document_type := content_type||'; name='||filename;
exception
when others then
wf_core.context('LOBDOC_PKG', 'cdoc',
document_id, display_type);
raise;
end cdoc;

Related Topics
To Define a Document Attribute, page 3-17

"PL/SQL BLOB" Documents


The PL/SQL procedure that generates a PL/SQL BLOB document must have the
following standard API:
procedure <procedure name>
(document_id in varchar2,
display_type in varchar2,
document in out nocopy blob,
document_type in out nocopy varchar2)

The arguments for the procedure are as follows:


document_id

A string that uniquely identifies a document. This is the


same string as the value that you specify in the default
value field of the Attribute property page for a "PL/SQL
BLOB" document (plsqlblob:<procedure>/
<document_identifier>). <procedure> should be
replaced with the PL/SQL package and procedure name in
the form of package.procedure. The phrase
<document_identifier> should be replaced with the
PL/SQL argument string that you want to pass directly to
the procedure. The argument string should identify the
document. For example:
plsqlblob:po_wf.show_req_blob/2038. If you wish
to generate the PL/SQL argument string value dynamically,
create another item attribute, and reference that item
attribute as "&ITEM_ATTRIBUTE" in place of the PL/SQL
argument string. Then before any activity that references
this other item attribute gets executed, call the
WF_ENGINE.SetItemAttribute API to dynamically set the
PL/SQL argument string value. For example:
plsqlblob:po_wf.show_req_blob/&POREQ_NUMBER.

display_type

For a PL/SQL BLOB document, this value should be ' ' to


represent the content type used for the notification

Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow 6-21

presentation, also referred to as the requested type:


'<type>/<subtype>' - the document is presented as a
separate attachment to the notification. Any content type
may be returned.
document

The outbound LOB locator pointing to where the document


data is stored. This locator is a temporary LOB locator, so
you must append your document data to this locator rather
than overwriting or replacing its value. If this value is
overwritten, the temporary LOB is not implicitly freed. For
more information about LOB locators and storing BLOB
data, see DBMS_LOB - Operational Notes, Oracle Database
PL/SQL Packages and Types Reference and Temporary LOBs,
Oracle Application Developer's Guide - Large Objects (LOBs).

document_type

The outbound text buffer where the document content type


is returned. Also referred to as the returned type. If no type
is supplied, then 'text/plain' is assumed. This
argument should specify an appropriate MIME type with a
primary type of either application or image, such as
'application/doc', 'application/pdf',
'image/jpg', or 'image/gif'.
The value for this argument can also include a file name for
the attachment. If you do not specify a file name for the
attachment as part of this argument, then Oracle Workflow
uses the message attribute display name as the base file
name and checks its list of defined MIME types and
subtypes to determine the file extension, based on the
display_type argument. If the MIME type and subtype
specified in the display_type argument are not defined
within Oracle Workflow, then the name of the specified
subtype is used as the file extension. However, note that for
some subtypes the file extension differs from the subtype
name.
Consequently, you must explicitly specify the file name for
the attachment in the document_type parameter if either of
the following conditions applies:

6-22 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

You want to use a base file name that is different than


the message attribute display name.

The MIME type and subtype for your document are


not on the list defined within Oracle Workflow, and the
file extension for the MIME subtype differs from the
subtype name. For the list of MIME types and

subtypes, see: MIME Types and Subtypes Defined


Within Oracle Workflow, page 6-24.
To specify a file name as part of the document_type
argument, use a semicolon (';') to separate the file name
from the preceding value in the argument, and specify the
file name in the format 'name=<filename>' with no
spaces before or after the equal sign ('='). For example, you
can set a value for the document_type with the following
command:
document_type := 'image/jpg; name=filename.jpg';

Note: If the file name contains a semicolon

(;) or an equal sign (=), then you should


include a backslash (\) as an escape
character preceding the semicolon or equal
sign. For example, if the file name is
my;image.jpg then set the
document_type value as follows:
document_type := 'image/jpg;
name=my\;image.jpg';

Example
The following example shows a sample procedure to produce a PL/SQL BLOB
document that contains a binary file such as an image or a PDF document.
Note: This example shows a simple API used for testing purposes. In a

production instance, the API that produces a PL/SQL BLOB document


should further validate the syntax of the document_type parameter
when appending the base64 encoding specification.

Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow 6-23

/* API to produce a PL/SQL BLOB document for use as a


notification attachment based on the specified
document ID. */
procedure getBlobDoc
(document_id in varchar2,
content_type in varchar2,
document in out nocopy blob,
document_type in out nocopy varchar2)
is
l_docid pls_integer;
l_filename varchar2(100);
l_errmsg varchar2(100) :=
'The document is not found in the database';
l_bdoc blob;
l_data_type varchar2(100);
begin
-- Determine the document to display from the
-- Document ID
l_docid := to_number(document_id);
-- Obtain the BLOB version of the document
select filename, content_type, bdata
into l_filename, document_type, l_bdoc
from wftst_lobs
where id = l_docid;
-- Set the encoding as a part of the document_type
document_type := document_type || '; encoding=base64;';
-- Now copy the content to the document
dbms_lob.Copy(document, l_bdoc, dbms_lob.getLength(l_bdoc));
exception
when others then
dbms_lob.WriteAppend(document, length(l_errmsg), l_errmsg);
wf_core.context('WFMLR_TEST','getBLOBDoc',document_id);
raise;
end getBlobDoc;

Related Topics
To Define a Document Attribute, page 3-17

MIME Types and Subtypes Defined Within Oracle Workflow


This table lists the MIME types and subtypes that are defined within Oracle Workflow,
together with the file extension that corresponds to each subtype.

6-24 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

MIME Types and Subtypes Defined Within Oracle Workflow


MIME Type and Subtype

File Type

File Extension

text/plain

Text document

.txt

text/html

HTML document

.htm

text/richtext

Rich text document

.rtf

text/tab-separated-values

Tab-separated values

.tsv

text/comma-separated-values

Comma-separated values

.csv

application/msword

Microsoft Word document


(versions prior to Microsoft
Word 2007)

.doc

application/vnd.openxmlform
ats-officedocument.wordproc
essingml.document

Microsoft Word 2007 and


higher document

.docx

application/vnd.ms-word.doc
ument.macroEnabled.12

Microsoft Word 2007 and


higher macro-enabled
document

.docm

application/vnd.openxmlform
ats-officedocument.wordproc
essingml.template

Microsoft Word 2007 and


higher template

.dotx

application/vnd.ms-word.tem
plate.macroEnabled.12

Microsoft Word 2007 and


higher macro-enabled
document template

.dotm

application/vnd.ms-excel

Microsoft Excel workbook


(versions prior to Microsoft
Excel 2007)

.xls

application/vnd.openxmlform
ats-officedocument.spreadshe
etml.sheet

Microsoft Excel 2007 and


higher workbook

.xlsx

Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow 6-25

MIME Type and Subtype

File Type

File Extension

application/vnd.ms-excel.shee
t.macroEnabled.12

Microsoft Excel 2007 and


higher macro-enabled
workbook

.xlsm

application/vnd.openxmlform
ats-officedocument.spreadshe
etml.template

Microsoft Excel 2007 and


higher template

.xltx

application/vnd.ms-excel.tem
plate.macroEnabled.12

Microsoft Excel 2007 and


higher macro-enabled
workbook template

.xltm

application/vnd.ms-excel.shee
t.binary.macroEnabled.12

Microsoft Excel 2007 and


higher binary workbook

.xlsb

application/vnd.ms-excel.addi
n.macroEnabled.12

Microsoft Excel 2007 and


higher add-in

.xlam

application/vnd.ms-powerpoi
nt

Microsoft PowerPoint
presentation (versions prior to
Microsoft PowerPoint 2007)

.ppt

application/vnd.openxmlform
ats-officedocument.presentati
onml.presentation

Microsoft PowerPoint 2007


and higher presentation

.pptx

application/vnd.ms-powerpoi
nt.presentation.macroEnabled
.12

Microsoft PowerPoint 2007


and higher macro-enabled
presentation

.pptm

application/vnd.openxmlform
ats-officedocument.presentati
onml.slideshow

Microsoft PowerPoint 2007


and higher slide show

.ppsx

application/vnd.ms-powerpoi
nt.slideshow.macroEnabled.1
2

Microsoft PowerPoint 2007


and higher macro-enabled
slide show

.ppsm

application/vnd.openxmlform
ats-officedocument.presentati
onml.template

Microsoft PowerPoint 2007


and higher template

.potx

6-26 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

MIME Type and Subtype

File Type

File Extension

application/vnd.ms-powerpoi
nt.template.macroEnabled.12

Microsoft PowerPoint 2007


and higher macro-enabled
presentation template

.potm

application/vnd.ms-powerpoi
nt.addin.macroEnabled.12

Microsoft PowerPoint 2007


and higher add-in

.ppam

application/vnd.openxmlform
ats-officedocument.presentati
onml.slide

Microsoft PowerPoint 2007


and higher slide

.sldx

application/vnd.ms-powerpoi
nt.slide.macroEnabled.12

Microsoft PowerPoint 2007


and higher macro-enabled
slide

.sldm

Standard API for an Event Data Generate Function


When you define an event in the Business Event System, you can assign the event a
generate function that can produce the complete event data from the event name, event
key, and an optional parameter list. The event data gives additional details to describe
what occurred and can be structured as an XML document. You should specify a
generate function if the application that raises the event will not produce the event data
itself.
When an event is raised locally, the Event Manager checks each subscription before
executing it to determine whether the subscription requires the event data. If the event
data is required but is not already provided, the Event Manager calls the generate
function for the event to produce the event data. The generate function returns the
event data in character large object (CLOB) format.
Note: If the event data is required but no generate function is defined

for the event, Oracle Workflow creates a default set of event data using
the event name and event key.

Note: If the generate function is costly, and you want to return control

to the calling application more quickly after raising the event, you can
defer all the subscriptions that require the complete event data. Then
the Event Manager will not run the generate function until those
subscriptions are executed at a later time. See: Deferred Subscription
Processing, page 8-32.

Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow 6-27

Oracle Workflow provides a standard generate function that you can use for
demonstration or testing purposes. See: Default_Generate, Oracle Workflow API Reference
.

Related Topics
Defining Events, page 8-9
Defining Event Subscriptions, page 8-36
Parameter List Structure, Oracle Workflow API Reference

Standard API for a PL/SQL Generate Function


A PL/SQL generate function must have the following standard API:
function <function_name>
(p_event_name in varchar2,
p_event_key in varchar2
p_parameter_list in wf_parameter_list_t default null)
return clob;

The arguments for the function are as follows:


p_event_name

The internal name of the event.

p_event_key

A string generated when the event occurs within a


program or application. The event key uniquely identifies a
specific instance of the event.

p_parameter_list

An optional list of additional parameter name and value


pairs for the event.

Note: If you use custom PL/SQL generate functions, you can optionally

enable Oracle Workflow to call your custom functions statically to


enhance performance. See: Enabling Static Function Calls for Custom
PL/SQL Functions, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Standard API for a Java Generate Function


You can optionally assign an event a Java generate function to be executed in the
middle tier, instead of a PL/SQL generate function. A Java generate function must be a
Java class using the following Java interface:
public interface GenerateInterface
{
public String generate(BusinessEvent event,
WorkflowContext context)
throws BusinessEventException;
}

6-28 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

The arguments for the API are as follows:


event

The BusinessEvent object. The payload passed to the


BusinessEvent class must be serializable.

context

Workflow context information, including the Log object


which can be used for logging.

Standard APIs for a Queue Handler


When you define an agent in the Business Event System, you must assign the agent a
queue handler. A PL/SQL queue handler is a package that translates between the
standard Workflow event message format defined by the WF_EVENT_T datatype and
the message format required by the queue associated with the agent. A Java queue
handler translates between the BusinessEvent object format and the queue's message
format.
Oracle Workflow provides two standard queue handlers for queues that use the
WF_EVENT_T format, WF_EVENT_QH for normal processing and WF_ERROR_QH for
error queues. Oracle Workflow also provides a standard queue handler named
WF_EVENT_OJMSTEXT_QH for queues that use JMS Text messages as their payload
format.
You can also create your own custom queue handlers for queues that use other formats.
If you create a custom queue handler, you must provide standard enqueue and
dequeue APIs in your package. Java queue handlers must also include some other
standard APIs.

Related Topics
Event Message Structure, Oracle Workflow API Reference
Agents, page 8-46
Mapping Between WF_EVENT_T and SYS.AQ$_JMS_TEXT_MESSAGE, Oracle
Workflow API Reference

Standard APIs for a PL/SQL Queue Handler


Enqueue
The Enqueue procedure in a queue handler package must enqueue an event message
onto a queue associated with an outbound agent. You can optionally specify an
override agent where you want to enqueue the event message. Otherwise, the event
message is enqueued on the From Agent specified within the message. The Enqueue
procedure transforms the event message's header information if necessary to enqueue
the message in the format required by the queue.

Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow 6-29

When an event message is being sent, the generic WF_EVENT.Enqueue procedure


determines which queue handler is associated with the specified outbound agent and
calls the Enqueue procedure in that queue handler to enqueue the message.
The PL/SQL Enqueue procedure must have the following standard API:
procedure enqueue
(p_event in WF_EVENT_T,
p_out_agent_override in WF_AGENT_T);

The arguments for the procedure are as follows:


p_event

The event message.

p_out_agent_override

The outbound agent on whose queue the event message


should be enqueued.

Dequeue
The Dequeue procedure in a queue handler package must dequeue an event message
from the queue associated with the specified inbound agent, selecting the message to
dequeue by the message priority. The procedure transforms the event message's header
information if necessary and returns the event message in the standard WF_EVENT_T
structure. Additionally, the Dequeue procedure can set the date and time when the
message is dequeued into the RECEIVE_DATE attribute of the event message.
When an event message is being received, the WF_EVENT.Listen procedure determines
which queue handler to use with the specified inbound agent and calls the Dequeue
procedure in that queue handler to dequeue the message.
You can optionally call the dequeue navigation APIs WF_EVENT.setNavigationParams,
WF_EVENT.resetNavigationParams, and WF_EVENT.getQueueNavigation within a
custom Dequeue procedure to control the order in which messages are dequeued. See:
Event APIs, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
The PL/SQL Dequeue procedure must have the following standard API:
procedure dequeue
(p_agent_guid in raw,
p_event out WF_EVENT_T);

The arguments for the procedure are as follows:


p_agent_guid

The globally unique identifier of the inbound agent from


whose queue the event message should be dequeued.

p_event

The event message.


Note: If you use custom PL/SQL queue handlers, you can optionally

enable Oracle Workflow to call your custom functions statically to


enhance performance. See: Enabling Static Function Calls for Custom
PL/SQL Functions, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

6-30 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Standard APIs for a Java Queue Handler


You can optionally provide a Java queue handler to be executed during Java event
message processing in the middle tier, instead of a PL/SQL queue handler. A Java
queue handler must be a Java class using the following Java interface:
public interface QueueHandlerInterface
{
public void init(Connection conn,
AgentEO agent,
Log log,
String uniqueLogId,
Properties props)
throws QueueHandlerException;
public String enqueue(BusinessEvent event)
throws QueueHandlerException;
public BusinessEvent dequeue()
throws QueueHandlerException;
public void destroy();
public String getMsgId()
throws QueueHandlerException;
public CLOB getEventData();
}

In addition to the enqueue and dequeue APIs, a Java queue handler must also contain
methods to initialize the connection to the agent, destroy objects created during queue
processing after the processing is complete, retrieve a message ID from a message on
the queue, and retrieve the CLOB reference to the event data of the last business event
dequeued by the queue handler.
The arguments for the init method are as follows:
conn

The JDBC connection used to establish the connection with


the queue.

agent

The AgentEO object that contains the information for this


agent and its queue.

log

The Log object which can be used for logging.

uniqueLogId

The log ID for recording debug messages.

props

The property mapping for enqueue and dequeue


operations.

The argument for the enqueue method is as follows:


event

The BusinessEvent object to be enqueued.

Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow 6-31

Standard API for an Event Subscription Rule Function


When you define an event subscription, you choose a function called a rule function to
run on the event message. Oracle Workflow provides a standard default rule function
named WF_RULE.Default_Rule to perform basic subscription processing. The default
rule function includes the following actions:

Sending the event message to a workflow process, if specified in the subscription


definition

Sending the event message to an agent, if specified in the subscription definition

See: Default_Rule, Oracle Workflow API Reference.


Oracle Workflow also provides additional standard rule functions that you can use for
advanced processing, testing, debugging, or other purposes. Commonly used rule
functions including the following:

Default_Rule2 - Performs the basic subscription processing only if the parameter list
within the event message includes parameters whose names and values match all
the parameters defined for the subscription. See: Default_Rule2, Oracle Workflow
API Reference.

Default_Rule3 - Sets the parameter name and value pairs from the subscription
parameters into the parameter list within the event message before performing the
basic subscription processing. See: Default_Rule3, Oracle Workflow API Reference.

SendNotification - Sends a notification as specified by the parameter list within the


event message. This rule function lets you send a notification outside of a workflow
process. See: SendNotification, Oracle Workflow API Reference.

Instance_Default_Rule - Sends the event to all existing workflow processes that


have eligible receive event activities waiting to receive it, identified by a business
key attribute. See: Instance_Default_Rule, Oracle Workflow API Reference.

Default_Rule_Or - Performs the basic subscription processing only if the parameter


list within the event message includes at least one parameter whose name and
value match a parameter defined for the subscription. See: Default_Rule_Or, Oracle
Workflow API Reference.

oracle.apps.fnd.wf.bes.WebServiceInvokerSubscription - Invokes a business process


execution language (BPEL) process or other Web service. See:
WebServiceInvokerSubscription, Oracle Workflow API Reference.

See: Event Subscription Rule APIs, Oracle Workflow API Reference.


You can extend your subscription processing by creating custom rule functions. Custom
rule functions must be defined according to a standard API.

6-32 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

A rule function may read from or write to the event message or perform any other
database action. However, you should never commit within a rule function. The Event
Manager never issues a commit as it is the responsibility of the calling application to
commit. Additionally, the rule function must not change the connection context in any
way, including security and NLS settings.
Note: If your rule function writes to the event message, any subsequent

subscriptions executed on the event will access the changed message.

If the subscription processing that you want to perform for an event includes several
successive steps, you may find it advantageous to define multiple subscriptions to the
event with simple rule functions that you can reuse, rather than creating complex
specialized rule functions that cannot be reused. You can use the phase numbers for the
subscriptions to specify the order in which they should be executed.
By default, the Event Manager uses the event key as the correlation ID for the event
message when no other correlation ID is specified. If you want to specify a different
correlation ID, you can use WF_EVENT_FUNCTIONS_PKG.AddCorrelation to add a
correlation ID to the event message, either by calling this function within your custom
rule function or by defining another subscription that uses
WF_EVENT_FUNCTIONS_PKG.AddCorrelation as its rule function. See: AddCorrelation,
Oracle Workflow API Reference.
If you want to send the event message to a workflow process or to an agent after
running custom code on the message, you must either include the send processing in
your rule function, or define a separate subscription that uses the default rule function
to perform the send processing.

Call WF_ENGINE.Event() to send the event message to a workflow process.

Call WF_EVENT.Send() to send the event message to an agent.

Call WF_RULE.Default_Rule() to include the default subscription processing that can


send the event message both to a workflow process and to an agent.
Note: When you define a subscription in the Event Manager, you can

define the workflow item type, workflow process name, out agent, to
agent, priority, and parameters for your send processing, as well as
defining the rule function. Any rule function can access these send
attributes, but if you do not use the default rule function, you must
explicitly include the send processing in your custom rule function if
you want to send the event from the same subscription.

Related Topics
Defining Event Subscriptions, page 8-36

Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow 6-33

Event Message Structure, Oracle Workflow API Reference


Workflow Core APIs, Oracle Workflow API Reference
Event Subscription Rule APIs, Oracle Workflow API Reference
Event(), Oracle Workflow API Reference
Send(), Oracle Workflow API Reference
Default_Rule, Oracle Workflow API Reference
SetErrorInfo(), Oracle Workflow API Reference

Standard API for a PL/SQL Subscription Rule Function


The standard API for a PL/SQL rule function is as follows. This section is numbered
with the notation (1) for easy referencing. The numbers themselves are not part of the
procedure.
(1)

function <function_name>
(p_subscription_guid in raw,
p_event in out WF_EVENT_T)
return varchar2 is

(2)<local declarations>(3) begin


<your executable statements>(4)<optional code for WARNING>
WF_CORE.CONTEXT('<package name>',
'<function name>',
p_event.getEventName( ),
p_subscription_guid);
WF_EVENT.setErrorInfo(p_event, 'WARNING');
return 'WARNING';
(5)

return 'SUCCESS';

(6)

exception
when others then
WF_CORE.CONTEXT('<package name>',
'<function name>',
p_event.getEventName( ),
p_subscription_guid);
WF_EVENT.setErrorInfo(p_event, 'ERROR');
return 'ERROR';

(7)

end;

(1) When the Event Manager calls the rule function, it passes two parameters to the
function and expects a return code when the function completes. The parameters are
defined here:
p_subscription_guid

The globally unique identifier for the subscription.

p_event

The event message.

The function must return one of the following status codes:

SUCCESS - The rule function completed successfully.

6-34 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

WARNING - A warning condition occurred. The rule function reports a warning


message using the Workflow Core error APIs and sets the warning information into
the event message. The Event Manager places a copy of the event message on the
WF_ERROR queue, but continues processing subscriptions to the event without
rolling back any processing executed so far.

ERROR - An error occurred. The rule function reports an error message using the
Workflow Core error APIs and sets the error information into the event message.
The Event Manager places the event message on the WF_ERROR queue. Depending
on the error handling specified for the subscription, the Event Manager can either
halt subscription processing for this event and roll back any subscriptions already
executed for the event, or roll back only the errored subscription and continue
processing the next subscription for the event.

(2) This section declares any local arguments that are used within the function.
(3) The procedure body begins in this section with one or more executable statements
that make up your rule function.
(4) This optional section calls WF_CORE.CONTEXT() if a warning condition occurs, so
that you can include context information in the error stack to help you locate the source
of an error. It also sets the warning information into the event message and returns the
status code 'WARNING'. See: CONTEXT, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
(5) This section returns the status code 'SUCCESS' when the rule function's normal
processing completes successfully.
(6) This section calls WF_CORE.CONTEXT() if an exception occurs, so that you can
include context information in the error stack to help you locate the source of an error. It
also sets the error information into the event message and returns the status code
'ERROR'. See: CONTEXT, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
Note: If you raise an unhandled exception in a rule function, the Event

Manager's treatment of the unhandled exception depends on the type


of error handling specified for the subscription.

For Stop and Rollback error handling, the Event Manager rolls back
all subscription processing for the event and raises the exception to
the calling application. In this case the event message is not placed
on the WF_ERROR queue.

For Skip to Next error handling, the Event Manager rolls back only
the current subscription and does not raise the exception to the
calling application. However, it does place the event message on
the WF_ERROR queue.

Note: If you use custom PL/SQL rule functions, you can optionally

Defining Procedures and Functions for Oracle Workflow 6-35

enable Oracle Workflow to call your custom functions statically to


enhance performance. See: Enabling Static Function Calls for Custom
PL/SQL Functions, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Standard API for a Java Subscription Rule Function


You can optionally provide a Java subscription rule function to be executed in the
middle tier, instead of a PL/SQL rule function. A Java rule function must be a Java class
using the following Java interface:
public interface SubscriptionInterface
{
void onBusinessEvent(Subscription eo, BusinessEvent event,
WorkflowContext ctx)
throws BusinessEventException;
}

The arguments for the API are as follows:


eo

The Subscription object, which provides information about


the subscription such as the phase number and any
parameters.

event

The BusinessEvent object, which provides information


about the business event that occurred, including the event
name, event key, event data, and the optional payload
object.

ctx

Workflow context information, including the database


connection and the Log object which can be used for
logging.

If the execution of the rule function does not succeed, the subscription can pass the
error details to the Event Manager by encapsulating the details in a
BusinessEventException. Depending on the error handling specified for the
subscription, the Event Manager can either halt subscription processing for this event
and roll back any subscriptions already executed for the event, or roll back only the
errored subscription and continue processing the next subscription for the event.
Ensure that your rule function Java class is part of the JAVA_TOP that is included in the
AF_CLASSPATH on the concurrent processing tier for your Oracle E-Business Suite
installation.
Note: When raising an event from Java, you can also set a serializable

object as a payload for the event. The payload is available to all Java
subscriptions to the event.

6-36 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

7
Testing Workflow Definitions
This chapter tells you how to test your workflow definitions using the Developer
Studio.
This chapter covers the following topics:

Testing Workflow Definitions Using the Developer Studio

Testing Workflow Definitions Using the Developer Studio


The Developer Studio lets you view workflow definitions stored in your database. If
you have workflow administrator privileges, you can also run a test workflow process
for a workflow definition. Workflow administrator privileges are assigned in the
Workflow Configuration page. See: Setting Global User Preferences, Oracle Workflow
Administrator's Guide.
Although you can run a test workflow process against any Oracle Workflow database,
it is recommended that you create a separate environment for testing purposes. You
should set up test users and roles in your test environment before you begin.
Note: If you plan to use e-mail to view notifications, you can send all

notifications to a single e-mail address by setting an override address


for a notification mailer in its Component Details page in Oracle
Applications Manager. See: Reviewing Service Component Details,
Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

To Search for Workflow Definitions in the Developer Studio:


1.

Use a Web browser to navigate to the Developer Studio, using a responsibility and
navigation path specified by your system administrator. See: Oracle Workflow
Developer Navigation Paths, page A-1.

2.

Search for the workflow definitions you want to review. The search criteria are:

Testing Workflow Definitions 7-1

3.

Workflow Type - Select the workflow item type you want to review. The
display name for the workflow type you select populates the Workflow Type
field, and the internal name for the workflow type you select populates the
Type Internal Name field.

Type Internal Name - Enter the internal name of the workflow type you want to
view, if you want to enter the internal name directly instead of selecting a
value. You can enter a partial value to search for workflow types whose internal
names begin with that value.

If you have workflow administrator privileges, you can run a test workflow process
by selecting the run icon for that workflow definition. See: To Run a Test Workflow
Process, page 7-2.
Note: If a workflow definition does not include any runnable

processes, its run icon is disabled.


Additionally, if a workflow process begins with a Receive event
activity, you cannot use the Developer Studio to test the process.
Instead, you should raise a test event from the Event Manager to
trigger an event subscription that launches the process. See: To
Raise a Test Event, page 8-14.

To Run a Test Workflow Process:


1.

Navigate to the Run Workflow page.

2.

In the Workflow Identifier region, specify the identifying details for the workflow
process you want to run.

Workflow Owner - Optionally specify an owner for the process. The default
value is your user name.
Note: If an administrator has configured restrictions for the

user list of values, then only the values to which you have
access appear in the list. See: Configuring the Oracle Workflow
User List of Values, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Note: To enhance security, Oracle Workflow does not allow

notifications within a process to be reassigned to the process


owner.

Item Key - A unique item key to identify the process instance.

7-2 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Note: The item key for a process instance can only contain

single-byte characters. It cannot contain a multibyte value.

User Key - An optional user-friendly identifier that you can use to locate the
workflow process in the Status Monitor and other Oracle Workflow user
interface components.

Process - The name of the workflow process to test. If the workflow item type
includes only one runnable process, Oracle Workflow automatically displays
that process. If the workflow item type includes more than one runnable
process, select the process that you want to test.

3.

The Workflow Attributes region displays any item attributes associated with the
workflow item type. Enter values for any item attributes that are required to initiate
the process.

4.

Select the Run Workflow button. To initiate the workflow process, the Run
Workflow page calls the Workflow Engine CreateProcess() and StartProcess() APIs
for the specified workflow item type and item key. It also calls the Workflow
Engine SetItemOwner() and SetItemAttr() APIs to set the process owner and all the
item type attributes to the specified values.

5.

To view the status of the workflow process, choose the Status Monitor tab and
search for the process in the Workflows search page. See: Accessing the
Administrator Monitor, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

6.

If the process you are testing includes notifications, choose the Notifications tab to
view and respond to the notifications in the Worklist. See: To View Notifications
from the Advanced Worklist, Oracle Workflow User's Guide.
Alternatively, if you have set the notification preference of the recipients to receive
e-mail notifications, you can use an e-mail reader to view and respond to the
notifications. If you specified an override e-mail address for the notification mailer,
you can connect to that e-mail account to access all notifications for the process. See:
Reviewing Notifications via Electronic Mail, Oracle Workflow User's Guide.

Testing Workflow Definitions 7-3

8
Managing Business Events
This chapter tells you how to manage business events using the Oracle Workflow Event
Manager Web pages.
This chapter covers the following topics:

Managing Business Events

Event Manager

Events

Defining Events

Event Subscriptions

Defining Event Subscriptions

Agents

Defining Agents

Systems

Defining Systems

Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge

Managing Business Events


The Oracle Workflow Business Event System is an application service that leverages the
Oracle Advanced Queuing (AQ) infrastructure to communicate business events
between systems. The Business Event System consists of the Event Manager and
workflow process event activities.
The Event Manager contains a registry of business events, systems, named
communication agents within those systems, and subscriptions indicating that an event
is significant to a particular system. Events can be raised locally or received from an
external system or the local system through AQ. When a local event occurs, the
subscribing code is executed in the same transaction as the code that raised the event,

Managing Business Events 8-1

unless the subscriptions are deferred.


Subscriptions can include the following types of processing:

Executing custom code on the event information

Sending event information to a workflow process

Sending event information to other queues or systems

Sending a notification based on the event information

Sending or receiving an Oracle XML Gateway message

Invoking a Web service

Business events are represented within workflow processes by event activities. By


including event activities in a workflow process, you can model complex processing or
routing logic for business events beyond the options of directly running a predefined
function or sending the event to a predefined recipient. See: Event Activity, page 3-76.
The uses of the Business Event System include:

System integration messaging hubs - Oracle Workflow with the Business Event
System can serve as a messaging hub for complex system integration scenarios. The
Event Manager can be used to "hard-wire" routing between systems based on event
and originator. Workflow process event activities can be used to model more
advanced routing, content-based routing, transformations, error handling, and so
on.

Distributed applications messaging - Applications can supply generate and


receive event message handlers for their business entities. For example, message
handlers can be used to implement master/copy replication for distributed
applications.

Message-based system integration - You can set up subscriptions which cause


messages to be sent from one system to another when business events occur. In this
way, you can use the Event Manager to implement point-to-point messaging
integration.

Business event-based workflow processes - You can develop sophisticated


workflow processes that include advanced routing or processing based on the
content of business events.

Non-invasive customization of packaged applications - Analysts can register


interesting business events for their internet or intranet applications. Users of those
applications can register subscriptions to those events to trigger custom code or
workflow processes.

8-2 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Event Manager
The Oracle Workflow Event Manager lets you register interesting business events that
may occur in your applications, the systems among which events will be
communicated, named communication agents within those systems, and subscriptions
indicating that an event is significant to a particular system. The Event Manager also
performs subscribtion processing when events occur.
You must have workflow administrator privileges to maintain Business Event System
objects in the Event Manager pages. If you have workflow administrator privileges, you
can create, update, and delete events, subscriptions, systems, and agents. You can also
test business events by manually raising a test event. If you do not have administrator
privileges, you can view Business Event System objects in the Event Manager, but you
cannot modify them. Workflow administrator privileges are assigned in the Workflow
Configuration page. See: Setting Global User Preferences, Oracle Workflow
Administrator's Guide.
Note: When defining internal names for Business Event System objects

in the Event Manager, use only characters from the ASCII character set.

You can use the Workflow XML Loader to upload and download XML definitions for
Business Event System objects between a database and a flat file. See: Using the
Workflow XML Loader, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
Note: To ensure that your customizations are handled appropriately in

conjunction with the Online Patching feature introduced in Release


12.2, follow the instructions in Deploying Customizations in Oracle
E-Business Suite Release 12.2, My Oracle Support Document 1577661.1.

When an event occurs in an application on your local system, an event key must be
assigned to uniquely identify that particular instance of the event. Then the event must
be raised to the Event Manager.
You can raise an event by any of the following methods:

Raise the event from the application where the event occurs using the
WF_EVENT.Raise() PL/SQL API or the raise method in the BusinessEvent Java class.
See: Raise, Oracle Workflow API Reference.

Raise the event from a workflow process using a Raise event activity. See: Event
Activity, page 3-86.

Raise the event manually using the Test Business Event page. See: To Raise a Test
Event, page 8-14.

Additionally, the Event Manager can receive events sent from the local system or

Managing Business Events 8-3

remote systems.
When an event is raised by a local application or received from a local or external
system, the Event Manager executes any subscriptions to that event. Depending on the
action defined in the subscription, the Event Manager may send the event information
to a workflow process, send the event information to an agent, send a notification, send
or receive an Oracle XML Gateway message, execute custom code, or invoke a Web
service.
To communicate event messages between systems, you must schedule propagation for
outbound messages and run agent listeners for inbound messages. You can use Oracle
Enterprise Manager to schedule propagation and the Workflow Manager component of
Oracle Applications Manager to run agent listeners. You can also view the distribution
of event messages on different agents in Workflow Manager, drill down to view details
about individual event messages, and review queue details for the agents. For more
information, please refer to the Oracle Enterprise Manager online help, Oracle
Enterprise Manager Support, Oracle Streams Advanced Queuing User's Guide and Reference
, Oracle Workflow Manager Overview, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide, and
Setting Up the Business Event System, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
To test your Business Event System setup, you can run the Workflow Agent
Ping/Acknowledge workflow. See: Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge, page 8-75.

Related Topics
Events, page 8-4
Event Subscriptions, page 8-15
Agents, page 8-46
Systems, page 8-66

Events
A business event is an occurrence in an internet or intranet application or program that
might be significant to other objects in a system or to external agents. For instance, the
creation of a purchase order is an example of a business event in a purchasing
application. You can define your significant events in the Event Manager.
Oracle Workflow provides several predefined events for significant occurrences within
the Business Event System. See: Predefined Workflow Events, page 9-1.
Predefined events are also provided with some Oracle E-Business Suite products. For
more information on application-specific workflow events, consult the documentation
or help for that specific Oracle E-Business Suite product, the Oracle E-Business Suite
Electronic Technical Reference Manual, available from My Oracle Support, and the
business event interface information in the Integration Repository. For information
about using the Integration Repository, see: Oracle E-Business Suite Integrated SOA
Gateway User's Guide.

8-4 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Defining an Event Name


When you define an event in the Event Manager, you must assign it a unique internal
name, which is case-sensitive. The suggested format for these internal names is a
compound structure of identifiers separated by periods (.) as follows:
<company>.<family>.<product>.<component>.<object>.<event>

This format allows you to organize the events you define into a classification hierarchy.

Defining a Generate Function


Any detail information needed to describe what occurred in an event, in addition to the
event name and event key, is called the event data. For example, the event data for a
purchase order event includes the item numbers, descriptions, and cost. The event data
can be structured as an XML document.
The application where the event occurs can include the event data when raising the
event to the Event Manager. If the application will not provide the event data, you
should specify a generate function for the event that can produce the complete event
data from the event name, event key, and an optional parameter list. The generate
function must follow a standard PL/SQL or Java API. See: Raise, Oracle Workflow API
Reference and Standard API for an Event Data Generate Function, page 6-27.
Define only one generate function for an event, either PL/SQL or Java. Define the
generate function independently of any subscriptions to the event.

PL/SQL generate function - The Business Event System performs PL/SQL


subscription processing in the database tier for an event with a PL/SQL generate
function. However, if subscription processing for the event moves to the middle tier
due to Java subscriptions, the middle tier Business Event System will execute the
PL/SQL generate function through Java Database Connectivity (JDBC), if required.
Note: If you use custom PL/SQL generate functions, you can

optionally enable Oracle Workflow to call your custom functions


statically to enhance performance. See: Enabling Static Function
Calls for Custom PL/SQL Functions, Oracle Workflow Administrator's
Guide.

Java generate function - The Business Event System will always perform
subscription processing for the event in the middle tier to enable execution of the
Java generate function, even if the subscriptions to the event are all PL/SQL
subscriptions. If the event is raised from PL/SQL code or received through a
PL/SQL agent listener, the Event Manager places the event on the
WF_JAVA_DEFERRED queue to move subscription processing to the middle tier.

Managing Business Events 8-5

Note: When raising an event from Java, you can also set a

serializable object as a payload for the event. The payload is


available to all Java subscriptions to the event.

The Event Manager checks each subscription before executing it to determine whether
the subscription requires the event data. If the event data is required but is not already
provided, the Event Manager calls the generate function for the event to produce the
event data. If the event data is required but no generate function is defined for the
event, Oracle Workflow creates a default set of event data using the event name and
event key.
Note: If the generate function is costly, and you want to return control

to the calling application more quickly after raising the event, you can
defer all the subscriptions that require the complete event data. Then
the Event Manager will not run the generate function until those
subscriptions are executed at a later time. See: Deferred Subscription
Processing, page 8-32.

You can run a diagnostic test through Oracle Diagnostics Framework to verify that the
generate functions that are defined for events exist in the database and are valid. See:
Oracle Workflow Diagnostic Tests, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Generating Service Data Object Metadata


A service data object (SDO) represents a row of data in a service view object (SVO) in
Oracle Application Framework. If you want to set the XML metadata for a service data
object as the event data for an event, you can define the Java generate function for the
event using a special format to retrieve the SDO metadata.
For Oracle Workflow to access the SDO metadata, all Java class files related to the
service data object must be available in your CLASSPATH. Additionally, all XML
artifacts for the service application module (SAM), service view object (SVO), and entity
object (EO), as well as the server.xml file, must be available in the same locations as
the corresponding class files.
Specify the Java generate function to retrieve SDO metadata in the following format:
sdo://<SAM><SDO><FILTER><KEYS>

<SAM> - Specify the package and class for the service application module in the
following format:
oracle.apps.myBasePackage.myPackage.server.classname

For example:
oracle.apps.fnd.wf.bes.sample.WorkflowAgentSAM

<SDO> - Specify the service data object name in the following format:

8-6 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

:mySDOName

For example:
:Agent

<FILTER> - Specify the fully qualified filter name in the following format:
/oracle/apps/myBasePackage/myPackage/server/xxxFilter

For example:
/oracle/apps/fnd/wf/bes/sample/AgentFilter

<KEYS> - Specify the keys for the service data object preceded by a question mark
and separated by commas in the following format:
?Key1,Key2,...KeyN

For example:
?Name

The key values should be provided in the event parameters.


The following example shows the complete Java generate function value:
sdo://oracle.apps.fnd.wf.bes.sample.WorkflowAgentSAM:Agent/oracle/apps/f
nd/wf/bes/sample/AgentFilter?Name

For more information about service data objects, refer to the Oracle Application
Framework Developer's Guide, available from My Oracle Support Knowledge Document
1315485.1.

Documenting Identifying Information for an Event


You can associate an event with the program or application to which it belongs by
setting the program name and brief identifier as the owner name and owner tag for the
event. For instance, in the example of the purchase order event, the owner would be the
purchasing application. The program can then use this identifying information to locate
the events that it owns.

Reviewing the Customization Level and License Status for an Event


Each event is assigned a customization level that determines whether you can update
the event definition. Oracle Workflow uses the customization level to protect Oracle
E-Business Suite seed data and to preserve your customizations in an upgrade. An
event can have one of the following customization levels:

Core - No changes can be made to the event definition. This level is used only for
events seeded by Oracle E-Business Suite.

Limit - The event status can be updated to Enabled or Disabled, but no other
changes can be made to the event definition. This level is used only for events
seeded by Oracle E-Business Suite.

Managing Business Events 8-7

User - Any property in the event definition can be updated. This level is
automatically set for events that you define.

See: Access Protection for Business Event System Data, Oracle Workflow Administrator's
Guide.
Some Oracle E-Business Suite products provide seeded events and subscriptions. In
these cases, Oracle Workflow executes subscriptions only if the triggering event and the
subscription are both owned by products that you have licensed with a status of
Installed or Shared.
Your Oracle E-Business Suite installation may include seeded events owned by Oracle
E-Business Suite products that you have not licensed. For such events, the Update Event
page displays a notice that the event is not licensed. Oracle Workflow will not execute
any subscriptions to these events. Additionally, Oracle Workflow will not execute any
subscriptions owned by products that you have not licensed, even if the triggering
events for those subscriptions are licensed.
You can use the License Manager utility to review which products you currently have
licensed. To ensure that the license status of the seeded events and subscriptions in the
Business Event System is updated according to the status of the products you currently
have licensed, you can run the Synchronize Product License and Workflow BES License
concurrent program. See: License Manager, Oracle E-Business Suite Maintenance Guide
and Synchronizing License Statuses, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
Note: Any events that you define with a customization level of User are

always treated as being licensed.

Event Groups
You can also define event groups that let you associate any events you want with each
other and reference them as a group in event subscriptions. An event group is a type of
event composed of a set of individual member events. The internal names of event
groups should follow the same format as the names of individual events. Once you
have defined an event group, you can register a subscription to the group rather than
having to create separate subscriptions for each individual event within it. The
subscription will be executed whenever any one of the group's member events occurs.
Note: Event groups cannot be used to raise events. You must raise each

event individually.

Related Topics
To View and Maintain Events, page 8-9
To Create or Update an Event, page 8-11

8-8 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

To Create or Update an Event Group, page 8-12


To Raise a Test Event, page 8-14

Defining Events
To View and Maintain Events:
1.

Use a Web browser to navigate to the Event Manager, using a responsibility and
navigation path specified by your system administrator. Then choose Events in the
horizontal navigation. See: Oracle Workflow Developer Navigation Paths, page A1.

2.

Search for the events you want to display. The main search option is:

Name - Enter the internal name of the event you want to display. You can enter
a partial value to search for events whose internal names contain that value.

You can also enter the following additional search criteria:

3.

Display Name - Enter the display name of the event you want to display.

Type - Select Event or Group as the type of the events you want to display.

Status - Select Enabled or Disabled as the status of the events you want to
display.

Owner Name - Enter the name of the program or application that owns the
event you want to display.

Owner Tag - Enter the application short name of the application that owns the
event you want to display.

To view the subscriptions to an event, select the subscription icon for that event.
Note: For events that do not have any subscriptions, a blank

subscription icon appears in the Subscription column. For events


that do have subscriptions to them, a full subscription icon appears.

If you have workflow administrator privileges, you can define a new


subscription to the event by selecting the Create Subscription button. The
Create Event Subscription page appears with the event name automatically
entered in the Event Filter field. See: To Create or Update a Subscription, page
8-37.

If you have workflow administrator privileges, you can update an existing

Managing Business Events 8-9

subscription by selecting the update icon for that subscription. See: To Create or
Update a Subscription, page 8-37.
Note: For seeded subscriptions with a customization level of

Limit, you can only update the subscription status. For seeded
subscriptions with a customization level of Core, you cannot
update any properties; you can only view the subscription
definition.

4.

If you have workflow administrator privileges, you can use the administration
icons and buttons in the Events page to perform administrative operations.

To update an event, choose the update icon for that event. See: To Create or
Update an Event, page 8-11 and To Create or Update an Event Group, page 812.
Note: For seeded events with a customization level of Limit,

you can only update the event status. For seeded events with a
customization level of Core, you cannot update any properties;
you can only view the event definition.

To manually raise a test event, select the test icon for the event you want. See:
To Raise a Test Event, page 8-14.
Note: You cannot raise an event group. You must raise each

event individually.

To delete an event, select the event and select the Delete button.
Note: You can only delete events that do not have any

subscriptions referencing them and that do not belong to any


event groups.
Additionally, you cannot delete any event seeded by Oracle
E-Business Suite that has a customization level of Core or
Limit.

To create a new individual event, select the Create Event button. See: To Create
or Update an Event, page 8-11.

To create a new event group, select the Create Event Group button. See: To
Create or Update an Event Group, page 8-12.

8-10 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

To Create or Update an Event:


1.

Navigate to the Create Event page or to the Update Event page. The Create Event
page and the Update Event page are identical, except that the fields in the Update
Event page are populated with previously defined information for the selected
event.
Note: For seeded events with a customization level of Limit, you

can only update the event status. For seeded events with a
customization level of Core, you cannot update any properties; you
can only view the event definition.

Note: Your Oracle E-Business Suite installation may include seeded

events owned by Oracle E-Business Suite products that you have


not licensed. For such events, the Update Event page displays a
notice that the event is not licensed. Oracle Workflow will not
execute any subscriptions to these events.

2.

Enter the internal name of the event in the Name field. The internal name is
case-sensitive. The suggested format is a compound structure of identifiers
separated by periods (.) as follows:
<company>.<family>.<product>.<component>.<object>.<event>

3.

Enter a display name for the event.

4.

Enter an optional description for the event.

5.

Select Enabled or Disabled as the event status. If you disable an event, its definition
remains in the Event Manager for reference, but you cannot use the event in active
subscriptions.

6.

If you are defining an event that occurs on your local system, enter a generate
function for the event. A generate function is a PL/SQL procedure or Java API that
can produce the complete event data from the event name, event key, and an
optional parameter list. Define only one generate function for an event, either
PL/SQL or Java. See: Standard API for an Event Data Generate Function, page 6-27.

To assign the event a PL/SQL generate function, enter the PL/SQL procedure in
the Generate Function field in the following format:
<package_name>.<function_name>

To assign the event a Java generate function, enter the Java API in the Java
Generate Function field in the following format:
<customPackage>.<customClass>

Managing Business Events 8-11

Alternatively, if you want to use the XML metadata corresponding to a service


data object (SDO) as the event data, you can define the Java generate function in
a special format to retrieve the SDO metadata. See: Generating Service Data
Object Metadata, page 8-6.
7.

Identify the program or application that owns the event by selecting the application
short name in the Owner Tag field. By default, Oracle Workflow sets the Owner
Name field to the application name associated with that application short name.
However, you can optionally enter a different name in the Owner Name field, such
as a particular program or component within the application.

8.

Review the customization level for the event.

Core - No changes can be made to the event definition. This level is used only
for events seeded by Oracle E-Business Suite.

Limit - The event status can be updated to Enabled or Disabled, but no other
changes can be made to the event definition. This level is used only for events
seeded by Oracle E-Business Suite.

User - Any property in the event definition can be updated. This level is
automatically set for events that you define.

To Create or Update an Event Group:


1.

Navigate to the Create Group page or to the Update Group page. The Create Group
page and the Update Group page are identical, except that the fields in the Update
Group page are populated with previously defined information for the selected
event group.
Note: For seeded event groups with a customization level of Limit,

you can only update the event group status. For seeded event
groups with a customization level of Core, you cannot update any
properties; you can only view the event group definition.

Note: Your Oracle E-Business Suite installation may include seeded

event groups owned by Oracle E-Business Suite products that you


have not licensed. For such events, the Update Group page
displays a notice that the event group is not licensed. Oracle
Workflow will not execute any subscriptions to these event groups.

2.

Enter the internal name of the event group in the Name field. The internal name is
case-sensitive. The suggested format is a compound structure of identifiers
separated by periods (.) as follows:

8-12 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

<company>.<family>.<product>.<component>.<object>.<event>
3.

Enter a display name for the event group.

4.

Enter an optional description for the event group.

5.

Select Enabled or Disabled as the event group status. If you disable an event group,
its definition remains in the Event Manager for reference, but you cannot use the
event group in active subscriptions.

6.

Identify the program or application that owns the event group by selecting the
application short name in the Owner Tag field. By default, Oracle Workflow sets the
Owner Name field to the application name associated with that application short
name. However, you can optionally enter a different name in the Owner Name
field, such as a particular program or component within the application.

7.

Review the customization level for the event group.

Core - No changes can be made to the event group definition. This level is used
only for event groups seeded by Oracle E-Business Suite.

Limit - The event group status can be updated to Enabled or Disabled, but no
other changes can be made to the event group definition. This level is used only
for event groups seeded by Oracle E-Business Suite.

User - Any property in the event group definition can be updated. This level is
automatically set for event groups that you define.

8.

Select the Apply button to save the event group definition.

9.

To add a member event to the group, select the Add Events to Group button.
Note: An event group can contain only individual events as its

members. It cannot contain another group.

10. In the Add Events to Group page, search for the events you want to add. The main

search option is:

Name - Enter the internal name of the event you want to add. You can enter a
partial value to search for events whose internal names contain that value.

You can also enter the following additional search criteria.

Display Name - Enter the display name of the event you want to add.

Type - You can only add individual events as members of the group.

Managing Business Events 8-13

Status - Select Enabled or Disabled as the status of the events you want to add.

Owner Name - Enter the name of the program or application that owns the
event you want to add.

Owner Tag - Enter the program ID of the program or application that owns the
event you want to add.

11. Select the event or events that you want to add to your event group, and select the

Add to Group button.


12. You can optionally enter new search criteria to search for other events to add to the

event group.
13. After you finish adding events to the event group, select the Apply button to save

the event group members.


14. To delete a member event from the group, select the event in the Update Group

page and select the Delete button.


Note: Deleting a member event from an event group does not

delete the event definition for the individual event. The individual
event remains in the Event Manager.

To Raise a Test Event:


1.

Navigate to the Test Business Event page.

2.

In the Event Identifier region, specify the event you want to raise.

Event Name - Select the internal name of the event.


Note: You cannot raise an event group. You must raise each

event individually.

3.

Event Key - Enter an event key that uniquely identifies this instance of the
event.

Send Date - Optionally specify the date when the event message is available for
dequeuing. If you set the send date to a future date when you raise the event,
the event message is placed on the WF_DEFERRED queue, and subscription
processing does not begin until the specified date.

In the Event Parameters region, optionally enter any additional parameter name
and value pairs to be stored in the parameter list within the event message. You can

8-14 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

enter up to 100 parameters.


4.

In the Event Data region, you can optionally enter an XML document to describe
what occurred in the event.

To enter the event data manually, select Write XML in the Upload Option field
and enter the XML document in the XML Content field. You can enter up to
4000 characters.

To upload an XML file from your file system, select Upload XML in the Upload
Option field. Enter the full path and file name of the XML file containing your
event data in the XML File Name field, and select the Upload XML File button.
Note: You can also assign generate functions in the event definition

to generate the event data, or raise the event using the


WF_EVENT.Raise() API instead of using the Test Business Event
page. These methods let you provide the event data as a CLOB
storing up to four gigabytes of data. See: To Create or Update an
Event, page 8-11 and Raise, Oracle Workflow API Reference.

5.

Choose the tier where you want to raise the event and begin event processing.

To raise the event in the database, select the Raise in PLSQL button.

To raise the event in the middle tier, select the Raise in Java button.

The Test Business Event page displays a confirmation message together with the
values you submitted for you to review. If the event triggers a Web service
subscription that is executed synchronously and returns an XML response, the page
also displays that response.
6.

To clear all fields except the Event Name field, select the Clear button. You can then
optionally raise another event.

Event Subscriptions
An event subscription is a registration indicating that a particular event is significant to
a particular system and specifying the processing to perform when the triggering event
occurs. You can define your event subscriptions in the Event Manager.
When you install Oracle Workflow, several default subscriptions to predefined
Workflow events are automatically created. You can enable, disable, or copy these
subscriptions to perform the event processing that you want. See: Predefined Workflow
Events, page 9-1.
Whenever an event is raised locally or received from an external source, the Event
Manager searches for and executes any eligible subscriptions. To be eligible, a

Managing Business Events 8-15

subscription must meet the following requirements:

The subscriber must be the local system.

The triggering event must be the event that was raised or received, an event group
that includes that event, or the Any event.

Both the subscription and its triggering event must be marked as active by having a
status of Enabled.

The source type of the subscription must match the source of the event, either local
or external.

If no eligible subscriptions exist for the event that occurred (apart from subscriptions to
the Any event), then Oracle Workflow executes any enabled subscriptions by the local
system to the Unexpected event with the appropriate source type. See: Any Event, page
9-15 and Unexpected Event, page 9-18.
Note: Additionally, for events and subscriptions seeded by Oracle

E-Business Suite products, both the subscription and its triggering


event must be owned by products that are licensed with a status of
Shared or Installed, in order for the subscription to be executed.
You can use the License Manager utility to review which products you
currently have licensed. To ensure that the license status of the seeded
events and subscriptions in the Business Event System is updated
according to the status of the products you currently have licensed, you
can run the Synchronize Product License and Workflow BES License
concurrent program. See: License Manager, Oracle E-Business Suite
Maintenance Guide and Synchronizing License Statuses, Oracle Workflow
Administrator's Guide.
If you upgrade from an Oracle E-Business Suite release earlier than
Release 11.5.9, you should run the Synchronize Product License and
Workflow BES License concurrent program once after the upgrade to
update the license status of the existing events and subscriptions in
your Event Manager. Subsequently, when you license a product, Oracle
Workflow automatically updates the license status for all the events
and subscriptions owned by that product.

Defining the Subscriber


To begin defining a subscription, you specify which system is the subscriber. The
subscriber is the system where you want the subscription to execute.
Each subscription defines an action on exactly one system, so you should define a
separate subscription for each system involved in the processing you want to perform.
For example, if you want to propagate data from one system to another, you should

8-16 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

define one subscription for the sending system and another subscription for the
receiving system.

Defining How a Subscription is Triggered


You must specify the source type of the events to which the subscription applies. Events
can have the following source types:

Local - The subscription applies only to events raised on the subscribing system.

External - The subscription applies only to events received by an inbound agent on


the subscribing system.
Note: All event messages received by an inbound agent on the

subscribing system are considered to have an External source,


whether the sending agent is located on a remote system or on the
local system.

Error - The subscription applies to only to errored events dequeued from the
WF_ERROR queue or the WF_JAVA_ERROR queue.

Next, select the event that you want to trigger the subscription. You can choose either
an individual event or an event group. If you choose an event group, the subscription
will be triggered whenever any one of the group's member events occurs.
You can also optionally restrict the subscription to be triggered only by events received
from a specific source agent. However, in most cases you do not need to specify a
source agent.

Controlling How a Subscription is Executed


The phase number for a subscription controls whether the subscription is executed
immediately or is deferred. The Event Manager treats subscriptions with a phase
number of 100 or higher as deferred subscriptions. Subscriptions with a phase number
from 1 to 99 are executed immediately, unless processing for the event is deferred by
another method. See: Deferred Subscription Processing, page 8-32.
If you define multiple subscriptions to the same event, the phase numbers for the
subscriptions also control the order in which the Event Manager executes those
subscriptions. Subscriptions are executed in ascending phase order. For example, you
can enter 10 for the subscription that you want to execute first when an event occurs, 20
for the subscription that you want to execute second, and so on. You can use phases to
ensure that different types of actions are performed in the appropriate order, such as
executing subscriptions that perform validation before subscriptions that perform other
types of processing.

Managing Business Events 8-17

Note: If you enter the same phase number for more than one

subscription, the Event Manager may execute those subscriptions in


any order, relative to each other. However, the Event Manager will still
execute that group of subscriptions in their specified place in the phase
order, relative to subscriptions with other phase numbers.

The phase number 0 (zero) is reserved for Oracle Workflow seeded subscriptions.
Depending on the processing to be performed, a subscription may require the complete
set of event information contained in the event data, or it may require only the event
key that identifies the instance of the event. You can improve performance by
specifying Key as the rule data for subscriptions that do not require the complete event
data. For locally raised events, the Event Manager checks each subscription before
executing it to determine whether the subscription requires the complete event data. If
the event data is required but is not already provided, the Event Manager runs the
generate function for the event to produce the event data. However, if no subscriptions
to the event require the event data, then the Event Manager will not run the generate
function, minimizing the resources required to execute the subscriptions.
Note: Even if there are subscriptions that require the complete event

data, you can return control to the calling application more quickly
after raising the event by deferring all those subscriptions. Then the
Event Manager will not run the generate function until those
subscriptions are executed at a later time.

Each subscription is assigned a customization level that determines whether you can
update the subscription definition. Oracle Workflow uses the customization level to
protect Oracle E-Business Suite seed data and to preserve your customizations in an
upgrade. A subscription can have one of the following customization levels:

Core - No changes can be made to the subscription definition. This level is used
only for subscriptions seeded by Oracle E-Business Suite.

Limit - The subscription status can be updated to Enabled or Disabled, but no other
changes can be made to the subscription definition. This level is used only for
subscriptions seeded by Oracle E-Business Suite.

User - Any property in the subscription definition can be updated. This level is
automatically set for subscriptions that you define.

See: Access Protection for Business Event System Data, Oracle Workflow Administrator's
Guide.
Some Oracle E-Business Suite products provide seeded events and subscriptions. In
these cases, Oracle Workflow executes subscriptions only if the triggering event and the
subscription are both owned by products that you have licensed with a status of
Installed or Shared.

8-18 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Your Oracle E-Business Suite installation may include seeded subscriptions owned by
Oracle E-Business Suite products that you have not licensed. For such subscriptions, the
Update Subscription page displays a notice that the subscription is not licensed. Oracle
Workflow will not execute any of these subscriptions. Additionally, Oracle Workflow
will not execute any subscriptions to events that you have not licensed, even if the
subscriptions themselves are owned by a product that you have licensed.
You can use the License Manager utility to review which products you currently have
licensed. To ensure that the license status of the seeded events and subscriptions in the
Business Event System is updated according to the status of the products you currently
have licensed, you can run the Synchronize Product License and Workflow BES License
concurrent program. See: License Manager, Oracle E-Business Suite Maintenance Guide
and Synchronizing License Statuses, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
Note: Any subscriptions that you define with a customization level of

User are always treated as being licensed.

Specifying Error Handling for a Subscription


For each subscription, you can specify the type of error handling to perform if the Event
Manager encounters an error while processing that subscription.

Stop and Rollback - The Event Manager halts all subscription processing for the
event and rolls back any subscriptions already executed for the event. If the
subscription trapped an error and returned a PL/SQL ERROR status code or a Java
BusinessEventException, the Event Manager places the event message on the
standard WF_ERROR or WF_JAVA_ERROR agent, as appropriate. If the
subscription raised an unhandled exception, the Event Manager raises that
exception to the calling application.
If you later retry subscription processing for the event, the Event Manager
re-executes all subscriptions to the event.

Skip to Next - The Event Manager rolls back only this subscription. The Event
Manager then places the event message on the standard WF_ERROR or
WF_JAVA_ERROR agent, regardless of whether the subscription trapped an error
or raised an unhandled exception. The exception is not raised to the calling
application. Finally, the Event Manager continues processing the next subscription
for the event according to the subscription phase order.
If you later retry subscription processing for the event, the Event Manager
re-executes only the errored subscription.
Note: Skip to Next error handling is not available for subscriptions

with a source type of Error. If an additional error occurs during


such a subscription, processing for that event will be halted until

Managing Business Events 8-19

the error is addressed.

For errored events placed on the WF_ERROR and WF_JAVA_ERROR agents, Oracle
Workflow provides default error handling through a predefined Error subscription to
the Unexpected event and the Default Event Error process in the System: Error item
type. You can also define custom error handling for your events.
See: Error Handling for Event Subscription Processing, page 11-4.

Defining the Action for a Subscription


Subscription processing can include the following types of processing:

Send the event message to a workflow process.

Send the event message to an agent.

Send a notification to a role.

Receive an Oracle XML Gateway message from your trading partner.

Send an Oracle XML Gateway message to your trading partner.

Invoke a Web service.

Run a custom function on the event message.

Sending the Event to a Workflow Process


By sending an event to a workflow process, you can model complex processing or
routing logic beyond the standard action options. For example, you can branch to
different functions, initiate subprocesses, send notifications, or select recipient agents,
based on the contents of the event message, or modify the event message itself.
Events are represented within workflow processes by event activities. See: Event
Activity, page 3-86.
To send the event to a particular workflow process, you must specify the item type and
process name of the process. The item key for the process is determined either by the
correlation ID specified in the event message, or by the event key if no correlation ID is
specified. The event can either start a new process with that item key or continue an
existing process identified by that item key that is waiting to receive it.
Note: The item key for a process instance can only contain single-byte

characters. It cannot contain a multibyte value.

8-20 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Note: You can call WF_EVENT_FUNCTIONS_PKG.AddCorrelation()

during prior subscription processing to add a correlation ID to the


event message. To use AddCorrelation(), you must enter a subscription
parameter named ITEMKEY that specifies a function to generate the
correlation ID. The function must be specified in the following format:
ITEMKEY=<package_name.function_name>

See: AddCorrelation, Oracle Workflow API Reference.

You can also define additional subscription parameters to be used in one of two ways:

If you want to specify additional parameters to set as item attributes for the
workflow process, you can enter these parameters for the subscription and choose
the Add Subscription Parameters option to set the subscription parameters into the
event message parameter list. The event parameters will then be set as item
attributes for the workflow process when the process receives the event.

If you want to specify additional conditions to control whether or not the


subscription is executed, you can enter subscription parameters that describe those
conditions and choose the Launch when Parameters Match option. In this case the
Event Manager sends the event to the specified workflow process only if the event
message includes parameters whose names and values match all the parameters
defined for the subscription. Ensure that you include the required parameters in the
parameter list within the event message, either by providing them when the event
is raised or by adding them during prior subscription processing.

If you want to send the event to multiple existing workflow processes, instead of to one
particular process, you can choose the Launch when Business Key Matches option
instead of specifying an item type and process name. In this case, the Event Manager
sends the event to all existing workflow process instances that have eligible receive
event activities waiting to receive it, marked by a business key attribute that matches
the event key. For each receive event activity that you want to receive the event, you
must define an activity attribute named #BUSINESS_KEY, and set an item type
attribute as the default value for that activity attribute. Then include logic to set that
item attribute value to match the event key of the corresponding event at runtime.
Note: With this option the event is only sent to continue existing

processes. If you want to launch a new process instance with the event,
do not select this option.

Note: The rule function used for the Launch when Business Key

Matches option, Instance_Default_Rule(), may take some time to


complete, depending on how many existing workflow processes
include receive event activities, how many of those processes are
eligible to receive this event, and what activities in those processes the

Managing Business Events 8-21

Workflow Engine must execute after the event has been received.
Consequently, when you select this option, it is strongly recommended
that you set the phase number for the subscription to 100 or higher to
defer the subscription and allow the rule function processing to be
completed in the background by an agent listener.

When an event subscription sends an event to a workflow process, the Workflow


Engine performs the following processing:

Sets any parameters in the event message parameter list as item type attributes for
the process, creating new item type attributes if a corresponding attribute does not
already exist for any parameter.

Sets the subscription's globally unique identifier (GUID) as a dynamic item attribute
so that the workflow process can reference other information in the subscription
definition.

If the event was originally raised by a Raise event activity in another workflow
process, the item type and item key for that process are included in the parameter
list within the event message. In this case, the Workflow Engine automatically sets
the specified process as the parent for the process that receives the event, overriding
any existing parent setting. See: SetItemParent, Oracle Workflow API Reference.

Searches for receive event activities that are eligible to accept the event. For an
activity to be eligible, the event must match the activity's event filter, and the
activity must either be marked as a Start activity or have a status of 'NOTIFIED',
meaning the process has transitioned to the event.
Note: If you chose the Launch when Business Key Matches option,

then to be eligible an activity must have an event filter that matches


the event, a status of 'NOTIFIED' , and a business key attribute that
matches the event key.

If an event arrives at a Start activity to launch a new process instance, the Workflow
Engine also searches for all other receive event activities that are marked as Start
activities and that do not have any incoming transitions, regardless of their event
filter. For these activities, the Workflow Engine sets the activity status to 'NOTIFIED
' so that they will be ready to receive an event if any more events are sent to this
process. This feature lets you design a workflow process that requires multiple
events to be received when you do not know in advance the order in which the
events will arrive.

Stores the event name, event key, and event message in item type attributes, as
specified in each eligible activity node's event details.

8-22 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Marks all the eligible event activity nodes with a status of 'COMPLETED' and
continues the thread of execution from each of those nodes.

See: Default_Rule, Oracle Workflow API Reference, Default_Rule2, Oracle Workflow API
Reference, Default_Rule3, Oracle Workflow API Reference, and Instance_Default_Rule,
Oracle Workflow API Reference.
Note: You can also send an event to a workflow process by choosing

the custom action option and including send processing in your custom
rule function. See: Standard API for an Event Subscription Rule
Function, page 6-32.

Sending the Event to an Agent


To send an event to an agent, you must specify either the Out Agent that should send
the outbound message, or the To Agent that should receive the inbound message, or
both.

If you specify both a To Agent and an Out Agent, Oracle Workflow places the event
message on the Out Agent's queue for propagation, addressed to the To Agent.

If you specify a To Agent without an Out Agent, Oracle Workflow selects an


outbound agent on the subscribing system whose queue type matches the queue
type of the To Agent. The event message is then placed on this outbound agent's
queue for propagation, addressed to the To Agent.

If you specify an Out Agent without a To Agent, Oracle Workflow places the event
message on the Out Agent's queue without a specified recipient.

You can omit the To Agent if the Out Agent uses a multi-consumer queue with
a subscriber list. (The standard Workflow queue handlers work only with
multi-consumer queues.) In this case the queue's subscriber list determines
which consumers can dequeue the message. If no subscriber list is defined for
that queue, however, the event message is placed on the WF_ERROR queue for
error handling.
Note: The subscriber list for a multi-consumer queue in Oracle

Advanced Queuing is different from event subscriptions in the


Oracle Workflow Business Event System. For more
information, see: Subscription and Recipient Lists, Oracle
Streams Advanced Queuing User's Guide and Reference.

You can also omit the To Agent if the Out Agent uses a single-consumer queue
for which you have defined a custom queue handler. For a single-consumer
queue, no specified consumer is required.

Managing Business Events 8-23

You can optionally specify the priority with which the recipient should dequeue a
message. Messages are dequeued in ascending priority order.
You can also define additional subscription parameters to be used in one of two ways:

If you want to add more parameters to the event message before it is sent, you can
enter these parameters for the subscription and choose the Add Subscription
Parameters option to set the subscription parameters into the event message
parameter list.

If you want to specify additional conditions to control whether or not the


subscription is executed, you can enter subscription parameters that describe those
conditions and choose the Launch when Parameters Match option. In this case the
Event Manager sends the event to the specified agent only if the event message
includes parameters whose names and values match all the parameters defined for
the subscription. Ensure that you include the required parameters in the parameter
list within the event message, either by providing them when the event is raised or
by adding them during prior subscription processing.

If you want an event message to become available to the recipient at a future date,
rather than being available immediately as soon as it is propagated, you can set the
SEND_DATE attribute within the event message to the date you want. You should set
the send date during prior subscription processing before the event is sent. The event
message is propagated to the To Agent but does not become available for dequeuing
until the specified date.
See: Default_Rule, Oracle Workflow API Reference, Default_Rule2, Oracle Workflow API
Reference, and Default_Rule3, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
Note: You can also send an event to an agent by choosing the custom

action option and including send processing in your custom rule


function. See: Standard API for an Event Subscription Rule Function,
page 6-32.

Sending a Notification
If the only processing you need to perform when an event occurs is sending a
notification, you can define a subscription that simply performs that action. In this case
you do not need to define and run a complete workflow process to send the notification.
However, you must specify a message template for the notification you want to send.
The message template must be a message defined within an item type in the Workflow
Builder and stored in your database. You can either select a standard message provided
by Oracle E-Business Suite or define a custom message.
You must also specify the role that should receive the notification. The notification will
appear in the recipient's worklist.
You can optionally specify a custom callback function you want the Notification System

8-24 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

to use for communication of SEND and RESPOND source message attributes.


Otherwise, Oracle Workflow uses a standard default callback function. See: Custom
Callback Function, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
You can also optionally enter context information that you want to pass to the callback
function. With the standard Oracle Workflow callback function, the Notification System
requires a context to obtain values for item type attributes. If you do not specify a
context, do not reference any item type attributes in the message attributes. Otherwise
the message body will not display correctly. The context information consists of the
item type, item key, and activity ID in the following format:
<itemtype>:<itemkey>:<activityid>

If you specify a custom callback function, then you can enter the context information
that is appropriate for your function.
You can also optionally enter a comment to include with the message and a priority for
the message.
After sending the notification, the Event Manager sets the notification ID into the event
parameter list as a parameter named #NID. If you want to use the notification ID in
further processing, raise the event using WF_EVENT.Raise3(), which returns the event
parameter list after the Event Manager completes subscription processing for the event.
You can then call WF_EVENT.GetValueForParameter() to obtain the value of the #NID
parameter. See: Raise3, Oracle Workflow API Reference and GetValueForParameter, Oracle
Workflow API Reference.
For example, if the notification requires a response, you can retrieve the response values
from the user's reply by obtaining the notification ID and using it to call
WF_NOTIFICATION.GetAttrText(), WF_NOTIFICATION.GetAttrNumber(), or
WF_NOTIFICATION.GetAttrDate() for the RESPOND attributes. See: GetAttribute,
Oracle Workflow API Reference.
See: SendNotification, Oracle Workflow API Reference.

Receiving and Sending Oracle XML Gateway Messages


If you use Oracle XML Gateway, you can define subscriptions either to receive an
Oracle XML Gateway message from your trading partner, or to generate an Oracle XML
Gateway message and send the message to your trading partner. Oracle Workflow and
Oracle XML Gateway provide these actions to support business-to-business (B2B)
integration scenarios.
The event that triggers such a subscription must include the trading partner
information within its event parameter list. Oracle XML Gateway then uses a standard
workflow process defined in the XML Gateway Standard item type to send or receive
the message.
You can optionally specify the priority with which the recipient should dequeue a
message. Messages are dequeued in ascending priority order.
See: XML Gateway Standard Item Type, Oracle XML Gateway User's Guide.

Managing Business Events 8-25

Invoking a Web Service


You can use Oracle E-Business Suite Integrated SOA Gateway with the Oracle
Workflow Business Event System to leverage service-oriented architecture (SOA)-based
applications. In Oracle Workflow, you can define an event subscription to invoke a Web
service. When the triggering business event occurs, the Business Event System invokes
the Web service using the JAX-WS (Java API for XML-based Web Services) Dispatch
from Oracle WebLogic Server. In this way you can integrate Oracle E-Business Suite
with SOA-based applications built using Oracle Fusion Middleware or other
standards-based technologies. For more details about using Oracle E-Business Suite
Integrated SOA Gateway with the Oracle Workflow Business Event System, see the
Oracle E-Business Suite Integrated SOA Gateway Developer's Guide.

If you want to invoke a BPEL process, identify the triggering business event, and
define the BPEL process to accept the event data payload. Then identify the Web
Services Description Language (WSDL) description URL and other Web service
properties for the BPEL process, and define a subscription to your event specifying
those properties. When the event occurs, the Business Event System executes the
subscription and invokes the BPEL process. For more information about BPEL
processes and setting up security for BPEL process Web services, see: Oracle BPEL
Process Manager Developer's Guide and Oracle Web Services Manager Administrator's
Guide.

To invoke any other Web service, identify the triggering business event, identify the
WSDL description URL and other properties for the Web service, and define a
subscription to your event specifying those properties. When the event occurs, the
Business Event System executes the subscription and invokes the Web service.

When you raise an event to trigger a Web service subscription, provide the content for
the Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) body of the XML input message in the event
data payload. If you want to use the XML metadata corresponding to a service data
object (SDO) as the event data payload, define the generate function for the event to
retrieve the SDO metadata. See: Generating Service Data Object Metadata, page 8-6.
If the input message definition for your Web service operation requires other parts
within the message, you can provide those parts in the event parameters. For example,
you can use an event parameter to provide any header part that may be required to
embed the application context into the SOAP envelope. The event parameters that
contain input message parts must be identified by parameter names in the following
format:
WFBES_INPUT_<PartName>

Replace <PartName> with the name of the part as it appears in the input message
definition from the WSDL. For example:
WFBES_INPUT_header

Do not omit any of the parts specified in the input message definition. If any of the parts
are optional, you must still create corresponding event parameters for those parts and

8-26 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

set those parameters to a null value so that the Web service subscription can properly
identify the part that should contain the SOAP body.
You can use additional parameters to include further pre-invocation and
post-invocation processing. You can specify the following parameters both within the
event parameter list and within the subscription parameter list. If the triggering event
contains any of the same parameters as the subscription, the event parameter values
override the subscription parameter values.

The message transformation parameters let you specify XSL files to transform the
XML input message and response message during pre-invocation or
post-invocation processing. First, upload the XSL files to Oracle E-Business Suite
using the oracle.apps.ecx.loader.LoadXSLTToClob loader in Oracle XML
Gateway. Then specify the following parameters for the event or subscription:

WFBES_IN_XSL_FILENAME - The XSL file used to transform the XML input


message during pre-invocation processing.

WFBES_OUT_XSL_FILENAME - The XSL file used to transform the XML


response message during post-invocation processing.

Set each parameter value to the XSL file name, owning application short name, and
version number, separated by colons, in the following format:
<filename>:<application_short_name>:<version>

See: Loading and Deleting an XSLT Style Sheet, Oracle XML Gateway User's Guide.

The security parameters let you provide a user name and password in a
UsernameToken element in the WS-Security header to authenticate the user
invoking the Web service. If you want to provide these security parameters at the
event level, first store the password in the database under the appropriate module
name and key, using the $FND_TOP/sql/fndvltput.sql script. Then specify the
following parameters for the event:

WFBES_SOAP_USERNAME - The user name for the Web service.

WFBES_SOAP_PASSWORD_MOD - The module name used to retrieve the


password for the user.

WFBES_SOAP_PASSWORD_KEY - The key used to retrieve the password for the


user.

For more information about using the $FND_TOP/sql/fndvltput.sql script, see


the Oracle E-Business Suite Integrated SOA Gateway Developer's Guide.
If you want to provide these security parameters at the subscription level, enter the
user name and password in the subscription action details.
Additionally, you can specify the WFBES_SOAP_EXPIRY_DURATION parameter for
the event or subscription to determine how long the WS-Security header remains

Managing Business Events 8-27

valid before it expires. The expiration time for the header helps protect it from
being reused during a replay attack. By default, the header is set to expire 60
seconds after it is created. You can optionally specify a different expiration time in
the WFBES_SOAP_EXPIRY_DURATION parameter. Specify the value for this
parameter in seconds.

The callback parameters let you raise or enqueue a callback event to continue
processing based on the response message received from the Web service.

WFBES_CALLBACK_EVENT - Specify an event in whose event data Oracle


Workflow should store the XML response message from the Web service.

WFBES_CALLBACK_AGENT - Specify an inbound Business Event System agent


onto which Oracle Workflow should enqueue the callback event. If you do not
specify a callback agent, then Oracle Workflow raises the callback event to the
Business Event System locally.

You can then define subscriptions that define the processing to perform on the
callback event. The callback event is assigned the same event key as the event
originally used to invoke the Web service in order to identify it. For example, if the
Web service was originally invoked through a raise event activity in a workflow
process, you can send the callback event to continue the waiting process. If you set
the event key of the original invoking event to the item key of the workflow
process, Oracle Workflow can use the same event key in the callback event to
identify the process to which the callback event should be sent.
By default, Web service subscriptions use a Java rule function called
oracle.apps.fnd.wf.bes.WebServiceInvokerSubscription. The
oracle.apps.fnd.wf.bes.WebServiceInvokerSubscription Java class is a
standard rule function that implements the SubscriptionInterface Java interface. This
rule function sends the event data to the Web service when the subscription is executed.
When defining a subscription that invokes a Web service, ensure that you select
Message as the rule data. You must also specify the URL where the Web Services
Description Language (WSDL) description for the Web service is located. For example:
http://www.example.com/myservice.wsdl

If the Web service is a BPEL process, you can specify a relative URL using the prefix
bpel:// followed by a relative path to the WSDL description on the BPEL server. For
example:
bpel://mybpelservice.wsdl

Note: You must specify the bpel:// prefix in lowercase letters.

At runtime, Oracle Workflow replaces the bpel:// prefix with the host name and port
for the BPEL server specified in the WF: BPEL Server profile option. This profile option
lets you quickly change the BPEL server setup for all subscriptions that invoke BPEL
processes, such as if you move these subscription definitions from a test instance to a

8-28 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

production instance. See: Specifying the BPEL Server, Oracle Workflow Administrator's
Guide.
After entering the WSDL URL, you can select the service name, port, and operation for
the Web service from that WSDL description that you want to invoke. A port is a single
communication endpoint defined by a combination of a network address and a binding.
The binding specifies concrete protocol and data format specifications for the operations
and messages defined by the port type. The port type is the set of abstract operations
that includes the operation to invoke. The operation is an abstract description of an
action supported by the service. For more information about Web Services Description
Language (WSDL), see: http://www.w3.org/TR/wsdl.
You can also specify the user name and password for the Web service in the
subscription action details.
Internally, Oracle Workflow stores the WSDL URL, service name, port, operation,
associated port type, user name, and password in subscription parameters named
SERVICE_WSDL_URL, SERVICE_NAME, SERVICE_PORT, SERVICE_OPERATION,
SERVICE_PORTTYPE, WFBES_SOAP_USERNAME, and WFBES_SOAP_PASSWORD_MOD
and WFBES_SOAP_PASSWORD_KEY, respectively. The
oracle.apps.fnd.wf.bes.WebServiceInvokerSubscription rule function
references the Web service properties through these parameters.
You can also specify the WFBES_IN_XSL_FILENAME, WFBES_OUT_XSL_FILENAME,
WFBES_CALLBACK_EVENT, and WFBES_CALLBACK_AGENT parameters for the
subscription. However, if the triggering event contains any of the same parameters as
the subscription, the event parameter values override the subscription parameter
values.
Additionally, you can include custom processing by extending the
oracle.apps.fnd.wf.bes.WebServiceInvokerSubscription class and
overriding the following methods.

preInvokeService - Override this method to add processing before the Web


service is invoked. For example, you can transform the event data within the event
message and create the Web service request. The default implementation performs
XSL transformation using the XSL file specified in the WFBES_IN_XSL_FILENAME
parameter.

setInputParts - Override this method to add parts to the XML input message,
such as the header, body, and so on, according to the input message definition for
the selected operation. For example, you can set specific input parts that you
require, or extend this method to set values for RPC-style Web service invocation.
Note: Currently Oracle E-Business Suite Integrated SOA Gateway

supports only document-style Web services by default.

The default implementation adds the event data payload as the body of the input
message. It also adds any other parts provided as event parameters in the triggering

Managing Business Events 8-29

event with parameter names in the following format:


WFBES_INPUT_<PartName>

addWSSecurityHeader - Override this method to add any WS-Security header to


the SOAP request, or to specify custom logic for retrieving the user name and
password used to build the UsernameToken element. The default implementation
adds the UsernameToken element to the WS-Security header based on the
WFBES_SOAP_USERNAME, WFBES_SOAP_PASSWORD_MOD, and
WFBES_SOAP_PASSWORD_KEY parameters, and sets the expiration time for the
header in the Timestamp element based on the WFBES_SOAP_EXPIRY_DURATION
parameter.

addCustomSOAPHeaders - Override this method to add any custom SOAP


headers to the SOAP request. Use this method to add any required SOAP headers
that are not defined in the input message for the selected operation.

postInvokeService - Override this method to add processing after the Web


service is successfully invoked. For example, you can process and validate the
response, if one is expected, and update the application state. The default
implementation performs XSL transformation using the XSL file specified in the
WFBES_OUT_XSL_FILENAME parameter and raises or enqueues the callback event
based on the WFBES_CALLBACK_EVENT and WFBES_CALLBACK_AGENT
parameters.

See: Standard API for an Event Subscription Rule Function, page 6-32 and
WebServiceInvokerSubscription, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
If you want to provide specific Web service details in the administrator notifications for
any errors in a Web service subscription, you can define a custom error handling
subscription that sends the event to the Default Event Error Process (One Retry Option)
instead of the Default Event Error Process. See: Error Handling for Event Subscription
Processing, page 11-4 and Default Event Error Process (One Retry Option), page 1121.

Running a Custom Rule Function


You can extend your subscription processing by creating custom rule functions. A
subscription can have either a PL/SQL rule function for processing in the database or a
Java rule function for processing in the middle tier.
Custom rule functions must be defined according to a standard PL/SQL or Java API.
See: Standard API for an Event Subscription Rule Function, page 6-32.
Note: If you use custom PL/SQL rule functions, you can optionally

enable Oracle Workflow to call your custom functions statically to


enhance performance. See: Enabling Static Function Calls for Custom
PL/SQL Functions, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

8-30 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

You can use a rule function for many different purposes, including:

Performing validation

Processing inbound messages as a receive message handler for an application

Making modifications to an outbound message, such as adding a correlation ID that


associates this message with other messages
Note: You can call WF_EVENT_FUNCTIONS_PKG.AddCorrelation()

within a custom rule function to add a correlation ID during your


custom processing. See: AddCorrelation, Oracle Workflow API
Reference.

A rule function may read or write to the event message or perform any other database
action. However, you should never commit within a rule function. The Event Manager
never issues a commit as it is the responsibility of the calling application to commit.
Additionally, the function must not change the connection context in any way,
including security and NLS settings.
To run a function on the event message, you must specify the rule function that you
want to execute. You can also specify any additional parameters that you want to pass
to the function.
If you want to send the event message to a workflow process or to an agent as part of
your custom processing, you can specify the workflow item type, process name, Out
Agent, and To Agent in the subscription definition, for your rule function to reference.
Note, however, that you must explicitly include the send processing in your rule
function.
You can optionally specify the priority with which the event message should be
dequeued if it is placed on an agent, such as a standard agent for deferred subscription
processing. Messages are dequeued in ascending priority order.
Oracle Workflow provides standard rule functions that perform subscription processing
for the standard subscription actions. You can also use these rule functions in a custom
subscription if you choose. Oracle Workflow also provides some standard rule
functions that you can use for testing and debugging or other purposes. See: Event
Subscription Rule APIs, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
If the subscription processing that you want to perform for an event includes several
successive steps, you may find it advantageous to define multiple subscriptions to the
event with simple rule functions that you can reuse, rather than creating complex
specialized rule functions that cannot be reused. You can enter phase values for the
subscriptions to specify the order in which they should be executed.
You can run a diagnostic test through Oracle Diagnostics Framework to verify that the
rule functions that are defined for event subscriptions exist in the database and are
valid. See: Oracle Workflow Diagnostic Tests, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Managing Business Events 8-31

Documenting Identifying Information for a Subscription


You can associate a subscription with the program or application to which it belongs by
setting the program name and brief identifier as the owner name and owner tag for the
subscription. The program can then use this identifying information to locate the
subscriptions that it owns. The subscription owner may be the same program as the
owner of the triggering event, or a different program.

Deferred Subscription Processing


If you do not want subscriptions for an event to be executed immediately when the
event occurs, you can defer the subscriptions. In this way you can return control more
quickly to the calling application and let the Event Manager execute any costly
subscription processing at a later time.
You can defer subscription processing by three different methods:

Raise the event with a future date in the SEND_DATE attribute. Use this method
when you want to defer all subscription processing for a locally raised event until a
particular effective date.

Define subscriptions to the event with phase numbers of 100 or higher. Use this
method when you want to defer processing of particular subscriptions for either
local or external events.

Set the dispatch mode of the Event Manager to deferred processing before raising
the event from PL/SQL code. This method can be used to defer all subscription
processing for a locally raised event. This method is not recommended, however,
and should only be used in exceptional circumstances.
Note: Additionally, if an event is raised by PL/SQL code or received by

a PL/SQL agent listener, the Event Manager always defers processing of


any Java subscriptions to the event, regardless of their phase numbers.

When subscription processing for an event is deferred by any of these methods, the
event message is placed on a standard deferred agent. If the subscription at which
processing is deferred is a PL/SQL subscription, the event is placed on the standard
WF_DEFERRED agent. If the subscription at which processing is deferred is a Java
subscription, the event is placed on the standard WF_JAVA_DEFERRED agent. You
must ensure that agent listeners are running to monitor the WF_DEFERRED and
WF_JAVA_DEFERRED agents. See: Scheduling Listeners for Local Inbound Agents,
Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
The listener dequeues event messages from the WF_DEFERRED agent or
WF_JAVA_DEFERRED agent in priority order. The event messages retain their original
source type, whether Local or External. The amount of time by which subscription
processing for these events is deferred depends on the schedule defined for the listener,

8-32 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

and, for future-dated events, on the specified effective date.


Note: If an event was deferred when the Event Manager encountered a

Java subscription during subscription processing in the database, the


Event Manager executes all remaining subscriptions to the event when
the event is dequeued from the WF_JAVA_DEFERRED queue,
including both Java and PL/SQL subscriptions, regardless of the
subscription phase numbers. Subscriptions will not be deferred a
second time.

Note: Deferral applies only to subscriptions with a source type of Local

or External. The Event Manager executes subscriptions with a source


type of Error as soon as an agent listener dequeues event messages
from the WF_ERROR or WF_JAVA_ERROR agents. Such subscriptions
are not deferred, regardless of the event send date or the subscription
phase number. However, you can still use the subscription phase
number to control the order in which the subscriptions are executed.

Deferring Subscription Processing Using a Future Send Date


You can defer subscription processing for a local event until a particular future effective
date by raising the event with that date in the SEND_DATE attribute. For example, you
could enter information for a new employee in a human resources application as soon
as the employee was hired, but defer payroll processing until the employee's start date.
When an event is raised with a future send date, the Event Manager immediately places
the event message on the deferred queue, without executing any of the subscriptions for
the event. All subscriptions to the event are deferred, regardless of their phase number.
The event remains in a WAIT state until the send date. When the send date arrives, the
event message becomes available for dequeuing and will be dequeued the next time an
agent listener runs on the deferred queue. The amount of time by which subscription
processing is deferred depends on the send date you specify as well as on the schedule
defined for the listener.
When the listener dequeues the event message, the Event Manager checks for a
subscription ID in the ERROR_SUBSCRIPTION attribute. If the event message does not
contain a subscription ID, meaning that all subscription processing for the event was
deferred immediately after the event was raised, then the Event Manager proceeds to
execute all subscriptions to the event, in ascending phase order.
Note: If an event was deferred when it was raised, the Event Manager

executes all eligible subscriptions to the event when the event is


dequeued from the deferred queue, regardless of the subscription
phase numbers. Subscriptions will not be deferred a second time, even
if they have a phase number of 100 or higher.

Managing Business Events 8-33

See: Raise, Oracle Workflow API Reference.

Deferring Subscription Processing Using Subscription Phase Numbers


You can also use the phase number for a subscription to control whether the
subscription is executed immediately or is deferred. The Event Manager treats
subscriptions with a phase number of 100 or higher as deferred subscriptions. Both
Local and External subscriptions can be deferred in this way.
Note: For this deferral method to take effect when an event is raised

locally, the event must not be raised with a future send date, and the
Event Manager must be in the normal synchronous mode for
subscription processing. Otherwise, the event message will
immediately be placed on the deferred queue, and the Event Manager
will not execute any subscriptions until the event is dequeued from
there.

When a triggering event is raised or received, the Event Manager executes subscriptions
to that event in phase order until it encounters a subscription with a phase number of
100 or higher. The Event Manager sets that subscription into the
ERROR_SUBSCRIPTION attribute within the event message, as well as setting the
priority specified in the subscription properties into the PRIORITY attribute. Then the
event message is placed on the appropriate deferred queue.
Note: Additionally, if an event is raised by PL/SQL code or received by

a PL/SQL agent listener, and the Event Manager encounters a Java


subscription to the event, it always defers the remaining subscription
processing beginning with that subscription, regardless of the
subscription phase number.

The amount of time by which subscription processing is deferred depends on the


schedule defined for the agent listener monitoring the WF_DEFERRED or
WF_JAVA_DEFERRED agent. When the listener dequeues an event message, the Event
Manager checks for a subscription ID in the ERROR_SUBSCRIPTION attribute. If a
subscription ID is present, meaning that subscription processing was deferred from that
subscription onwards, the Event Manager begins by executing that subscription, and
then continues executing any other subscriptions to the event with the same or a higher
phase number.
Note: The Event Manager resumes subscription processing at the phase

number of the subscription set into the event message. It does not
necessarily begin with the phase number 100, if there were no
subscriptions with that phase number when the event was originally
processed.

8-34 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Deferring Subscription Processing Using the Event Manager Dispatch Mode


If you raise an event from a local application in PL/SQL code, you can also choose to
defer all subscription processing for that event every single time the application raises
it. To do so, call the SetDispatchMode() API with the mode 'ASYNC', indicating deferred
(asynchronous) processing, just before calling the Raise() API. See: SetDispatchMode,
Oracle Workflow API Reference.
This method is not recommended, however, and should only be used in exceptional
circumstances, since it requires hard-coding the deferral in your application. To retain
the flexibility to modify subscription processing without intrusion into the application,
you can simply raise the event with a future send date or mark some or all of the
individual subscriptions for deferral using the subscription phase numbers.
When an event is raised after the dispatch mode is set to deferred processing, the Event
Manager immediately places the event message on the WF_DEFERRED queue, without
executing any of the subscriptions for the event. All subscriptions to the event are
deferred, regardless of their phase number.
The amount of time by which subscription processing is deferred depends on the
schedule defined for the agent listener monitoring the WF_DEFERRED agent. When the
listener dequeues the event message, the Event Manager checks for a subscription ID in
the ERROR_SUBSCRIPTION attribute. If the event message does not contain a
subscription ID, meaning that all subscription processing for the event was deferred
immediately after the event was raised, then the Event Manager proceeds to execute all
subscriptions to the event, in ascending phase order.
Note: If an event was deferred when it was raised, the Event Manager

executes all eligible subscriptions to the event when the event is


dequeued from the WF_DEFERRED queue, regardless of the
subscription phase numbers. Subscriptions will not be deferred a
second time, even if they have a phase number of 100 or higher.

Subscription Processing for PL/SQL and Java Subscriptions


If an event is raised locally from PL/SQL code, or received on an agent and processed
by a PL/SQL agent listener, the Event Manager performs subscription processing in the
database tier. It begins processing the subscriptions to the event in phase order and
executes PL/SQL subscriptions synchronously, within the same database session, as
long as the subscriptions are not deferred.
If the Event Manager encounters a PL/SQL subscription that is deferred, it stops
processing and places the event message on the WF_DEFERRED agent. Subscription
processing for the event resumes when the Workflow Deferred Agent Listener or
another agent listener runs on that agent.
If the Event Manager encounters any Java subscription, or if the event has a Java
generate function, the Event Manager stops processing and places the event message on

Managing Business Events 8-35

the WF_JAVA_DEFERRED agent, regardless of the subscription phase number.


Subscription processing for the event resumes when the Workflow Java Deferred Agent
Listener or another agent listener runs on that agent.
If an event is raised locally from Java code, or received on an agent and processed by a
Java agent listener, the Event Manager performs subscription processing in the middle
tier. It begins processing the subscriptions to the event in phase order, executing Java
subscriptions in Java and PL/SQL subscriptions using Java Database Connectivity
(JDBC), as long as the subscriptions are not deferred.
If the Event Manager encounters a Java subscription that is deferred, it stops processing
and places the event message on the WF_JAVA_DEFERRED agent. Subscription
processing for the event resumes when the Workflow Java Deferred Agent Listener or
another agent listener runs on that agent.
If the Event Manager encounters a PL/SQL subscription that is deferred, it stops
processing and places the event message on the WF_DEFERRED agent. Subscription
processing for the event resumes when the Workflow Deferred Agent Listener or
another agent listener runs on that agent.

Related Topics
To View and Maintain Event Subscriptions, page 8-36
To Create or Update an Event Subscription, page 8-37
Standard API for an Event Subscription Rule Function, page 6-32
Scheduling Listeners for Local Inbound Agents, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Defining Event Subscriptions


To View and Maintain Event Subscriptions:
1.

Use a Web browser to navigate to the Event Manager, using a responsibility and
navigation path specified by your system administrator. Then choose Subscriptions
in the horizontal navigation. See: Oracle Workflow Developer Navigation Paths,
page A-1.

2.

Search for the subscriptions you want to display. The main search option is:

System - Select the system for which you want to display subscriptions.

You can also enter the following additional search criteria.

Source Type - Select Local, External, or Error as the type of source system for
which you want to display subscriptions.

Event - Select the event for which you want to display subscriptions.

8-36 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

3.

Status - Select Enabled or Disabled as the status of the subscriptions you want
to display.

If you have workflow administrator privileges, you can use the administration
icons and buttons to perform administrative operations.

To update a subscription, choose the update icon for that subscription. See: To
Create or Update an Event Subscription, page 8-37.
Note: For seeded subscriptions with a customization level of

Limit, you can only update the subscription status. For seeded
subscriptions with a customization level of Core, you cannot
update any properties; you can only view the subscription
definition.

To delete a subscription, select the subscription and select the Delete button.
Note: You cannot delete any subscription seeded by Oracle

E-Business Suite that has a customization level of Core or


Limit.

To create a new subscription, select the Create Subscription button. See: To


Create or Update an Event Subscription, page 8-37.

To Create or Update an Event Subscription:


1.

Navigate to the Create Event Subscription page or to the Update Event


Subscriptions page. The Create Event Subscription page and the Update Event
Subscriptions page are identical, except that the fields in the Update Event
Subscriptions page are populated with previously defined information for the
selected subscription.
Note: For seeded subscriptions with a customization level of Limit,

you can only update the subscription status. For seeded


subscriptions with a customization level of Core, you cannot
update any properties; you can only view the subscription
definition.

Note: Your Oracle E-Business Suite installation may include seeded

subscriptions owned by Oracle E-Business Suite products that you


have not licensed. For such subscriptions, the Update Subscription
page displays a notice that the subscription is not licensed. Oracle

Managing Business Events 8-37

Workflow will not execute any of these subscriptions.

2.

In the Subscriber region, select the system where the subscription executes.

3.

In the Triggering Event region, specify the event source to which the subscription
applies in the Source Type field.

Local - The subscription applies only to events raised on the subscribing


system.

External - The subscription applies only to events received by an inbound agent


on the subscribing system.
Note: All event messages received by an inbound agent on the

subscribing system are considered to have an External source,


whether the sending agent is located on a remote system or on
the local system.

Error - The subscription applies to only to errored events dequeued from the
WF_ERROR queue or WF_JAVA_ERROR queue.

4.

Select the event that triggers the subscription in the Event Filter field. You can
specify an individual event or an event group.

5.

Optionally select a source agent to which the subscription applies. If you specify a
source agent, then the subscription is executed only when the triggering event is
received from that agent.
Note: In most cases, the Source Agent field is left blank.

6.

In the Execution Condition region, enter a phase number for the subscription to
specify the order in which subscriptions triggered by the same event are executed.
The phase number also controls whether a subscription is executed immediately or
is deferred, unless processing for the event is deferred by another method.

7.

Select Enabled or Disabled as the subscription status. If you disable a subscription,


it still remains in the Event Manager for reference, but it can no longer be executed
when events occur.

8.

In the Rule Data field, specify the event information required by the subscription.

Key - The subscription requires only the event key.

Message - The subscription requires the complete event data.

8-38 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

9.

In the Action Type region, select the subscription processing you want to perform
when the triggering event occurs.

Launch Workflow - Send the event message to launch or continue a workflow


process.

Send to Agent - Send the event message to a Business Event System agent.

Send Notification - Send a notification using a standard or custom message


template.

Receive Trading Partner Message - Receive an Oracle XML Gateway message


from your trading partner.

Send Trading Partner Message - Generate an Oracle XML Gateway message


and send the message to your trading partner.

Invoke Web Service - Invoke a Web service.

Custom - Execute custom business logic defined as a PL/SQL rule function or as


a Java rule function.

10. Specify the error handling to perform if Oracle Workflow encounters an error while

processing this subscription.

Stop and Rollback - The Event Manager halts all subscription processing for the
event and rolls back any subscriptions already executed for the event.

Skip to Next - The Event Manager rolls back only this subscription and then
continues processing the next subscription for the event according to the
subscription phase order.

See: Error Handling for Event Subscription Processing, page 11-4.


11. Choose the Next button to define the details of the subscription action, depending

on the action type you selected.


12. If you selected Launch Workflow as the action type, enter the following details.

Select the workflow item type and process name for the workflow process to
which you want to send the event. Ensure that the process contains a receive
event activity that will be able to accept the event. The event can either launch a
new process instance or continue an existing process instance that is waiting to
receive the event.
Note: The list of values for the Workflow Process field includes

only the runnable processes within the item type you specify.

Managing Business Events 8-39

Select Normal, High, or Low as the priority for the subscription. Oracle
Workflow uses the priority to help determine the order in which deferred
subscriptions are processed. The default priority is Normal.

You can optionally select an additional option to control how the subscription is
executed.

Add Subscription Parameters - Set the subscription parameters into the


parameter list within the event message before sending the event to the
specified workflow process. All the event parameters will be set as item
attributes for the workflow process when the process receives the event.

Launch when Business Key Matches - Send the event to all existing
workflow process instances that have eligible receive event activities
waiting to receive it, marked by a business key attribute that matches the
event key. This option lets you send the event to multiple processes.
However, note that with this option the event is only sent to continue
existing processes. If you want to launch a new process instance with the
event, do not select this option.
Note: If you select this option, the Event Manager ignores

the specified workflow item type and process name.


Instead, it uses the business key attribute to identify the
workflow processes that should receive the event.

Note: The rule function used for the Launch when Business

Key Matches option, Instance_Default_Rule(), may take


some time to complete, depending on how many existing
workflow processes include receive event activities, how
many of those processes are eligible to receive this event,
and what activities in those processes the Workflow Engine
must execute after the event has been received.
Consequently, when you select this option, it is strongly
recommended that you set the phase number for the
subscription to 100 or higher to defer the subscription and
allow the rule function processing to be completed in the
background by an agent listener.

Launch when Parameters Match - Send the event to the specified workflow
process only if the event message includes parameters whose names and
values match all the parameters defined for the subscription. This option
lets you specify additional conditions to control whether or not the
subscription is executed. Ensure that you include the required parameters
in the parameter list within the event message, either by providing them

8-40 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

when the event is raised or by adding them during prior subscription


processing.

If you selected the Add Subscription Parameters option or the Launch when
Parameters Match option, specify the parameters for the subscription. Enter the
name and value for each parameter with no spaces.

13. If you selected Send to Agent as the action type, enter the following details.

Enter either the Out Agent that you want to send the outbound message, or the
To Agent that you want to receive the inbound message, or both.

If you specify both a To Agent and an Out Agent, Oracle Workflow places
the event message on the Out Agent's queue for propagation, addressed to
the To Agent.

If you specify a To Agent without an Out Agent, Oracle Workflow selects


an outbound agent on the subscribing system whose queue type matches
the queue type of the To Agent. The event message is then placed on this
outbound agent's queue for propagation, addressed to the To Agent.

If you specify an Out Agent without a To Agent, Oracle Workflow places


the event message on the Out Agent's queue without a specified recipient.
The Out Agent must use either a multi-consumer queue with a subscriber
list or a single-consumer queue.
Note: The Out Agent must be located on the subscribing

system. The list of values for the Out Agent field includes only
agents with a direction of Out.
The list of values for the To Agent field includes only agents
with a direction of In.

Select Normal, High, or Low as the priority for the subscription. Oracle
Workflow uses the priority to help determine the order in which deferred
subscriptions are processed. The default priority is Normal.

You can optionally select an additional option to control how the subscription is
executed.

Add Subscription Parameters - Set the subscription parameters into the


parameter list within the event message before placing the event message
on the outbound agent.

Launch when Parameters Match - Place the event message on the outbound
agent only if the event message includes parameters whose names and

Managing Business Events 8-41

values match all the parameters defined for the subscription. This option
lets you specify additional conditions to control whether or not the
subscription is executed. Ensure that you include the required parameters
in the parameter list within the event message, either by providing them
when the event is raised or by adding them during prior subscription
processing.

If you selected the Add Subscription Parameters option or the Launch when
Parameters Match option, specify the parameters for the subscription. Enter the
name and value for each parameter with no spaces.

14. If you selected Send Notification as the action type, enter the following details.

Select the workflow item type and message name for the message you want to
send.
Note: You do not need to define or run a workflow process to

send a notification from a subscription with the Send


Notification action type. However, you do need to define the
message you want to send within a workflow item type. The
list of values for the Message Name field includes only the
messages within the item type you specify.

Select the role that should receive the notification.

Optionally enter a custom callback function you want the Notification System
to use for communication of SEND and RESPOND source message attributes.
See: Custom Callback Function, Oracle Workflow API Reference.

Optionally enter context information for a workflow process instance that you
want to pass to the callback function. With the standard Oracle Workflow
callback function, the Notification System requires a context to obtain values for
item type attributes. If you do not specify a context, do not reference any item
type attributes in the message attributes. Otherwise the message body will not
display correctly. The context information consists of the item type, item key,
and activity ID in the following format:
<itemtype>:<itemkey>:<activityid>

If you specify a custom callback function, then enter the context information
that is appropriate for your function.

Optionally enter a comment to send with the message.

Select Normal, High, or Low as the priority for the message. Oracle Workflow
also uses the priority to help determine the order in which deferred

8-42 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

subscriptions are processed. The default priority is Normal.


15. If you selected Receive Trading Partner Message or Send Trading Partner Message

as the action type, select Normal, High, or Low as the priority for the subscription.
Oracle Workflow uses the priority to help determine the order in which deferred
subscriptions are processed. The default priority is Normal.
Note: You do not need to enter any additional subscription

parameters for these action types.

16. If you selected Invoke Web Service as the action type, enter the Web service details

in the Invoke Web Service wizard.

Enter the URL where the Web Services Description Language (WSDL)
description for the Web service is located, and choose Next. For example:
http://www.example.com/myservice.wsdl

If the Web service is a BPEL process, you can specify a relative URL using the
prefix bpel:// followed by a relative path to the WSDL description on the
BPEL server. For example:
bpel://mybpelservice.wsdl

Note: You must specify the bpel:// prefix in lowercase

letters.

At runtime, Oracle Workflow replaces the bpel:// prefix with the host name
and port for the BPEL server specified in the WF: BPEL Server profile option.
This profile option lets you quickly change the BPEL server setup for all
subscriptions that invoke BPEL processes, such as if you move these
subscription definitions from a test instance to a production instance. See:
Specifying the BPEL Server, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Oracle Workflow displays the WSDL source and description that you specified.
Select the name of the Web service from that description that you want to
consume, and choose Next.

Oracle Workflow displays the WSDL source, WSDL description, and service
name that you specified, and lists the name and endpoint of each available port.
Select the port to use for the service and choose Next.

Oracle Workflow displays the WSDL source, WSDL description, service name,
and port that you specified, and lists the name, port type, and operation type of
each available service operation. Select the operation to invoke, and choose
Next.

Managing Business Events 8-43

In the Web Service Security region, enter a user name and password if required
to authenticate the user invoking the Web service.
Note: For a subscription seeded by Oracle E-Business Suite

with a customization level of Core or Limit, if the seeded


subscription definition includes a user name, then you cannot
update that user name. However, if no user name was
provided in the seeded subscription definition, then you can
add or update the user name. If the Web service requires a
password, you can update the password in the subscription
definition, regardless of the customization level.

By default, Oracle Workflow uses


oracle.apps.fnd.wf.bes.WebServiceInvokerSubscription as the
Java rule function for a Web service subscription. If you have extended this
class with a custom class, enter your custom class instead.
You can optionally specify additional parameters for the subscription to define
further pre-invocation and post-invocation processing. Enter the name and
value for each parameter with no spaces.
Oracle Workflow converts the list of subscription parameters into a text string
of name and value pairs, separated by spaces, in the following format:
<name1>=<value1><name2>=<value2> ... <nameN>=<valueN>

If you define a custom rule function, the function can reference the parameters
from this format.
17. If you selected Custom as the action type, enter the following details.

Enter the rule function that contains the custom business logic you want to run
on the event message. You can define the rule function either as a Java class or
as a PL/SQL function. In either case, the rule function must be defined
according to a standard API. See: Standard API for an Event Subscription Rule
Function, page 6-32.

For a Java subscription, enter the Java rule function in the following format:
<customPackage>.<customClass>

In this case, you should leave the PL/SQL Rule Function field blank.

For a PL/SQL subscription, enter the PL/SQL rule function in the following
format:
<package_name>.<function_name>

In this case, you should leave the Java Rule Function field blank.

8-44 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Note: If you enter a rule function other than

WF_RULE.Default_Rule, Oracle Workflow does not


automatically send the event message to the specified
workflow and agent. You must explicitly include the send
processing in your custom rule function instead.

If your rule function will send the event to a workflow process, you can specify
the workflow item type and process name for the function to reference. Ensure
that the process contains a receive event activity that will be able to accept the
event.
Note: The list of values for the Workflow Process field includes

only the runnable processes within the item type you specify.

If your rule function will send the event to an agent, you can specify the
outbound and inbound agents for the function to reference. Depending on the
send processing in your function, you may need to specify either the Out Agent
that you want to send the outbound message, or the To Agent that you want to
receive the inbound message, or both.
Note: The Out Agent must be located on the subscribing

system. The list of values for the Out Agent field includes only
agents with a direction of Out.
The list of values for the To Agent field includes only agents
with a direction of In.

Select Normal, High, or Low as the priority for the subscription. Oracle
Workflow uses the priority to help determine the order in which deferred
subscriptions are processed. The default priority is Normal.

You can optionally specify additional parameters for the subscription, to be


referenced by the rule function. Enter the name and value for each parameter
with no spaces.
Oracle Workflow converts this list of subscription parameters into a text string
of name and value pairs, separated by spaces, in the following format:
<name1>=<value1><name2>=<value2> ... <nameN>=<valueN>

The rule function can reference the parameters from this format.
18. For all action types, in the Documentation region, identify the program or

application that owns the subscription by selecting the application short name in
the Owner Tag field. By default, Oracle Workflow sets the Owner Name field to the

Managing Business Events 8-45

application name associated with that application short name. However, you can
optionally enter a different name in the Owner Name field, such as a particular
program or component within the application.
19. Review the customization level for the subscription.

Core - No changes can be made to the subscription definition. This level is used
only for subscriptions seeded by Oracle E-Business Suite.

Limit - The subscription status can be updated to Enabled or Disabled, but no


other changes can be made to the subscription definition. This level is used only
for subscriptions seeded by Oracle E-Business Suite.

User - Any property in the subscription definition can be updated. This level is
automatically set for subscriptions that you define.

20. Enter an optional description for the subscription.

Agents
An agent is a named point of communication within a system. Communication within
and between systems is accomplished by sending a message from one agent to another.
A single system can have several different agents representing different communication
alternatives. For example, a system may have different agents to support inbound and
outbound communication, communication by different protocols, different propagation
frequencies, or other alternatives.
You should define each agent that you will use to communicate events in the Event
Manager. Each agent's name must be unique within its system. The agent can be
referenced in code within Oracle Workflow by a compound name in the following
format:
<agent_name>@<system_name>

For example, the agent WF_IN within the system HUB could be referenced as
WF_IN@HUB.
After defining the agents on your local system, you should set them up for event
message communication by scheduling agent listeners for local inbound agents and
propagation for local outbound agents. You can use Oracle Enterprise Manager to
schedule propagation and the Workflow Manager component of Oracle Applications
Manager to run agent listeners. In Oracle Workflow Manager you can also view the
distribution of event messages on different agents, drill down to view details about
individual event messages, and review queue details for the agents. For more
information, please refer to the Oracle Enterprise Manager online help, Oracle
Enterprise Manager Support, Oracle Streams Advanced Queuing User's Guide and Reference
, Oracle Workflow Manager Overview, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide, and
Setting Up the Business Event System, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

8-46 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

You can run a diagnostic test through Oracle Diagnostics Framework to verify the
status of your agents. See: Oracle Workflow Diagnostic Tests, Oracle Workflow
Administrator's Guide.

Assigning a Direction to an Agent


When you define an agent in the Event Manager, you must specify the direction of
communication that the agent supports on its local system.

In - Inbound communication to the system. The agent receives messages in a


specific protocol and presents them to the system in a standard format.

Out - Outbound communication from the system. The agent accepts messages from
the system in a standard format and sends them using the specified protocol.

Assigning a Protocol to an Agent


You must associate each agent with the protocol by which it communicates messages.
The protocol specifies how the messages are encoded and transmitted. For a message to
be successfully communicated, the sending and receiving agents must use the same
protocol.
A protocol can represent a network standard, such as SQLNET. It can also represent a
business-to-business standard that defines the higher-level message format and
handshaking agreements between systems in addition to the network standard.
The Business Event System interacts with an agent through an AQ queue. You can use
AQ to perform the propagation of messages by the SQLNET protocol which it supports.
AQ also includes Internet access functionality that lets you perform AQ operations over
the Internet by using AQ's Internet Data Access Presentation (IDAP) for messages and
transmitting the messages over the Internet using transport protocols such as HTTP or
HTTPS. Additionally, the Messaging Gateway feature of AQ enables communication
between applications based on non-Oracle messaging systems and AQ, letting you
integrate with third party messaging solutions. You can also implement other services
to propagate messages by different protocols.
To implement a custom protocol, you must perform the following steps:
1.

Define AQ queues to hold pending inbound and outbound messages.

2.

Provide code that propagates messages to and from the AQ queues.

3.

Define a lookup code for the new protocol in the Event Protocol Type (
WF_AQ_PROTOCOLS) lookup type, which is stored in the Standard item type. The
Event Manager uses the Event Protocol Type lookup type to validate the protocol
for an agent. See: To Create Lookup Codes for a Lookup Type, page 3-26.

4.

Define agents with the new protocol. See: To Create or Update an Agent, page 8-62.

Managing Business Events 8-47

If an agent supports inbound communication, you must specify the address by which
systems can communicate with it. The format of the address depends on the agent's
protocol. For agents that use the SQLNET protocol, the address must be in the following
format to enable AQ propagation:
<schema>.<queue>@<database link>

In this format, <schema> represents the schema that owns the queue, <queue>
represents the queue name, and <database link> represents the name of the
database link to the instance where the queue is located.
Note: You must enter the database link name exactly as the name was

specified when the database link was created. For example, if a


database link is named ORA10.US.ORACLE.COM, you must enter that
complete name in the address of an agent on that database. You cannot
abbreviate the name to ORA10.
The names of the database links that you want to use for the Business
Event System should be fully qualified with the domain names. To
confirm the names of your database links, use the following syntax:
SELECT db_link FROM all_db_links

See: Creating Database Links, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Assigning a Queue to an Agent


You must associate each agent on a Workflow-enabled system with an AQ queue. The
local system uses this queue to interact with the agent. To send messages, the system
enqueues the messages on the queue and sets the recipient addresses. To receive
messages, the system runs a listener on the queue. See: Setting Up Queues, Oracle
Workflow Administrator's Guide.
Event messages within the Oracle Workflow Business Event System are encoded in a
standard format defined by the datatype WF_EVENT_T, or, in Java, the
BusinessEvent object. You should assign each agent a PL/SQL or Java package called
a queue handler that translates between the standard Workflow format and the format
required by the agent's queue. Define only one queue handler for an agent, either
PL/SQL or Java. See: Event Message Structure, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
Note: Even if the agent's queue uses WF_EVENT_T as its payload type, a

queue handler is still required in order to set native AQ message


properties.

Oracle Workflow provides two standard queue handlers, called WF_EVENT_QH and
WF_ERROR_QH, for queues that use SQLNET propagation and use the WF_EVENT_T
datatype as their payload type. You can use WF_EVENT_QH with queues that handle
normal Business Event System processing, while WF_ERROR_QH should be used
exclusively with error queues.

8-48 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Oracle Workflow also provides a standard queue handler called


WF_EVENT_OJMSTEXT_QH for queues that use the SYS.AQ$_JMS_TEXT_MESSAGE
datatype as their payload type. This queue handler enables communication of JMS Text
messages through the Business Event System. See: Mapping Between WF_EVENT_T
and SYS.AQ$_JMS_TEXT_MESSAGE, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
If you want to use queues that require a different format, create a custom queue handler
for that format. Your custom queue handler must include a set of standard APIs to
enqueue and dequeue messages in the custom format. See: Standard APIs for a Queue
Handler, page 6-29.

If you define a PL/SQL queue handler, then you can run both PL/SQL and Java
agent listeners on this agent. The PL/SQL queue handler is used during both Java
and PL/SQL event message processing. Java agent listeners will execute the PL/SQL
queue handler through Java Database Connectivity (JDBC).
Note: If you use custom PL/SQL queue handlers, you can

optionally enable Oracle Workflow to call your custom functions


statically to enhance performance. See: Enabling Static Function
Calls for Custom PL/SQL Functions, Oracle Workflow Administrator's
Guide.

If you define a Java queue handler, then you can run only Java agent listeners on
this agent. The Java queue handler is used during Java event message processing.
You cannot run a PL/SQL agent listener on this agent, because a PL/SQL agent
listener cannot execute a Java queue handler.

Agent Groups
You can also define agent groups that let you associate several inbound agents with
each other and reference them as a group in event subscriptions and Send event
activities. An agent group is a type of agent composed of a set of individual member
agents. Once you have defined an agent group, you can send event messages to the
group rather than having to send the messages separately to each individual agent
within it.
Agent groups can only be used for inbound communication. All agent groups have a
direction of In, and only individual agents with a direction of In can be members of an
agent group.
You must associate each agent group with a system to which it belongs. However, you
can include agents on other systems within the group.
Ensure that you run an agent listener for each agent within the group to receive
inbound messages.
Note: You cannot run an agent listener for an agent group. Agent

Managing Business Events 8-49

listeners can be run only for individual agents.

Standard Agents
When you install Oracle Workflow, several standard agents are automatically defined
for the Business Event System.

WF_CONTROL - Oracle Workflow internal agent, not for customer use

WF_DEFERRED - Standard agent for deferred subscription processing in the


database

WF_ERROR - Standard agent for error handling in the database

WF_JAVA_DEFERRED - Standard agent for deferred subscription processing in the


middle tier

WF_JAVA_ERROR - Standard agent for error handling in the middle tier

WF_IN - Default inbound agent

WF_JMS_IN - Default inbound agent for JMS Text messages

WF_JMS_OUT - Default outbound agent for JMS Text messages

WF_NOTIFICATION_IN - Standard inbound agent for e-mail notification


responses

WF_NOTIFICATION_OUT - Standard outbound agent for e-mail notifications

WF_OUT - Default outbound agent

WF_WS_JMS_IN - Default inbound agent for Web service messages

WF_WS_JMS_OUT - Default outbound agent for Web service messages

These agents use standard queues that are automatically defined when you install
Oracle Workflow. See: Setting Up Queues, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
You can enable or disable the WF_IN, WF_JMS_IN, WF_WS_JMS_IN, WF_OUT,
WF_JMS_OUT, and WF_WS_JMS_OUT agents, but you must not make any other
changes to their definitions. You must not make any changes to the definitions of the
other agents.
Oracle Workflow automatically runs PL/SQL agent listeners for the standard
WF_DEFERRED, WF_ERROR, and WF_NOTIFICATION_IN agents in order to perform
deferred subscription processing, error handling for the Business Event System, and
inbound e-mail processing for notification mailers, respectively. Oracle Workflow also

8-50 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

automatically runs Java agent listeners for the standard WF_JAVA_DEFERRED and
WF_JAVA_ERROR agents in order to perform deferred subscription processing and
error handling in the middle tier. Additionally, Oracle Workflow provides a Java agent
listener named Web Services IN Agent that you can optionally start for the
WF_WS_JMS_IN agent. If you want to use the WF_IN and WF_JMS_IN agents for event
message propagation, schedule listeners for those agents as well.
Likewise, if you want to use the WF_OUT and WF_JMS_OUT agents for event message
propagation, schedule propagation for those agents. You do not need to schedule
propagation for the WF_CONTROL, WF_NOTIFICATION_OUT, or WF_WS_JMS_OUT
agents, however. The middle tier processes that use WF_CONTROL dequeue messages
directly from its queue, and notification mailers send messages placed on the
WF_NOTIFICATION_OUT queue. For WF_WS_JMS_OUT, you can optionally start a
Web services outbound component named Web Services OUT Agent, provided by
Oracle Workflow. For more information, please refer to the Oracle Enterprise Manager
online help, Oracle Enterprise Manager Support, Oracle Streams Advanced Queuing
User's Guide and Reference , Oracle Workflow Manager Overview, Oracle Workflow
Administrator's Guide, and Setting Up the Business Event System, Oracle Workflow
Administrator's Guide.
You can run a diagnostic test through Oracle Diagnostics Framework to verify that the
WF_DEFERRED queue and the WF_ERROR each have only one subscriber rule
defined. No custom subscribers should be added to these queues. See: Oracle Workflow
Diagnostic Tests, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
Note: Oracle Workflow also includes three additional agents named

WF_REPLAY_IN, WF_REPLAY_OUT, and WF_SMTP_O_1_QUEUE,


which are not currently used.

The following table lists the default properties for the standard WF_CONTROL agent.
See: Cleaning Up the Workflow Control Queue, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
WF_CONTROL Agent Properties
Agent Property

Value

Name

WF_CONTROL

Display Name

Workflow Control Out Queue

Description

Workflow JMS Text Message Queue used to


signal messages to middle tier processes

Protocol

SQLNET

Managing Business Events 8-51

Agent Property

Value

Address

<workflow schema>.WF_CONTROL@<local
database>

System

<local system>

Queue Handler

WF_EVENT_OJMSTEXT_QH

Queue Name

<workflow schema>.WF_CONTROL

Direction

Out

Status

Enabled

The following table lists the default properties for the standard WF_DEFERRED agent.
WF_DEFERRED Agent Properties
Agent Property

Value

Name

WF_DEFERRED

Display Name

WF_DEFERRED

Description

WF_DEFERRED

Protocol

SQLNET

Address

<workflow schema>.WF_DEFERRED@<local
database>

System

<local system>

Queue Handler

WF_EVENT_QH

Queue Name

<workflow schema>.WF_DEFERRED

Direction

In

Status

Enabled

8-52 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

The following table lists the default properties for the standard WF_ERROR agent.
WF_ERROR Agent Properties
Agent Property

Value

Name

WF_ERROR

Display Name

WF_ERROR

Description

WF_ERROR

Protocol

SQLNET

Address

<workflow schema>.WF_ERROR@<local
database>

System

<local system>

Queue Handler

WF_ERROR_QH

Queue Name

<workflow schema>.WF_ERROR

Direction

In

Status

Enabled

The following table lists the default properties for the standard WF_JAVA_DEFERRED
agent.
WF_JAVA_DEFERRED Agent Properties
Agent Property

Value

Name

WF_JAVA_DEFERRED

Display Name

Workflow Java Deferred In Queue

Description

Workflow Java Deferred In Queue

Protocol

SQLNET

Managing Business Events 8-53

Agent Property

Value

Address

<workflow schema>.WF_JAVA_DEFERRED@
<local database>

System

<local system>

Queue Handler

WF_EVENT_OJMSTEXT_QH

Queue Name

<workflow schema>.WF_JAVA_DEFERRED

Direction

In

Status

Enabled

The following table lists the default properties for the standard WF_JAVA_ERROR
agent.
WF_JAVA_ERROR Agent Properties
Agent Property

Value

Name

WF_JAVA_ERROR

Display Name

Workflow Java Error In Queue

Description

Workflow Java Error In Queue

Protocol

SQLNET

Address

<workflow schema>.WF_JAVA_ERROR@<local
database>

System

<local system>

Queue Handler

WF_EVENT_OJMSTEXT_QH

Queue Name

<workflow schema>.WF_JAVA_ERROR

Direction

In

8-54 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Agent Property

Value

Status

Enabled

The following table lists the default properties for the standard WF_IN agent.
WF_IN Agent Properties
Agent Property

Value

Name

WF_IN

Display Name

WF_IN

Description

WF_IN

Protocol

SQLNET

Address

<workflow schema>.WF_IN@<local database>

System

<local system>

Queue Handler

WF_EVENT_QH

Queue Name

<workflow schema>.WF_IN

Direction

In

Status

Enabled

The following table lists the default properties for the standard WF_JMS_IN agent.
WF_JMS_IN Agent Properties
Agent Property

Value

Name

WF_JMS_IN

Display Name

Workflow JMS In Queue

Managing Business Events 8-55

Agent Property

Value

Description

Workflow JMS Text Message Queue

Protocol

SQLNET

Address

<workflow schema>.WF_JMS_IN@<local
database>

System

<local system>

Queue Handler

WF_EVENT_OJMSTEXT_QH

Queue Name

<workflow schema>.WF_JMS_IN

Direction

In

Status

Enabled

The following table lists the default properties for the standard WF_JMS_OUT agent.
WF_JMS_OUT Agent Properties
Agent Property

Value

Name

WF_JMS_OUT

Display Name

Workflow JMS Out Queue

Description

Workflow JMS Text Message Queue

Protocol

SQLNET

Address

<workflow schema>.WF_JMS_OUT@<local
database>

System

<local system>

Queue Handler

WF_EVENT_OJMSTEXT_QH

Queue Name

<workflow schema>.WF_JMS_OUT

8-56 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Agent Property

Value

Direction

Out

Status

Enabled

The following table lists the default properties for the standard
WF_NOTIFICATION_IN agent. See: Implementing Notification Mailers, Oracle
Workflow Administrator's Guide.
WF_NOTIFICATION_IN Agent Properties
Agent Property

Value

Name

WF_NOTIFICATION_IN

Display Name

Workflow Notification In Queue

Description

Workflow inbound notification response


queue

Protocol

SQLNET

Address

<workflow schema>.WF_NOTIFICATION_IN@
<local database>

System

<local system>

Queue Handler

WF_EVENT_OJMSTEXT_QH

Queue Name

<workflow schema>.WF_NOTIFICATION_IN

Direction

In

Status

Enabled

The following table lists the default properties for the standard
WF_NOTIFICATION_OUT agent. See: Implementing Notification Mailers, Oracle
Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Managing Business Events 8-57

WF_NOTIFICATION_OUT Agent Properties


Agent Property

Value

Name

WF_NOTIFICATION_OUT

Display Name

Workflow Notification Out Queue

Description

Workflow notification outbound queue

Protocol

SQLNET

Address

<workflow schema>
.WF_NOTIFICATION_OUT@<local database>

System

<local system>

Queue Handler

WF_EVENT_OJMSTEXT_QH

Queue Name

<workflow schema>.WF_NOTIFICATION_OUT

Direction

Out

Status

Enabled

The following table lists the default properties for the standard WF_OUT agent.
WF_OUT Agent Properties
Agent Property

Value

Name

WF_OUT

Display Name

WF_OUT

Description

WF_OUT

Protocol

SQLNET

Address

<workflow schema>.WF_OUT@<local database>

8-58 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Agent Property

Value

System

<local system>

Queue Handler

WF_EVENT_QH

Queue Name

<workflow schema>.WF_OUT

Direction

Out

Status

Enabled

The following table lists the default properties for the standard WF_WS_JMS_IN agent.
WF_WS_JMS_IN Agent Properties
Agent Property

Value

Name

WF_WS_JMS_IN

Display Name

WebServices JMS In Queue

Description

WebServices JMS Text Message Queue for


Inbound

Protocol

SOAP

Address

<workflow schema>.WF_WS_JMS_IN@<local
database>

System

<local system>

Queue Handler

WF_EVENT_OJMSTEXT_QH

Queue Name

<workflow schema>.WF_WS_JMS_IN

Direction

In

Status

Enabled

The following table lists the default properties for the standard WF_WS_JMS_OUT
agent.

Managing Business Events 8-59

WF_WS_JMS_OUT Agent Properties


Agent Property

Value

Name

WF_WS_JMS_OUT

Display Name

WebServices JMS Out Queue

Description

WebServices JMS Text Message Queue for


Outbound

Protocol

SOAP

Address

<workflow schema>.WF_WS_JMS_OUT@<local
database>

System

<local system>

Queue Handler

WF_EVENT_OJMSTEXT_QH

Queue Name

<workflow schema>.WF_WS_JMS_OUT

Direction

Out

Status

Enabled

Agents on External Systems


Systems that will communicate events with each other must store each other's inbound
agent definitions in order to address event messages to each other.
For communication between two systems that both have Oracle Workflow installed,
Oracle Workflow provides an external system registration procedure that you can use
to automatically copy the inbound agent definitions for the other system into the Event
Manager of your local system. See: Registering External Systems, page 8-67.
If your local Workflow-enabled system will communicate with a non-Workflow system,
the non-Workflow system must provide its own external propagation agents to handle
Business Event System event messages.

An inbound agent on a non-Workflow system must be able to dequeue event


messages from a Business Event System outbound queue and process the contents
of those messages. The inbound agent must have an address at which systems can
communicate with the agent.

8-60 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

An outbound agent on a non-Workflow system must be able to enqueue event


messages in the appropriate format on a Business Event System inbound queue.

You must manually define the inbound agents for an external non-Workflow system in
the Event Manager of your local system. You can optionally define the external system's
outbound agents as well.
1.

Before defining agents for a non-Workflow system, you must define the system
itself using the Create System page. See: To Create or Update a System, page 8-72.

2.

You can then use the Create Agent page to define an agent for the non-Workflow
system, following the same steps as for any other agent. See: To Create or Update
an Agent, page 8-62.

You must associate the agent with the non-Workflow system to which it
belongs.

You must specify the protocol by which you will communicate with the agent.

For an inbound agent, you must also specify the address at which you will
communicate with the agent.

You can leave the queue name and queue handler blank if the agent is not
implemented as an Oracle Advanced Queueing queue.

Related Topics
To View and Maintain Agents, page 8-61
To Create or Update an Agent, page 8-62
To Create or Update an Agent Group, page 8-64

Defining Agents
To View and Maintain Agents:
1.

Use a Web browser to navigate to the Event Manager, using a responsibility and
navigation path specified by your system administrator. Then choose Agents in the
horizontal navigation. See: Oracle Workflow Developer Navigation Paths, page A1.

2.

Search for the agents you want to display. The main search option is:

Name - Enter the internal name of the agent you want to display. You can enter
a partial value to search for agents whose internal names contain that value.

You can also enter the following additional search criteria.

Managing Business Events 8-61

3.

Protocol - Select the protocol of the agent you want to display.

Address - Enter the address of the agent you want to display.

System - Select the system of the agent you want to display.

Direction - Select In or Out as the direction of the agents you want to display.

Type - Select Agent or Group as the type of the agents you want to display.

Status - Select Enabled or Disabled as the status of the agents you want to
display.

If you have workflow administrator privileges, you can use the administration
icons and buttons to perform administrative operations.

To update an agent, choose the update icon for that agent. See: To Create or
Update an Agent, page 8-62 and To Create or Update an Agent Group, page 864.

To delete an agent, select the agent and select the Delete button.
Note: You can only delete agents that do not have any

subscriptions referencing them and that do not belong to any


agent groups.

To create a new individual agent, select the Create Agent button. See: To Create
or Update an Agent, page 8-62.

To create a new agent group, select the Create Agent Group button. See: To
Create or Update an Agent Group, page 8-64.
Note: Whenever you make changes to your agents that affect the

physical implementation required for message propagation, you should


recheck your propagation setup. See: Setting Up the Business Event
System, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

To Create or Update an Agent:


1.

Navigate to the Create Agent page or to the Update Agent page. The Create Agent
page and the Update Agent page are identical, except that the fields in the Update
Agent page are populated with previously defined information for the selected
agent.

8-62 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Note: You should not use the Create Agent page to create agent

definitions for inbound agents on external systems that have Oracle


Workflow installed. Instead, you should use the Register External
System page to automatically register the system identifier
information for that external system, including inbound agent
definitions. See: Registering External Systems, page 8-67.

2.

Enter the internal name of the agent in the Name field. The agent's internal name
must be unique within the agent's system.
Important: The internal name must be all-uppercase and should not

include any single or double quotation marks (' or ") or spaces.

3.

Enter a display name for the agent.

4.

Enter an optional description for the agent.

5.

Select the message communication protocol that the agent supports.

6.

If the agent supports inbound communication to its system, enter the address for
the agent. The format of the address depends on the protocol you select.
For agents that use the SQLNET protocol, the address must be in the following
format to enable AQ propagation:
<schema>.<queue>@<database link>

<schema> represents the schema that owns the queue, <queue> represents the
queue name, and <database link> represents the database link to the instance
where the queue is located.
Note: You must enter the database link name exactly as the name

was specified when the database link was created. See: Creating
Database Links, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

7.

Select the system in which the agent is defined.

8.

Enter the queue handler for the agent. A queue handler is a PL/SQL or Java package
that translates between the Workflow event message format (WF_EVENT_T
datatype or BusinessEvent Java object) and the message format required by the
queue associated with the agent. Define only one queue handler for an agent, either
PL/SQL or Java. See: Standard APIs for a Queue Handler, page 6-29.

To assign the agent a PL/SQL queue handler, enter the PL/SQL package name
in the Queue Handler field in all uppercase. You can run both PL/SQL and Java

Managing Business Events 8-63

agent listeners on an agent with a PL/SQL queue handler.

To assign the agent a Java queue handler, enter the Java package name in the
Java Queue Handler field. You can run only Java agent listeners on an agent
with a Java queue handler.
Note: For an agent that is not implemented as a queue, such as an

agent on a non-Oracle system, you can leave the Queue Handler


and Java Queue Handler fields blank.

9.

Enter the name of the queue that the local system uses to interact with the agent.
Since only the local system refers to this queue name, the queue name should be
within the scope of this system, without requiring a database link. Use the
following format to specify the queue name:
<schema>.<queue>

<schema> represents the schema that owns the queue, and <queue> represents the
queue name.
Important: You must enter the queue name in all uppercase.

Note: For an agent that is not implemented as a queue, such as an

agent on a non-Oracle system, you can leave the Queue field blank.

10. In the Direction field, select In for an agent that supports inbound communication

to its system, or select Out for an agent that supports outbound communication
from its system.
11. Select Enabled or Disabled as the agent status. If you disable an agent, its definition

remains in the Event Manager for reference, but you cannot use the agent in active
subscriptions.

To Create or Update an Agent Group:


1.

Navigate to the Create Agent Group page or to the Update Agent Group page. The
Create Agent Group page and the Update Agent Group page are identical, except
that the fields in the Update Agent Group page are populated with previously
defined information for the selected agent group.

2.

Enter the internal name of the agent group in the Name field. The agent group's
internal name must be unique within the agent group's system.

8-64 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Important: The internal name must be all-uppercase and should not

include any single or double quotation marks (' or ") or spaces.

3.

Enter a display name for the agent group.

4.

Enter an optional description for the agent group.

5.

Select the system on which the agent group is defined.


Note: Although an agent group is defined on a particular system,

you can include agents from other systems as members within the
group.

Since agent groups are used only for inbound communication, the direction for an
agent group is automatically set to In.
6.

Select Enabled or Disabled as the agent group status. If you disable an agent group,
its definition remains in the Event Manager for reference, but you cannot use the
agent group in active subscriptions.

7.

Select the Apply button to save the agent group definition.

8.

To add a member agent to the group, select the Add Agents to Group button.
Note: An agent group can contain only individual agents as its

members. It cannot contain another group.

9.

In the Add Agents to Group page, search for the agents you want to add. The main
search option is:

Name - Enter the internal name of the agent you want to add. You can enter a
partial value to search for agents whose internal names contain that value.

You can also enter the following additional search criteria.

Protocol - Select the protocol of the agent you want to add.

Address - Enter the address of the agent you want to add.

System - Select the system of the agent you want to add.

Status - Select Enabled or Disabled as the status of the agents you want to add.

10. Select the agent or agents that you want to add to your agent group, and select the

Add Agents to Group button.

Managing Business Events 8-65

11. You can optionally enter new search criteria to search for other agents to add to the

agent group.
12. After you finish adding agents to the agent group, select the Apply button to save

the agent group members.


13. To delete a member agent from the group, select the agent in the Create Agent

Group or Update Agent Group page and select the Delete button.
Note: Deleting a member agent from an agent group does not

delete the agent definition for the individual agent. The individual
agent remains in the Event Manager.

Systems
A system is a logically isolated software environment such as a host machine or
database instance. You should define each system to or from which you will
communicate events in the Event Manager.
When you define a system, you can specify whether it is associated with a master
system from which you want it to receive Event Manager object definition updates.
Each system can expose one or more addressable points of communication, called
agents. After you define your systems, you should define the agents within those
systems that you will use to communicate business events. See: Agents, page 8-46.

Local System
When you install Oracle Workflow in a database, that database is automatically defined
as a system in the Event Manager and set as the local system in the Workflow
Configuration page. The following table lists the default properties of the local system
definition.
Local System Properties
System Property

Value

Name

<database global name>

Display Name

<database global name>

Description

Local System Created by Oracle Workflow


Configuration Assistant

8-66 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

System Property

Value

Master

(blank)

You can update the local system definition if necessary.


Oracle Workflow sets the status of the local system to Enabled by default. After you
finish setting up the Business Event System, you can use the Workflow Configuration
page to set the system status that you want for event processing. See: Setting Global
User Preferences, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Registering External Systems


Before you can send business events from one system to another, you must register the
destination system with the source system as a potential recipient of event messages.
Registering a system means defining the destination system as well as its inbound
agents in the Event Manager of the source system, so that event messages from the
source system can be addressed to the destination agents. Registering a system is also
known as signing up a system.
Usually, both systems should be registered with each other, so that each system can
both send messages to and receive messages from the other system.
Oracle Workflow provides Web pages to help automate external system registration
between two systems that both have Oracle Workflow installed. For communication
between a Workflow-enabled system and a non-Workflow system, you must perform
manual steps to store the required destination system and agent information in the
source system.
To register a destination system for receiving event messages from a source system,
perform the following steps:
1.

Retrieve the local system and inbound agent definitions, which together make up
the system identifier information, from the destination system.
Note: The system identifier information includes only the

definitions for the system itself and its individual inbound agents.
The system identifier does not include agent group definitions.

If Oracle Workflow is installed on the destination system, you can use the
Generate Local System Identifier page on the destination system to generate
and save an XML document containing the system identifier information. See:
To Generate Local System Identifier Information, page 8-73.
Note: If you do not have access to the Oracle Workflow

Managing Business Events 8-67

installation on the destination system, ask the workflow


administrator for that system to perform this step.

2.

If Oracle Workflow is not installed on the destination system, you will need to
manually gather the information needed to create definitions for the system and
its inbound agents.

Register the destination system identifier information in the Event Manager in the
source system.

If Oracle Workflow is installed on both the source system and the destination
system, you can use the Register External System Web page on the source
system to register the information by raising the System Signup event with the
system identifier XML document from the destination system as the event data.
When the System Signup event is raised on the source system, Oracle Workflow
executes a predefined subscription that loads the system identifier information
to the Event Manager in that system. See: To Register an External System, page
8-73.
Note: If you do not have access to the Oracle Workflow

installation on the source system, ask the workflow


administrator for that system to perform this step.

If Oracle Workflow is installed on the source system but not on the destination
system, you must manually create system and agent definitions for the
destination system in the Event Manager of the source system. See: To Create or
Update a System, page 8-72 and To Create or Update an Agent, page 8-62.

If Oracle Workflow is not installed on the source system but is installed on the
destination system, you must store the system and inbound agent information
for the destination system in the source system according to that non-Workflow
source system's requirements. You can optionally make use of the system
identifier XML document generated by the Generate Local System Identifier
page on the destination system, but you must manually perform whatever steps
are necessary to store that information in the non-Workflow source system.

Synchronizing Systems
Synchronizing systems means replicating all the Event Manager objects that are defined
on the source system to the target system. You can use the Synchronize Event Systems
event to synchronize two Workflow-enabled systems with each other.
To synchronize systems, perform the following steps:

8-68 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

1.

Register the source and target systems with each other. See: Registering External
Systems, page 8-67.

2.

On the source system, copy the predefined subscription to the Seed Event Group
with the Local source type and modify the copy as follows.

Specify the inbound agent on the target system that you want to receive the
event message, or specify a workflow process that sends the event message to
the target system.
Note: If you want to send the event message to more than one

target system, you can specify an agent group to receive the


event message.

Enable the subscription.


Note: If you do not have access to the Oracle Workflow

installation on the source system, ask the workflow


administrator for that system to perform this step.

3.

On the target system, enable the predefined subscription to the Seed Event Group
with the External source type.
Note: If you do not have access to the Oracle Workflow installation

on the target system, ask the workflow administrator for that


system to perform this step.

4.

On the source system, raise the Synchronize Event Systems event (


oracle.apps.wf.event.all.sync) using the Test Business Event page for the
event. Enter a unique event key, but do not enter any event data. See: To Raise a
Test Event, page 8-14.
Note: If you do not have access to the Oracle Workflow installation

on the source system, ask the workflow administrator for that


system to perform this step.

When the Synchronize Event Systems event is raised on the source system, it
triggers the subscription to the Seed Event Group with the Local source type. The
Event Manager generates the event message, which contains the definitions of all
the Event Manager objects on the local system, including events, event groups,
systems, agents, agent groups, and subscriptions. Then the event message is sent to
the specified inbound agent on the target system, or to the specified workflow
process that sends the event message to the target system.

Managing Business Events 8-69

When the Synchronize Event Systems event is received on the target system, it
triggers the subscription to the Seed Event Group with the External source type.
Oracle Workflow loads the object definitions from the event message into the Event
Manager on the target system, creating new definitions or updating existing
definitions as necessary.

Automatic Replication
After you enable the predefined subscriptions in steps 2 and 3, these subscriptions will
also replicate any subsequent changes you make to Event Manager object definitions on
the source system. Whenever you create, update, or delete events, event group
members, systems, agents, agent group members, or subscriptions, Oracle Workflow
raises the corresponding predefined events. These events trigger the Local subscription
to the Seed Event Group on the source system, which sends the object definition data to
the target system. The External subscription to the Seed Event Group on the target
system receives the data and adds, updates, or deletes the object definition in the Event
Manager there.
If you do not want to continue automatically replicating changes on the source system
to the target system, you can either disable the subscriptions after you finish
synchronizing the systems, or disable the predefined events corresponding to those
changes.

Master/Copy Systems
If you choose, you can treat one system as a master system that replicates its own Event
Manager object definitions to its associated copy systems, but does not accept any object
definition changes from those systems. To set up master/copy replication, perform the
steps to synchronize the target copy systems with the source master system, as usual.
Then, to prevent object definitions from being sent from the copy systems, ensure that
the Local subscription to the Seed Event Group on the copy systems is disabled. To
prevent object definitions from being received into the master system, ensure that the
External subscription to the Seed Event Group on the master system is disabled as well.

Related Topics
To View and Maintain Systems, page 8-71
To Create or Update a System, page 8-72
To Generate Local System Identifier Information, page 8-73
To Register an External System, page 8-73
Predefined Workflow Events, page 9-1
Synchronize Event Systems Event, page 9-9
Seed Event Group, page 9-9

8-70 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

To View and Maintain Event Subscriptions, page 8-36

Defining Systems
To View and Maintain Systems:
1.

Use a Web browser to navigate to the Event Manager, using a responsibility and
navigation path specified by your system administrator. Then choose Systems in
the horizontal navigation, and choose System Details in the side navigation. See:
Oracle Workflow Developer Navigation Paths, page A-1.

2.

Search for the systems you want to display. The main search option is:

Name - Enter the internal name of the system you want to display. You can
enter a partial value to search for systems whose internal names contain that
value.

You can also enter the following additional search criteria:

Display Name - Enter the display name of the system you want to display.

Master - Select the master system for the system you want to display.

If you display the local system, its internal name is marked with an asterisk (*).
3.

To view the agents on a system, select the agents icon for that system.
If you have workflow administrator privileges, you can update an agent by
selecting the update icon for that agent. See: To Create or Update an Agent, page 862.

4.

To view the subscriptions for a system, select the subscription icon for that system.
Note: For systems that do not have any subscriptions, a blank

subscription icon appears in the Subscription column. For systems


that do have subscriptions, a full subscription icon appears.

If you have workflow administrator privileges, you can define a new


subscription for the system by selecting the Create Subscription button. The
Create Event Subscription page appears with the system name automatically
entered as the subscriber in the System field. See: To Create or Update an Event
Subscription, page 8-37.

If you have workflow administrator privileges, you can update an existing


subscription by selecting the update icon for that subscription. See: To Create or
Update an Event Subscription, page 8-37.

Managing Business Events 8-71

Note: For seeded subscriptions with a customization level of

Limit, you can only update the subscription status. For seeded
subscriptions with a customization level of Core, you cannot
update any properties; you can only view the subscription
definition.

5.

If you have workflow administrator privileges, you can use the administration
icons and buttons in the System Details page to perform administrative operations.

To update a system, choose the update icon for that system. See: To Create or
Update a System, page 8-72.

To delete a system, select the system and select the Delete button.
Note: You can only delete systems that do not have any agents

defined on them or any subscriptions referencing them. Also,


you cannot delete the local system.

To create a new system definition, select the Create System button. See: To
Create or Update a System, page 8-72.
Note: You should use the Create System page only to manually

create system definitions for external systems that are not


Workflow-enabled. For a Workflow-enabled system, you
should use the Register External System page instead to
automatically register the system identifier information. See:
Registering External Systems, page 8-67.

To Create or Update a System:


1.

Navigate to the Create System page or to the Update System page. The Create
System page and the Update System page are identical, except that the fields in the
Update System page are populated with previously defined information for the
selected system.
Note: You should use the Create System page only to manually

create system definitions for external systems that are not


Workflow-enabled. For a Workflow-enabled system, you should
use the Register External System page instead to automatically
register the system identifier information. See: Registering External
Systems, page 8-67.

8-72 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

You can use the Update System page to update both systems that
are Workflow-enabled and those that are not.

2.

Enter the internal name of the system in the Name field.


Important: The internal name must be all-uppercase and should not

include any single or double quotation marks (' or ") or spaces.

3.

Enter a display name for the system.

4.

Enter an optional description for the system.

5.

Optionally enter a master system from which you want this system to receive Event
Manager object definition updates.

To Generate Local System Identifier Information:


1.

Use a Web browser to navigate to the Event Manager on the system you want to
register as a destination system, using a responsibility and navigation path
specified by your system administrator. Then choose Systems in the horizontal
navigation, and choose Generate Local System Identifier in the side navigation. See:
Oracle Workflow Developer Navigation Paths, page A-1.
Note: If you do not have access to the Oracle Workflow installation

on the destination system, ask the workflow administrator for that


system to perform this step.

2.

Select the Generate button. Oracle Workflow generates the local system identifier
XML document, which contains the definitions of the local system and its inbound
agents, and displays that document in the XML Content field.

3.

Select the Save button to save the XML document to your file system as an XML file.
You can then enter it as the event data when you register this system with a source
system. See: To Register an External System, page 8-73.

To Register an External System:


1.

Use a Web browser to navigate to the Event Manager on the source system where
you want to register a destination system, using a responsibility and navigation
path specified by your system administrator. Then choose Systems in the horizontal
navigation, and choose Register External System in the side navigation. See: Oracle
Workflow Developer Navigation Paths, page A-1.

Managing Business Events 8-73

Note: If you do not have access to the Oracle Workflow installation

on the source system, ask the workflow administrator for that


system to perform this step.

2.

In the Event Identifier region, specify the identifying information for the System
Signup event.

Event Name - Oracle Workflow automatically displays the internal name of the
System Signup event, oracle.apps.wf.event.system.signup.

Event Key - Enter an event key that uniquely identifies this instance of the
event.

Send Date - Optionally specify the date when the event message is available for
dequeuing. If you set the send date to a future date when you raise the event,
the event message is placed on the WF_DEFERRED queue, and subscription
processing does not begin until the specified date.

3.

In the Event Parameter region, optionally enter any additional parameter name and
value pairs to be stored in the parameter list within the event message. You can
enter up to 100 parameters.

4.

In the Event Data region, enter the system identifier XML document for the
destination system you want to register. See: To Generate Local System Identifier
Information, page 8-73.

To enter the system identifier information manually, select Write XML in the
Upload Option field and paste the XML document into the XML Content field.
You can enter up to 4000 characters.

To upload the system identifier XML file from your file system, select Upload
XML in the Upload Option field. Enter the full path and file name of the XML
file containing the system identifier information in the XML File Name field,
and select the Upload XML File button.
Note: You must provide the system identifier information in order

to register a system. You cannot leave the event data XML content
blank.

5.

Choose the Submit button to raise the System Signup event to the Event Manager.
When the System Signup event is raised, Oracle Workflow executes a predefined
subscription that loads the system identifier information from the event data to the
Event Manager. See: System Signup Event, page 9-14.

8-74 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge


You can test your Business Event System setup using the Workflow Agent
Ping/Acknowledge workflow. This workflow sends a ping event message to each
inbound agent on the local system or on external systems, and waits to receive an
acknowledgement event message from each of the agents. If the workflow completes
successfully, then the basic Business Event System setup for communication with these
agents is complete.

How Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge Works


The Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge workflow consists of two processes, the
Master Ping process and the Detail Ping process. To ping all inbound agents, launch the
Master Ping process, specifying a unique item key and the outbound agent on the local
system for sending the pings. To ping a particular inbound agent, specify that agent as
well when you launch the process.
Note: The item key for a process instance can only contain single-byte

characters. It cannot contain a multibyte value.

When you launch the Master Ping process without specifying a particular agent to ping,
the Workflow Engine identifies all the inbound agents that you have defined on the
local system or on external systems and launches a Detail Ping process for each agent.
The master process then waits for each detail process to complete. If you do specify an
inbound agent to ping, the Workflow Engine launches a Detail Ping process only for
that agent.
Note: The Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge workflow tests all

inbound agents except the standard WF_DEFERRED and WF_ERROR


agents and agents that do not use the WF_EVENT_QH queue handler.

The Detail Ping process begins by sending a Ping Agent event to the inbound agent
identified by the master process. The detail process places a Ping Agent event message
on a queue associated with the specified outbound agent on the local system. The event
message is addressed to the inbound agent and contains a correlation ID that identifies
the detail process to which it belongs. AQ propagation transmits the event message
from the outbound queue to the queue associated with the specified inbound agent.
On the receiving system, the listener for the inbound agent dequeues the Ping Agent
message the next time it runs. When the event message is dequeued, the Event Manager
searches for and executes any active subscriptions to the Ping Agent event or the Any
event on that system that have a source type of External.
When the predefined External subscription to the Ping Agent event is executed, its rule
function places an Acknowledge Ping event message on a queue associated with an

Managing Business Events 8-75

outbound agent on that system. The event message is addressed to an inbound agent on
the originating system and includes the correlation ID from the Ping Agent event
message. AQ propagation transmits the Acknowledge Ping event message from the
outbound queue to the queue associated with the specified inbound agent.
On the originating system, the listener for the inbound agent dequeues the
Acknowledge Ping message the next time it runs. When the event message is dequeued,
the Event Manager searches for and executes any active subscriptions to the
Acknowledge Ping event or the Any event on that system that have a source type of
External.
When the predefined External subscription to the Acknowledge Ping event is executed,
its rule function, which is the default rule function, sends the event message to the
Detail Ping process. The Workflow Engine uses the correlation ID to match the message
with the running detail process to which it belongs. After receiving the event message,
the Detail Ping process completes.
Finally, after all the detail processes are complete, the master process also completes.
The amount of time needed to complete the Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge
workflow depends on how often the listeners run to dequeue messages from the
inbound agents.

Running Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge


The following examples describe how to perform ping tests for different use cases.
Case 1: Broadcast Ping to Local Inbound Agents Only
Follow this procedure if you send events only to inbound agents on your local system
and do not have any connections set up to external systems.
1.

Schedule propagation for the outbound agent on the local system that you want to
use to send the pings, such as WF_OUT. You can use the Distributed Database
Management feature to manage AQ, including scheduling propagation, through
Oracle Enterprise Manager. See: Oracle Enterprise Manager Support, Oracle Streams
Advanced Queuing User's Guide and Reference, and Distributed Management in the
Oracle Enterprise Manager online help.
You can also schedule propagation manually by running the
DBMS_AQADM.Schedule_Propagation API. For example:
begin
DBMS_AQADM.Schedule_Propagation('APPLSYS.WF_OUT', null, sysdate,
null, 'SYSDATE+(120/86400)', 60);
end;
/

2.

Launch the Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge workflow, selecting the Master


Ping process as the process to run and specifying a unique item key and the
outbound agent on the local system for sending the pings. You can use the Launch
Processes Web page to launch the Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge workflow.
See: Testing Workflow Definitions Using the Developer Studio, page 7-1.

8-76 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

You can also launch the workflow manually. For example:


declare
itype varchar2(8):='WFPING';
ikey varchar2(10):='<item_key>';
wfprocess varchar2(10):='WFMSTPNG';
outAg varchar2(100):='WF_OUT@<local_system>';
begin
fnd_global.APPS_INITIALIZE( 0, -1, -1 , 0 );
wf_engine.createprocess(itemtype=>itype, itemkey=>ikey,
process=>wfprocess);
wf_engine.SetItemAttrText(itemtype=>itype, itemkey=>ikey,
aname=>'OUTAGENT', avalue=>outAg);
wf_engine.startprocess(itemtype=>itype, itemkey=>ikey);
commit;
end;
/
3.

Verify that the Ping Agent event was enqueued on the WF_OUT agent's queue and
propagated to the inbound agents' queues. You can use Oracle Workflow Manager
to verify the processing of the Ping Agent event messages. See: Agents, Oracle
Workflow Administrator's Guide.
You can also use SQL*Plus commands to verify the processing of the events. For
example, to check the WF_OUT agent's queue, use the following command:
SQL> select o.* from applsys.aq$wf_out o where trunc (enq_time) >=
trunc(sysdate) order by enq_time desc ;

To check the WF_IN agent's queue, use the following command:


SQL> select i.* from applsys.aq$wf_in i where trunc (enq_time) >=
trunc(sysdate) order by enq_time desc ;

You can also check the other inbound agents using similar commands.
4.

Run agent listeners on the inbound agents to process the Ping Agent events. You
can use Oracle Workflow Manager to submit and manage agent listeners. See:
Scheduling Listeners for Local Inbound Agents, Oracle Workflow Administrator's
Guide and the Oracle Applications Manager online help.
You can also run listeners for inbound agents manually by running the
WF_EVENT.Listen API. For example, to run listeners for the WF_IN and
WF_REPLAY_IN agents, use the following commands. You can add similar
commands to run listeners for any other inbound agents as well.

Managing Business Events 8-77

set serveroutput on size 1000000;


declare
l_replay varchar2(100) := 'WF_REPLAY_IN';
l_wfin varchar2(10):='WF_IN';
l_agent varchar2(20);
l_msg_count number := 15;
l_err_count number :=0;
l_corrid varchar2(100);
begin
fnd_global.APPS_INITIALIZE( 0, -1, -1 , 0 );
l_agent := l_replay;
wf_event.listen(p_agent_name=>l_agent, p_wait=>dbms_aq.no_wait,
p_correlation=>l_corrid, p_message_count=>l_msg_count,
p_max_error_count=>l_err_count);
dbms_output.put_line(l_agent||' Processed Messages: '||l_msg_count);
dbms_output.put_line(l_agent||' Errored Messages : '||l_err_count);
commit;
l_agent := l_wfin;
wf_event.listen(p_agent_name=>l_agent, p_wait=>dbms_aq.no_wait,
p_correlation=>l_corrid, p_message_count=>l_msg_count,
p_max_error_count=>l_err_count);
dbms_output.put_line(l_agent||' Processed Messages: '||l_msg_count);
dbms_output.put_line(l_agent||' Errored Messages : '||l_err_count);
commit;
end;
5.

Verify that the Acknowledge Ping events are enqueued on one of the inbound
agents, such as WF_IN. There should be one Acknowledge Ping event for each
inbound agent to which a Ping Agent event was originally sent. The Business Event
System enqueues all the Acknowledge Ping events on the first inbound agent it
finds on the local system, often WF_IN. You can either use Oracle Workflow
Manager or perform the verification using SQL*Plus commands, as in step 3.

6.

Run an agent listener on the inbound agent where the Acknowledge Ping events are
enqueued to process those events. You can use Oracle Workflow Manager to run an
agent listener or run a listener manually, as in step 4.

7.

Use the Status Monitor to check the progress of the Workflow Agent
Ping/Acknowledge workflow and verify that the Master Ping process and all the
Detail Ping processes are complete. See: Viewing Workflows in the Status Monitor,
Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Case 2: Point-to-Point Ping to External Inbound Agent


Follow this procedure if you want to test a particular inbound agent on an external
system.
1.

Define database links from your local system to the external system and from the
external system to your local system. You can use Oracle DBA Studio in Oracle

8-78 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Enterprise Manager to create database links. See the Oracle Enterprise Manager
online help.
You can also create database links manually in SQL*Plus. For example, if your local
system is system A and the external system is system B, use the following syntax on
system A to create a database link to system B:
SQL>
CREATE PUBLIC DATABASE LINK B.mycompany.com
CONNECT TO apps IDENTIFIED BY <password>
USING
'(DESCRIPTION=(ADDRESS=(PROTOCOL=tcp)(HOST=<host_name>)(PORT=<port_n
umber>))
(CONNECT_DATA=(SID=B)))';

Use a similar command on system B to create a database link to system A.


2.

On both the local system and the external system, schedule propagation from the
outbound agent that you want to use to send the pings, such as WF_OUT, to the
other system. You can use the Distributed Database Management feature to manage
AQ, including scheduling propagation, through Oracle Enterprise Manager. See:
Oracle Enterprise Manager Support, Oracle Streams Advanced Queuing User's Guide
and Reference, and the Oracle Enterprise Manager online help.
You can also schedule propagation manually by running the
DBMS_AQADM.Schedule_Propagation API. For example, use the following
command to schedule propagation from the WF_OUT agent on system A to system
B:
begin
DBMS_AQADM.Schedule_Propagation('APPLSYS.WF_OUT', B.mycompany.com,
sysdate, null, 'SYSDATE+(120/86400)', 60);
end;
/

Use a similar command on system B to schedule propagation to system A.


3.

Register both systems with each other so that each system has the definition of the
other system and that system's inbound agents stored in its Event Manager. See:
Registering External Systems, page 8-67.

4.

Launch the Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge workflow, selecting the Master


Ping process as the process to run and specifying a unique item key, the outbound
agent on the local system for sending the ping, and the inbound agent on the
external system that should receive the ping. You can use the Launch Processes
Web page to launch the Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge workflow. See:
Testing Workflow Definitions Using the Developer Studio, page 7-1.
You can also launch the workflow manually. For example, to send a point-to-point
ping to the WF_IN agent on the external system, use the following commands:

Managing Business Events 8-79

declare
ename varchar2(100):=null;
itype varchar2(8):='WFPING';
ikey varchar2(10):='<item_key>';
wfprocess varchar2(10):='WFMSTPNG';
outAg varchar2(100):='WF_OUT@<local_system>';
toAg varchar2(100):='WF_IN@<external_sytem>';
ekey varchar2(100);
begin
fnd_global.APPS_INITIALIZE( 0, -1, -1 , 0 );
wf_engine.createprocess(itemtype=>itype, itemkey=>ikey,
process=>wfprocess);
wf_engine.SetItemAttrText(itemtype=>itype, itemkey=>ikey,
aname=>'EVNTKEY', avalue=>ekey);
wf_engine.SetItemAttrText(itemtype=>itype, itemkey=>ikey,
aname=>'OUTAGENT', avalue=>outAg);
wf_engine.SetItemAttrText(itemtype=>itype, itemkey=>ikey,
aname=>'TOAGENT', avalue=>toAg);
wf_engine.startprocess(itemtype=>itype, itemkey=>ikey);
commit;
end;
/
5.

Run an agent listener on the inbound agent on the external system to process the
Ping Agent event. You can use Oracle Workflow Manager to run an agent listener
or run a listener manually, as in step 4 of case 1.

6.

Run an agent listener on the inbound agent on the local system where the
Acknowledge Ping event is received to process that event. You can use Oracle
Workflow Manager to run an agent listener or run a listener manually, as in step 4
of case 1.

7.

Use the Status Monitor to check the progress of the Workflow Agent
Ping/Acknowledge workflow and verify that the Master Ping process and the Detail
Ping process are complete. See: Viewing Workflows in the Status Monitor, Oracle
Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Case 3: Broadcast Ping to All Local and External Inbound Agents


Follow this procedure if you want to test all inbound agents on your local system as
well as any inbound agents on external systems registered in your local system.
1.

Define database links from your local system to all the external systems you want to
connect to, and from the external systems to your local system. You can use Oracle
DBA Studio in Oracle Enterprise Manager to create database links or create the
database links manually, as in step 1 of case 2.

2.

On the local system schedule propagation from the outbound agent that you want
to use to send the ping messages, such as WF_OUT, to the other systems. On the
external systems, schedule propagation from the outbound agent there to your local
system. You can use the Distributed Database Management feature to manage AQ,

8-80 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

including scheduling propagation, through Oracle Enterprise Manager, or schedule


propagation manually, as in step 2 of case 2.
3.

Register all the external systems with your local system, and register the local
system with each external system. See: Registering External Systems, page 8-67.

4.

Launch the Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge workflow, selecting the Master


Ping process as the process to run and specifying a unique item key and the
outbound agent on the local system for sending the ping. Leave the inbound agent
parameter null to send a broadcast ping to all inbound agents on the local system or
external systems. You can use the Launch Processes Web page to launch the
Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge workflow. See: Testing Workflow Definitions
Using the Developer Studio, page 7-1.
You can also launch the workflow manually. For example:
declare
ename varchar2(100):=null;
itype varchar2(8):='WFPING';
ikey varchar2(10):='<item_key>';
wfprocess varchar2(10):='WFMSTPNG';
outAg varchar2(100):='WF_OUT@<local_system>';
toAg varchar2(100):=null;
ekey varchar2(100);
begin
fnd_global.APPS_INITIALIZE( 0, -1, -1 , 0 );
wf_engine.createprocess(itemtype=>itype, itemkey=>ikey,
process=>wfprocess);
wf_engine.SetItemAttrText(itemtype=>itype, itemkey=>ikey,
aname=>'EVNTKEY', avalue=>ekey);
wf_engine.SetItemAttrText(itemtype=>itype, itemkey=>ikey,
aname=>'OUTAGENT', avalue=>outAg);
wf_engine.SetItemAttrText(itemtype=>itype, itemkey=>ikey,
aname=>'TOAGENT', avalue=>toAg);
wf_engine.startprocess(itemtype=>itype, itemkey=>ikey);
commit;
end;
/

5.

Run agent listeners on the inbound agents on the local system and the external
systems to process the Ping Agent events. You can use Oracle Workflow Manager
to run agent listeners or run listeners manually, as in step 4 of case 1.

6.

Run an agent listener on the inbound agent on the local system where the
Acknowledge Ping events are received to process those events. You can use Oracle
Workflow Manager to run an agent listener or run a listener manually, as in step 4
of case 1.

7.

Use the Status Monitor to check the progress of the Workflow Agent
Ping/Acknowledge workflow and verify that the Master Ping process and all the
Detail Ping processes are complete. See: Viewing Workflows in the Status Monitor,

Managing Business Events 8-81

Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Related Topics
Ping Agent Events, page 9-12

The Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge Item Type


The Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge process is associated with an item type called
Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge. Currently there are two workflow processes
associated with Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge: Master Ping Process and Detail
Ping Process.
To view the details of the Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge item type in the
Workflow Builder, choose Open from the File menu. Then connect to the database and
select the Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge item type, or connect to a file called
wfping.wft in the <ORACLE_HOME>\wf\Data\<language> directory on your file
system.
If you examine the property page of Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge, you see that
it has a persistence type of Temporary and persistence number of days of 0. This means
that the runtime data associated with any work items for this item type are eligible for
purging as soon as they complete.
The Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge item type also has several attributes
associated with it. These attributes reference information in the Workflow application
tables. The attributes are used and maintained by function activities as well as event
activities throughout the process. The following table lists the Workflow Agent
Ping/Acknowledge item type attributes.
Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge Item Type Attributes
Display Name

Description

Type

Length/Format/Look
up Type

To Agent

The inbound agent


that receives the
event message, in the
format <agent>@
<system>

Text

Event Name

The internal name of


the event

Text

8-82 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Display Name

Description

Type

Length/Format/Look
up Type

Out Agent

The outbound agent


that sends the event
message, in the
format <agent>@
<system>

Text

Event Key

The event key that


uniquely identifies
the specific instance
of the event

Text

Event Message

The event message

Event

Summary of the Master Ping Process


To view the properties of the Master Ping process, select the process in the navigator
tree, and then choose Properties from the Edit menu. This process activity is runnable,
indicating that it can be initiated as a top level process to run.
When you display the Process window for the Master Ping process, you see that the
process consists of four unique activities. To examine the activities of the process in
more detail, we have numbered each node for easy referencing below. The numbers
themselves are not part of the process diagram.
Master Ping Process Diagram

The Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge workflow begins when you launch the Master
Ping Process using the Developer Studio. You can optionally provide a to agent, event
name, out agent, event key, and event message. See: Testing Workflow Definitions
Using the Developer Studio, page 7-1.
The workflow begins at node 1 with the Start activity. At node 2, the master process

Managing Business Events 8-83

spawns a detail process for each inbound agent that you have defined on the local
system or on external systems. The detail process pings the agent by sending it a Ping
Agent event and waits to receive an acknowledgement in the form of an Acknowledge
Ping event.
Node 3 is a Wait for Flow activity that waits for all the detail processes to complete.
When all the detail processes have completed, the master process ends.

Master Ping Process Activities


Following is a description of each activity in the process, listed by the activity's display
name.

Start (Node 1)
This Standard function activity marks the start of the process.
Function

WF_STANDARD.NOOP

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

None

Spawn Detail Processes (Node 2)


This function activity identifies all the inbound agents that you have defined on the
local system or external systems, and spawns a Detail Ping process for each agent. The
function sets the Ping Agent event (oracle.apps.wf.event.test.ping) as the
event to be sent to the Detail Ping processes.
Function

WF_EVENT_PING_PKG.LAUNCH_PROCESSES

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

None

Item Attributes Set by


Function

Event Name, To Agent

Wait for Flow (Node 3)


This Standard function activity pauses the flow until the corresponding detail processes
complete a specified activity.
Function

WF_STANDARD.WAITFORFLOW

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

Spawn Detail Processes

8-84 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

End (Node 4)
This Standard function activity marks the end of the process.
Function

WF_STANDARD.NOOP

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

Wait for Flow

Summary of the Detail Ping Process


To view the properties of the Detail Ping process, select its process activity in the
navigator tree, and then choose Properties from the Edit menu. This process activity is
runnable, indicating that it can be initiated as a top level process to run.
When you display the Process window for the Detail Ping process, you see that the
process consists of five unique activities. To examine the activities of the process in
more detail, we have numbered each node for easy referencing below. The numbers
themselves are not part of the process diagram.
Detail Ping Process Diagram

The Detail Ping process begins when it is launched by the Master Ping process. See:
Summary of the Master Ping Process, page 8-83.
The workflow begins at node 1 with the Start activity. At node 2, the process sends a
Ping Agent event to the selected inbound agent. At node 3, the process waits to receive
an Acknowledge Ping event back from the agent. When the acknowledgement is
received, the master process can continue. The detail process ends at this point.

Detail Ping Process Activities


Following is a description of each activity in the process, listed by the activity's display
name.

Managing Business Events 8-85

Start (Node 1)
This Standard function activity marks the start of the process.
Function

WF_STANDARD.NOOP

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

None

Send Event (Node 2)


This event activity sends the Ping Agent event (
oracle.apps.wf.event.test.ping) from an outbound agent on the local system
to the inbound agent identified by the master process. The event message includes a
correlation ID that identifies the detail process to which it belongs.
Event Action

Send

Prerequisite Activities

None

Item Attributes Retrieved by


Activity

Event Message, Event Name, Event Key, To Agent, Out


Agent

Receive Event (Node 3)


This event activity receives the Acknowledge Ping event (
oracle.apps.wf.event.test.ack) that is returned to the originating system from
the system that received the Ping Agent event. The Acknowledge Ping event message
contains the correlation ID, which the Workflow Engine uses to match the event
message with the detail process to which it belongs.
Event Action

Receive

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.event.test.ack

Prerequisite Activities

Send Event

Item Attributes Set by Activity

Event Name, Event Key, Event Message

Continue Flow (Node 4)


This Standard function activity marks the position in the detail process where, upon
completion, the corresponding halted master process will continue.
Function

WF_STANDARD.CONTINUEFLOW

Result Type

None

8-86 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Prerequisite Activities

Receive Event

End (Node 5)
This Standard function activity marks the end of the process.
Function

WF_STANDARD.NOOP

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

Continue Flow

Managing Business Events 8-87

9
Predefined Workflow Events
This chapter tells you how to use Oracle Workflow's predefined events.
This chapter covers the following topics:

Predefined Workflow Events

Workflow Send Protocol

Predefined Workflow Events


Oracle Workflow provides several predefined events for significant occurrences within
the Business Event System and other Oracle Workflow components. You can define
subscriptions to these events for replication, validation, or other purposes. You can
enable or disable many of the events if necessary.
Some predefined events are referenced by default subscriptions that are created
automatically when you install Oracle Workflow. The subscriber for all the default
subscriptions is the local system. You can enable, disable, or copy many of these
subscriptions to perform the event processing that you want.
Important: You must not change or disable the definition of the

Unexpected event or of the predefined Error subscription to that event.


If you do, the Event Manager will not be able to perform default error
handling for events and subscription processing.

Note: Predefined events and default subscriptions are also provided

with some Oracle E-Business Suite products. For more information on


application-specific workflow events, consult the documentation or
help for that specific Oracle E-Business Suite product, the Oracle
E-Business Suite Electronic Technical Reference Manual, available from
My Oracle Support, and the business event interface information in the
Integration Repository. For information about using the Integration

Predefined Workflow Events 9-1

Repository, see: Oracle E-Business Suite Integrated SOA Gateway User's


Guide.

Related Topics
Event Definition Events, page 9-2
Event Group Definition Events, page 9-3
System Definition Events, page 9-5
Agent Definition Events, page 9-6
Agent Group Definition Events, page 9-7
Event Subscription Definition Events, page 9-8
Synchronize Event Systems Event, page 9-9
Seed Event Group, page 9-9
Ping Agent Events, page 9-12
System Signup Event, page 9-14
Any Event, page 9-15
Unexpected Event, page 9-18
User Entry Has Changed Event, page 9-21
Notification Events, page 9-22
Notification Mailer Events, page 9-39
Business Event System Control Events, page 9-41
Generic Service Component Framework Control Events, page 9-44
Workflow Engine Events, page 9-47
Directory Service Events, page 9-48
Workflow Send Protocol, page 9-58

Event Definition Events


Event Created
Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever a new individual event or event group
definition is created.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.event.create

Status

Enabled

9-2 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Generate Function

wf_event_functions_pkg.generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Event Updated
Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever an individual event or event group
definition is updated.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.event.update

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

wf_event_functions_pkg.generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Event Deleted
Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever an individual event or event group
definition is deleted.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.event.delete

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

wf_event_functions_pkg.generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Event Group Definition Events


Event Group Creation
Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever a new event group member definition is
created.

Predefined Workflow Events 9-3

Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.group.create

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

wf_event_functions_pkg.generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Event Group Updated


Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever an event group member definition is
updated.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.group.update

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

wf_event_functions_pkg.generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Event Group Deleted


Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever an event group member definition is
deleted.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.group.delete

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

wf_event_functions_pkg.generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

9-4 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

System Definition Events


System Created
Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever a new system definition is created.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.system.create

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

wf_event_functions_pkg.generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

System Updated
Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever a system definition is updated.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.system.update

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

wf_event_functions_pkg.generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

System Deleted
Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever a system definition is deleted.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.system.delete

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

wf_event_functions_pkg.generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Predefined Workflow Events 9-5

Customization Level

Limit

Agent Definition Events


Agent Created
Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever a new agent definition is created.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.agent.create

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

wf_event_functions_pkg.generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Agent Updated
Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever an agent definition is updated.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.agent.update

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

wf_event_functions_pkg.generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Agent Deleted
Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever an agent definition is deleted.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.agent.delete

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

wf_event_functions_pkg.generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

9-6 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Agent Group Definition Events


Agent Group Member Created
Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever a new agent group member definition is
created.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.agent.group.create

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

wf_event_functions_pkg.generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Agent Group Member Updated


Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever an agent group member definition is
updated.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.agent.group.update

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

wf_event_functions_pkg.generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Agent Group Member Deleted


Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever an agent group member definition is
deleted.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.agent.group.delete

Status

Enabled

Predefined Workflow Events 9-7

Generate Function

wf_event_functions_pkg.generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Event Subscription Definition Events


Subscription Created
Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever a new subscription definition is created.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.subscription.create

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

wf_event_functions_pkg.generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Subscription Updated
Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever a subscription definition is updated.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.subscription.update

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

wf_event_functions_pkg.generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Subscription Deleted
Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever a subscription definition is deleted.
Internal Name

9-8 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

oracle.apps.wf.event.subscription.delete

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

wf_event_functions_pkg.generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Synchronize Event Systems Event


You can raise this event to synchronize the Event Manager data on the local system
with another system. The event message for the Synchronize Systems event contains the
definitions of all the Event Manager objects on the local system. See: Synchronizing
Systems, page 8-68.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.all.sync

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

wf_event_functions_pkg.generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Seed Event Group


This event group contains events used for automatic replication of Business Event
System objects from one system to another. The group includes all the event, event
group, system, agent, and subscription definition events, as well as the Synchronize
Event Systems event.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.group.all

Status

Enabled

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Members

oracle.apps.wf.event.event.create

Predefined Workflow Events 9-9

oracle.apps.wf.event.event.update

oracle.apps.wf.event.event.delete

oracle.apps.wf.event.group.create

oracle.apps.wf.event.group.update

oracle.apps.wf.event.group.delete

oracle.apps.wf.event.system.create

oracle.apps.wf.event.system.update

oracle.apps.wf.event.system.delete

oracle.apps.wf.event.agent.create

oracle.apps.wf.event.agent.update

oracle.apps.wf.event.agent.delete

oracle.apps.wf.agent.group.create

oracle.apps.wf.agent.group.update

oracle.apps.wf.agent.group.delete

oracle.apps.wf.event.subscription.create

oracle.apps.wf.event.subscription.update

oracle.apps.wf.event.subscription.delete

oracle.apps.wf.event.all.sync

Oracle Workflow provides two default subscriptions to the Seed Event Group. The first
subscription can send the Event Manager data to an agent and to a workflow process
when one of the group member events is raised locally. To use this subscription, you
must create a copy of this subscription with the same properties, except you should give
your new subscription a customization level of User and add the agent or workflow to
which you want to send the data, and enable the subscription. The following table lists
the properties defined for this subscription.

9-10 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.event.group.all

Phase

50

Status

Disabled

Rule Data

Message

Rule Function

wf_rule.default_rule

Priority

Normal

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

The second subscription can load the Event Manager data into the local system when
one of the group member events is received from an external source. To use this
subscription, you must enable it. The following table lists the properties defined for this
subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

External

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.event.group.all

Predefined Workflow Events 9-11

Subscription Property

Value

Phase

50

Status

Disabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

wf_event_functions_pkg.receive

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Related Topics
Synchronizing Systems, page 8-68

Ping Agent Events


Ping Agent Event
The Detail Ping process in the Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge item type sends this
event to ping inbound agents. You can use the Launch Processes Web page to launch
the Master Ping Process, which in turn launches the Detail Ping process. See: Workflow
Agent Ping/Acknowledge, page 8-75.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.test.ping

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Oracle Workflow provides one default subscription to the Ping Agent event. This
subscription sends the Acknowledge Ping event back to the originating system when
the Ping Agent event is received from an external source. The subscription is enabled by

9-12 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

default. The following table lists the properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

External

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.event.test.ping

Phase

50

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

wf_event_ping_pkg.acknowledge

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Acknowledge Ping
Oracle Workflow sends this event back to the originating system when a Ping Agent
event is received. See: Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge, page 8-75.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.test.ack

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Oracle Workflow provides one default subscription to the Acknowledge Ping event.
This subscription sends the Acknowledge Ping event to the Detail Ping process in the

Predefined Workflow Events 9-13

Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge item type when the event is received from an
external source. The subscription is enabled by default. The following table lists the
properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

External

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.event.test.ack

Phase

50

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

wf_rule.default_rule

Workflow Item Type

WFPING

Workflow Process Name

WFDTLPNG

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

System Signup Event


You can raise this event from the Register External System Web page on a source
system to sign up a destination system for receiving event messages from the source
system. See: Registering External Systems, page 8-67.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.system.signup

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

9-14 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Oracle Workflow provides one default subscription to the System Signup event. This
subscription loads the Event Manager data into the local system when the System
Signup event is raised locally. The subscription is enabled by default. The following
table lists the properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.event.system.signup

Phase

50

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

wf_event_functions_pkg.receive

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Any Event
This event is raised implicitly when any other event is raised locally or received from an
external source. You can define a subscription to the Any event to implement
processing that you want to execute whenever an event occurs.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.any

Status

Enabled

Predefined Workflow Events 9-15

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Oracle Workflow provides three default subscriptions to the Any event. The first
subscription can be triggered when an event is raised locally. To use this subscription,
you must create a copy of this subscription with the same properties, except you should
give your new subscription a customization level of User, define the action for the
subscription, and enable it. The following table lists the properties defined for this
subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.event.any

Phase

100

Status

Disabled

Rule Data

Key

Priority

Normal

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

The second subscription can be triggered when an event is received from an external
source. To use this subscription, you must create a copy of this subscription with the
same properties, except you should give your new subscription a customization level of
User, define the action for the subscription and enable it. The following table lists the
properties defined for this subscription.

9-16 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

External

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.event.any

Phase

100

Status

Disabled

Rule Data

Key

Priority

Normal

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

The third subscription sends the event message to the Default Event Error process in the
System: Error item type and raises an exception when an event is received from an
Error source (that is, when it is dequeued from the WF_ERROR or WF_JAVA_ERROR
queue). To use this subscription, you must enable it. The following table lists the
properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Error

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.event.any

Phase

100

Predefined Workflow Events 9-17

Subscription Property

Value

Status

Disabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

wf_rule.error_rule

Workflow Item Type

WFERROR

Workflow Process Name

DEFAULT_EVENT_ERROR

Priority

Normal

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Unexpected Event
Oracle Workflow executes subscriptions to this event when an event is raised locally or
received from an external source, but no subscription exists for that event.
Important: You must not change or disable the definition of the

Unexpected event. If you do, the Event Manager will not be able to
perform error handling for event and subscription processing.

Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.unexpected

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Oracle Workflow provides two default subscriptions to the Unexpected event. The first
subscription sends the event message to the Default Event Error process in the System:

9-18 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Error item type when an unexpected event is received from an external source. This
subscription allows your local system to handle any event messages received from
external systems that you were not expecting.
The Default Event Error process notifies the system administrator, who can retry or
abort subscription processing for the event. For example, the system administrator can
optionally define a subscription to process the event and then retry the event.
The External subscription to the Unexpected event is enabled by default. You can
disable it if necessary.
Important: If you want to disable this subscription, be careful to

consider all the consequences for handling unexpected event messages


from external sources. If the subscription is disabled, these event
messages will remain on the inbound queue where they are received
and may be undetected for some time.

The following table lists the properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

External

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.event.unexpected

Phase

50

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Workflow Item Type

WFERROR

Workflow Process Name

DEFAULT_EVENT_ERROR

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Predefined Workflow Events 9-19

The second subscription sends the event message to the Default Event Error process in
the System: Error item type when an unexpected event is received from an Error source
(that is, when it is dequeued from the WF_ERROR or WF_JAVA_ERROR queue). This
subscription is enabled by default.
Important: You must not change or disable the definition of the

predefined Error subscription to the Unexpected event. If you disable


this subscription, then the Event Manager will not be able to perform
error handling for any events for which you have not defined custom
Error subscriptions.

The following table lists the properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Error

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.event.unexpected

Phase

50

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

wf_rule.error_rule

Workflow Item Type

WFERROR

Workflow Process Name

DEFAULT_EVENT_ERROR

Priority

Normal

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

9-20 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

User Entry Has Changed Event


The Workflow LDAP APIs raise this event when changed user information is retrieved
from an LDAP directory. One event is raised for each changed user. See: Workflow
LDAP APIs, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.global.user.change

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

wf_entity_mgr.gen_xml_payload

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Oracle Workflow provides one default subscription to the User Entry Has Changed
event that loads the changed user data into the WF_LOCAL_ROLES table in Oracle
E-Business Suite when the User Entry Has Changed event is raised locally. You should
enable this subscription if you want to implement integration with Oracle Internet
Directory. The following table lists the properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.global.user.change

Phase

51

Status

Disabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

fnd_user_pkg.user_create_rf

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Predefined Workflow Events 9-21

Subscription Property

Value

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Notification Events
Event for Notification Send
Oracle Workflow uses this event to send outbound notification messages.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.notification.send

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

WF_XML.Generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Note: Your installation may list a disabled Error subscription to the

Notification Send event that is no longer used. This subscription has a


customization level of Core and cannot be enabled.

Event for Notification Reassign


Oracle Workflow uses this event to send an outbound notification message to the new
recipient when a notification is reassigned.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.notification.reassign

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

9-22 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Event for Notification Cancel


Oracle Workflow uses this event to send an outbound cancellation message when a
previously sent notification is canceled.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.notification.cancel

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Event for Notification MoreInfo Question


Oracle Workflow uses this event to send a request for more information about a
notification from one user to another.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.notification.question

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

WF_XML.Generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Event for Notification MoreInfo Answer


Oracle Workflow uses this event to send a response with more information about a
notification from one user to another.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.notification.answer

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

WF_XML.Generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Predefined Workflow Events 9-23

Customization Level

Limit

Notification Send Group


This event group contains events for various types of outbound messages sent by
notification mailers.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.notification.send.group

Status

Enabled

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Members

oracle.apps.wf.notification.send.

oracle.apps.wf.notification.reassign

oracle.apps.wf.notification.cancel

oracle.apps.wf.notification.question

oracle.apps.wf.notification.answer

Oracle Workflow provides three default subscriptions to the Notification Send Group.
The first subscription places the event message on the WF_NOTIFICATION_OUT agent
to be sent by a notification mailer when one of the group member events is raised
locally. This subscription is enabled by default. The following table lists the properties
defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.notification.send.group

Phase

100

9-24 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Subscription Property

Value

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Message

Rule Function

wf_rule.default_rule

Out Agent

WF_NOTIFICATION_OUT@<local system>

Priority

Normal

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

The second subscription is the default subscription if a notification mailer encounters


errors during the generation and sending of outbound messages. When an event in the
Notification Send Group is received from an Error source (that is, when it is dequeued
from the WF_ERROR or WF_JAVA_ERROR queue), this subscription sends the event
message to the Default Event Error process in the System: Error item type. The
subscription is enabled by default. The following table lists the properties defined for
this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Error

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.notification.send.group

Phase

50

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Predefined Workflow Events 9-25

Subscription Property

Value

Rule Function

wf_xml.error_rule

Workflow Item Type

WFERROR

Workflow Process Name

DEFAULT_EVENT_ERROR

Priority

Normal

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

The third subscription can be used to place the event message on the
WF_SMTP_O_1_QUEUE to be processed by the C-based version of the Notification
Mailer, when one of the group member events is raised locally. This subscription
should only be used when Oracle Support determines it to be necessary. Do not enable
this subscription unless you are directed to do so by Oracle Support. The following
table lists the properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.notification.send.group

Phase

Status

Disabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

wf_xml.sendnotification

9-26 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Subscription Property

Value

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Send Summary Notification Event


Oracle Workflow raises this event to generate and send a summary notification for each
user and role with a notification preference of SUMMARY or SUMHTML when a Launch
Summary Notifications event is raised.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.notification.summary.send

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

WF_XML.Generate

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Oracle Workflow provides one default subscription to the Send Summary Notification
event. When the Send Summary Notification event is raised locally, this subscription
places the event message on the WF_NOTIFICATION_OUT agent to be sent by a
notification mailer. The subscription is enabled by default. The following table lists the
properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.fnd.wf.notification.summary.send

Phase

Predefined Workflow Events 9-27

Subscription Property

Value

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Message

Rule Function

wf_rule.default_rule

Out Agent

WF_NOTIFICATION_OUT@<local system>

Priority

Normal

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

E-Mail Notification Dispatch Failure


Oracle Workflow raises this event when an e-mail cannot be sent due to a failure in
rendering the content of the message or in sending the message to the recipient, such as
if the recipient has an invalid e-mail address. See: Outbound Notification Mailer
Processing, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.notification.send.failure

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Oracle Workflow provides two default subscriptions to the E-Mail Notification


Dispatch Failure event. The first subscription sets the recipient's notification preference
to DISABLED when the E-Mail Notification Dispatch Failure event is raised locally, to
prevent further e-mail notifications from being sent until the issue that caused the
failure is resolved. The subscription also sends a notification about the failure and the
reset notification preference to the SYSADMIN user. The subscription is enabled by
default. The following table lists the properties defined for this subscription.

9-28 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.notification.send.failure

Phase

100

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

WF_MAIL.Disable_Recipient_Ntf_Pref

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

The second subscription sends the event message to the Default Event Error process in
the System: Error item type when the E-Mail Notification Dispatch Failure event is
received from an Error source (that is, when it is dequeued from the WF_ERROR or
WF_JAVA_ERROR queue). The subscription is enabled by default. The following table
lists the properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Error

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.notification.send.failure

Phase

100

Predefined Workflow Events 9-29

Subscription Property

Value

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

wf_rule.default_rule

Workflow Item Type

WFERROR

Workflow Process Name

DEFAULT_EVENT_ERROR

Priority

Normal

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Notification Send Error Event


This event is not currently used.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.notification.send.error

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Receipt of Incoming Response Event


Oracle Workflow raises this event when an inbound message is received by a
notification mailer.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.notification.receive.message

Status

Enabled

9-30 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Return to Sender Event


Oracle Workflow raises this event if there are problems during the processing of an
inbound response message received by a notification mailer, and these problems
require the original notification or the response to be resent.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.notification.receive.sendreturn

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Notification Recipient Is Unavailable Event


Oracle Workflow raises this event if an inbound response message received by a
notification mailer contains a string of text that matches a tag pattern associated with
the Unavailable tag action.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.notification.receive.unavail

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Notification Error Event


Oracle Workflow raises this event if an inbound response message received by a
notification mailer contains a string of text that matches a tag pattern associated with

Predefined Workflow Events 9-31

the Error tag action.


Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.notification.receive.error

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Notification Receive Group


This event group contains events for various types of incoming messages received by
notification mailers.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.notification.receive

Status

Enabled

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Members

oracle.apps.wf.notification.receive.message

oracle.apps.wf.notification.receive.sendreturn

oracle.apps.wf.notification.receive.unavail

oracle.apps.wf.notification.receive.error

Oracle Workflow provides one default subscription to the Notification Receive Group.
This subscription processes the incoming message when one of the group member
events is received from an external source.

oracle.apps.wf.notification.receive.message - The notification mailer performs


normal response processing for the message. See: Inbound Notification Mailer
Processing, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

oracle.apps.wf.notification.receive.sendreturn - The outbound notification is resent.

oracle.apps.wf.notification.receive.unavail - The message is moved to the discard


folder, and the notification mailer continues waiting for a reply to the notification

9-32 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

since the notification's status is still OPEN. However, the notification's mail status is
updated to UNAVAIL.

oracle.apps.wf.notification.receive.error - The message is moved to the discard


folder, and Oracle Workflow initiates an error process, if one is defined for the
workflow process to which the notification activity belongs. The notification's status
is still OPEN, but its mail status and activity status are updated to ERROR. Ideally,
the workflow administrator corrects the problem and resends the notification by
updating its mail status to MAIL.

This subscription is enabled by default. The following table lists the properties defined
for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

External

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.notification.receive

Phase

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Message

Rule Function

wf_xml.receive

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Event for Notification Respond


Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever a user responds to a notification.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.notification.respond

Status

Enabled

Predefined Workflow Events 9-33

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Event for Notification Close


Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever a notification is closed.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.notification.close

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Denormalize Notification Event


Oracle Workflow raises this event if the denormalization of a notification needs to be
deferred.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.notification.denormalize

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Oracle Workflow provides one default subscription to the Denormalize Notification


event. This subscription stores denormalized values for certain notification fields,
including the notification subject, in the WF_NOTIFICATIONS table when the
Denormalize Notification event is raised locally. The subscription is enabled by default.
The following table lists the properties defined for this subscription.

9-34 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.notification.denormalize

Phase

100

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

Wf_Notification_Util.Denormalize_RF

Priority

Normal

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

oracle.apps.fnd.wf.attribute.denormalize Event
Oracle Workflow raises this event when a worklist flexfields rule is created or updated,
requiring denormalized message attributes to be stored in the designated worklist
flexfields columns.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.fnd.wf.attribute.denormalize

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Core

Predefined Workflow Events 9-35

Oracle Workflow provides one default subscription to the


oracle.apps.fnd.wf.attribute.denormalize event. This subscription runs the Denormalize
Worklist Flexfields concurrent program (FNDWFDCC) to store any message attributes
that are mapped by the worklist flexfields rule in the designated worklist flexfields
columns, when the event is raised locally. The subscription is enabled by default. The
following table lists the properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.fnd.wf.attribute.denormalize

Phase

10

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Action Type

Custom

On Error

Stop and Rollback

Rule Function

WF_NTF_RULE.Submit_Conc_Program_RF

Priority

Normal

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Core

Receipt of Worklist Notification Response


Oracle Workflow places this event on the standard WF_NOTIFICATION_IN queue
when a user submits a notification response through the Worklist Web pages and the
workflow administrator has chosen to defer notification response processing for that
item type. See: Setting Global User Preferences, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

9-36 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.notification.wl.response.message

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Core

Oracle Workflow provides two default subscriptions to the Receipt of Worklist


Notification Response event. The first subscription performs the deferred notification
response processing when the Receipt of Worklist Notification Response event is
received on a queue, to complete the notification activity and allow the workflow
process to continue from that point. The subscription is enabled by default. The
following table lists the properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

External

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.notification.wl.response.messa
ge

Phase

Status

Enabled

Action Type

Custom

On Error

Stop and Rollback

Rule Data

Key

PL/SQL Rule Function

WF_NOTIFICATION_UTIL.COMPLETE_RF

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Predefined Workflow Events 9-37

Subscription Property

Value

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Core

The second subscription sends the event message to the Error Process for Notification
Response Processing in the System: Error item type when the Receipt of Worklist
Notification Response event is received from an Error source (that is, when it is
dequeued from the WF_ERROR or WF_JAVA_ERROR queue). The subscription is
enabled by default. The following table lists the properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Error

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.notification.wl.response.messa
ge

Phase

50

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Action Type

Custom

On Error

Stop and Rollback

Rule Function

WF_RULE.DEFAULT_RULE

Workflow Item Type

WFERROR

Workflow Process Name

NTF_DEFER_RESP_PROCESS_ERROR

Priority

Normal

9-38 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Subscription Property

Value

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Core

Notification Mailer Events


Launch Summary Notifications
Oracle Workflow uses this event to make a notification mailer service component send
summary notifications to roles with a notification preference of SUMMARY or SUMHTML.
A summary notification lists all notifications for a role that are open at the time that the
summary is sent.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.fnd.wf.mailer.Mailer.notification.summary

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Oracle Workflow provides one default subscription to the Launch Summary


Notifications event. When the Launch Summary Notifications event is raised locally,
this subscription raises the oracle.apps.wf.notification.summary.send event for each
role with a notification preference of SUMMARY or SUMHTML. The subscription is enabled
by default. The following table lists the properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Predefined Workflow Events 9-39

Subscription Property

Value

Event Filter

oracle.apps.fnd.wf.mailer.Mailer.notification.s
ummary

Phase

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Message

Rule Function

wf_xml.summaryrule

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Unsolicited Email Threshold Reached Event


A notification mailer raises this event when it receives a second unsolicited message
from an e-mail address that is already on its warned list.
Note: If the mailer receives additional unsolicited messages from the

same e-mail address, those messages are simply discarded. The mailer
does not raise the Unsolicited Email Threshold Reached event again.

Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.mailer.unsolicited

Status

Disabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

9-40 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Business Event System Control Events


Business Event System Control Ping Event
The Workflow Control Queue Cleanup program raises this event to send to the middle
tier subscribers for the WF_CONTROL queue, in order to check whether they are still
active.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.bes.control.ping

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Business Event System Control Group


This event group contains control events for Oracle E-Business Suite internal
processing. Events in this group are meant to be placed on the WF_CONTROL queue
for middle tier processes to dequeue.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.bes.control.group

Status

Enabled

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Members

oracle.apps.wf.bes.control.ping

Oracle Workflow provides one default subscription to the Business Event System
Control Group. This subscription places the event message on the standard
WF_CONTROL queue when one of the group member events is raised locally. Middle
tier subscribers to this queue can then dequeue the event message. This subscription is
enabled by default. The following table lists the properties defined for this subscription.

Predefined Workflow Events 9-41

Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.bes.control.group

Phase

50

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

wf_rule.default_rule

Out Agent

WF_CONTROL@<local system>

Priority

Normal

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Business Event System Applications Control Group


This event group contains control events for Oracle E-Business Suite internal
processing. Events in this group are meant to be updated with Oracle E-Business Suite
context information and placed on the WF_CONTROL queue for middle tier processes
to dequeue. This group does not currently have any seeded members.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.fnd.bes.control.group

Status

Enabled

Owner Name

Application Object Library

Owner Tag

FND

9-42 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Customization Level

Limit

Oracle Application Object Library provides one default subscription to the Business
Event System Applications Control Group. When one of the group member events is
raised locally, this subscription updates the event message with Oracle E-Business Suite
context data such as the database ID and security group ID and then places the event
message on the standard WF_CONTROL queue. Middle tier subscribers to this queue
can then dequeue the event message. This subscription is enabled by default. The
following table lists the properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.fnd.bes.control.group

Phase

50

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

fnd_bes_proc.process_event

Out Agent

WF_CONTROL@<local system>

Priority

Normal

Owner Name

Application Object Library

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Related Topics
Cleaning Up the Workflow Control Queue, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide
Business Event System Cleanup API, Oracle Workflow API Reference

Predefined Workflow Events 9-43

Generic Service Component Framework Control Events


Start Event
The Generic Service Component Framework uses this event to start a service
component.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.fnd.cp.gsc.SvcComponent.start

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Core

Refresh Event
The Generic Service Component Framework uses this event to refresh a running service
component with new parameter values, for those parameters that can be dynamically
refreshed.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.fnd.cp.gsc.SvcComponent.refresh

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Core

Suspend Event
The Generic Service Component Framework uses this event to suspend processing for a
running service component.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.fnd.cp.gsc.SvcComponent.suspend

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

9-44 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Core

Resume Event
The Generic Service Component Framework uses this event to resume processing for a
suspended service component.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.fnd.cp.gsc.SvcComponent.resume

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Core

Stop Event
The Generic Service Component Framework uses this event to stop a running service
component.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.fnd.cp.gsc.SvcComponent.stop

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Core

GSC Business Event System Control Group


This event group contains control events for Generic Service Component Framework
internal processing. Events in this group are meant to be placed on the WF_CONTROL
queue for middle tier processes to dequeue.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.fnd.cp.gsc.bes.control.group

Predefined Workflow Events 9-45

Status

Enabled

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Core

Members

oracle.apps.fnd.cp.gsc.SvcComponent.start

oracle.apps.fnd.cp.gsc.SvcComponent.refresh

oracle.apps.fnd.cp.gsc.SvcComponent.suspend

oracle.apps.fnd.cp.gsc.SvcComponent.resume

oracle.apps.fnd.cp.gsc.SvcComponent.stop

Oracle Workflow provides one default subscription to the GSC Business Event System
Control Group. This subscription places the event message on the standard
WF_CONTROL queue when one of the group member events is raised locally. Middle
tier subscribers to this queue can then dequeue the event message. This subscription is
enabled by default. The following table lists the properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.fnd.cp.gsc.bes.control.group

Phase

50

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

wf_rule.error_rule

Out Agent

WF_CONTROL@<local system>

9-46 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Subscription Property

Value

Priority

Normal

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Core

For more information about the Generic Service Component Framework, see: Service
Components, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Workflow Engine Events


oracle.apps.wf.engine.abort Event
The Oracle Workflow Engine raises this event when a workflow process is aborted
using WF_ENGINE.AbortProcess. See: AbortProcess, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.engine.abort

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Core

oracle.apps.wf.engine.retry Event
The Oracle Workflow Engine raises this event when an activity is retried using
WF_ENGINE.HandleError. See: HandleError, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.engine.retry

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Predefined Workflow Events 9-47

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Core

oracle.apps.wf.engine.skip Event
The Oracle Workflow Engine raises this event when an activity is skipped using
WF_ENGINE.HandleError. See: HandleError, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.engine.skip

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Core

Directory Service Events


Workflow User Updated Event
Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever a user is updated in the Oracle Workflow
directory service.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.fnd.wf.ds.user.updated

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Oracle Workflow provides one default subscription to the Workflow User Updated
event. When the Workflow User Updated event is raised locally, this subscription
makes corresponding updates to any associations of that user with roles. This
subscription is enabled by default. The following table lists the properties defined for
this subscription.

9-48 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.fnd.wf.ds.user.updated

Phase

100

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

WF_ROLE_HIERARCHY.Denormalize_User_
Role_RF

Priority

Normal

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Workflow Role Updated Event


Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever a role is updated in the Oracle Workflow
directory service.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.fnd.wf.ds.role.updated

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Predefined Workflow Events 9-49

Oracle Workflow provides one default subscription to the Workflow Role Updated
event. When the Workflow Role Updated event is raised locally, this subscription
makes corresponding updates to any associations of that role with users. This
subscription is enabled by default. The following table lists the properties defined for
this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.fnd.wf.ds.role.updated

Phase

100

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

WF_ROLE_HIERARCHY.Denormalize_User_
Role_RF

Priority

Normal

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Workflow User/Role Relationship Created Event


Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever an association of a user with a role is
created in the Oracle Workflow directory service.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.fnd.wf.ds.userRole.created

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

9-50 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Oracle Workflow provides two default subscriptions to the Workflow User/Role


Relationship Created event. The first subscription updates the hierarchy of role
assignments for a user when the Workflow User/Role Relationship Created event is
raised locally. This subscription is enabled by default. The following table lists the
properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.fnd.wf.ds.userRole.created

Phase

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

WF_ROLE_HIERARCHY.Cascade_RF

Priority

Normal

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

The second subscription stores denormalized associations of the user with roles, based
on the hierarchy of role assignments for the user, when the Workflow User/Role
Relationship Created event is raised locally. This subscription is enabled by default. The
following table lists the properties defined for this subscription.

Predefined Workflow Events 9-51

Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.fnd.wf.ds.userRole.created

Phase

100

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

WF_ROLE_HIERARCHY.Denormalize_User_
Role_RF

Priority

Normal

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Workflow User/Role Relationship Updated Event


Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever an association of a user with a role is
updated in the Oracle Workflow directory service.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.fnd.wf.ds.userRole.updated

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

9-52 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Oracle Workflow provides one default subscription to the Workflow User/Role


Relationship Updated event. This subscription updates the hierarchy of role
assignments for a user when the Workflow User/Role Relationship Updated event is
raised locally. This subscription is enabled by default. The following table lists the
properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.fnd.wf.ds.userRole.updated

Phase

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

WF_ROLE_HIERARCHY.Cascade_RF

Priority

Normal

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Workflow Role Hierarchy Relationship Created Event


Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever a hierarchical relationship of a role to
another role is created in the Oracle Workflow directory service.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.fnd.wf.ds.roleHierarchy.relationshipCreated

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Predefined Workflow Events 9-53

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Oracle Workflow provides one default subscription to the Workflow Role Hierarchy
Relationship Created event. This subscription runs the Workflow Role Hierarchy
Propagation concurrent program (FNDWFDSRHP) to update the denormalized
associations of users with roles, based on the hierarchy of roles, when the Workflow
Role Hierarchy Relationship Created event is raised locally. This subscription is enabled
by default. The following table lists the properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.fnd.wf.ds.roleHierarchy.relationsh
ipCreated

Phase

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

WF_ROLE_HIERARCHY.Propagate_RF

Priority

Normal

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Workflow Role Hierarchy Relationship Updated Event


Oracle Workflow raises this event whenever a hierarchical relationship of a role to
another role is updated in the Oracle Workflow directory service.
Internal Name

9-54 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

oracle.apps.fnd.wf.ds.roleHierarchy.relationshipUpdated

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Oracle Workflow provides one default subscription to the Workflow Role Hierarchy
Relationship Updated event. This subscription runs the Workflow Role Hierarchy
Propagation concurrent program (FNDWFDSRHP) to update the denormalized
associations of users with roles, based on the hierarchy of roles, when the Workflow
Role Hierarchy Relationship Updated event is raised locally. This subscription is
enabled by default. The following table lists the properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.fnd.wf.ds.roleHierarchy.relationsh
ipUpdated

Phase

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

WF_ROLE_HIERARCHY.Propagate_RF

Priority

Normal

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Predefined Workflow Events 9-55

Test BES Event


The Event Raise Test in Oracle Diagnostics Framework raises this event to check the
basic operation of the Business Event System. See: Event Raise Test, Oracle Workflow
Administrator's Guide.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.bes.test.testEvent

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Core

Oracle Workflow provides three default subscription to the Test BES event. The first
subscription is used to test execution of a synchronous PL/SQL subscription when the
Test BES event is raised locally. The subscription is enabled by default. The following
table lists the properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.bes.test.testEvent

Phase

50

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Action Type

Custom

On Error

Skip to Next

PL/SQL Rule Function

WF_RULE.success

9-56 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Subscription Property

Value

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Core

The second subscription is used to test execution of an asynchronous PL/SQL


subscription when the Test BES event is raised locally. The subscription is enabled by
default. The following table lists the properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.bes.test.testEvent

Phase

100

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Action Type

Custom

On Error

Skip to Next

PL/SQL Rule Function

WF_RULE.success

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Core

The third subscription is used to test execution of a Java subscription when the Test BES

Predefined Workflow Events 9-57

event is raised locally. The subscription is enabled by default. The following table lists
the properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.bes.test.testEvent

Phase

99

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Action Type

Custom

On Error

Skip to Next

Java Rule Function

oracle.apps.fnd.wf.bes.sample.TestSubscriptio
n

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Core

Workflow Send Protocol


The Workflow Send Protocol process is a sample workflow process that demonstrates
receiving, sending, and acknowledging event messages. Depending on your
requirements, you can copy or customize this process to accommodate your
organization's specific needs.
The Workflow Send Protocol process receives an event message from a subscription,
sends the event message to the inbound agent specified in the subscription, waits to
receive an acknowledgement if required, and also sends an acknowledgement if
required. You can use the process on one system to send a message to another system,

9-58 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

for example, and you can also use the same process on the second system to send the
acknowledgement message back to the first system.
The Workflow Send Protocol workflow consists of one process, the Workflow Event
Protocol process. This process is launched when it receives an event message from an
event subscription.
You can start the Workflow Send Protocol workflow by any of the following methods:

Raise the Workflow Send Protocol event from the Test Business Event page. Enter a
unique event key, and enter any valid XML document as the event data. A
predefined subscription sends the event message to the Workflow Event Protocol
process. See: To Raise a Test Event, page 8-14 and Workflow Send Protocol Events,
page 9-65.

The process can also be started when an agent receives the Workflow Send Protocol
event from an external source. A predefined subscription sends the event message
to the Workflow Event Protocol process. See: Workflow Send Protocol Events, page
9-65.

Define your own subscription to send any event you choose to the Workflow Event
Protocol process. In the subscription, specify the workflow item type as WFSNDPRT
and the workflow process name as WFEVPRTC. Ensure that you either use the
default rule function or include send processing in your custom rule function to
send the event to the workflow. The Workflow Event Protocol process starts when
the subscription is executed and the process receives the event message. See:
Defining Event Subscriptions, page 8-36.

Related Topics
The Workflow Send Protocol Item Type, page 9-59
Summary of the Workflow Event Protocol Process, page 9-61
Workflow Event Protocol Process Activities, page 9-63
Workflow Send Protocol Events, page 9-65

The Workflow Send Protocol Item Type


The Workflow Send Protocol process is associated with an item type called Workflow
Send Protocol. Currently there is one workflow process associated with Workflow Send
Protocol: the Workflow Event Protocol process.
To view the details of the Workflow Send Protocol item type in the Workflow Builder,
choose Open from the File menu. Then connect to the database and select the Workflow
Send Protocol item type, or connect to a file called wfsndprt.wft in the
<ORACLE_HOME>\wf\Data\<language> directory.
If you examine the property page of Workflow Send Protocol, you see that it has a

Predefined Workflow Events 9-59

persistence type of Temporary and persistence number of days of 0. This means that the
runtime data associated with any work items for this item type are eligible for purging
as soon as they complete.
The Workflow Send Protocol item type also has several attributes associated with it.
These attributes reference information in the Workflow application tables. The
attributes are used and maintained by function activities as well as event activities
throughout the process. The following table lists the Workflow Send Protocol item type
attributes.
Workflow Send Protocol Item Type Attributes
Display Name

Description

Type

Length/Format/Look
up Type

Event Name

The internal name of


the event

Text

Event Key

The event key that


uniquely identifies
the specific instance
of the event

Text

Event Message

The event message

Event

To Agent

The inbound agent


that receives the
event message, in the
format <agent>@
<system>

Text

From Agent

The outbound agent


that sends the event
message, in the
format <agent>@
<system>

Text

Acknowledge
Required?

An option that
specifies whether the
event message that is
sent requires an
acknowledgement
from the recipient

Text

9-60 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Display Name

Description

Type

Length/Format/Look
up Type

Send
Acknowledgement?

An option that
specifies whether to
send an
acknowledgement of
a message that is
received

Text

Acknowledge
Message

The
acknowledgement
message that is sent

Event

Acknowledge To
Agent

The inbound agent


that receives the
acknowledgement
message, in the
format <agent>@
<system>

Text

Subscription GUID

The globally unique


identifier of the
subscription

Text

Summary of the Workflow Event Protocol Process


To view the properties of the Workflow Event Protocol process, select the process in the
navigator tree, and then choose Properties from the Edit menu. This process activity is
runnable, indicating that it can be initiated as a top level process to run.
When you display the Process window for the Workflow Event Protocol process, you
see that the process consists of eight unique activities, some of which are reused to
make up the ten activity nodes that appear in the workflow diagram. To examine the
activities of the process in more detail, we have numbered each node for easy
referencing below. The numbers themselves are not part of the process diagram.

Predefined Workflow Events 9-61

Workflow Event Protocol Process

The Workflow Send Protocol workflow begins when the Event Manager sends an event
message to the Workflow Event Protocol process. For example, when you raise the
Workflow Send Protocol event locally or receive that event from an external source,
predefined subscriptions send the event message to the Workflow Event Protocol
process. See: Workflow Send Protocol Events, page 9-65.
The workflow begins at node 1 with the Receive message activity. At node 2, the
process attempts to retrieve the agent details for the intended outbound and inbound
agents from the subscription.
If no inbound agent is specified, the process continues immediately to node 6 to
determine whether to send an acknowledgement message.
If the subscription does specify a To Agent, the process sends the event message to that
agent. Then the process determines whether the event message requires an
acknowledgement from the recipient, based on a subscription parameter. If an
acknowledgement is required, the Workflow Engine waits to receive the
acknowledgement message. Otherwise, the process continues immediately to node 6 to
determine whether to send an acknowledgement message.
At node 6, the process determines whether it should send an acknowledgement of the
original message that it received. If no acknowledgement needs to be sent, the process
ends at this point. Otherwise, the process retrieves the agent details for the inbound
agent where the acknowledgement must be sent and sends the acknowledgement
message to that agent. Then the process ends.

9-62 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Workflow Event Protocol Process Activities


Following is a description of each activity in the process, listed by the activity's display
name.

Receive Message (Node 1)


This event activity receives the event message that is sent to the Workflow Event
Protocol process by the Event Manager to start a new item.
Event Action

Receive

Event Filter

None

Prerequisite Activities

None

Item Attributes Set by Activity

Event Name, Event Key, Event Message

Get Agent Details (Node 2)


This function activity attempts to retrieve the agent details from the subscription for the
outbound agent that should send the message and the inbound agent that should
receive the message. If no inbound agent is specified, the process continues
immediately to node 6. If an inbound agent is specified, but no outbound agent is
specified, the function selects a default outbound agent on the local system.
Function

WF_STANDARD.GETAGENTS

Result Type

Boolean

Prerequisite Activities

Receive Message

Item Attributes Retrieved by


Function

Subscription GUID

Item Attributes Set by


Function

To Agent, From Agent

Send Event Message (Node 3)


This event activity sends the event message from an outbound agent on the local system
to the specified inbound agent.
Event Action

Send

Prerequisite Activities

Get Agent Details

Item Attributes Retrieved by


Activity

Event Message, From Agent, To Agent

Predefined Workflow Events 9-63

Compare Text (Node 4)


This Standard function activity compares two text values. At this node, the process
checks the Acknowledge Required? item attribute to determine whether the event
message sent at node 3 requires an acknowledgement from the recipient.
If the subscription that initiated the process included the parameter name and value
pair ACKREQ=Y, the Workflow Engine sets the Acknowledge Required? item attribute to
Y when the process is launched. In this case, the process continues from node 4 to node
5. Otherwise, the process continues directly from node 4 to node 6.
Function

WF_STANDARD.COMPARE

Result Type

Comparison

Prerequisite Activities

None

Item Attributes Retrieved by


Activity

Acknowledge Required?

Receive Acknowledgement Message (Node 5)


This event activity waits to receive the Workflow Send Protocol Acknowledgement
event message that is returned to the Workflow Event Protocol process from the system
that received the event message sent at node 3.
Event Action

Receive

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.event.wf.ack

Prerequisite Activities

Compare Text

Compare Text (Node 6)


This Standard function activity compares two text values. At this node, the process
checks the Send Acknowledgement? item attribute to determine whether to send an
acknowledgement of the original message that it received.
If the original message requires an acknowledgement, the Workflow Engine sets the
Send Acknowledgement? item attribute to Y when the process is launched. In this case,
the process continues from node 6 to node 7. Otherwise, the process ends at node 10.
Function

WF_STANDARD.COMPARE

Result Type

Comparison

Prerequisite Activities

None

Item Attributes Retrieved by


Activity

Send Acknowledgement?

9-64 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

To Agent Details (Node 7)


This function activity selects an inbound agent on the originating system where the
acknowledgement must be sent and retrieves the agent details for that agent.
Function

WF_STANDARD.GETACKAGENT

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

Compare Text

Item Attributes Set by


Function

Acknowledge To Agent

Send Acknowledgement Message (Node 8)


This event activity sends the Workflow Send Protocol Acknowledgement message from
an outbound agent on the local system to the inbound agent identified at node 7.
Event Action

Send

Prerequisite Activities

To Agent Details

Item Attributes Retrieved by


Activity

Acknowledge Message, Event Key, Acknowledge To Agent

End (Nodes 9 and 10)


This Standard function activity marks the end of the process.
Function

WF_STANDARD.NOOP

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

None

Workflow Send Protocol Events


Workflow Send Protocol Event
You can raise this event from the Raise Event page to send the event message to an
agent using the Workflow Event Protocol process in the Workflow Send Protocol item
type. This workflow process lets you specify whether the message requires an
acknowledgement from the recipient, and whether you want to send an
acknowledgement of a message that you have received.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.wf.send

Status

Enabled

Predefined Workflow Events 9-65

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Oracle Workflow provides two default subscriptions to the Workflow Send Protocol
event. The first subscription sends the event message to the Workflow Event Protocol
process in the Workflow Send Protocol item type when the Workflow Send Protocol
event is raised locally. A subscription parameter specifies that the message requires an
acknowledgement. This subscription is enabled by default. You can also create a copy
of this subscription with the same properties, except you should give your new
subscription a customization level of User, and add an outbound agent and inbound
agent to the subscription to specify where you want the Workflow Event Protocol
process to send the event message. The following table lists the properties defined for
this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

Local

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.event.wf.send

Phase

50

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

wf_rule.workflow_protocol

Workflow Item Type

WFSNDPRT

Workflow Process Name

WFEVPRTC

Parameters

ACKREQ=Y

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

9-66 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Subscription Property

Value

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

The second subscription sends the event message to the Workflow Event Protocol
process in the Workflow Send Protocol item type when the Workflow Send Protocol
event is received from an external source. This subscription is enabled by default. You
can optionally create a copy of this subscription with the same properties, except you
should give your new subscription a customization level of User, and add an outbound
agent and inbound agent to the subscription to specify that you want the Workflow
Event Protocol process to send the event message on to another agent. The following
table lists the properties defined for this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

External

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.event.wf.send

Phase

50

Status

Enabled

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

wf_rule.workflow_protocol

Workflow Item Type

WFSNDPRT

Workflow Process Name

WFEVPRTC

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Predefined Workflow Events 9-67

Subscription Property

Value

Customization Level

Limit

Workflow Send Protocol Acknowledgement Event


Oracle Workflow sends this event back to the originating system when an event
message sent to or from the Workflow Event Protocol process requires an
acknowledgement.
Internal Name

oracle.apps.wf.event.wf.ack

Status

Enabled

Generate Function

None

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Oracle Workflow provides one default subscription to the Workflow Send Protocol
Acknowledgement Event. This subscription sends the event message to the Workflow
Event Protocol process in the Workflow Send Protocol item type when the Workflow
Send Protocol Acknowledgement event is received from an external source. This
subscription is enabled by default. The following table lists the properties defined for
this subscription.
Subscription Properties
Subscription Property

Value

System

<local system>

Source Type

External

Event Filter

oracle.apps.wf.event.wf.ack

Phase

50

Status

Enabled

9-68 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Subscription Property

Value

Rule Data

Key

Rule Function

wf_rule.workflow_protocol

Workflow Item Type

WFSNDPRT

Workflow Process Name

WFEVPRTC

Owner Name

Oracle Workflow

Owner Tag

FND

Customization Level

Limit

Predefined Workflow Events 9-69

10
Sample Workflow Process
This chapter describes a sample workflow process that illustrates several Oracle
Workflow features.
This chapter covers the following topics:

Sample Workflow Process

Sample Workflow Process


The sample Requisition workflow process illustrates the integration of different Oracle
Workflow features, including results-based branching, parallel branching, subprocesses,
timeouts, looping, and integration of PL/SQL documents in a notification.
Note: You should consider this process mainly as an example for

explanation purposes, and not for demonstration use. The files


necessary to set up and run this process are not provided with Oracle
E-Business Suite.

Requisition Process
The Requisition process is an example workflow process that is initiated when a user
creates a new requisition to purchase an item. The Requisition process is based on two
tables that store approval hierarchy and spending authority information.
Important: Oracle E-Business Suite includes a predefined requisition

process that is different from the example process described here. The
example process documented in this section is for explanation purposes
only and not for production use. For detailed information about
runnable workflow processes that are integrated with Oracle
E-Business Suite, refer to the appropriate Oracle E-Business Suite user's
guide or online documentation. See: Predefined Workflows Embedded

Sample Workflow Process 10-1

in Oracle E-Business Suite, page C-1.

When a user submits a requisition in this example, the process sends a notification to
the next manager in the approval hierarchy to approve the requisition. If the spending
limit of the approving manager is less than the requisition amount, the process
forwards the requisition to the next higher manager in the approval hierarchy until it
finds a manager with the appropriate spending limit to approve the requisition. Each
intermediate manager must approve the requisition to move it to the next higher
manager. When a manager with the appropriate spending limit approves the
requisition, the process ends with a result of Approve.
The process can end with a result of Reject if:

Any manager rejects the requisition.

The requisition amount is greater than the highest spending limit.

The requisition's requestor does not have a manager.

The sample Requisition workflow is based on a sample data model that includes two
tables with data: one table that maintains an employee approval hierarchy and another
that maintains the spending limit of each employee. These two tables make up the
database application used to approve a requisition. In addition, the data model also
includes a directory service that identifies the Oracle Workflow users and roles in the
example implementation.
The example assumes that the application that creates the requisition provides the name
of the employee who prepared the requisition, the requisition amount, the requisition
number, a requisition description, and a requisition process owner. The application calls
the sample PL/SQL procedure WF_REQDEMO.StartProcess to initiate the Requisition
process. See: Sample StartProcess Function, page 10-14.

Sample Requisition Data Model


The data model used in the sample Requisition process includes the following
components:

Two tables with seed data that make up the sample workflow-enabled database
application.

WF_REQDEMO_EMP_HIERARCHY - Maintains the employee approval


hierarchy. The approval chain consists of these employee user IDs, listed in
ascending order with the employee having the most authority listed last:
BLEWIS, KWALKER, CDOUGLAS, and SPIERSON.

WF_REQDEMO_EMP_AUTHORITY - Maintains the spending limit for each


employee. The limits for each employee are as follows: BLEWIS: 500, KWALKER:
1000, CDOUGLAS: 2000, and SPIERSON: 3000.

10-2 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

User and role data in the WF_LOCAL_ROLES and WF_LOCAL_USER_ROLES


tables. The following table shows the users and roles that are used in the example.
Sample Users and Roles
User

ADMIN Role

MANAGERS
Role

WORKERS
Role

OTHERS Role

SYSADMIN

yes

WFADMIN

yes

BLEWIS

yes

KWALKER

yes

CDOUGLAS

yes

yes

SPIERSON

yes

yes

The PL/SQL specification and body for a packages called WF_REQDEMO, which
contains the PL/SQL stored procedures called by the function activities used in the
Requisition Process workflow.

The Requisition workflow definition in the wfdemo.wft file. You can view this
process in Oracle Workflow Builder.

Sample Requisition Item Type


The sample Requisition process is associated with an item type called Requisition.
There are two workflow processes associated with Requisition: Requisition Approval
and Notify Approver.
The Requisition item type has a persistence type of Temporary and persistence number
of days of 0. These properties mean that the runtime data associated with any work
items for this item type are eligible for purging as soon as they complete. The item type
calls a selector function named WF_REQDEMO.SELECTOR. This selector function is an
example PL/SQL stored procedure that returns the name of the process to run when
more than one process exists for a given item type. The selector function in this example
returns REQUISITION_APPROVAL or 'Requisition Approval' as the process to
run.
The Requisition item type also has several attributes associated with it. These attributes
reference information in the example application tables. The attributes are used and
maintained by function activities as well as notification activities throughout the

Sample Workflow Process 10-3

process. The following table lists the Requisition item type attributes.
Requisition Item Type Attributes
Display Name

Description

Type

Length/Format/Look
up Type

Forward From
Username

Username of the
person that the
requisition is
forwarded from

Role

Forward To
Username

Username of the
person that the
requisition is
forwarded to

Role

Requestor Username

Username of the
requisition preparer

Role

Requisition Amount

Requisition amount

Number

9,999,999,999.99

Requisition Number

Unique identifier of a
requisition

Text

Monitor URL

Monitor URL

URL

Requisition
Description

Unique user identifier


of a requisition

Text

80

Requisition Process
Owner

Username of the
requisition owner

Role

Reminder Requisition
Document

Reminder Requisition
Document is
generated by PL/SQL

Document

Note

Note

Text

Note for reminder

Note for saving the


previous responder's
note

Text

10-4 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Summary of the Requisition Approval Process


To view the properties of the Requisition Approval process, select the process in the
navigator tree, and choose Properties from the Edit menu. The Requisition Approval
process has a result type of Approval, indicating that when the process completes, it has
a result of Approve or Reject, which are the lookup codes in the Approval lookup type
associated with the Standard item type. This process activity is also runnable, indicating
that it can be initiated as a top level process to run.
The Details property page of the process activity indicates that the Requisition process
has an error process assigned to it that is initiated only when an error is encountered in
the process. The error process is associated with an item type called WFERROR and is
called DEFAULT_ERROR. For example, if you attempt to initiate the Requisition
Approval process with a requisition that is created by someone who is not listed in the
employee approval hierarchy, the Workflow Engine would raise an error when it tries
to execute the Select Approver activity. This error would initiate
WFERROR/DEFAULT_ERROR, which is the Default Error Process. See: Default Error
Process, page 11-10.
The Requisition Approval process consists of 12 unique activities, several of which are
reused to comprise the 15 activity nodes that appear in the workflow diagram. To
examine the activities of the process in more detail, we have numbered each node for
easy referencing below. The numbers themselves are not part of the process diagram.
Requisition Approval Process Diagram

The Requisition workflow begins when a requisition is submitted with a requisition


requestor, requisition number, requisition amount, requisition description, and process
owner. The workflow begins at node 1 with the Start activity.
At node 2, the process attempts to select an approver for the requisition. If an approver
cannot be found for the requisition, the requestor is notified and the process ends with

Sample Workflow Process 10-5

the final process result of Reject. If an approver is found, then the requestor is notified
of who that approver is and a function records in the application that the requisition is
being forwarded to the approver. Both of these activities must complete before the
approver is actually notified in node 8.
Node 8 is a subprocess that requests the approver to approve the requisition by a
specified period of time and if the approver does not respond by that time, the
subprocess performs a timeout activity to keep sending a reminder to the approver
until the approver responds. If the approver rejects the requisition, the requisition gets
updated as rejected in node 9, and the requestor is notified in node 10. The process ends
at this point with a result of Reject.
If the approver approves the requisition, the process transitions to node 12 to verify that
the requisition amount is within the approver's spending limit. If it is, the process
approves the requisition in node 13, and notifies the requestor in node 14. The process
ends in this case with a result of Approve.

Requisition Process Activities


Following is a description of each activity listed by the activity's display name. You can
create all the components for an activity in the graphical Oracle Workflow Builder
except for the PL/SQL stored procedures that the function activities call. Function
activities can execute functions external to the database by integration with Oracle
Advanced Queuing or execute PL/SQL stored procedures which you must create and
store in the Oracle Database. All the function activities in the Requisition process
execute PL/SQL stored procedures. The naming convention for the PL/SQL stored
procedures used in the Requisition process is:
WF_REQDEMO.<PROCEDURE>

WF_REQDEMO is the name of the package that groups all the procedures used by the
Requisition process. <PROCEDURE> represents the name of the procedure.
Several activities are described in greater depth to provide examples of how they are
constructed. See: Example Function Activities, page 10-17 and Example Notification
Activity, page 10-23.
Start (Node 1)
This is a Standard function activity that simply marks the start of the process.
Function

WF_STANDARD.NOOP

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

None

Select Approver (Node 2)


This function activity determines who the next approver is for the requisition by
checking the employee approval hierarchy table. This activity also saves the name of the

10-6 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

previous approver or the name of the preparer if the requisition was never approved
before. If an approver is found, this procedure returns a value of 'T', for True,
otherwise it returns a value of 'F' for False.
Function

WF_REQDEMO.SelectApprover

Result Type

Boolean

Prerequisite Activities

None

Notify Requestor No Approver Available (Node 3)


This activity notifies the requisition preparer that no appropriate approver could be
found for the requisition. The message includes 'Send' attributes that display the
requisition number, requisition description, requisition amount, and who the last
approver was, if there was any. The message also includes a 'Send' attribute for the
from role that sent the notification, to be displayed in the notification header.
This activity occurs in process node 3. In the property page of the node, the activity is
assigned to a performer whose name is stored in an item type attribute named
Requestor Username.
Message

Requisition No Approver Found

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

Select Approver

Notify Requestor of Forward (Node 5)


This activity notifies the requisition preparer that the requisition was forwarded for
approval. The message includes 'Send' attributes that display the requisition number,
requisition description, requisition amount, name of the approver that the requisition is
forwarded to, name of the previous approver, if any, and the most recent comments
appended to the requisition. The message also includes a 'Send' attribute for the from
role that sent the notification, to be displayed in the notification header.
In the property page of this node, the activity is assigned to a performer whose name is
stored in an item type attribute named Requestor Username.
Message

Requisition Forward

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

Select Approver

Record Requisition Forward (Node 6)


Currently this activity does nothing. It represents a point in the process where you can
integrate a recording function. For example, if you have a purchasing application into

Sample Workflow Process 10-7

which you want to integrate this workflow, you can customize this activity to execute a
PL/SQL stored procedure that updates your purchasing application table to indicate
that the requisition is being forwarded to the next approver.
Function

WF_REQDEMO.Forward_Req

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

Select Approver

And (Node 7)
This Standard function activity merges two or more parallel branches in the flow only
when the activities in all of those branches complete.
Function

WF_STANDARD.ANDJOIN

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

Must have at least two separate activities that each


transition into this activity.

Notify Approver (Node 8)


This activity is a subprocess that notifies the approver that an action needs to be taken
to either approve or reject the requisition. The subprocess sends a notification to the
approver, and if the approver does not respond within a specified time, sends another
reminder notification to the approver to take action. See: Summary of the Notify
Approver Subprocess, page 10-10.
Result Type

Approval

Prerequisite Activities

Select Approver

Reject Requisition (Node 9)


Currently this activity does nothing. It represents a point in the process where you can
integrate a function. For example, if you have a purchasing application into which you
want to integrate this workflow, you can customize this activity to execute a PL/SQL
stored procedure that updates your purchasing application table to indicate that the
requisition is rejected.
Function

WF_REQDEMO.Reject_Req

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

Select Approver, Notify Approver

10-8 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Notify Requestor of Rejection (Node 10)


This activity notifies the requisition preparer that the requisition was rejected. The
message includes 'Send' attributes that display the requisition number, requisition
description, requisition amount, name of the manager that rejected the requisition, and
comments from that manager. The message also includes a 'Send' attribute for the from
role that sent the notification, to be displayed in the notification header.
In the property page of this activity node, the activity is assigned to a performer whose
name is stored in an item type attribute named Requestor Username.
Message

Requisition Rejected

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

Notify Approver

Verify Authority (Node 12)


This function activity verifies whether the current approver has sufficient authority to
approve the requisition. The procedure compares the requisition amount with the
approver's approval limit amount and returns a value of 'Y' for Yes or 'N' for No. If
your business rules are not sensitive to the amount that an approver can approve, then
you can remove this activity to customize the process.
Function

WF_REQDEMO.VerifyAuthority

Result Type

Yes/No

Prerequisite Activities

Select Approver and Notify Approver

Approve Requisition (Node 13)


Currently this activity does nothing. It represents a point in the process where you can
integrate a function. For example, if you have a purchasing application into which you
want to integrate this workflow, you can customize this activity to execute a PL/SQL
stored procedure that updates your purchasing application table to indicate that the
requisition is approved.
Function

WF_REQDEMO.Approve_Req

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

Select Approver, Notify Approver, Verify Authority

Notify Requestor of Approval (Node 14)


This activity notifies the requisition preparer that the requisition was approved. The
message includes 'Send' attributes that display the requisition number, requisition
description, requisition amount, approver name, and comments from the approver. The

Sample Workflow Process 10-9

message also includes a 'Send' attribute for the from role that sent the notification, to be
displayed in the notification header.
In the property page of the activity node, the activity is assigned to a performer whose
name is stored in an item type attribute named Requestor Username.
Message

Requisition Approved

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

Select Approver, Notify Approver, Verify Authority

End (Nodes 4, 11, and 15)


This function activity marks the end of the process. Although the activity itself does not
have a result type, each node of this activity in the process must have a process result
assigned to it. The process result is assigned in the property page of the activity node.
Since the Requisition process activity has a result type of Approval, each End activity
node must have a process result matching one of the lookup codes in the Approval
lookup type.
Function

WF_STANDARD.NOOP

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

Start

Summary of the Notify Approver Subprocess


To view the properties of the Notify Approver subprocess, select its process activity in
the navigator tree, and choose Properties from the Edit menu. The Notify Approver
subprocess has a result type of Approval, indicating that when the subprocess
completes, it has a result of Approve or Reject, based on the lookup codes in the
Approval lookup type. It is not runnable, indicating that it cannot be initiated as a top
level process to run, but rather can only be run when called by another higher level
process as a subprocess.
The Notify Approver subprocess consists of six unique activities, several of which are
reused to comprise the nine activity nodes that appear in the workflow diagram. To
examine the activities of the process in more detail, we have numbered each node for
easy referencing below. The numbers themselves are not part of the process diagram.

10-10 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Notify Approver Process Diagram

The subprocess begins at node 1 with the Start activity. At node 2, the comments from
the previous approver, if any, which are stored in the Note item attribute, are assigned
to the Note for Reminder item attribute for use in the Reminder-Approval Needed
notification. Then the Note item attribute is cleared, so that it can be used to store
comments from the current approver.
At node 4, the process notifies the current approver to approve a requisition within a
specified period of time. If the approver approves the requisition, the subprocess ends
at node 7 and returns the result Approve to the top level Requisition process. Similarly,
if the approver rejects the requisition, the subprocess ends at node 9 and returns the
result Reject to the top level Requisition process.
If the approver does not respond by the due date, the subprocess takes the <Timeout>
transition to node 5 to send a reminder to the approver to approve the requisition. Node
5 also has a timeout value assigned to it, and if the approver does not respond to the
reminder by that time, the subprocess takes the next <Timeout> transition to loop back
to node 5 to send another reminder to the approver. This loop continues until the
approver approves or rejects the requisition, which would end the subprocess at node 7
or 9, respectively.

Notify Approver Subprocess Activities


Following is a description of each activity in the Notify Approver subprocess, listed by
the activity's display name.

Sample Workflow Process 10-11

Start (Node 1)
This is a Standard function activity that simply marks the start of the subprocess.
Function

WF_STANDARD.NOOP

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

None

Assign (Node 2)
This is a Standard function activity that assigns a value to an item attribute. This Assign
activity node assigns the value of the Note item attribute to the Note for Reminder item
attribute.
Function

WF_STANDARD.ASSIGN

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

None

Assign (Node 3)
This is a Standard function activity that assigns a value to an item attribute. This Assign
activity node assigns a blank value to the Note item attribute to clear any previous
value.
Function

WF_STANDARD.ASSIGN

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

None

Notify Requisition Approval Required (Node 4)


This activity notifies the approver that the requisition needs to be approved or rejected.
This activity must be completed within 5 minutes; otherwise it times out.
The message includes 'Send' attributes that display the requisition number, requisition
description, requisition amount, previous approver name, and preparer name for the
requisition when the notification is sent. The special WF_NOTIFICATION() message
function is called to display these attributes in a message attribute table within the
message, and also to include a notification history table in the message. The message
also includes a 'Send' attribute for the from role that sent the notification, to be
displayed in the notification header.
The message includes a special RESULT attribute and a "Respond" attribute. The
RESULT attribute has a display name of Action and prompts the approver to respond
with a value of 'APPROVE' or 'REJECT' from the lookup type called Approval. The

10-12 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

value that the approver selects becomes the result that determines which activity branch
the Workflow Engine transitions to next.
The "Respond" attribute is called Note and this attribute prompts the approver for
optional comments to include in the notification response.
In the property page of this activity node, the activity is assigned to a performer whose
name is stored in an item type attribute named Forward To Username.
Message

Requisition Approval Required

Result Type

Approval

Prerequisite Activities

Select Approver

Reminder-Approval Needed (Node 5)


This activity occurs only if the Notify Requisition Approval Required activity times out
before being completed. This activity sends a reminder notice to the approver that the
requisition needs to be approved or rejected.
The message includes 'Send' attributes that display the requisition number, requisition
description, requisition amount, previous approver name, and preparer name for the
requisition when the notification is sent. The special WF_NOTIFICATION() message
function is called to include a notification history table in the message. The message also
includes a 'Send' attribute for the from role that sent the notification, to be displayed in
the notification header.
The message includes a special RESULT attribute and a "Respond" attribute. The
RESULT attribute has a display name of Action and prompts the approver to respond
with a value of 'APPROVE' or 'REJECT' from the lookup type called Approval. The
value that the approver selects becomes the result that determines which activity branch
the Workflow Engine transitions to next.
The "Respond" attribute is called Note and this attribute prompts the approver for
optional comments to include in the notification response.
In the property page of this activity node, the activity is assigned to a performer whose
name is stored in an item type attribute named Forward To Username.
Message

Requisition Approval Required Reminder

Result Type

Approval

Prerequisite Activities

Select Approver, Notify Requisition Approval Required

Or (Nodes 6 and 8)
This Standard function activity merges two or more parallel branches in a flow as soon
as an activity in any one of those branches completes.
Function

WF_STANDARD.ORJOIN

Sample Workflow Process 10-13

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

None

End (Nodes 7 and 9)


This function activity marks the end of the subprocess. Although the activity itself does
not have a result type, each node of this activity in the subprocess must have a process
result assigned to it. The process result is assigned in the property page of the activity
node. Since the Notify Approver process activity has a result type of Approval, each
End activity node must have a process result matching one of the lookup codes in the
Approval lookup type.
Function

WF_STANDARD.NOOP

Result Type

None

Prerequisite Activities

Start

Sample StartProcess Function


To initiate the sample Requisition process, an application calls a PL/SQL stored
procedure named WF_REQDEMO.StartProcess.
To examine StartProcess in more detail, we divide the procedure into several sections
and number each section with the notation (1) for easy referencing. The numbers
themselves are not part of the procedure.

10-14 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

(1)

procedure StartProcess
(RequisitionNumber in varchar2,
RequisitionDesc in varchar2,
RequisitionAmount in number,
RequestorUsername in varchar2,
ProcessOwner in varchar2,
Workflowprocess in varchar2 default null,
item_type in varchar2 default null) is

(2)

ItemType varchar2(30) := nvl(item_type, 'WFDEMO');


ItemKey varchar2(30) := RequisitionNumber;
ItemUserKey varchar2(80) := RequisitionDesc;

(3)

begin
wf_engine.CreateProcess (itemtype => ItemType,
itemkey => ItemKey,
process => WorkflowProcess );

(4)

wf_engine.SetItemUserKey (itemtype => itemtype,


itemkey => itemkey,
userkey => ItemUserKey);

(5)

wf_engine.SetItemAttrText (itemtype => itemtype,


itemkey => itemkey,
aname => 'REQUISITION_NUMBER',
avalue => RequisitionNumber);

(6)

wf_engine.SetItemAttrText (itemtype => itemtype,


itemkey => itemkey,
aname => 'REQUISITION_DESCRIPTION',
avalue => ItemUserKey);

(7)

wf_engine.SetItemAttrNumber (itemtype => itemtype,


itemkey => itemkey,
aname => 'REQUISITION_AMOUNT',
avalue => RequisitionAmount);

(8)

wf_engine.SetItemAttrText (itemtype => itemtype,


itemkey => itemkey,
aname => 'REQUESTOR_USERNAME',
avalue => RequestorUsername);

(9)

wf_engine.SetItemAttrText (itemtype => itemtype,


itemkey => itemkey,
aname => 'FORWARD_TO_USERNAME',
avalue => RequestorUsername);

(10)

wf_engine.SetItemAttrText (itemtype => itemtype,


itemkey => itemkey,
aname => 'REQUISITION_PROCESS_OWNER',
avalue => ProcessOwner);

(11)

wf_engine.SetItemAttrText (itemtype => itemtype,


itemkey => itemkey,
aname => 'MONITOR_URL',
avalue => wf_monitor.GetDiagramUrl
(null,itemtype,itemkey,'NO'));

(12)

wf_engine.SetItemAttrText (itemtype => itemtype,


itemkey => itemkey,
aname => 'REM_DOCUMENT',

Sample Workflow Process 10-15

avalue => 'PLSQL:wf_reqdemo.reminder_req_document/'


||ItemType||':'||ItemKey);
(13)

wf_engine.SetItemOwner (itemtype => itemtype,


itemkey => itemkey,
owner => ProcessOwner);

(14)

wf_engine.StartProcess (itemtype => itemtype,


itemkey => itemkey );

(15)

(16)

exception
when others then
wf_core.context('WF_REQDEMO','StartProcess',
RequisitionNumber,RequisitionAmount,
RequestorUsername,ProcessOwner,Workflowprocess);
raise;
end StartProcess;

(1) This section represents the specification of the procedure, which includes the list of
parameters that must be passed to StartProcess.
(2) The declarative part of the procedure body begins in this section. StartProcess
consists of calls to various Workflow Engine PL/SQL APIs. See: Workflow Engine APIs,
Oracle Workflow API Reference.
Since all of these APIs require an item type and item key input, we define ItemType
and ItemKey as local arguments. The argument ItemType is defined as 'WFDEMO',
which is the internal name for the Requisition item type. The argument ItemKey is the
value of the RequisitionNumber parameter that is passed to the StartProcess
procedure.
Note: The item key for a process instance can only contain single-byte

characters. It cannot contain a multibyte value.

(3) The executable part of the procedure body begins here. This section calls the
CreateProcess Workflow Engine API. This API creates a new runtime instance of the
Requisition process, whose internal name is 'WFDEMO', and the new instance is
identified by the item type and item key that are supplied. See: CreateProcess, Oracle
Workflow API Reference.
Note: If you do not pass a value for <process_int_name> when

initiating the requisition, the selector function for the Requisition item
type determines what process to run.

(4) This section calls the SetItemUserKey Workflow Engine API to mark the new
runtime instance of the Requisition process with an end-user key. The end-user key
makes it easier for users to query and identify the process instance when it is displayed.
See: SetItemUserKey, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
(5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), and (12) These sections call either the SetItemAttributeText
or SetItemAttributeNumber Workflow Engine APIs to set values for the item type

10-16 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

attributes defined for this process. The attributes are REQUISITION_NUMBER,


REQUISITION_DESCRIPTION, REQUISITION_AMOUNT, REQUESTOR_USERNAME,
FORWARD_TO_USERNAME, REQUISITION_PROCESS_OWNER, MONITOR_URL, and
REM_DOCUMENT. See: SetItemAttribute, Oracle Workflow API Reference.
(13) This section calls the SetItemOwner Workflow Engine API to mark the new
runtime instance of the Requisition process with a process owner user name.
Administrators can query for process instances by process owner. See: SetItemOwner,
Oracle Workflow API Reference.
(14) This section calls WF_CORE.CONTEXT() if an exception occurs, to include context
information in the error stack to help you locate the source of an error. See: CONTEXT,
Oracle Workflow API Reference.
(15) This section calls the Oracle Workflow Engine StartProcess API to invoke the
Requisition process for the item type and item key specified. See: StartProcess, Oracle
Workflow API Reference.
(16) This section marks the end of the procedure.

Example Function Activities


In general, a function activity must have the following information specified in its
Activity property page:

Internal name for the activity.

Display name for the activity.

Result type for the activity, which can be none or the name of a predefined lookup
type.

Name of the PL/SQL stored procedure that the activity calls.

Also, the PL/SQL stored procedure that a function activity calls must comply with a
specific API. See: Standard API for PL/SQL Procedures Called by Function Activities,
page 6-2.
Related Topics
Example: Select Approver, page 10-17
Example: Verify Authority, page 10-20
Example: Select Approver
The Select Approver function activity calls a PL/SQL stored procedure named
WF_REQDEMO.SelectApprover that determines who the next approver is based on the
employee approval hierarchy in the example data model.
Result Type

This activity expects a response of 'T' if an approver is found or 'F' if an approver is

Sample Workflow Process 10-17

not found. The possible responses are defined in a lookup type called Boolean,
associated with the Standard item type.
PL/SQL Stored Procedure

The PL/SQL stored procedure that this function activity calls is described in detail
below. Each section in the procedure is numbered with the notation (1) for easy
referencing.

10-18 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

procedure SelectApprover
(itemtype in varchar2,
itemkey in varchar2,
actid in number,
funcmode in varchar2,
resultout out varchar2) is
(1)

l_forward_from_username varchar2(320);
l_forward_to_username varchar2(320);

(2)

begin
if (funcmode = 'RUN') then
l_forward_to_username := wf_engine.GetItemAttrText (
itemtype => itemtype,
itemkey => itemkey,
aname => 'FORWARD_TO_USERNAME');

(3)

if (l_forward_to_username is null) then


l_forward_to_username := wf_engine.GetItemAttrText (
itemtype => itemtype,
itemkey => itemkey,
aname => 'REQUESTOR_USERNAME');
end if;

(4)

l_forward_from_username := l_forward_to_username;

(5)

wf_engine.SetItemAttrText (itemtype => itemtype;


itemkey => itemkey,
aname => 'FORWARD_FROM_USERNAME';
avalue => l_forward_from_username);

(6)

l_forward_to_username := wf_reqdemo.GetManager(
l_forward_from_username);

(7)

wf_engine.SetItemAttrText (itemtype => itemtype;


itemkey => itemkey,
aname => 'FORWARD_TO_USERNAME';
avalue => l_forward_to_username);

(8)

if (l_forward_to_username is null) then


resultout :='COMPLETE:F';
else
resultout :='COMPLETE:T';
end if;

(9)

end if;

(10) if (funcmode = 'CANCEL') then


resultout :='COMPLETE';
return;
end if;
(11) if (funcmode = 'TIMEOUT') then
resultout :='COMPLETE';
return;
end if;
(12) exception
when others then
wf_core.context('WF_REQDEMO','SelectorApprover',itemtype,
itemkey,actid,funcmode);

Sample Workflow Process 10-19

raise;
(13) end SelectApprover;

(1) The local arguments l_forward_from_username and


l_forward_to_username are declared in this section.
(2) If the value of funcmode is RUN, then retrieve the name of the last person that this
requisition was forwarded to for approval by assigning l_forward_to_username to
the value of the FORWARD_TO_USERNAME item type attribute, determined by calling the
Workflow Engine API GetItemAttrText. See: GetItemAttribute, Oracle Workflow API
Reference.
(3) If the value of l_forward_to_username is null, then it means that the requisition
has never been forwarded for approval. In this case, assign it the value of the
REQUESTOR_USERNAME item type attribute, determined by calling the Workflow
Engine API GetItemAttrText.
(4) Assign l_forward_from_username to the value of l_forward_to_username.
(5) This section assigns the value of l_forward_from_username to the
FORWARD_FROM_USERNAME item type attribute by calling the Workflow Engine
SetItemAttrText API.
(6) This section calls the function GetManager to return the manager of the previous
approver stored in l_forward_from_username, from the
WF_REQDEMO_EMP_HIERARCHY table and assigns that manager's name to
l_forward_to_username.
(7) This section assigns the value of l_forward_to_username to the
FORWARD_TO_USERNAME item type attribute by calling the Workflow Engine
SetItemAttrText API.
(8) If l_forward_to_username is null, meaning there is no manager above the
previous approver in the hierarchy, then assign resultout to be COMPLETE:F.
Otherwise, assign resultout to be COMPLETE:T.
(9) This ends the check on funcmode =' RUN'.
(10) If the value of funcmode is CANCEL, then assign resultout to be COMPLETE.
(11) If the value of funcmode is TIMEOUT, then assign resultout to be COMPLETE.
(12) This section calls WF_CORE.CONTEXT if an exception occurs, to include context
information in the error stack to help you locate the source of an error. See: CONTEXT,
Oracle Workflow API Reference.
(13) This section marks the end of the procedure.
Example: Verify Authority
The Verify Authority function activity calls a PL/SQL stored procedure named
WF_REQDEMO.VerifyAuthority to verify whether the requisition amount is within the
approver's spending limit. This activity is also another example of an automated
function activity that returns a result based on a business rule that you implement as a

10-20 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

stored procedure.
Result Type

This activity expects a result of 'Yes' or 'No' when the procedure completes to
indicate whether the approver has the authority to approve the requisition. These result
values are defined in the lookup type called Yes/No, associated with the Standard item
type.
PL/SQL Stored Procedure

The PL/SQL stored procedure that this function activity calls is described in detail
below. Each section in the procedure is numbered with the notation (1) for easy
referencing. We also use the convention 'l_' to identify local arguments used within
the procedure.

Sample Workflow Process 10-21

procedure VerifyAuthority
(itemtype in varchar2,
itemkey in varchar2,
actid in number,
funcmode in varchar2,
resultout out varchar2) is
(1) l_forward_to_username varchar2(320);
l_requisition_amount number;
l_spending_limit number;
(2)

(3)

begin
if (funcmode = 'RUN') then
l_requisition_amount := wf_engine.GetItemAttrNumber (
itemtype => itemtype,
itemkey => itemkey,
aname => 'REQUISITION_AMOUNT');
l_forward_to_username := wf_engine.GetItemAttrText (
itemtype => itemtype,
itemkey => itemkey,
aname => 'FORWARD_TO_USERNAME');

(4)

if (wf_reqdemo.checkSpendingLimit(l_forward_to_username,
l_requisition_amount)) then
resultout :='COMPLETE:Y';
else
resultout :='COMPLETE:N';
end if;
end if;

(5)

if (funcmode = 'CANCEL') then


resultout :='COMPLETE:';
return;
end if;

(6)

if (funcmode = 'TIMEOUT') then


resultout :='COMPLETE:';
return;
end if;

(7)

exception
when others then
wf_core.context('WF_REQDEMO', 'VerifyAuthority',
itemtype, itemkey, actid, funcmode);
raise;

(8)

end VerifyAuthority;

(1) The local arguments l_forward_to_username, l_requisition_amount, and


l_spending_limit are declared in this section.
(2) If the value of funcmode is equal to RUN, then assign l_requisition_amount to
the value of the REQUISITION_AMOUNT item type attribute, determined by calling the
Workflow Engine API GetItemAttrNumber. See: GetItemAttribute, Oracle Workflow API
Reference.
(3) This section assigns l_forward_to_username to the value of the
FORWARD_TO_USERNAME item type attribute, determined by calling the Workflow
Engine API GetItemAttrText.

10-22 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

(4) This section calls the function CheckSpendingLimit for the current approver to
determine whether the requisition amount is less than or equal to the approver's
spending limit. If the requisition amount is less than or equal to the value in
l_spending_limit, meaning the approver has authority to approve, then assign
resultout to be COMPLETE:Y. Otherwise, assign resultout to be COMPLETE:N.
(5) If the value of funcmode is CANCEL, then assign resultout to be COMPLETE:.
(6) If the value of funcmode is TIMEOUT, then assign resultout to be COMPLETE:.
(7) This section calls WF_CORE.CONTEXT if an exception occurs, to include context
information in the error stack to help you locate the source of an error. See: CONTEXT,
Oracle Workflow API Reference.
(8) This section marks the end of the procedure.

Example Notification Activity


The Requisition process contains several notification activities that send informative
messages to users. The Notify Approver subprocess also includes notification activities
that request a response from a user.
A notification activity requires the following information be defined in its Activity
property page:

Internal name for the activity.

Display name for the activity.

Result type for the activity, which can be none or the name of a predefined lookup
type.

Name of a predefined message that the notification sends out.

Related Topics
Example: Notify Requisition Approval Required, page 10-23
Example: Notify Requisition Approval Required
The Notify Requisition Approval Required activity sends a message called Requisition
Approval Required to an approving manager. The message requests that the manager
approve or reject a requisition and provides details about the requisition within the
body of the message.
Result Type

The manager's response determines the activity that the process transitions to next. The
possible responses, 'APPROVE' or 'REJECT', are defined in a lookup type called
Approval. These values are defined by the message's special Result attribute, whose
display name is Action. These values are also the possible results of the notification
activity, as defined by the Result Type field in the Activity property page.

Sample Workflow Process 10-23

Message

The content of the notification is defined in the message called Requisition Approval
Required:
Subject

Requisition &REQUISITION_NUMBER,
&REQUISITION_DESCRIPTION for
&REQUISITION_AMOUNT requires approval

Body

WF_NOTIFICATION(ATTRS,REQUISITION_NUMBER,REQUISI
TION_AMOUNT,
REQUISITION_DESCRIPTION,FORWARD_FROM_USERNAME,RE
QUESTOR_USERNAME)
WF_NOTIFICATION(HISTORY)

Message attributes, preceded by an ampersand '&' in the subject line or body of the
message, are token substituted with runtime values when the notification is sent.
However, in order for token substitution to occur properly, all message attributes
referenced in the subject line or body of the message must be defined with a source of
'Send'.
In this example, the message body consists of two calls to the special message function
called WF_NOTIFICATION(). The first call displays the requisition number, requisition
description, requisition amount, previous approver name, and preparer name for the
requisition in a message attribute table within the message. The second call displays a
notification history table in the message. Additionally, the message includes a special
'Send' attribute named #FROM_ROLE, for the from role that sent the notification, to be
displayed in the notification header. See: #FROM_ROLE Attribute, page 3-38 and
WF_NOTIFICATION() Message Function, page 3-32.
This message also contains a special result message attribute called Action and a
'Respond' message attribute called Note.
The result message attribute is defined in the Result tab of the message's property page.
The result attribute prompts the approver to respond with a value from a list of possible
values provided by the lookup type specified. The response, in turn, becomes the result
of the Notify Requisition Approval Required activity. In this case, the possible response
values are 'APPROVE' or 'REJECT', as defined by the Approval lookup type. This
result determines which activity the process transitions to next.
The 'Respond' message attribute Note is of type 'Text'. This attribute prompts the
approver to enter optional comments when responding to the notification.
Note: To view the content of any message, double-click the message in

the navigator tree or select the message and choose Properties from the
Edit menu.
Process Node Properties

In the properties page of the Notify Requisition Approval Required activity node in the
Notify Approver subprocess, this node is set to Normal because it is neither the start
nor end activity in the process.

10-24 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

The performer is set to the Forward To Username item type attribute, indicating that the
notification is sent to the user whose name is stored in the item type attribute called
'Forward To Username'. The value of 'Forward To Username' is determined earlier in
the Requisition process by the activity called Select Approver.

Sample Workflow Process 10-25

11
Error Handling
This chapter describes how Oracle Workflow handles errors in workflow processes and
event subscription processing.
This chapter covers the following topics:

Error Handling

Error Handling
Oracle Workflow provides default error handling for both workflow processes and
event subscription processing. The default handling is defined by error processes
provided in a special item type called System: Error, and, for events, by special
subscriptions with a source type of Error. You can also choose to define your own
custom error handling by creating custom error processes and subscriptions.

Related Topics
Error Handling for Workflow Processes, page 11-1
Error Handling for Event Subscription Processing, page 11-4
System: Error Item Type and Item Attributes, page 11-8
Default Error Process, page 11-10
Retry-only Process, page 11-13
Default Event Error Process, page 11-16
Default Event Error Process (One Retry Option), page 11-21
Error Process for Notification Response Processing, page 11-28

Error Handling for Workflow Processes


Errors that occur during workflow execution cannot be directly returned to the caller,
since the caller generally does not know how to respond to the error. In fact, the caller

Error Handling 11-1

may be a background engine with no human operator. Instead, Oracle Workflow lets
you define the processing you want to occur in case of an error by specifying an error
handling process when you create your workflow process in Oracle Workflow Builder.
At design time, you can assign an error handling process for a process, function, or
event activity in the activity's Details property page. You must specify the internal
names of both the item type that owns the error handling process and the error
handling process itself. See: To Define Optional Activity Details, page 3-91.
Details Property Page

Oracle Workflow provides a special item type called System: Error, which contains
error processes called Default Error process and Retry-only process that you can use for
generic error handling in any of your processes. However, you cannot modify the error
processes in the System: Error item type. If you want to incorporate functionality that is
not available in these error processes, you should create your own custom error
handling process in your own item type. An error process can branch based on error
codes, send notifications, and attempt to deal with the error using automated rules for
resetting, retrying, or skipping the failed activity.
Note: Rather than relying on an error process to handle errors due to

specific business rule incompatibilities, you should try to model those


situations into your workflow process definition. For example, if a
function activity can potentially encounter an error because a business
prerequisite is not met, you might model your process to send a
notification to an appropriate role to correct that situation if it occurs, so

11-2 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

that the workflow process can progress forward. If you do not model
this situation into your workflow process, and instead rely on the error
to activate an error process, the entire workflow process will have an
ERROR status and will halt until a workflow administrator handles the
error.

At runtime, the Workflow Engine traps errors produced by function activities by setting
a savepoint before each function activity. If an activity produces an unhandled
exception, the engine performs a rollback to the savepoint, and sets the activity to the
ERROR status.
Note: For this reason, you should never commit within the PL/SQL

procedure of a function activity. The Workflow Engine never issues a


commit as it is the responsibility of the calling application to commit.

The Workflow Engine then attempts to locate an error process to run by starting with
the activity which caused the error and then checking each parent process activity until
an associated error process is located. If the Workflow Engine finds an error process, it
launches that process to handle the error. If no error process is assigned for the running
process, the Workflow Engine performs a rollback to the savepoint and sets the activity
to the ERROR status, but no error process can be launched.
Note: Both the error item type and the error process must be specified

for an error process to be launched.

Customizing Error Notifications for an Item Type


The Default Error process and the Retry-only process both send notifications to inform
an administrator that an error occurred. If you assign one of these processes as the error
process for your own process activity, you can control the behavior of the error
notifications through item type attributes that you define in your own item type. In this
way you can customize your error handling without modifying the predefined error
processes.
By default, the Default Error process and the Retry-only process send error notifications
to the SYSADMIN role. You can optionally specify another role as the recipient of error
notifications for your item type by creating an item type attribute named
WF_ADMINISTRATOR in your item type and setting the value of this attribute to the role
that you want to notify. If your item type includes the WF_ADMINISTRATOR attribute,
the Default Error process and the Retry-only process send any error notifications to the
role you specify in that attribute, overriding the default.
For example, suppose you have a requisition approval workflow and you want the
purchasing administrator, not the system administrator, to resolve any problems that
arise from this workflow. You can define an item attribute called WF_ADMINISTRATOR

Error Handling 11-3

in the item type that owns your requisition approval workflow and set the
WF_ADMINISTRATOR attribute to the purchasing administrator's role, which may be
PO_ADMIN.
You can also optionally use an item type attribute in your own item type to control
whether the error notification activity in the Default Error process or the Retry-only
process times out. Create an item type attribute of type number named
ERROR_TIMEOUT, and set the value of this attribute to the timeout interval you want,
specified in minutes. The Workflow Engine interprets the timeout value of this attribute
as a relative offset from the begin date of the activity. If the ERROR_TIMEOUT attribute
contains a null value, a value of zero, or is not defined at all, the error notification
activity does not time out.

Related Topics
System:Error Item Type and Item Attributes, page 11-8
Default Error Process, page 11-10
Retry-only Process, page 11-13

Error Handling for Event Subscription Processing


The Event Manager uses the status codes returned or exceptions raised by event
subscription rule functions to monitor the status of subscription processing for an event.
By default, when an error occurs, the Event Manager performs a type of error handling
called Stop and Rollback.
In Stop and Rollback error handling, the Event Manager halts all subscription
processing for the event and rolls back any subscriptions already executed for the event.
If the subscription rule function trapped an error and returned a PL/SQL ERROR status
code or a Java BusinessEventException, the Event Manager places the event message on
a standard error queue for further handling within Oracle Workflow.

For subscription processing in the database, the event message is placed on the
standard WF_ERROR queue associated with the WF_ERROR agent.

For subscription processing in the middle tier, the event message is placed on the
standard WF_JAVA_ERROR queue associated with the WF_JAVA_ERROR agent.

However, if the subscription rule function raised an unhandled exception, the Event
Manager reraises that exception directly to the calling application after rolling back all
subscription processing for the event. In this case the event message is not placed on an
error queue.
Note: With Stop and Rollback error handling, if you want the calling

application to be aware of the error, you should raise an unhandled


exception in your rule function, as errors trapped by the rule function
are handled within Oracle Workflow and are not raised to the calling

11-4 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

application.

Rolling back all subscription processing allows you to handle the error by retrying the
event, if appropriate. In this way, Oracle Workflow ensures that no subscription is
duplicated when subscription processing is restarted. If you later retry subscription
processing for the event, the Event Manager re-executes all subscriptions to the event.
You can optionally assign a subscription a different type of error handling, called Skip
to Next. In Skip to Next error handling, the Event Manager rolls back only this
subscription. The Event Manager then places the event message on the standard
WF_ERROR or WF_JAVA_ERROR agent, regardless of whether the subscription
trapped an error or raised an unhandled exception. The exception is not raised to the
calling application. Finally, the Event Manager continues processing the next
subscription for the event according to the subscription phase order.
Skipping to the next subscription lets you continue processing without waiting in cases
where the calling application does not depend on the successful completion of a
subscription and the subscription does not impact the execution of any other
subscriptions to the same event. If you later retry subscription processing for the event,
the Event Manager re-executes only the errored subscription.
Note: Skip to Next error handling is not available for subscriptions with

a source type of Error. If an additional error occurs during such a


subscription, processing for that event will be halted until the error is
addressed.

The WF_ERROR agent is a standard agent for error handling in the database that is
automatically defined on the local system when you install Oracle Workflow. The
WF_JAVA_ERROR agent is a standard agent for error handling in the middle tier.
Oracle Workflow provides agent listeners to monitor these agents. When a listener
dequeues an event message from the WF_ERROR queue or the WF_JAVA_ERROR
queue, the message is assigned a source type of Error. The Event Manager then searches
for and executes any subscriptions by the local system to that event or to the Any event
with the source type Error. If no subscriptions are found, the Event Manager executes
any subscriptions by the local system to the Unexpected event with the source type
Error.
Oracle Workflow provides one predefined subscription to the Unexpected event with
the source type Error. This subscription performs the default error handling for any
errored event that does not have a specific Error subscription. The subscription sends
the event message to the Default Event Error process in the System: Error item type.
Important: You must not change or disable the definition of the

Unexpected event or of the predefined Error subscription to that event.


If you do, the Event Manager will not be able to perform default error
handling for subscription processing.

Error Handling 11-5

The Default Event Error process sends a notification to the system administrator, who
can then abort or retry the event subscription processing.
Oracle Workflow also provides a predefined subscription with the source type Error for
the oracle.apps.wf.notification.wl.response.message event, which
represents a notification response whose processing has been deferred. The subscription
sends the event message to the Error Process for Notification Response Processing in
the System: Error item type. That process sends a notification to the workflow
administrator specified in the Workflow Configuration page, who can retry the
notification response processing. For more information about deferred notification
response processing and the workflow administrator role, see: Setting Global User
Preferences, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
You can set up custom error handling for a particular event by defining a subscription
to that event with a source type of Error and specifying the custom processing you want
to execute as the subscription action. In this case, the Event Manager will not perform
the default error handling, since the errored event will no longer be an unexpected
event. Instead, your custom error handling will replace the default error handling.
For example, if you want to provide specific Web service details for any errors in
subscriptions that invoke Web services, or if you want to present a simpler
administrative notification for local errored events, you can define custom error
handling subscriptions that send the event to the Default Event Error Process (One
Retry Option) instead of the Default Event Error Process. See: Default Event Error
Process (One Retry Option), page 11-21.
Note: If an event has multiple subscriptions, and the Event Manager

encounters an ERROR status or exception during subscription


processing, check which subscription caused the error to help
determine how to handle the error. This check is particularly important
when different applications own subscriptions to the same event.

For additional information about diagnostic and mass event reprocessing scripts, see:
Handling Business Event System Errors, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.

Warning Conditions in Subscription Processing


A PL/SQL rule function can return a status code of WARNING, indicating that a warning
condition occurred, but the subscription processing was completed without a blocking
error. In this case the Event Manager places a copy of the event message on the
standard WF_ERROR queue associated with the WF_ERROR agent and then continues
subscription processing for the event.
The predefined subscription to the Unexpected event with the source type Error
performs the default error handling for events with warnings, just as it does for errored
events. The subscription sends the event message to the Default Event Error process in
the System: Error item type.
The Default Event Error process sends a notification to the system administrator to alert

11-6 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

the administrator to the warning condition. This notification does not require a
response.
You can also define custom Error subscriptions to perform custom handling for
warning conditions.
Note: Both the WARNING status code and the Skip to Next error

handling type allow subscription processing to continue. However, in


Skip to Next error handling, the Event Manager rolls back the
processing performed for the errored subscription before continuing,
while for the WARNING status code, the Event Manager completes the
subscription that returned the warning and continues without rolling
back any subscription processing.

Unexpected Events
Oracle Workflow also uses the Default Event Error process to handle unexpected
events. If an event is received from an external source, but the local system does not
have any subscriptions to that event, the Event Manager automatically searches for
subscriptions to the Unexpected event with the source type External. Oracle Workflow
provides a predefined External subscription to the Unexpected event that sends the
event message to the Default Event Error process.
The Default Event Error process notifies the system administrator of the unexpected
event and allows the system administrator to abort or retry the event subscription
processing. For example, the system administrator can create a subscription to handle
the event and then re-enqueue the event message to trigger the new subscription.
Note: Oracle Workflow also provides a predefined Local subscription

to the Unexpected event that sends the event message to the Default
Event Error process when there are no subscriptions to a locally raised
event. However, this subscription is disabled by default, because many
local events may be raised to which you do not want to subscribe. If
you want to enable this subscription, be careful to consider all the
events that can be raised on your local system and trigger the
subscription.

Related Topics
Unexpected Event, page 9-18
Default Event Error Process, page 11-16
Error Process for Notification Response Processing, page 11-28
Specifying Error Handling for a Subscription, page 8-19
Standard API for an Event Subscription Rule Function, page 6-32

Error Handling 11-7

System: Error Item Type and Item Attributes


To view the details of the System: Error item type, choose Open from the File menu in
the Oracle Workflow Builder, then connect to the database and select the System: Error
item type or connect to a file called wferror.wft in the <ORACLE_HOME>\wf\Data\
<Language> directory.
The System: Error item type contains the following item attributes:

Error Activity ID

Error Activity Label

Error Assigned User

Error Item Type

Error Item Key

Error User Key

Error Message

Error Name

Error Notification ID

Error Result Code

Error Stack

Error Monitor URL

Timeout Value

Event Name

Event Details

Event Message

Event Key

Event Data URL

Event Subscription

Error Type

11-8 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Error Details

Administrator Role

Subscription Details

Parent Notification Subject

Parent Notification Message Name

Parent Notification ID

Parent Notification Message Type

Parent Notification Recipient Role Name

Parent Notification Recipient Role Display Name

Parent Notification Responder Role

Parent Notification Responder Role Display Name

Error Notification Recipient Role

These item attributes are referenced by the function, notification, and event activities
that make up the error processes called Default Error Process, Retry-only, Default Event
Error Process, Default Event Error Process (One Retry Option), and Error Process for
Notification Response Processing.
Important: If you create a custom error handling process in your own

item type, Oracle Workflow automatically sets the above item attributes
when it calls your error handling process. If these item attributes do not
already exist in your process, Oracle Workflow creates them at runtime.
However, if you want to reference these item attributes in your error
handling process, such as in a message, you must first create them as
item attributes in your process's item type at design time using Oracle
Workflow Builder.

Related Topics
Default Error Process, page 11-10
Retry-only Process, page 11-13
Default Event Error Process, page 11-16
Default Event Error Process (One Retry Option), page 11-21
Error Process for Notification Response Processing, page 11-28

Error Handling 11-9

Default Error Process


DEFAULT_ERROR is the internal name of the Default Error Process. The purpose of this
error handling process is to:

send an administrator a notification when an error occurs in a process

provide information to the administrator about the error

allow the administrator to abort the process, retry the errored activity, or resolve
the problem that caused the error to occur

The process automatically terminates when the error is no longer active.


Although you cannot edit the Default Error Process, the process is flexible enough for
you to customize its behavior. You can define two item type attributes called
WF_ADMINISTRATOR and ERROR_TIMEOUT in your item type that calls the Default
Error Process to control the error processing that is performed.

WF_ADMINISTRATOR - Specify the role to which Oracle Workflow sends the error
notification. The default is the SYSADMIN role.

ERROR_TIMEOUT - Specify whether the error notification times out.

11-10 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Default Error Process Diagram

'Initialize Error' Function Activity


The Initialize Error activity calls a PL/SQL procedure named
WF_STANDARD.INITIALIZEERRORS. This procedure determines if the item type of
the errored process has an item type attribute defined with an internal name of
WF_ADMINISTRATOR. If it does, it sets the performer of the subsequent notification
activity, Notify Administrator, to the role stored in WF_ADMINISTRATOR. If it does not,
the subsequent notification activity remains set to the default performer, SYSADMIN.
By checking for an item attribute called WF_ADMINISTRATOR in your errored process's
item type, the Initialize Error activity lets you specify who you want a notification to be
sent to in the case of an error in your specific process without modifying the error
process.

'Notify Administrator' Notification Activity


The Notify Administrator activity sends the Default Retry Error message to a performer
(either SYSADMIN or whatever role is stored in your item type's WF_ADMINISTRATOR
item attribute). The message indicates that an error has occurred in the specified process
and that a response is needed. The response options and their resulting actions are:

Abort the process - executes the Error Still Active activity to verify if the error is still
present and if it is, calls the Abort function activity and ends the default error

Error Handling 11-11

process.

Retry the process - executes the Error Still Active activity to verify if the error is still
present and if it is, calls the Retry function activity and ends the default error
process.

Resolved the process - ends the default error process because you addressed the
errored process directly through some external means or using the embedded URL
link to the Workflow Monitor.
Note: The notification message's embedded monitor URL displays

the process in error in the Workflow Monitor with full


administrator privileges. You can perform actions such as retrying,
skipping, or rolling back part of your process to resolve the error.

The subject and body of the Default Retry Error message are as follows:
Subject: Error in Workflow &ERROR_ITEM_TYPE/&ERROR_ITEM_KEY
&ERROR_MESSAGE
Body: An Error occurred in the following Workflow.
Item Type = &ERROR_ITEM_TYPE
Item Key = &ERROR_ITEM_KEY
User Key =&ERROR_USER_KEY
Error Name = &ERROR_NAME
Error Message = &ERROR_MESSAGE
Error Stack = &ERROR_STACK
Activity Id = &ERROR_ACTIVITY_ID
Activity Label = &ERROR_ACTIVITY_LABEL
Result Code = &ERROR_RESULT_CODE
Notification Id = &ERROR_NOTIFICATION_ID
Assigned User = &ERROR_ASSIGNED_USER
&MONITOR

The Notify Administrator notification activity has a dynamic timeout value assigned to
it. It checks the item type of the errored process for an item type attribute whose
internal name is ERROR_TIMEOUT. ERROR_TIMEOUT must be an attribute of type
number. The Workflow Engine interprets the value of this attribute as a relative offset
from the begin date of the activity, in the unit of minutes, to determine the timeout
value of Notify Administrator. If ERROR_TIMEOUT contains a null value, a value of
zero, or is not defined at all, then Notify Administrator has no timeout.

'Error Still Active' Function Activity


The Workflow Engine initiates the Error Still Active function activity if the Notify
Administrator activity times out or returns Abort or Retry as a result.
The Error Still Active activity calls a PL/SQL procedure called

11-12 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

WF_STANDARD.CHECKERRORACTIVE. The purpose of the Error Still Active activity


is to determine whether the errored process is still in error before continuing with the
error handling. If it is, Error Still Active returns TRUE and the Workflow Engine takes
the appropriate transition to either send another notification or abort or retry the
errored process. If the errored process is no longer in error, this activity returns FALSE
and the error handling process ends, as modelled in the process diagram.

'Retry' Function Activity


The Retry function activity executes the PL/SQL procedure WF_STANDARD.
RESETERROR to clear the activity that was in error and run it again. This procedure
calls the WF_ENGINE.HandleError API to rerun the activity.

'Abort' Function Activity


The Abort function activity executes the PL/SQL procedure WF_STANDARD.
ABORTPROCESS, which in turn calls the WF_ENGINE.AbortProcess API to abort the
process that encountered the error.

Related Topics
Workflow Core APIs, Oracle Workflow API Reference

Retry-only Process
RETRY_ONLY is the internal name of the Retry-only error process. The purpose of this
error handling process is to alert an administrator when an error occurs in a process
and prompt the administrator to retry the process in error. The process automatically
terminates when the error is no longer active.
Although you cannot edit the Retry-only process, the process is flexible enough for you
to customize its behavior. You can define two item type attributes called
WF_ADMINISTRATOR and ERROR_TIMEOUT in your item type that calls the Retry-only
process to control the error processing that is performed.

WF_ADMINISTRATOR - Specify the role to which Oracle Workflow sends the error
notification. The default is the SYSADMIN role.

ERROR_TIMEOUT - Specify whether the error notification times out.

Error Handling 11-13

Retry-only Process Diagram

'Initialize Error' Function Activity


The Initialize Error activity calls a PL/SQL procedure named
WF_STANDARD.INITIALIZEERRORS. This procedure determines if the item type of
the errored process has an item type attribute defined with an internal name of
WF_ADMINISTRATOR. If it does, it sets the performer of the subsequent notification
activity, NTF with RETRY Only, to the role stored in WF_ADMINISTRATOR. If it does
not, the subsequent notification activity remains set to the default performer, SYSADMIN
.
By checking for an item attribute called WF_ADMINISTRATOR in your errored process'
item type, the Initialize Error activity lets you specify who you want a notification to be
sent to in the case of an error in your specific process without modifying the error
process.

'NTF with RETRY Only' Notification Activity


The NTF with RETRY Only activity sends the Retry As Only Option message to a
performer (SYSADMIN or whatever role is stored in your item type's
WF_ADMINISTRATOR item attribute). The message indicates that an error has occurred
in the specified process and prompts the administrator to retry the activity that errored.
The error process then transitions to the Retry function activity and ends the Retry-only
error process.

11-14 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Note: The notification message's embedded URL link displays the

process in error in the Workflow Monitor with full administrator


privileges. You can perform actions such as retrying, skipping, or
rolling back part of your process within the Workflow Monitor to
resolve the error.

The subject and body of the Retry As Only Option message are as follows:
Subject: Error in Workflow &ERROR_ITEM_TYPE/&ERROR_ITEM_KEY
&ERROR_MESSAGE
Body: An Error occurred in the following Workflow.
Item Type = &ERROR_ITEM_TYPE
Item Key = &ERROR_ITEM_KEY
User Key =&ERROR_USER_KEY
Error Name = &ERROR_NAME
Error Message = &ERROR_MESSAGE
Error Stack = &ERROR_STACK
Activity Id = &ERROR_ACTIVITY_ID
Activity Label = &ERROR_ACTIVITY_LABEL
Result Code = &ERROR_RESULT_CODE
Notification Id = &ERROR_NOTIFICATION_ID
Assigned User = &ERROR_ASSIGNED_USER
&MONITOR

The NTF with RETRY Only notification activity has a dynamic timeout value assigned
to it. It checks the item type of the process in error for an item attribute that has an
internal name called ERROR_TIMEOUT. ERROR_TIMEOUT must be an attribute of type
number. The Workflow Engine interprets the timeout value of this attribute as a relative
offset from the begin date of the activity, in the unit of minutes. If ERROR_TIMEOUT
contains a null value, a value of zero, or is not defined at all, then NTF with RETRY
Only has no timeout.

'Error Still Active' Function Activity


The Workflow Engine initiates the Error Still Active function activity if the NTF with
RETRY Only activity times out.
The Error Still Active activity calls a PL/SQL procedure called
WF_STANDARD.CHECKERRORACTIVE. The purpose of the Error Still Active activity
is to determine whether the errored process is still in error before continuing with the
error handling. If it is, Error Still Active returns TRUE and the Workflow Engine
transitions back to the NTF with RETRY Only notification activity to send another
notification to the administrator. If the errored process is no longer in error, this activity
returns FALSE and the error handling process ends, as modelled in the process
diagram.

Error Handling 11-15

'Retry' Function Activity


The Retry function activity executes the PL/SQL procedure WF_STANDARD.
RESETERROR to clear the activity that was in error and run it again. This procedure
calls the WF_ENGINE.HandleError API to rerun the activity.

Related Topics
Workflow Core APIs, Oracle Workflow API Reference

Default Event Error Process


DEFAULT_EVENT_ERROR is the internal name of the Default Event Error Process for the
Business Event System. The purpose of this error handling process is to:

send an administrator a notification when an error or warning condition occurs


during event subscription processing

provide information to the administrator about the error

allow the administrator to abort or retry the event subscription processing, if


appropriate

11-16 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Default Event Error Process Diagram

'Receive Errored Queue Message' Event Activity


The Receive Errored Queue Message activity receives an event message that has
encountered an error or warning condition during subscription processing. For
instance, if a subscription rule function returns a PL/SQL ERROR or WARNING status
code or a Java BusinessEventException, if a subscription with Skip to Next error
processing raises an unhandled exception, or if an unexpected event is received, the
Event Manager executes default subscriptions that send the event message to the
Default Event Error process. See: Predefined Workflow Events, page 9-1.
The Receive Errored Queue Message activity stores the event name, event key, and the
complete event message in item type attributes.

'Initialize Event Error' Function Activity


The Initialize Error activity calls a PL/SQL procedure named
WF_STANDARD.INITIALIZEEVENTERROR. This procedure determines the error type.

Event Warning - A warning condition occurred, but subscription processing


continued. For this error type, the Workflow Engine sends the Event Warning
Notification.

External Event Error - An error occurred in subscription processing for an event

Error Handling 11-17

received from an external source. For this error type, the Workflow Engine first
checks whether the event message belongs to a message group on a queue that is
enabled for transactional grouping. If so, then the process sends the Message Group
Error Notification. Otherwise, the process sends the External Event Error
Notification.

Local Event Error - An error occurred in subscription processing for an event raised
on the local system. For this error type, the Workflow Engine sends the Local Event
Error Notification.

'Event Warning Notification' Activity


The Workflow Engine initiates the Event Warning Notification activity when the
errored event has an error type of Event Warning. The activity sends the Default Event
Warning message to the system administrator to indicate that a warning condition has
occurred during subscription processing. This message is an FYI message and does not
require a response.
The subject and body of the Default Event Warning message are as follows:
Subject: Event WARNING : &EVENT_NAME / &EVENT_KEY
Body: A Warning occurred in the following Event
Subscription: &EVENT_SUBSCRIPTION
Event Error Name: &ERROR_NAME
Event Error Message: &ERROR_MESSAGE
Event Error Stack: &ERROR_STACK
Event Data: &EVENT_DATA_URL
Other Event Details: &EVENT_DETAILS

'Compare Event Property' Activity


The Workflow Engine executes the standard Compare Event Property activity when the
errored event has an error type of External Event Error. This activity node checks
whether the DEQUEUE_MODE event parameter is set to the value TRANSACTIONAL,
indicating that the event message belongs to a message group on a queue that is
enabled for transactional grouping. If so, then the Workflow Engine sends the Message
Group Error Notification and ends the process. Otherwise, the Workflow Engine sends
the External Event Error Notification.

'Message Group Error Notification' Activity


The Workflow Engine initiates the Message Group Error Notification activity when the
errored event has an error type of External Event Error and the event message belongs
to a message group on a queue that is enabled for transactional grouping. The activity
sends the Default External Message Group Error message to the system administrator
to indicate that an error occurred while processing a message that belongs to a message
group. In this case the event message should not be aborted or retried individually. The

11-18 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

administrator should investigate the error for the entire message group. Consequently,
this notification message is an FYI message and does not require a response. For more
information about transactional queues, see: Oracle Streams Advanced Queuing User's
Guide.
Note: The standard Business Event System queues provided by Oracle

Workflow are not enabled for transactional grouping.

The subject and body of the Default External Message Group Error message are as
follows:
Subject: External Event &ERROR_TYPE : &EVENT_NAME / &EVENT_KEY
Body: An error occured while processing a message that belonged to a
message group.
Details of this message are included in this notification for
informational purposes only. The dequeue retry count for all messages
in this message group have been incremented by one.
An Error occurred in the following Event Subscription:
&EVENT_SUBSCRIPTION
Event Error Name: &ERROR_NAME
Event Error Message: &ERROR_MESSAGE
Event Error Stack: &ERROR_STACK
Event Data: &EVENT_DATA_URL
Other Event Details: &EVENT_DETAILS

'External Event Error Notification' Activity


The Workflow Engine initiates the External Event Error Notification activity when the
errored event has an error type of External Event Error and the event was on a
non-transactional queue. The activity sends the Default External Event Error message to
the system administrator. This message indicates that an error has occurred during
subscription processing for an event received from an external source, and that a
response is needed. The response options and their resulting actions are:

Abort - aborts subscription processing and ends the process. For example, if the
event data contained in an event message is corrupted, the system administrator
can abort subscription processing on that event message.

Enqueue Event - executes the Retry Process Event activity to enqueue the event
message back onto the queue where it was originally received, and ends the
process. The event message is enqueued with a priority of -1 so that it will be the
first message to be dequeued the next time the listener runs.
The system administrator can attempt to correct the error before re-enqueuing the
event. For example, the system administrator can create a subscription to handle an
unexpected event and then re-enqueue the event message to trigger the new

Error Handling 11-19

subscription.
The subject and body of the Default External Event Error message are as follows:
Subject: External Event &ERROR_TYPE : &EVENT_NAME / &EVENT_KEY
Body: An Error occurred in the following Event
Subscription: &EVENT_SUBSCRIPTION
Event Error Name: &ERROR_NAME
Event Error Message: &ERROR_MESSAGE
Event Error Stack: &ERROR_STACK
Event Data: &EVENT_DATA_URL
Other Event Details: &EVENT_DETAILS

'Local Event Error Notification' Activity


The Workflow Engine initiates the Local Event Error Notification activity when the
errored event has an error type of Local Event Error. The activity sends the Default
Local Event Error message to the system administrator. This message indicates that an
error has occurred during subscription processing for an event raised on the local
system, and that a response is needed. The response options and their resulting actions
are:

Abort - aborts subscription processing and ends the Default Event Error process.

Raise Event with Event Key - executes the Retry Process Event activity to reraise the
event with only the event name and event key, and ends the Default Event Error
process.

Raise Event with Event Key and Event Data - executes the Retry Process Event
activity to reraise the event with only the event name, event key, and event data,
and ends the Default Event Error process.

Raise Event with Event Key, Event Data and Parameters - executes the Retry
Process Event activity to reraise the event with the event name, event key, event
data, and parameters, and ends the Default Event Error process.

The system administrator can choose the level of information to provide to the Event
Manager when reraising the event. For example, if an error exists in the event data that
was originally provided, the event can be reraised with only the event name and the
event key, forcing the Event Manager to regenerate the event data using the event's
generate function.
The system administrator can also attempt to correct the error before reraising the
event.
The subject and body of the Default Local Event Error message are as follows:

11-20 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Subject: Local Event &ERROR_TYPE : &EVENT_NAME / &EVENT_KEY


Body: An Error occurred in the following Event
Subscription: &EVENT_SUBSCRIPTION
Event Error Name: &ERROR_NAME
Event Error Message: &ERROR_MESSAGE
Event Error Stack: &ERROR_STACK
Event Data: &EVENT_DATA_URL
Other Event Details: &EVENT_DETAILS

'Retry Process Event' Function Activity


The Retry Process Event activity executes the PL/SQL procedure
WF_STANDARD.RETRYRAISE. Depending on the notification response selected by the
system administrator, this procedure either re-enqueues or reraises an errored event.
The responses that can initiate the Retry Process Event activity and their resulting
actions are:

Enqueue Event - enqueues an errored external event message back onto the queue
where it was originally received. The event message is enqueued with a priority of
-1 so that it will be the first message to be dequeued the next time the listener runs.

Raise Event with Event Key - reraises a local errored event with only the event
name and event key.

Raise Event with Event Key and Event Data - reraises a local errored event with
only the event name, event key, and event data.

Raise Event with Event Key, Event Data and Parameters - reraises a local errored
event with the event name, event key, event data, and parameters.

Related Topics
Workflow Core APIs, Oracle Workflow API Reference
Managing Business Events, page 8-1

Default Event Error Process (One Retry Option)


DEFAULT_EVENT_ERROR2 is the internal name of the Default Event Error Process (One
Retry Option). This process is not used in the standard Oracle Workflow error handling,
but you can optionally set up custom error handling that uses it. For example, you can
use this process in the following cases:

You want to provide specific Web service details for any errors in subscriptions that
invoke Web services.

You want to present a simpler administrative notification for local errored events

Error Handling 11-21

than the notification in the standard Default Event Error Process.


The purpose of the Default Event Error Process (One Retry Option) is to:

send an administrator a notification when an error or warning condition occurs


during event subscription processing

provide information to the administrator about the error, including specific Web
service details for subscriptions that invoke Web services

allow the administrator to abort or retry the event subscription processing if


appropriate
Note: The Default Event Error Process (One Retry Option) presents

a simpler administrative notification for local errored events than


the standard Default Event Error Process. The Default Event Error
Process provides options to retry a local event with only the event
name and event key; with only the event name, event key, and
event data; or with the event name, event key, event data, and
parameters. The Default Event Error Process (One Retry Option)
simplifies the notification administrators receive by providing only
the option to retry the event with the event name, event key, event
data, and parameters.

To use this process in custom error handling for an event, create a subscription to that
event with a source type of Error and an action of Launch Workflow. Then specify the
item type to launch as System: Error (WFERROR) and the process as Default Event Error
Process (One Retry Option) (DEFAULT_EVENT_ERROR2).

11-22 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Default Event Error Process (One Retry Option) Diagram

'Receive Errored Queue Message' Event Activity


The Receive Errored Queue Message activity receives an event message that has
encountered an error or warning condition during subscription processing. The activity
stores the event name, event key, and the complete event message in item type
attributes.

'Event Subscription Action' Function Activity


The Event Subscription Action activity calls a PL/SQL procedure named
WF_STANDARD.SubscriptionAction. This procedure determines the action of the
subscription that encountered the error. If the action is Invoke Web Service, then the
Default Event Error Process (One Retry Option) proceeds to send error notifications that
include specific Web service details. For all other actions, the process sends error
notifications with general event subscription details only.

Error Handling 11-23

'Initialize Event Error' Function Activity


The Initialize Event Error activity calls a PL/SQL procedure named
WF_STANDARD.INITIALIZEEVENTERROR. This procedure determines the error type.

Event Warning - A warning condition occurred, but subscription processing


continued. For this error type, the process sends the Web Service Invoker Warning
Notification for Web service subscriptions, or the Event Warning Notification for all
other subscriptions.

Local Event Error - An error occurred in subscription processing for an event raised
on the local system. For this error type, the process sends the Web Service Invoker
Error Notification for Web service subscriptions, or the Local Event Error
Notification (One Retry Option) for all other subscriptions.

External Event Error - An error occurred in subscription processing for an event


received from an external source. For this error type, the process first checks
whether the event message belongs to a message group on a queue that is enabled
for transactional grouping. If so, then the process sends the Message Group Error
Notification. Otherwise, the process sends the External Event Error Notification.

'Web Service Invoker Warning Notification' Activity


The Workflow Engine initiates the Web Service Invoker Warning Notification activity
when the errored subscription has an action of Invoke Web Service and the errored
event has an error type of Event Warning. The activity sends the Default Web Service
Invoker Event Warning message to the system administrator to indicate that a warning
condition has occurred during Web service subscription processing. This message is an
FYI message and does not require a response.
The subject and body of the Default Web Service Invoker Event Warning message are as
follows:
Subject: Web Service Invoker &ERROR_TYPE : &EVENT_NAME / &EVENT_KEY
Body: A Warning occurred while invoking following web service.
&WEBSERVICE_DETAILS
&ERROR_DETAILS
&EVENT_DETAILS

'Event Warning Notification' Activity


The Workflow Engine initiates the Event Warning Notification activity when the
errored subscription has any action other than Invoke Web Service and the errored
event has an error type of Event Warning. The activity sends the Default Event Warning
message to the system administrator to indicate that a warning condition has occurred
during subscription processing. This message is an FYI message and does not require a
response.

11-24 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

The subject and body of the Default Event Warning message are as follows:
Subject: Event WARNING : &EVENT_NAME / &EVENT_KEY
Body: A Warning occurred in the following Event
Subscription: &EVENT_SUBSCRIPTION
Event Error Name: &ERROR_NAME
Event Error Message: &ERROR_MESSAGE
Event Error Stack: &ERROR_STACK
Event Data: &EVENT_DATA_URL
Other Event Details: &EVENT_DETAILS

'Web Service Invoker Error Notification' Activity


The Workflow Engine initiates the Web Service Invoker Error Notification activity
when the errored subscription has an action of Invoke Web Service and the errored
event has an error type of Local Event Error. The activity sends the Default Web Service
Invoker Event Error message to the system administrator. This message indicates that
an error has occurred during Web service subscription processing for an event raised on
the local system, and that a response is needed. The response options and their resulting
actions are:

Abort - aborts subscription processing and ends the process.

Invoke Web Service - executes the Retry Process Event activity to reattempt
invoking the Web service by reraising the event, and ends the process.

The system administrator can attempt to correct the error before reattempting to invoke
the Web service.
The subject and body of the Default Web Service Invoker Event Error message are as
follows:
Subject: Web Service Invoker &ERROR_TYPE : &EVENT_NAME / &EVENT_KEY
Body: An Error occurred while invoking following web service.
&WEBSERVICE_DETAILS
&ERROR_DETAILS
&EVENT_DETAILS

'Local Event Error Notification (One Retry Option)' Activity


The Workflow Engine initiates the Local Event Error Notification (One Retry Option)
activity when the errored subscription has any action other than Invoke Web Service
and the errored event has an error type of Local Event Error. The activity sends the
Default Local Event Error (One Retry Option) message to the system administrator. This
message indicates that an error has occurred during subscription processing for an
event raised on the local system, and that a response is needed. The response options
and their resulting actions are:

Error Handling 11-25

Abort - aborts subscription processing and ends the process.

Raise Event - executes the Retry Process Event activity to reraise the event with the
event name, event key, event data, and parameters, and ends the process.
Note: The Default Event Error Process (One Retry Option) presents a

simpler administrative notification than the standard Default Event


Error Process by providing only the option to retry the event with the
event name, event key, event data, and parameters. The Default Event
Error Process (One Retry Option) does not include options to retry the
event with only the event name and event key, or only the event name,
event key, and event data. If you want to provide administrators those
options, use the standard Default Event Error Process instead.

The system administrator can attempt to correct the error before reraising the event.
The subject and body of the Default Local Event Error (One Retry Option) message are
as follows:
Subject: Local Event &ERROR_TYPE : &EVENT_NAME / &EVENT_KEY
Body: An Error occurred in the following Event
Subscription: &EVENT_SUBSCRIPTION
Event Error Name: &ERROR_NAME
Event Error Message: &ERROR_MESSAGE
Event Error Stack: &ERROR_STACK
Event Data: &EVENT_DATA_URL
&EVENT_DETAILS

'Compare Event Property' Activity


The Workflow Engine executes the standard Compare Event Property activity when the
errored event has an error type of External Event Error. This activity node checks
whether the DEQUEUE_MODE event parameter is set to the value TRANSACTIONAL,
indicating that the event message belongs to a message group on a queue that is
enabled for transactional grouping. If so, then the Workflow Engine sends the Message
Group Error Notification and ends the process. Otherwise, the Workflow Engine sends
the External Event Error Notification.

'Message Group Error Notification' Activity


The Workflow Engine initiates the Message Group Error Notification activity when the
errored event has an error type of External Event Error and the event message belongs
to a message group on a queue that is enabled for transactional grouping. The activity
sends the Default External Message Group Error message to the system administrator
to indicate that an error occurred while processing a message that belongs to a message
group. In this case the event message should not be aborted or retried individually. The

11-26 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

administrator should investigate the error for the entire message group. Consequently,
this notification message is an FYI message and does not require a response. For more
information about transactional queues, see: Oracle Streams Advanced Queuing User's
Guide.
Note: The standard Business Event System queues provided by Oracle

Workflow are not enabled for transactional grouping.

The subject and body of the Default External Message Group Error message are as
follows:
Subject: External Event &ERROR_TYPE : &EVENT_NAME / &EVENT_KEY
Body: An error occured while processing a message that belonged to a
message group.
Details of this message are included in this notification for
informational purposes only. The dequeue retry count for all messages
in this message group have been incremented by one.
An Error occurred in the following Event Subscription:
&EVENT_SUBSCRIPTION
Event Error Name: &ERROR_NAME
Event Error Message: &ERROR_MESSAGE
Event Error Stack: &ERROR_STACK
Event Data: &EVENT_DATA_URL
Other Event Details: &EVENT_DETAILS

'External Event Error Notification' Activity


The Workflow Engine initiates the External Event Error Notification activity when the
errored event has an error type of External Event Error and the event was on a
non-transactional queue. The activity sends the Default External Event Error message to
the system administrator. This message indicates that an error has occurred during
subscription processing for an event received from an external source, and that a
response is needed. The response options and their resulting actions are:

Abort - aborts subscription processing and ends the process. For example, if the
event data contained in an event message is corrupted, the system administrator
can abort subscription processing on that event message.

Enqueue Event - executes the Retry Process Event activity to enqueue the event
message back onto the queue where it was originally received, and ends the
process. The event message is enqueued with a priority of -1 so that it will be the
first message to be dequeued the next time the listener runs.
The system administrator can attempt to correct the error before re-enqueuing the
event. For example, the system administrator can create a subscription to handle an
unexpected event and then re-enqueue the event message to trigger the new

Error Handling 11-27

subscription.
The subject and body of the Default External Event Error message are as follows:
Subject: External Event &ERROR_TYPE : &EVENT_NAME / &EVENT_KEY
Body: An Error occurred in the following Event
Subscription: &EVENT_SUBSCRIPTION
Event Error Name: &ERROR_NAME
Event Error Message: &ERROR_MESSAGE
Event Error Stack: &ERROR_STACK
Event Data: &EVENT_DATA_URL
Other Event Details: &EVENT_DETAILS

'Retry Process Event' Function Activity


The Retry Process Event activity executes the PL/SQL procedure
WF_STANDARD.RETRYRAISE. Depending on the notification response selected by the
system administrator, this procedure either reraises or re-enqueues an errored event.
The responses that can initiate the Retry Process Event activity and their resulting
actions are:

Invoke Web Service - reattempts invoking a Web service by reraising a local errored
event with the event name, event key, event data, and parameters.

Raise Event - reraises a local errored event with the event name, event key, event
data, and parameters.

Enqueue Event - enqueues an errored external event message back onto the queue
where it was originally received. The event message is enqueued with a priority of
-1 so that it will be the first message to be dequeued the next time the listener runs.

Related Topics
Workflow Core APIs, Oracle Workflow API Reference
Invoking a Web Service, page 8-26

Error Process for Notification Response Processing


NTF_DEFER_RESP_PROCESS_ERROR is the internal name of the Error Process for
Notification Response Processing. The purpose of this error handling process is to:

send a notification to the workflow administrator specified in the Workflow


Configuration page when an error occurs during deferred notification response
processing

provide information to the workflow administrator about the error

11-28 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

allow the workflow administrator to retry the notification processing or resolve the
problem that caused the error to occur

For more information about deferred notification response processing and the
workflow administrator role, see: Setting Global User Preferences, Oracle Workflow
Administrator's Guide.
Error Process for Notification Response Processing Diagram

'Receive Errored Queue Message' Event Activity


The Receive Errored Queue Message activity receives an event message that has
encountered an error during subscription processing. In the Error Process for
Notification Response Processing, this event is usually the
oracle.apps.wf.notification.wl.response.message event. The activity
stores the event name, event key, and the complete event message in item type
attributes.

'Initialize Error Information (Defer Notification Response) Function Activity


The Initialize Error Information (Defer Notification Response) activity calls a PL/SQL
procedure named WF_STANDARD.INITIALIZEERRORINFO. This procedure stores
details about the original notification that encountered an error in item type attributes.
The procedure also sets the value of the Error Notification Recipient Role item type
attribute to the workflow administrator role specified in the Workflow Configuration
page. See: Setting Global User Preferences, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
Note: If the workflow administrator value is set to an asterisk (*,

meaning that all users and roles have workflow administrator

Error Handling 11-29

privileges, then the WF_STANDARD.INITIALIZEERRORINFO


procedure sets the Error Notification Recipient Role item type attribute
to the SYSADMIN role instead. Note that this workflow administrator
setting is suggested for development environments only and is not
recommended in production environments for security reasons.

'Error Notification for Notification Response Processing' Notification Activity


The Error Notification for Notification Response Processing activity sends the Default
Response Processing Error Message to the workflow administrator role specified in the
Error Notification Recipient Role item type attribute. The message indicates that an
error occurred while processing a notification response and provides details about the
original notification, the responder, and the error. The message also includes a link to
the definition of the event subscription that performs the deferred notification response
processing. The response options and their resulting actions are:

Retry - executes the Retry Event activity to enqueue the notification response event
message back onto the WF_NOTIFICATION_IN queue, and ends the error process.
The workflow administrator can attempt to correct the error before re-enqueuing
the event.

Resolved - ends the error process because the workflow administrator addressed
the error in the notification response processing directly through some external
means.

The subject and body of the Default Response Processing Error Message are as follows:
Subject: Error occurred while processing notification response from
&RESPONDER_DISP_NAME for ID - &NOTIFICATION_ID
Body: An Error occurred in the following Workflow.
&NEWLINE_ATTR
Errorred Notification Details
WF_NOTIFICATION(ATTRS,NOTIFICATION_ID,SUBJECT,MESSAGE_TYPE,MESSAGE_NAME,
RECIPIENT,RECIPIENT_DISP_NAME,RESPONDER,RESPONDER_DISP_NAME)
Error Details
WF_NOTIFICATION(ATTRS,ERROR_NAME,ERROR_MESSAGE,ERROR_STACK)
&EVENT_SUBSCRIPTION to see the event subscription definition that
processes notification responses in the background.
&NEWLINE_ATTR

The Default Response Processing Error Message has the special #HIDE_MOREINFO
message attribute defined to hide the Request Information button in the Notification
Details page and exclude the Request Information response link from HTML-formatted
e-mail notifications. See: #HIDE_MOREINFO Attribute, page 3-36.

'Retry Event' Function Activity


The Retry Event function activity executes the PL/SQL procedure

11-30 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

WF_STANDARD.RETRYEVENT to retry the notification response processing by


re-enqueueing the oracle.apps.wf.notification.wl.response.message
event message onto the WF_NOTIFICATION_IN queue.

Error Handling 11-31

A
Oracle Workflow Developer Navigation
Paths
This appendix lists the navigation paths to Oracle Workflow developer Web pages in
the seeded Oracle Workflow responsibilities for Oracle E-Business Suite.
This appendix covers the following topics:

Oracle Workflow Developer Navigation Paths

Oracle Workflow Developer Navigation Paths


This table shows the navigation paths to Oracle Workflow developer Web pages in the
seeded Oracle Workflow responsibilities for Oracle E-Business Suite. Your system
administrator may have customized the responsibilities, menus, and navigation paths
in your installation.
Oracle Workflow Developer Navigation Paths
Web Page

Standard Navigation Path

Developer Studio, page 7-1

Workflow Administrator Web Applications:


Administrator Workflow > Developer Studio
or Workflow Administrator Web (New):
Administrator Workflow > Developer Studio
or Workflow Administrator Event Manager:
Administrator Workflow > Developer Studio

Oracle Workflow Developer Navigation Paths A-1

Web Page

Standard Navigation Path

Event Manager, page 8-3

Workflow Administrator Web Applications:


Administrator Workflow > Business Events or
Workflow Administrator Web (New):
Administrator Workflow > Business Events or
Workflow Administrator Event Manager:
Administrator Workflow > Business Events

Note: The Workflow Administrator Web (New) responsibility is

provided for reference to highlight the Oracle Application


Framework-based functionality in Oracle Workflow. The same
functionality is also available on the Workflow Administrator Web
Applications and Workflow Administrator Event Manager
responsibilities.

A-2 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

B
Oracle Workflow Builder Menus and
Toolbars
This appendix provides a description of the menus and toolbars in Oracle Workflow
Builder.
This appendix covers the following topics:

Oracle Workflow Builder Menus

Oracle Workflow Builder Toolbars

Oracle Workflow Builder Menus


The Oracle Workflow Builder main menu bar includes the following menus:

File, page B-1

Edit, page B-2

View, page B-3

Window, page B-5

Help, page B-5

File Menu
The File menu lets you perform several actions.

New - Creates a new workspace for you to define an item type.

Quick Start Wizard - Creates a framework from which you can begin designing a
workflow process definition. See: Quick Start Wizard Overview, page 2-16.

Open... - Opens a data store by prompting you to connect to a database or a file.

Oracle Workflow Builder Menus and Toolbars B-1

See: Opening and Saving Item Types, page 2-10.

Close Store - Closes the selected data store. This menu option is available only if the
Navigator is the active window.

Save - Saves changes to the currently connected database or file. See: Opening and
Saving Item Types, page 2-10.

Save As - Save changes to the file or database you specify with an optional effective
date.

Create Shortcut - Creates a shortcut icon on your desktop of the current Oracle
Workflow Builder session. Prompts for a shortcut name. The shortcut runs Oracle
Workflow Builder and automatically connects to the data store that was selected at
the time you created the shortcut, loading in the item types and opening the process
windows that were loaded and open at the time. If the data store is a database, the
shortcut prompts for the database password before starting Oracle Workflow
Builder. See: Creating a Shortcut Icon for a Workflow Process, page 4-22.

Verify - Validates all process definitions in the current data store. Use Refresh to
display the latest verification report of the process. See: To Validate a Process, page
4-20.

Print Diagram - Prints the process diagram displayed in the active process window.
See: To Print a Process, page 4-20.

Show/Hide Item Types... - Displays the Show Item Types window to determine
which item types in the current data store to show or hide in the navigator tree.

Load Roles from Database - Loads the Oracle Workflow directory service roles from
the current database store into Oracle Workflow Builder and makes them viewable
from the Directory Service branch in the navigator tree as well as from any property
page poplist field that references roles. This menu option is available only if the
current data store is a database. See: Roles, page 4-23.

Exit - Exits Oracle Workflow Builder.

Edit Menu
The Edit menu varies depending on whether you select the Navigator window or a
process window. The following menu options appear only when you select the
Navigator window and apply only to the Navigator window:

New - Creates a new item type, function activity, process activity, notification
activity, event activity, message, lookup type, lookup code, or attribute by
displaying its property page(s).

B-2 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Copy - Copies the selected object in the navigator tree.

Paste - Pastes the object from the clipboard into the selected branch of the navigator
tree.

Delete - Deletes the selected object from the navigator tree.

Find - Displays the Search window so you can enter search criteria to find an object
in the navigator tree. See: To Find an Object in the Navigator Tree, page 2-4.

Find Again - Finds an object in the navigator tree using the same criteria defined
previously in the Search window.

Properties - Shows the property pages of the selected object.

Process Details - Opens the process window of the selected process activity.

Move Attribute - Reorders the attributes listed in the current branch of the
navigator tree by moving the selected attribute up or down the list.

The following menu options appear only when you select a process window and apply
only to the selected process window:

Delete Selection - Deletes the selected object(s) from the process window.

Properties - Shows the property pages of the selected activity node.

Copy Diagram - Copies the process diagram displayed in the active process
window to the clipboard. See: To Copy a Process Diagram to the Clipboard, page 420.

View Menu
The View menu lets you alter the display of Oracle Workflow Builder.

Font - Displays the Fonts property page. Use the property page to change the font
settings of the text that appear in the Navigator and process windows. Changes
apply to all future sessions of Oracle Workflow Builder. See: Modifying Fonts in
Oracle Workflow Builder: , page 4-21.

Log ->Show - Toggles between displaying and hiding the Log window. The
Message Log window displays messages from the Workflow Builder that are not
error-related.

Log ->Detailed - Toggles the debug mode of Oracle Workflow Builder on and off.
When you check Detailed, you turn the debug mode on and cause Oracle Workflow
Builder to write more extensive messages to the Log window. You should not check
Detailed unless instructed to do so by your Oracle customer support representative,

Oracle Workflow Builder Menus and Toolbars B-3

as this mode significantly slows down the Oracle Workflow Builder.

Log -> To File - Writes all future content of the Message Log window to a file. Select
Log Show from the View menu to determine the location and name of the log file.

Log -> Bring to Front - Brings the Message Log window to the front as the active
window.

Grid Snap - Toggles grid snap on or off for all process windows.

Show Label in Designer submenu - A submenu of options that let you control the
information displayed in an activity's label. Choose either Instance Label, Internal
Name, Display Name, Performer, or Comment.

Show Label in Designer -> Instance Label - Uses the node label as the label for each
activity node in a process diagram. This setting persists for all process diagrams
and for all sessions of Oracle Workflow Builder until you specifically make a
change.

Show Label in Designer ->Internal Name - Uses the internal name of an activity as
the label for each activity node in a process diagram. This setting persists for all
process diagrams and for all sessions of Oracle Workflow Builder until you
specifically make a change.

Show Label in Designer ->Display Name - Uses the display name of an activity as
the label for each activity node in a process diagram. This setting persists for all
process diagrams and for all sessions of Oracle Workflow Builder until you
specifically make a change.

Show Label in Designer ->Performer - Uses the activity's performer as the label for
each activity node in a process diagram. Function and process activities that do not
have performers do not have a label. This setting persists for all process diagrams
and for all sessions of Oracle Workflow Builder until you specifically make a
change.

Show Label ->Comment - Uses the activity's comment as the label for each activity
node in a process diagram. Activities that do not have a comment do not have a
label. This setting persists for all process diagrams and for all sessions of Oracle
Workflow Builder until you specifically make a change.

Developer Mode - Toggles the display between standard presentation mode and
developer mode. In developer mode, all icons revert to the default icon for the
specific object type/subtype, subprocess icons are distinct from top level process
icons, and in the navigator tree, objects are shown and sorted by internal name.
Note that attributes are shown by internal name but are not sorted.

If the Navigator window is the active window, then the following menu option also

B-4 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

appears:

Split Window - Splits the Navigator window horizontally or vertically.

If a process window is the active window, then the following menu options also appear:

Overview - Displays the process Overview window. See: To Display a Process


Overview, page 4-19.

Show Process in Navigator - For the current process displayed in the process
diagram window, this menu option locates its corresponding process activity in the
Navigator window.

Show Overlay Image - Toggles the display to either show or hide the overlay image
for an icon, if it has one. For example, the Start and End activities in a process have
a green arrow and red arrow overlay image, respectively.

Window Menu
The Window menu displays the names of all open application windows. Select a
window name to make that window active. The following menu choices are also
available:

Cascade - Displays any open windows in a "cascaded" (overlapping) fashion.

Tile - Displays any open windows in a "tiled" (non-overlapping) fashion.

Help Menu
The Help menu lets you invoke help about using Oracle Workflow.

Contents - Displays help on how to use Oracle Workflow.

About Oracle Workflow... - Displays the current version and access level of Oracle
Workflow Builder. You can also edit your access level in the Access Level field and
apply your change by choosing OK.

Oracle Workflow Builder Toolbars


Oracle Workflow Builder displays a toolbar in both the Navigator window and Process
window.

Navigator Toolbar
The Navigator toolbar includes the following buttons which apply only to objects
selected from the navigator tree:

Oracle Workflow Builder Menus and Toolbars B-5


New Store

Creates a new data store branch in the navigator tree.

Open

Displays the Open window to open stored item types from a file or database.

Save

Saves any changes in the selected data store to the currently connected database or
file. Displays the Open window to let you connect to a database or file if the
selected data store is not connected to a database or file.

Delete

Deletes the selected object.

Properties

Shows the property pages of the selected object.

Copy

Copies the selected object.

Paste

B-6 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Pastes the copied object into the current object branch.

Verify

Validates the process definition.

Developer Mode

Toggles between Developer and Presentation display.

Find

Displays the Search window to specify the search criteria to locate an object in the
navigator tree.

Quick Start Wizard

Runs the Quick Start Wizard to begin creating a workflow process definition.

Help

Displays help on how to use Oracle Workflow.

New Object

Creates a new object depending on the object branch you select (item type,
Processes, Notifications, Functions, Messages, or Lookup Types) by displaying the
property page for that object type.

Oracle Workflow Builder Menus and Toolbars B-7

Process Window Toolbar


The process window toolbar includes the following buttons which apply only to objects
selected the current process window:

Open

Displays the Open window to open stored item types from a file or database.

Save

Saves any changes in the selected data store to the currently connected database or
file. Displays the Open window to let you connect to a database or file if the
selected data store is not connected to a database or file.

Print Diagram

Prints the current process diagram.

New Process

Displays the process activity node property page for you to create a new process
activity.

New Notification

Displays the notification activity node property page for you to create a new
notification activity.

B-8 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide


New Function

Displays the function activity node property page for you to create a new function
activity.

New Event

Displays the event activity node property page for you to create a new event
activity.

Delete Selection

Deletes the selected object.

Properties

Shows the property pages of the selected object.

Developer Mode

Toggles between Developer and Presentation display.

Find

Displays the process Overview window.

Oracle Workflow Builder Menus and Toolbars B-9


Show Instance Labels

Displays the instance label of the node as the node activity label in the Process
window.

Show Internal Names

Displays the internal name of the node as the node activity label in the Process
window.

Show Display Names

Displays the display name of the node as the node activity label in the Process
window.

Show Comments

Displays the comments of the node as the node activity label in the Process
window.

Show Performers

Displays the performer of the node as the node activity label in the Process
window.

Help

Displays help on how to use Oracle Workflow.

B-10 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

C
Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle
E-Business Suite
This appendix lists embedded workflows in Oracle E-Business Suite, as well as Oracle's
support policy towards the customization of embedded workflows, events, and
subscriptions.
This appendix covers the following topics:

Predefined Workflows Embedded in Oracle E-Business Suite

Oracle Workflow Business Event System Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite

Oracle Workflow Support Policy

Predefined Workflows Embedded in Oracle E-Business Suite


You can use Oracle Workflow to customize the predefined workflow processes listed
below. A full description of each workflow is documented in its respective product's
User's Guide or Implementation Guide, if one is available.
Note: Some Oracle E-Business Suite products use the Account

Generator feature to dynamically create accounting flexfield


combinations. The Account Generator has generic predefined workflow
functions that each Oracle E-Business Suite product uses in its own
predefined Account Generator process. The Account Generator
processes for each product are not listed in this section, but are
documented in more detail in each respective product's User's Guide. A
general discussion of the Account Generator feature is also available in
the Oracle E-Business Suite Flexfields Guide.

Related Topics
Oracle Workflow Support Policy, page C-62

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-1

Applied Technology
Oracle Application Object Library
Oracle Application Object Library provides a set of standard function activities that you
can use to incorporate concurrent manager processing into any Oracle E-Business Suite
workflow process. The standard function activities are associated with the Concurrent
Manager Functions item type. See: Concurrent Manager Standard Activities, page 5-18.

Oracle Common Application Components


The following Oracle Common Application Components modules include predefined
workflows.
HTML Calendar
JTF Calendar Workflows - Tracks and routes calendar requests to the Calendar
Administrator for new group and public calendar approvals and to Group Calendar
Administrators for existing group calendar subscription approvals. The process also
sends invitations for appointment invitees and attendees.
JTF Task Reminder - Picks up appointment reminders for scheduled appointments. For
example, if the user selects "15 minutes Before" from the Remind Me drop-down list
while creating an appointment, then that user receives a workflow notification 15
minutes prior to the start of the scheduled meeting.
Escalation Manager
Reactive Escalation Notification Workflow - Sends notifications to inform the escalation
owner, the owner's manager, and optionally any customer or employee identified in the
escalation document when an escalation document is created, or when certain
document attributes such as status, level, owner, and target date are updated.
Business Rule Monitor
Business Rule Monitor Main Process - This process services the Business Rule Monitor
looping workflow, which in turn checks all the active business rules and identifies
whether any rule has been violated.
Business Rule Monitor Task Process - This process is used only when the Business Rule
Monitor Main Process identifies a violated business rule that is related to a Task object.
The Business Rule Monitor Task process services the subsequent activities based on the
workflow information identified for the rule. For example, if the Escalate a Task
(notification only) workflow is selected for a business rule, then a workflow notification
will be sent to the person identified in the workflow attributes window.
Business Rule Monitor Service Request Process - This process is similar to the Business Rule
Monitor Task process, except that it is used only when the Business Rule Monitor Main
Process identifies a violated business rule that is related to a Service Request object.

C-2 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Business Rule Monitor Defect Process - This process is similar to the Business Rule
Monitor Task process, except that it is used only when the Business Rule Monitor Main
Process identifies a violated business rule that is related to a Defect object.
Task Manager
Workflow - Task Manager - Task Manager uses the Workflow - Task Manager process to
send notifications to inform personnel when tasks are created or changed.
Task Manager supports sending notifications to groups or teams. If a task is assigned to
a group or team, then the workflow process will send a separate workflow notification
to each member of the group, rather than sending only one notification to the e-mail
address listed for the group.
Notifications can be sent either automatically for both the HTML and Forms versions of
Task Manager, or manually for the Forms version only.

Manual Workflow Notifications (Forms only) - After a task is created with owner
and assignee information, click the Launch Workflow button in the Tasks window
to manually send notifications to the owner and assignees about task creation or
updates.

Automatic Workflow Notifications - Workflow notifications can be automatically


sent if one of the following conditions is met:

The Auto Notification check box for a task is selected in the Forms-based Tasks
window before saving the task.

The Notify check box is selected in the HTML-based Create Task window.

The Notification check box is selected in the Task Types setup window.

If automatic workflow notifications are enabled, task workflow notifications are


automatically sent in the following cases.

When a task is created or deleted, the owner and all assignees will receive
notifications.

When a task is reassigned to a new owner, the old and new owners will receive
notifications.

When the assignees for a task are changed, whether by adding, reassigning, or
deleting, the owner and the old and new assignees will receive notifications.

When updates are made to the task status, priority, type, and planned,
scheduled, or actual start and end dates, the owner and all assignees will
receive notifications.

When the task owner updates his or her status, the owner and all assignees will
receive notifications.

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-3

If you do not want to use the default workflow process for Task Manager, you can
define a new workflow process using Oracle Workflow and assign your custom
workflow to a task type.

Oracle Common Application Calendar


JTF Calendar Workflows - Tracks and routes relevant workflow notifications to an
appointment owner when an invitee accepts or rejects an invitation.
JTF Task Reminder - Picks up appointment reminders for scheduled appointments. For
example, if the user selects "15 minutes Before" from the Remind Me drop-down list
while creating an appointment, then that user receives a workflow notification 15
minutes prior to the start of the scheduled meeting.

Oracle XML Gateway


Oracle XML Gateway leverages Oracle Workflow to publish and subscribe to
application business events of interest in order to automatically trigger message
creation or consumption. Seeded Workflow functions are provided for use in Workflow
processes to interact directly with the XML Gateway Execution Engine to generate
outbound or to consume inbound messages. The outbound messages generated by the
Execution Engine are made available to the downstream Workflow activity for
processing. The Execution Engine consumes the inbound messages passed to it by a
Workflow process.
Two item types are delivered with the XML Gateway: the XML Gateway Standard Item
Type and the XML Gateway Error Processing Item Type.
XML Gateway Standard Item Type - The XML Gateway Standard Item Type includes the
Raise Document Delivery Event, which is used to raise a business event from an
existing Workflow process. This allows you to seamlessly integrate your existing
Workflow process with Oracle XML Gateway to create an outbound XML message. The
functions included with the XML Gateway Standard Item Type are Consume XML
Document, Generate XML Document, Generate Trading Partner XML Document, Send
Document, Transform XML, and Transaction Delivery Required.
Configure the seeded events and event subscriptions delivered by the Oracle E-Business
Suite for pre-built XML messages in support of Business-to-Business or
Application-to-Application integration.
XML Gateway Error Processing Item Type- The XML Gateway Error Processing Item Type
contains error handling processes to manage errors detected by the Oracle Workflow
Business Event System or Oracle XML Gateway. The error processes are: Default Error
Process, ECX Engine Notification Process, ECX Main Error Process, ECX Main Inbound
Error Process, ECX Main Outbound Error Process, Error Handling for Inbound
Messages, and Error Handling for Outbound Messages.
The XML Gateway Error Processing Item Type supports two event activities: Receive
Error and Receive Send Notification Event. The Receive Error event is used by the XML
Gateway to indicate that the XML Gateway execution engine has detected an error. The

C-4 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Receive Send Notification Event is used to indicate that the execution engine has
identified a need to send a notification for errors related to an inbound process.
Oracle Workflow error handling provides active error notification to the XML Gateway
System Administrator or Trading Partner with support for the Workflow retry and
reprocess features. The functions provided by the XML Gateway Error Processing Item
Type are: ECX Reprocess Inbound, ECX Resend Outbound Message, Get ECX In Error
Details, Get ECX Out Error Details, Get System Administrator Role, and Get Trading
Partner Role.
For more information, see: Oracle XML Gateway User's Guide.

Communications
Oracle Service Fulfillment Manager
Fulfillment Header, Fulfillment Line, Work Item, Fulfillment Action, and Message Error
Workflows - These workflow processes are initiated whenever Oracle Service Fulfillment
Manager is invoked to fulfill a network or provisioning request. The header workflow
identifies the fulfillment line items and invokes child workflows for each one. Similarly,
the line workflows spawn work item workflows, which in turn spawn fulfillment action
workflows that actually perform the provisioning tasks. In case of any errors in
processing fulfillment messages, the Message error workflows are spawned. Certain
types of interaction between Order Management and Installed Base modules use Oracle
Service Fulfillment Manager.

Oracle Telecommunications Billing Integrator


XNB Entity Flows - This workflow includes the Account Publish process, Account
Update process, Sales Order Publish process, Group Salesorder Publish process, and
Item Publish process. These processes are initiated whenever entities related to Oracle
Telecommunications Billing Integrator, such as accounts, sales orders, and items, are to
be published to a third party billing application. Each process generates an XML
message and enqueues it to a JMS-compatible queue.

The Account Publish process and Group Salesorder Publish process are initiated
from the OM Order Header workflow, and the Sales Order Publish process is
initiated from the OM Order Line workflow. These processes require an
implementation step. For more information, please see the Oracle
Telecommunications Billing Integrator Implementation Guide.

The Item Publish process is initiated by the Telecommunications Billing Integrator


Items Publish concurrent program.

The Account Update process is initiated whenever a party or account is updated in


Oracle Trading Community Architecture and the related events are selected using
the Oracle Telecommunications Billing Integrator Account Update Events window.

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-5

Contracts
Oracle Service Contracts
Service Request Creation Workflow - An event can be set up against a service contract line
so that when the associated condition has been met, this workflow can be used to
automatically create a service request. A notification containing details of the service
request will also be created, which can be viewed from the inbox of the contracts
launchpad.
Service Contracts Negotiation Workflow - This workflow is launched when a Service,
Extended Warranty or Subscription contract is created through the Authoring, Copy
Contract, or Renewals process.

If the contract is newly created through Authoring or Copy functionality, the


renewal process type is always set to manual.

For renewal contracts, the workflow first determines the renewal process type. The
type can be manual, online, or evergreen. The workflow then routes the contract
according to the renewal type.

For a manual renewal, the contract is routed to the sales rep. The sales rep can
manually activate the contract or submit the contract for online acceptance.

For an online renewal, the contract is routed to the customer. The process runs a
QA check for the contract, derives a communication template set to use for
generating a quote (draft contract) and cover letter, and then e-mails the
customer. The customer logs into an online portal and reviews the contract. The
customer can accept or reject the renewal contract and also has the option to
request assistance from a sales rep. The customer can choose to pay using
various available payment options such as PO, Commitment, Credit Card, and
so on. After the customer accepts the quote, a notification is sent to the contract
salesperson or a generic Help desk contact. Depending on the Approval Type
setting, the contract is automatically submitted for approval or sent to the
salesperson to review and activate the contract. If the customer accepts the
contract quotation and decides to pay the contract amount using a PO, the
workflow sends a notification to the contract salesperson to review before
activating the contract.

If approval is required for an evergreen contract, the workflow routes the


contract to an approver. If approval is not required, the workflow activates
evergreen contracts. The negotiation status is updated at each step to reflect the
state the contract is in at a particular time. The workflow also sends alerts and
notifications to customer contacts and internal contract administrators during
the contract negotiation.

Approval Workflow - This workflow is launched from within the negotiation workflow

C-6 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

process when a contract is submitted for internal approval. The process derives the
internal approver using the approvals management engine and routes the contract to
the approver for a response.
Installed Base Transactions Notification Workflow - If the system profile 'OKS: Enable
Install Base Integration Messages' is set to 'Yes', this workflow will send notifications to
the user identified in the system profile 'OKS: User name to Send Install Base Messages'
during certain transactions. These include when a new item instance is created, when it
is terminated, when it is transferred to a new owner, when it is replaced or returned, or
when the quantity of items instances are split.

Oracle Sales and Procurement Contracts


Deliverables Notification Workflow - Users can create deliverables in the contract terms
library or in the Contract Repository or during the contract authoring process. Users can
also enable notifications to be sent to a user or group of users for various events. This
workflow handles sending out notifications for the following events:

When a deliverable becomes overdue

Reminder notifications to perform the deliverable prior to the due date

When the status of a deliverable is updated

Contract Clause Approval Workflow - Users can create clauses in the contract terms library
and submit them for approval. This workflow sends notifications to the designated
approver when the users submit clauses requesting approval. In addition, this
workflow also handles the following scenarios:

Send a notification to the contract administrator when the clause is approved or


rejected

Send a notification to the contract administrators of local organizations when a


global clause becomes available for adoption or when a global clause is
automatically adopted in a local organization

Contract Template Approval Workflow - Users can create contract templates in the contract
terms library and submit them for approval. This workflow sends notifications to the
designated approver when users submit contract templates requesting approval. In
addition, this workflow also sends a notification to the contract administrator when a
contract template is approved or rejected.
Repository Contracts Approval Workflow - Sends a notification to designated approvers
when a contract is submitted for approval in the Contracts Repository. The approvers as
well as approval rules for contracts created in the Contracts Repository are set up in
Oracle Approvals Manager (AME).
Contract Repository Signature Workflow - This workflow routes the contract to obtain the
participants' signature to agree to the terms of a contract.

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-7

Repository Contracts Expiration Notifications Workflow - If a contract created in the


Contracts Repository has an expiration date, users can set up a notification to be
generated prior to the expiration date. Based on the number of days set up, this
notification is generated and sent to a user role defined in the contract. Notifications are
sent to all users who perform this role.

Corporate Performance Management


Oracle Enterprise Planning and Budgeting
Oracle Enterprise Planning and Budgeting (EPB) lets you define and run business
processes, which are groups of tasks that the user can select and order for planning and
budgeting purposes. These business processes correspond to and are run by workflow
processes.
The Business Process Scheduler process defined in the EPB Business Process Scheduler
item type controls the running of Oracle Enterprise Planning and Budgeting business
processes, which are groupings of workflows. These Oracle Enterprise Planning and
Budgeting task workflows are defined in a different item type, EPB Business Process,
and can be selected and ordered in a flexible configuration for any business process
definition.
Workflow Processes Corresponding to EPB Tasks in the EPB Business Process Item Type
Review Business Process - Sends a response notification to specified users requesting the
parameters for the business process to be reviewed before allowing the business process
run to continue. The actions permitted for this process are Continue Processing or Pause
Processing.
Load Data From Relational Schema - Transforms selected Oracle Enterprise Performance
Foundation data and makes the data available to an Oracle Enterprise Planning and
Budgeting business process within an Oracle OLAP Analytic Workspace. The workflow
notifies the owner when the task is completed.
Wait Task - You can place this workflow between tasks to send a response notification to
the owner to pause processing at a desired processing point. The workflow pauses for a
set period of time but allows the user to respond to continue processing as an override.
Solve Task - Aggregates and solves a select set of data based upon defined criteria at the
desired point within the business process run.
Notify - Sends an FYI broadcast defined by the owner to selected users at the desired
point during the run of a business process.
Create Event - Signals that a specific position has been reached in the task sequence for a
business process, causing this point to be the starting point to run another business
process. The Start Event Cycle Workflow process from the EPB Business Process
Scheduler item type starts that additional business process. The supplementary
business process will have its own list of workflow tasks defined to run as specified by
its definer.

C-8 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Set Current Process Run - Business processes can spawn overlapping processing runs,
which are are separate instances of data generated by each run of a business process.
This task marks the process run order and maintains the current process for versioned
views. For example, documents created with the current view will always point to the
most recent data.
Exception Alert - Sends a notification when a specified condition has been met. You can
use this task to alert yourself or others about favorable or adverse conditions within
your business environment. For example, you might define an exception that generates
an alert when the value for a line exceeds a specified threshold. Either
response-rqeuired notifications or FYI notifications can be sent.
Explanation Required Parent - Supports response notifications. When exception criteria
have been met, this workflow starts and manages child workflows designated for target
users based upon the primary Exception Alert definition. For the Exception Alert task to
complete, these child workflows must end with a user response or a timeout, allowing
the business process to continue.
Explanation Required Child - This process is launched by the Explanation Required Parent
when the exception criteria have been met. The process sends and manages response
notifications for target users based upon the primary Exception Alert definition. The
user must respond, or else the process ends with a timeout.
Further Explanation Requested - This process provides an additional level of nested
interaction, allowing lower-level users to participate in the analysis and dialogue for the
Exception Alert.
FYI Exception Alerts - This process can alternatively be run if the Exception Alert is
defined simply to broadcast the list of items that have met the criteria for the Exception
Alert. No response is required.
Set View Restriction - By default, when a view is generated or appended as the result of a
business process run, it becomes available to all users of the business area. The Set View
Restriction task enables you to set and remove restrictions on the access that analysts
and other business process administrators have to the view that is generated by a
business process run.
Publish Task - Integrates Oracle Enterprise Planning and Budgeting with Oracle XML
Publisher to generate a custom document and distribute it to specified users. You can
use this task to create and distribute high-level documents for annual reports, directors'
meetings, or quarterly business reviews.
Publish Workflow - Assists in the generation and distribution of the documents to users.
Data Collection Workflow Tasks
Generate Template - This task creates a data collection template and specifies the
distribution method for worksheets generated by the template.
Distribute Template - This task automatically distributes a worksheet that has been
created by a Generate Template task.

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-9

Manage Submission - This task moves data for one or more data collection worksheet
templates to the shared Analytic Workspace corresponding to an Oracle Enterprise
Planning and Budgeting business process. The task completes the data collection
process for these templates.
Miscellaneous Oracle Enterprise Planning and Budgeting Workflow Processes
Event Process Will Not Be Initiated - When an event task is deleted, this process finds all
owners of Event business processes that reference the Event task being deleted and
sends them notifications indicating the deletion. An Event task can be directly deleted
or it can be deleted as part of the deletion of an entire business process.
Calculation Synchronization Notification Process - When a user logs on and starts Oracle
Enterprise Planning and Budgeting, this workflow notifies the user if any shared
calculations have been added or removed.
Next Task Process - Manages the transition from one Oracle Enterprise Planning and
Budgeting task, implemented as a workflow, to the next. This process starts the next
task if any tasks are pending, or ends the business process run if all tasks for the
business process are completed.
Start Business Process By Workflow Event (EPB Business Process Scheduler item type) This workflow is called by the external scheduling of business process API, which
allows any valid Oracle E-Business Suite user to start a business process run using a
business process draft that has been defined and made effective in Oracle Enterprise
Planning and Budgeting. This feature allows any application to start a business process
run through its own user interface in order to process its data without requiring users to
log into Oracle Enterprise Planning and Budgeting. It also allows any application to
start a business process run on its own schedule, rather than using one of the schedule
frequencies provided by Oracle Enterprise Planning and Budgeting.
Workflows Supporting the Data Collection Process in the EPB Data Collection Item Type
Manual Distribute Template - Distributes an Oracle Enterprise Planning and Budgeting
worksheet to target users when the manual distribution button is selected. Based upon
the data collection definition at some higher levels, worksheets can be distributed
automatically to target users; however, at lower levels manual distribution is the
available option.
Submission Process - Submits a worksheet for collection and processing after a user
finishes entering data into the worksheet. Based on the definition, the Submission
process can recalculate data, validate against targets, and send notifications for
approval. The process also manages the review of the submitted worksheet based on
the data collection definition. The process sends notifications requiring the target
recipient to approve or reject the worksheet.
Worksheet Approval Process - Sends a notification indicating that the worksheet and data
are approved.
Worksheet Rejection Process - Sends a notification indicating that the worksheet and data
are rejected.

C-10 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Error Workflow in the Enterprise Planning and Budgeting Workflow Errors Item Type
Enterprise Planning and Budgeting Error - This process is used to manage workflow
exceptions raised in any of the Oracle Enterprise Planning and Budgeting scheduling or
task workflows. This process aborts the current errored workflow, sets a status in
Oracle Enterprise Planning and Budgeting indicating an error condition, and sends a
notification to the user set as the workflow administrator in the WF_ADMINISTRATOR
attribute.

Oracle Enterprise Performance Foundation


Business Rule Approval - Controls access to production data within the Oracle Enterprise
Performance Foundation. Business rules defined in Oracle Profitability Manager and
Oracle Transfer Pricing can make changes to the production data based on their
approval status. While rules with the status approved can write results to production
data, rules that have not been approved can write results only to non-production data.

Field Service
Oracle Field Service
Field Service Task Assignment Alerts - This workflow is used to send notifications to the
Field Service technicians for new task assignment, task assignment deletion or
cancellation, and task rescheduling.

Financial Applications
Advanced Global Intercompany System
Advanced Global Intercompany System (AGIS) is a new product in Release 12 and
replaces the Global Intercompany System feature provided by Oracle General Ledger in
Release 11i. AGIS provides an environment for companies to exchange intercompany
transactions.
Intercompany Workflow - The Intercompany workflow process is triggered when the
initiating company submits a transaction to the recipient company. This process
handles the following actions:

Notifies the recipient company when the transaction requires approval.

Generates intercompany accounts for the initiator and recipient on transaction


approval.

Transfers the transaction to Oracle General Ledger if invoices are not required and
the system options indicate that transfer to Oracle General Ledger is online.

Transfers the transaction to Oracle Payables and Oracle Receivables if invoices are

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-11

required and the system options indicate that transfer is online.

Notifies the initiator company when the recipient company rejects the transaction.

The Intercompany workflow uses the setup in Oracle Approvals Management to


determine the list of approvers and contacts to whom notifications must be sent.

Oracle Cash Management


Bank Account Signing Authority Approval - Sends a notification to the list of approvers
defined in Oracle Approvals Management (AME) for the approval of Signing
Authority. This workflow process is started when a new signer record is created and
saved and the system parameter Signing Authority Approval is set to Workflow
Enabled.
CE Statement Transmission Notifications Process - This workflow sends a transmission
status e-mail notification to the designated user defined in the Bank Transmission
Details window. This workflow process is initiated when you submit the Retrieve Bank
Statement program to transmit bank statement files from your bank to your local
directory.
CE Exception Report Transmission Notification Process - This workflow sends a
transmission status e-mail notification to the designated user defined in the Bank
Transmission Details window. This workflow process is initiated when you submit the
Retrieve Payment Exceptions program to transmit payment exceptions reports from
your bank to your local directory.
Process XML Bank Statement Workflow - This workflow begins once the import process is
launched. Notifications are sent to the designated Cash Manager to say whether or not
the import process was launched successfully and whether or not the import process
was a success.

Oracle Collections
Bankruptcy Status - When an account is flagged as bankrupt, several processes begin:

Approval is sent to the specialist or manager (HTML user interface) to work the
bankruptcy, gather details, and determine if the bankruptcy will be pursued. A
bankruptcy strategy is ultimately assigned.

The delinquency status is set to Bankruptcy for all delinquencies.

All other items in the case or for that customer (that is, delinquencies) are set to
Bankruptcy.

A No Contact flag is set in TCA for all contacts of the organization, or, in the case of
consumer collections, the No Contact flag is set for the guarantor or co-signer.

For Lease Management Collections only, a notification is sent to the appropriate

C-12 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

party who will review and make the necessary changes to stop invoicing.

For Lease Management Collections only, a Default Bankruptcy Notice of


Assignment is sent to the appropriate party.

The Bankruptcy Status workflow is initiated when a collector (Forms user interface)
creates a new status of Bankrupt for a single delinquency from the Delinquency tab in
Oracle Collections.
Delinquency Current Status Notice - This workflow sends notifications about the status of
a delinquency to the agent and the agent's manager when the status changes. For
example, when the delinquency is closed (that is, when it is considered "current") or
when a new status such as Bankruptcy or Write-Off is created for a delinquency, a
notification is sent to describe the change in status.
Collection Delinquent Credit Hold - A collector can request that a credit hold be placed on
a customer by checking the corresponding check box on the Delinquency tab. A
notification is then sent to the appropriate manager to review and approve or deny the
request. Routing to the appropriate manager for approval is done through the reporting
hierarchies as defined by Oracle Resource Manager. After the request is approved, the
Approval check box on the Delinquency tab is checked so collectors can confirm that
their requests have been approved. The actual setting of a credit hold is a manual
process, however.
Collection Delinquent Service Hold - A collector can request that a service hold be placed
on a customer by checking the corresponding check box on the Delinquency tab. A
notification is then sent to the appropriate manager to review and approve or deny the
request. Routing to the appropriate manager for approval is done through the reporting
hierarchies as defined by Oracle Resource Manager. After the request is approved, the
Approval check box on the Delinquency tab is checked so collectors can confirm that
their requests have been approved.
Notify a Third Party for Repossession - When a specialist assigns a third party organization
to repossess an asset, an e-mail notification is sent to that organization with the details
about the asset or assets, repossession, and other information. The specialist assigns the
third party through the HTML interface.
Delinquency Status Approval - A collector can recommend that various strategies or
statuses should be initiated for a delinquency: repossession, write off or litigation.
(Bankruptcy is handled separately.) However, these statuses require review and
approval by a manager before the corresponding strategy is initiated. The Delinquency
Status Approval workflow is initiated when a collector clicks the New button on the
Delinquency tab, selects a new status, enters the details to start the process, and saves
the new status. The workflow routes the request according to the resource's hierarchy as
defined by the system.
Delinquency Asset Workflow - A specialist can request that an asset valuation be provided
for the assets related to a delinquent case. This workflow sends a notification to the
appropriate manager to review the request, obtain the information and forward it back
to the specialist. The request is initiated on the asset selection window from the

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-13

Delinquency tab and write off window.


Strategy Fulfillment Mailer - As part of a strategy, a request may be made to the 1-to-1
Fulfillment Server to send e-mail documentation such as a dunning notice, a dunning
reminder, copies of delinquent invoices, and so on, to the delinquent party. This
workflow manages this request.
Strategy Custom Workflow - If customers want to implement a custom work item as part
of strategy in order to use a different implementation from the seeded workflows, they
can customize the custom strategy workflow. The custom strategy work item workflow
is an example of what parameters are expected to be identified in a custom workflow
and what must be identified after the work item is completed.
Collection Strategy Workflow - A strategy is a series of collections work items grouped
together to create a collections plan. Each work item may have a workflow as part of the
completion process. The Collection Strategy workflow is the main workflow process
that drives the completion of all the workflows that are tied to the collections work
items for each strategy.

Oracle General Ledger


Journal Approval Process - You can require journal batches to be approved before posting.
Create an approval hierarchy and define authorization limits for each user. The Journal
Approval process is initiated when you try to post a journal batch. The process
automatically routes journals to the appropriate user for approval, based on the
approval hierarchy.
AutoAllocations Process - When you generate step-down AutoAllocations, the workflow
process initiates the AutoAllocation process and validates and generates the Mass
Allocation and Recurring Journal batches that are defined in the AutoAllocation. The
workflow process also determines whether journal approval is required for each
generated journal batch, submits the batches to the appropriate users for approval if
required, and notifies the appropriate users of the approval results. If an error occurs
during the AutoAllocation process, the designated user or users can choose to roll back
the AutoAllocation process, which reverses any posted journals.
Global Consolidation System Cross Instance Data Transfer - You can automate the Global
Consolidation System to consolidate data from remote subsidiary ledger database
instances to a central consolidation database instance and optionally use workflow
notifications to notify users of the cross instance consolidation status. Each notification
provides the user with consolidation transfer details including source database name,
mapping rule, set of books, group IDs, and concurrent request ID. When a user chooses
to automatically run Journal Import or AutoPost on the central consolidation database,
the workflow notification cites the status of success or failure of the concurrent request.
If the Journal Import or AutoPost process fails, the workflow notification recommends
reviewing the request log on the central consolidation database for further details.

Oracle Grants Accounting


Grants Accounting Workflow Process - The Grants Accounting Workflow process notifies

C-14 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

key members when an installment is activated, an installment is approaching its end


date, or a report is due. The Budget Subprocess notifies the budget approver or award
manager that a budget is submitted for approval.
The workflow process is initiated at the following points:

installment is activated

installment is approaching its end date

report is due

budget is submitted

budget is approved or rejected

budget baseline version is created or rejected

Oracle Internet Expenses


Expenses - Oracle Internet Expenses uses the Expenses workflow process to process the
manager approval and accounting review of expense reports entered in Internet
Expenses. The Expenses process begins when a user submits an expense report, and
finishes when an expense report is rejected, or when a manager has approved and
accounting has reviewed an expense report. If approved and reviewed, the workflow
process makes the expense report available for the Payables Invoice Import program.
The Expenses process notifies employees at key event points during the manager
approval and accounting review processes.
Credit Cards Workflow - The Credit Cards Workflow process consists of independent
workflow processes and notifications that perform various activities. The Credit Cards
Workflow process contains the following processes:

Aging Credit Card Transactions - This process notifies employees and managers of
outstanding transactions by aging bucket. The process also escalates manager
notification.

Inform Manager of Inactive Employee Transactions - This process notifies managers of


unsubmitted transactions for employees that are terminated or on temporary leave.
It also automatically assigns and unassigns the securing attribute to facilitate
transaction submission.

Payment to Card Issuer - This process notifies employees when payments are made to
the credit card issuer.

Payment to Employee - This process notifies employees when payments are made to
them.

Payment to Employee by Check - This process notifies employees when payments are

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-15

made to them.

Process Invalid Credit Card Transactions - This process notifies the system
administrator when invalid transactions are detected during the import and
validation process.

Process Unassigned Credit Cards - This process notifies the system administrator
when new credit cards are created. The process also attempts to match new
accounts to employees, and can be defined to automatically activate new accounts if
a unique match is found.

Unapproved Expense Report - This process notifies managers of unapproved expense


reports that contain credit card transactions.

Unused Credit Card Transactions - This process notifies managers and employees of
unsubmitted credit card transactions.

Procurement Cards
The following procurement card workflow processes enable your self-service
employees to verify and approve procurement card transactions.
AP Procurement Card Employee Verification Workflow Process - The AP Procurement Card
Employee Verification Workflow process notifies and confirms procurement card
transactions with card holders. This workflow process is initiated when you submit the
Distribute Employee Card Transaction Verifications program from Oracle Payables. The
process notifies an employee of transactions charged to the employee's procurement
card, and optionally requires the employee's manual verification.
AP Procurement Card Manager Approval Transaction Process - The AP Procurement Card
Manager Approval Transaction workflow process notifies and confirms verified
procurement card transactions with a card holder's manager. This workflow process is
initiated when you submit the Distribute Manager Card Transactions Approvals
program from Oracle Payables. The AP Procurement Card Employee Verification
Workflow process must first complete for transactions before the manager workflow
process is used. The process notifies managers, and optionally requires their manual
approval, of procurement card transactions incurred by employees.

Oracle Payables
AP Open Interface Import Process - This workflow automates verification and validation
of data in the Payables Open Interface invoice tables. For example, this process can be
modified to validate all accounting code combinations in the Payables Open Interface
invoice tables. Notification of any invalid code combinations can be sent to a specified
user for correction. Optionally the process can be set up to override any invalid code
combinations with a designated default value. You can use Oracle Workflow to include
additional workflow rules that meet the specific requirements of a business. Once an
invoice has passed this process it is ready to be imported into the Oracle Payables

C-16 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

application tables. To initiate the Open Interface Import process, submit Payables Open
Interface Workflow from the Submit Requests window.
Invoice Approval Workflow - This workflow routes invoices to designated individuals for
approval. This workflow uses the approval rules that you define in Oracle Approvals
Management (OAM) to determine if an invoice requires approval. If the invoice
requires approval, the workflow sequentially asks each approver on the approval list to
approve the invoice online. For example, you can define a rule so invoices over $100,000
require CFO approval and then CEO approval.
For more information about related workflows in Oracle Internet Expenses, including
expense reports and procurement cards, see Oracle Internet Expenses, page C-15.

Oracle Property Manager


PN Lease Approval Workflow - Automates the routing of the lease approval process
according to business rules.

Oracle Public Sector Budgeting


Distribute Worksheet Workflow Process - The Distribute Worksheet Workflow Process
distributes worksheets and notifies users that a worksheet has been distributed. The
process is initiated when distributing a worksheet.
Submit Worksheet Workflow Process - The Submit Worksheet Workflow Process submits
worksheets. Based on user-defined parameters, the process performs constraint
validations, worksheet operations, copying, and merging. The process moves
worksheets from one budget stage to the next and routes the worksheets through an
approval process for required approvals. The process also freezes and unfreezes
worksheets. Notifications are sent to users who initiate a process and to approvers.
The process is initiated at the following points:

validating a worksheet constraint

freezing a worksheet

unfreezing a worksheet

moving a worksheet to the next stage

copying a worksheet

merging a worksheet

submitting a worksheet

Distribute Budget Revision Workflow Process - The Distribute Budget Revision Workflow
Process distributes budget revisions and notifies users that budget revisions have been
distributed. The process is initiated when distributing a budget revision.

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-17

Submit Budget Revisions Workflow Process - The Submit Budget Revisions Workflow
Process submits budget revisions. Based on user-defined parameters, the process
performs constraint validations and other budget revision operations. The Submit
Budget Revisions process routes budget revisions through an approval process and
updates the status and baseline values for budget revisions. The process also performs
funds reservation and posts revisions to General Ledger. The process freezes and
unfreezes budget revisions. Notifications are sent to users who initiate a process and to
approvers.
The process is initiated at the following points:

validating a budget revision constraint

freezing a budget revision

unfreezing a budget revision

submitting a budget revision

Oracle Receivables
Credit Memo Request Approval Process - This workflow routes a credit memo request for
approval using an organization's internal management hierarchy or approval limits
defined in Oracle Receivables. If the request is approved, a credit memo is
automatically created in Oracle Receivables. Otherwise, the process notifies the
requestor with an explanation of why it was not approved.
You initiate the Credit Memo Request workflow from iReceivables. iReceivables is a
Web-based, self-service application that enables registered users to access their
Receivables account information using a standard Web browser. When an iReceivables
user chooses the Dispute a Bill function, Receivables places the specified amount in
dispute and initiates the Credit Memo Request process to route the request for
approval.
Document Transfer Message Workflow - This workflow creates an XML invoice document
and sends it to your customer. This workflow consists of two item types.

AR Transfer Document item type - In Oracle Receivables, users run the Document
Transfer Scheduling and Document Transfer concurrent programs to send XML
documents. The Document Transfer Scheduling Program schedules transactions for
transmission. The Document Transfer program raises a business event that is
subscribed to by a workflow process, which calls Oracle XML Gateway to create
and transmit the documents.

AR Notification item type - If the Document Transfer concurrent program encounters


technical or transmission errors, then the transmission status changes to Failed and
the program sends a workflow notification to the system administrator or
Receivables user for exception handling.

C-18 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

In addition, Receivables users can receive via Oracle XML Gateway confirmation
messages sent from their customers' payables departments. These messages confirm the
document import statuses. The Receivables program receives the messages and, where
necessary, automatically sends workflow notifications to Receivables users for
exception handling.
AR Credit Management Application Process Workflow - This workflow manages the
collection and analysis of account or prospect credit data, as well as the making and
implementation of credit decisions.
The workflow is started when a credit request is generated, either by a credit event,
such as an order hold, or by the submission of a credit application. The workflow first
tries to automatically complete the credit review process. If, for any reason, a failure
occurs in the workflow functions, then the workflow routes the credit analysis to the
appropriate credit analyst for action.
If an organization requires that credit recommendations be reviewed and approved by
other personnel, then the workflow routes the recommendations through an approval
hierarchy.

If the recommendation is approved by the appropriate personnel, then it is


automatically implemented.

If the recommendation is rejected as it is routed through the approval hierarchy,


then notifications are sent to the appropriate personnel and the case folder is
updated with the credit decision.

Oracle Treasury
Limits Workflow - Oracle Treasury generates an event limit notification if a deal is
recorded that violates one of the rules that you have defined. You can design event
assignments to generate notifications for specific limits violations, such as combinations
of specific deal types, companies, counterparties, and limit amounts.

Oracle US Federal Financials


Budget Execution Transaction Approval Process - Routes budget transactions through the
approval process. Oracle Workflow uses the approval controls and hierarchies defined
in the Define Budget Users window within Budget Execution to route documents for
approval. The Budget Execution Transaction Approval process is initiated in the
following windows by clicking the Approve... button:

Enter Appropriation

Enter Funds Distribution

Re-programming Transactions

Budget Transactions Summary

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-19

When a transaction is submitted for approval, the funds checking process is initiated to
validate that sufficient funding is available. The transaction cannot be approved if it
fails funds checking. A transaction must be approved before it can be transferred to
General Ledger.

Higher Education
Oracle Student System
Oracle Student System includes workflows for academic records, admissions, advising,
enrollment, financial aid, program structure and planning, student finance, and system
wide services.
Academic Records
Attendance Submission Notification - Notifies the lead instructor of a unit section that
attendance for the unit section is submitted. This workflow is triggered from the
Review Attendance Self Service page.
Change Grade Request - Notifies the user who initiated a change of grade request and
seeks resolution of the change of grade request for final and early final grading periods
from the lead instructor of the unit section. This workflow is triggered from the Review
Change of Grade Self Service page for final and early final periods.
Grade Submission Notification - Notifies the lead instructor of a unit section that final
grades for the unit are submitted. Institutions are allowed to customize only the
SELECT_APPROVER process of the Grade Submission and Change of Grade
workflows to satisfy their specific needs. The remaining steps of the workflow must
remain unchanged. This workflow is triggered from the Review Enter Grade Self
Service page.
IGS Degree Audit - Delivers the XML document to the trading partner taking advantage
of Oracle XML Gateway callback functionality. The callback feature allows the
messaging system, Oracle Transport Agent, to report the message delivery status back
to the workflow process that initiated the message creation. If the delivery fails, a
notification is sent to the System Administrator defined in Oracle XML Gateway.
Inform Instructor about Assessment Item Grades Release to Student - This workflow is
triggered by a business event.
Inform Instructor That Unit Section Grades Have Been Submitted - This workflow is
triggered by a business event.
OSS: Missing Academic Record Transcript Production - Notifies the student when an
administrator manually updates the details of a completion date of a missing academic
records transcript. This workflow is triggered when an administrator manually updates
the details of a completion date of a missing academic records transcript.
OSS: Notify About Missing Academic Record - Notifies the administrator about missing
academic records when a transcript request is placed by a student or by an

C-20 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

administrator. This workflow is triggered when a transcript request by a student or


administrator indicates missing academic records.
OSS: Notify Admin About Transcript Production - Notifies the administrator about the
production of the transcript.
OSS: Notify Student About Transcript Production - Notifies the individual student who
placed an order about the production of the transcript. This workflow is triggered when
the system prints the academic records order placed by the student.
OSS: Notify Students About Transcript Hold - Notifies the student about a transcript hold
when an administrator requests a transcript and if the student has a transcript hold.
Outcome Status - Sends notifications to users alerting them of a change in the student
progression outcome status. This workflow is triggered when the student progression
outcome status is changed and saved.
Receive Error - This workflow is triggered if there is an error in the receipt of a reply
from the Degree Audit trading partner.
Receive Reply - This workflow is triggered on receipt of a reply from the Degree Audit
trading partner.
Saved Transcript - This workflow is triggered by a business event.
Submit Request - This workflow is triggered when a request is submitted on the Degree
Audit Review Request Self Service page to signal Oracle XML Gateway to begin
processing the outbound degree audit request.
Transcript Change Validation - When a new transcript is created in Admission, this
workflow validates advanced standing records to check if the existing advanced
standing still applies for the student. If not, then the advanced standing records are
deleted or updated and a notification is sent to the staff member.
Admissions
Admission Enforce Single Response Notification - Sends a notification when the offer
response status is "Accepted" and the admission period category is set for single
response. The notification is sent to all applications instances for the person that is using
an admission period category that is set for single response. This workflow is triggered
when the Offer Response business event is raised and you are enforcing single
response.
Notify Academic Index Change - Sends a notification to the subscriber alerting them to a
change in the Academic Index. Users can then use this information to make decisions
about admission applications. This workflow is triggered when the Academic Index
Modification business event is raised.
Notify Admission Offer Response Status Change - Sends a notification every time the offer
response status changes for an application instance. This workflow is triggered when
the Offer Response business event is raised.
Notify Admissions Requirements - Notifies applicants that there are additional documents
or missing items that are needed to complete the application. The Admission

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-21

Requirements Notifications concurrent process triggers this workflow.


Notify Evaluators About Unevaluated Applications - Allows administrative users to notify
application reviewers about applications that are complete and are ready for review.
This workflow is triggered when the Notify Evaluators business event is raised.
Notify Post Admission Requirements - Allows administrative users to notify applicants of
the additional documents or missing items that are required by the institution even
after the admission application process is complete. The Admission Requirements
Notifications concurrent process triggers this workflow.
Notify Self-Service Applicants to Complete Requirements - This workflow sends both an
e-mail message to the applicant and a notification accessible in the Applicant Home Self
Service page. An applicant can have multiple incomplete applications. One e-mail
message is sent every time the workflow is initiated by the concurrent manager request,
regardless of the number of incomplete applications the applicant may have. The
workflow process can be initiated multiple times within a single period. The Incomplete
Applications concurrent process triggers this workflow for applicants with incomplete
Self Service applications.
Pre-create Application - When the applicant or the administrator clicks the Continue
button in the Create Application page, the Derivation and Pre-Create business event is
raised. That event invokes this workflow, which you can customize to derive the
application type and application fees from the data entered in the Create Application
page components. The data entered in the Create Application page can also be used by
the workflow to pass values to the Admission Application Pre-create Public API and
Admission Application Instance Pre-create Public API.
Advising
Notify Advisor About Advising Group - Notifies each advisor when he or she is assigned
to or removed from an advising group. This workflow is triggered when an advisor is
assigned to or removed from an advising group.
Notify Student About Advising Group - Notifies each student when he or she is assigned
to or removed from an advising group. This workflow is triggered when a student is
assigned to or removed from an advising group.
Notify Student About Being Placed on an Advising Hold - Notifies each student when he or
she has been put on an advising hold for an advising group. This workflow is triggered
when a student has been put on an advising hold for a particular advising group.
Enrollment
Confirmation of Registration - This workflow is triggered when the Confirmation of
Registration business event is raised. This workflow notifies the student, the student's
supervisors, and an administrator of the registration of the student for the research
candidacy.
Key Program Change - This workflow is triggered when the
oracle.apps.igs.en.prog.keyprim event is raised. This workflow notifies an administrator

C-22 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

when a student's key program changes.


Milestone - This workflow is triggered when the Milestone business event is raised. This
workflow notifies the student, the active student's supervisors, and an administrator of
additions and changes to milestone information for the research candidacy.
Milestone Notification - This workflow is triggered when the Milestone Notification
business event is raised. This workflow notifies the student, the active student's
supervisors, and an administrator of additions and changes to milestone notification
information for the research candidacy.
OSS: Change in Supervisor Attribute - This workflow is triggered when a supervisor is
assigned to a research candidacy or when certain attributes of the candidacy's
supervision change. These attributes are the Person Number, Start Date, End Date,
Supervised %, Supervisor Type, Organizational Unit, or Replaced Person Number. This
workflow notifies students and administrators of supervisors.
OSS: Check Overdue Submission - This workflow is triggered when a submission is
overdue, that is, when the student goes beyond the maximum submission date without
submitting the work and the status of the thesis is still Pending. The workflow notifies
students and administrators of an overdue submission date.
OSS: Intermission Return Condition Status Change - Sends a notification to the user
alerting them to a change in a student's intermission return condition status. This
workflow is triggered when the intermission return condition status is changed and
saved.
OSS: Notify Program Transfer Details - This workflow is triggered when a program
transfer is committed, that is, when the transfer itself is committed, whether or not the
units or unit sections are transferred as part of the program transfer. The workflow
notifies students and administrators of program transfer changes. This workflow is not
triggered if unit attempts or unit set attempts are transferred later in a separate
transaction.
OSS: Notify Student About Intermission - This workflow is triggered when an
intermission is committed or when an intermission that requires approval is committed
or committed and approved. The workflow notifies students and administrators of the
intermission and intermission changes.
OSS: Notify Student for Program Discontinuation - This workflow is triggered when a
program attempt is discontinued. The discontinuation can occur as the result of
Discontinuation in Enrollment, as the result of transferring from a secondary program
to a new primary program, or as the result of a progression outcome from progression.
The workflow notifies students and administrators of program discontinuation.
OSS: Notify Student Program Offering - This workflow is triggered when a program
offering option is changed, which occurs when an administrator commits the change for
a program offering option. For example, the administrator could use the Program
Change button on the Student Enrollments window to change and commit the change
of a program offering option. The workflow notifies students and administrators of
changes to program offering options.

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-23

OSS: Research Topic Modification - This workflow is triggered when a research topic is
entered, changed, or approved. The workflow notifies students and administrators of
changes to research topics.
OSS: Thesis Topic Creation - This workflow is triggered when a thesis topic or title is
entered, changed, or approved, which occurs when an administrator enters or changes
the information for the thesis topic or title and saves the changes. The workflow notifies
students and administrators of changes to thesis topics.
Thesis Exam - This workflow is triggered when the Thesis Exam business event is raised.
The workflow notifies the student, the student's supervisors, and an administrator
when the thesis has been submitted or resubmitted for the research candidacy.
Thesis Result - This workflow is triggered when the Thesis Result business event is
raised. The workflow notifies the student, the student's supervisors, and an
administrator of a change in the thesis result for the research candidacy.
Financial Aid
CommonLine Loan Guarantee Amount Difference - Sends a notification when the FFELP Upload Origination Acknowledgments request set is run and the school receives a
response with a guarantee amount or approved amount that is different from the loan
amount (award amount accepted).
CommonLine Loan School Certification Request - Sends a notification when the school
receives a response containing a school certification request while running the FFELP Upload Origination Acknowledgments request set. School certification requests are
issued to the school for certifying loan applications initiated outside of the system.
CPS Pushed ISIR Processing - Sends a notification when the Central Processing System
(CPS) pushes an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) to the school for
financial aid processing and the student's verification process is complete.
Document for a To Do Item Received - Sends a notification when a student uploads a
document for a To Do Item in Student Self Service.
Financial Aid Institutional Application Submitted - Sends a notification when a student
submits a Financial Aid Institutional Application in Student Self Service.
Financial Aid To Do Item Completed - Sends a notification when a student completes a To
Do Item in Student Self Service.
FISAP Part II and Part VI HTML Report - Sends a notification when the FISAP (Fiscal
Operations Report and Application to Participate) process is run for an award year. The
workflow generates the report in HTML format and sends it to the user as a
notification.
ISIR Import Person Demographic Data Change - Sends a notification when a person's
demographic data is updated as a result of the importing of an Institutional Student
Information Record (ISIR). The notification highlights these updated attributes: Social
Security Number, First Name, Last Name, Gender, Date-of-Birth, Email Address,
Address, City and Postal Code.

C-24 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Student Employment Notification - Sends a notification when a student employee's


remaining work-study award falls below a threshold defined for the work-study fund
in the Fund Manager setup. This workflow is triggered by the Student Employment
Upload Payroll Information concurrent process or when the payroll details are updated
directly in the Student Work Award Progress window.
Program Structure and Planning
Staff Exceed Workload - Allows you to notify staff members when they exceed the
expected workload. This workflow is triggered when staff members exceed the
expected workload.
Student Finance
OSS: Notify Financial Aid about Waiver Transaction Creation - This workflow notifies a
financial aid administrator if a new waiver transaction is created in the system. A
waiver transaction can be created manually in the Waiver Transactions Self Service
page or by using the Process Student Waivers concurrent program. Alternatively, for
computation based waiver programs, waiver transactions are created automatically if
the Auto Calculation of Waivers profile option is enabled. If the Generate Notification
to Financial Aid system option parameter is set, then this notification is sent to the
financial aid user as set up in the Waiver Notification Viewer profile option.
System Wide Services
Academic Intent - This workflow is triggered whenever any changes are made to the
Academic Intent details of a person. The workflow sends a notification to the system
administrator by default.
Address Change - This workflow is triggered by an Oracle Trading Community
Architecture business event. A notification provides old and new values for an updated
address record. Use an Oracle Trading Community Architecture business event for
creation or update of a Party Site and Location to route the Address Change workflow
notification to a designated person. The workflow sends a notification to the system
administrator by default.
Generate New User - This workflow is triggered through the batch user creation job. The
job creates new user accounts for the assigned person. During the Self Service User
Registration process, this workflow is used to send a notification when a former student
or alumnus cannot be found in the Oracle Student System.
IGS SEVIS Workflow - This workflow generates the XML file for a SEVIS batch. XML can
be generated for both Exchange Visitor and Non Immigrant batch types. The workflow
is triggered through the IGS: SEVIS Generate Batch XML concurrent request. If the
generation of the XML document fails, then the workflow sends a notification to the
system administrator defined in Oracle XML Gateway.
Residency Event - This workflow is triggered when any changes are made to the
residency details of a person. The workflow sends a notification to the system
administrator by default.

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-25

Set or Release External Hold - Third party software or an external system can raise an
Oracle Student System designated business event to insert or update a hold type into
Oracle Student System. This workflow is triggered by third party software to apply or
release an external hold.

Oracle Personal Portfolio


Create Portfolio Account - Sends a notification to the designated approver when a
Portfolio Account request for users is submitted for approval. After approval, user
accounts are created or updated with the requested responsibilities and the user is
notified.
Deactivate Portfolio Account - Sends a notification to the user about the changes to the
Portfolio Account when one or more responsibilities associated with the user's Portfolio
Account are end dated.
IGP: Portfolio Template Publication - Sends a notification to the designated approver when
Portfolio Template Publications are submitted for approval. After approval, the
templates are published to the Portfolio Users and the initiator is notified of the
approval.
IGP: Notify Viewers for Portfolio Assignments - Sends a notification to the registered
viewers when the author or career center assigns them to a Portfolio.
IGP: Add Non Registered Viewer - Sends a notification to the non-registered viewers when
the author assigns them to a Portfolio. The notification details include the URL and the
PIN to access the Portfolio.
IGP: Inform Author about Portfolio Assignment - Sends a notification to the Portfolio
author when the career center assigns the Portfolio to the registered viewers.
IGP: Assignment Removal Notification: Career Center - Sends a notification to the career
center when the Portfolio access for the registered viewers is removed or an invalid
Portfolio assignment to the registered viewers is attempted by the career center.
IGP: Assignment Removal Notification: Author - Sends a notification to the author when
the registered viewer or career center removes the Portfolio access for the viewer.

HRMS Applications
Oracle Federal Human Resources
GHR Personnel Action Process - Enables the routing of the Request for Personnel Action
(RPA) Form for data entry, signature, and review before the final approval and update
to the database. Based on the agency's practices, the user can route the RPA to an
individual, groupbox, or routing list within the routing group. As the RPA is routed,
the system maintains a history of actions. By referring to the history, users can learn
what action was taken, by whom, and on what date.
GHR Position Description Process - Enables the routing of the Position Description form
for data entry, signature, review and classification. Based on the agency's practices, the

C-26 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

user can route the Position Description form to an individual, groupbox, or routing list
within the routing group. As the Position Description form is routed, the system
maintains a history of actions. By referring to the history, users can learn what action
was taken, by whom, and on what date.
GHR Within Grade Increase Process - Enables the automatic processing of Within Grade
Increase (WGI) actions without any manual intervention. The default WGI process
automatically notifies the Personnel Office of the WGI approval and requires no
response. WGI process can be configured during implementation in many ways based
on the agency's practices.

Oracle Human Resources


Task Flow Item Type - Oracle Human Resources provides a predefined workflow item
type called HR Task Flow that you can use to set up your task flows. The HR Task Flow
item type includes a function activity for every HR application window that is allowed
to be incorporated into a task flow. You can use these predefined function activities to
model a workflow process for each task flow. Moreover, each function activity includes
activity attributes that you can set to create button labels and position buttons on its
corresponding application window.
The HR Task Flow item type provides you with an alternative to using forms to set up
and maintain your task flows. By integrating with Oracle Workflow, you can use the
graphical Oracle Workflow Builder to help you design and diagram the sequence of
your windows.

Oracle Internet Time


PA Timecard Approval Process - This process is initiated when an employee submits a
timecard in Oracle Internet Time. The workflow can be configured to either
automatically approve all timecards or route the timecard through a pre-determined
approval process. The approval process sends notifications to managers and employees,
ensures timecards adhere to company policy, and checks manager approval levels. The
status of submitted timecards can be monitored throughout the approval process.

Oracle iRecruitment
iRecruitment (IRC_WF) - Manages general notifications in Oracle iRecruitment.
Notifications are sent when certain actions occur in Oracle iRecruitment, for example,
when a manager refers a candidate to another manager or when a candidate registers
with Oracle iRecruitment.
iRecruitment Offer Processes (IRCOFFER) - Enables managers and recruiters to use the
offers functionality. Using this workflow, managers can:

Create and send offers to applicants.

Place offers on hold.

The workflow also enables applicants to respond to offers online. Applicants can either

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-27

accept or decline offers.


The iRecruitment Offer Processes workflow generates notifications for the offer
transactions.
iRecruitment Ex-Employee Registration (IRC_REG) - When an ex-employee provides
details for registration, iRecruitment matches the information with the existing records
and if it finds the appropriate record, initiates the Registration Request
(REG_REQUEST) process within the IRC_REG item type. This process sends an e-mail
to the ex-employee about the new user account and the password that they can use to
log in to iRecruitment.
iRecruitment Notification Workflow (IRC_NTF) - This workflow sends notifications when
following transactions occur:

Managers change the status of job applications.

Candidates apply for jobs or withdraw applications.

Candidates request for reverse termination of their applications.

Managers reverse the termination of applications.

Recruitment communication occurs.

Employees create candidate profiles using the Employee Referral function.

Employees apply for jobs on behalf of candidates using the Employee Referral
function.

Managers plan and change the interview status. iRecruitment also sends
notifications when primary interviewers update interviews with their feedback.

Candidates provide incorrect employee referral information.

External candidates register from the external recruitment site.

Managers update referral information in candidate profiles or job applications.

Oracle Labor Distribution


Effort Report Notification Process - Workflow functionality in Labor Distribution
automatically routes effort reports throughout the organization and delivers electronic
notifications to users regarding effort reports that require their attention or processes
that are completed.
The Effort Report Notification workflow process includes the following subprocesses:

approval

C-28 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

notification

The Effort Report Notification workflow process is initiated in Labor Distribution when
an effort report is created.
Notification is sent to approvers of the effort report. When the effort report is approved,
the effort report is sent to a supervisor for certification. The creator of the effort report
can monitor the status of the effort report.
Distribution Adjustment Approval Notification Process - Workflow functionality in Labor
Distribution automatically routes distribution adjustments approval notifications
throughout the organization and delivers electronic notifications to users regarding
distribution adjustments that require their attention or processes that are completed.
The process is initiated when a distribution batch is submitted.

Oracle Learning Management


Oracle Learning Management Workflow Process - Includes workflows for class enrollment,
external learning, competency updates, Order Management, learning paths, learning
certifications, instructors, tests, evaluation, mandatory enrollments, and forum postings.

Enroll in a Class

Checks to see if an existing class is full, then notifies learner of enrollment or


placement on waiting list

If enrollment cancellation occurs too close to the class, cost transfer can take
place, charging the customer for the enrollment

When Oracle Learning Management is set to cross charge automatically,


notifies class owner when it cannot find the Transfer From or Transfer To
values; warns Administrator that they must manually create finance headers
and lines

Notifies enrollment request creator of changes to enrollment status

Notifies learner and supervisor of enrollment cancellation

Notifies learner of enrollment cancellation caused by approver rejection

If a class is cancelled too close to its scheduled date, reminds class owner to
move enrollees to waitlist manually

Notifies Learning Administrator of database errors that prevent automatic


enrollment

Notifies System Administrator of database errors following enrollment


approval

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-29

External Learning

Notifies a learner that the record of their attendance in a specific event has been
recorded, updated, or deleted

Competency Update

Notifies learners and managers of automatic competency updates following


successful class completion

Notifies managers of the need for manual competency updates

Manages competency update approvals and rejections

Learning administration through Order Management

Enables invoicing from the order line only after the student has completed the
class

Notifies student of class or enrollment cancellation

Notifies class owner of enrollment or order line cancellation, and can enroll
students from the waiting list

Reminds owner of cancelled class to manually delete booked resources

Notifies class owner when the maximum number of class attendees has
increased

Notifies class owner when a customer has switched enrollments from one class
to another

Learning Paths and Learning Certifications

Notifies learner of learning path completion

Notifies manager and/or creator of learning path completion

Notifies learner of completion target for self-subscribed, self-created,


manager-subscribed, and manager-created learning paths and components

Notifies learner of successful subscription or unsubscription to learning path

Notifies learner of upcoming certification due date

Notifies learner of certification completion, renewal, expiration, or cancellation

Notifies learner of subscription or unsubscription to a certification

C-30 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Instructors

Notifies instructor of class bookings, confirmations, and cancellations

Reminds instructor of booking

Notifies instructor of change in class location

Test results

Evaluation

Notifies learners of completing mandatory evaluation, if any, after they finish


offline or online courses

Notifies learners of completing evaluation (voluntary), if any, after they finish


offline or online courses

Mandatory enrollments

Notifies manager or learner of learner test results

Notifies class owners of mandatory enrollments after the Process Mandatory


Enrollments program completes

Forum postings

Notifies learner of new message posted to forum

Oracle Payroll
Payroll Process Workflow - Enables you to complete the entire individual payroll process
by submitting a single request. The Payroll Process Workflow brings together Batch
Element Entry, RetroPay, the Payroll Run, Payroll Reporting, Checkwriter, NACHA,
Deposit Advice, and Costing. You run the Payroll Process Workflow from the Submit
Request window.
Canadian Payroll Process Workflow - Enables you to complete the entire individual
Canadian payroll process by submitting a single request. This workflow brings together
Batch Element Entry, RetroPay, the Payroll Run, Payroll Reporting, Chequewriter,
Deposit Advice, and Costing. You run the Payroll Process Workflow from the Submit
Request window.
Korean Payroll Process Workflow - Enables you to complete the entire individual Korean
payroll process by submitting a single request. This workflow brings together Batch
Element Entry, RetroPay By Element, the Payroll Run, Prepayments, Bank Transfer,
Payslip Archive, Payslip Reporting, and Costing. You run the Payroll Process Workflow
from the Submit Request window.

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-31

Assignment Costing Workflow - Enables managers to use the Assignment Costing


functionality. This functionality provides a way to configure approvals to control
ad-hoc employees' assignment costing updates. The workflow generates notifications
when a manager changes employees' assignment costing details. Only on approval of
these notifications, the application reflects the changes in employees' assignment
records.
Self-Service Batch Element Entry Process - Enables a user to send notifications to a
supervisor related to element entries entered through the self-service Batch Element
Entry page.

Oracle Performance Management


Appraisals Processes - The appraisals workflows enable both managers and
non-managers to use the appraisals functionality. Managers can create appraisals for
their direct reports and generate notifications of the appraisal to the appraisee and any
other appraisers. When a standard or 360-Degree appraisal has completed, the
workflow can automatically trigger an update to the appraisee's competency profile.
The workflow also generates a Performance Review event. SSHR includes the following
appraisals workflows:

Appraisal Details Process

Appraisal Approved Process

Appraisal Rejected Process

Main Appraiser/Appraisee Notification Process

Notify Participants Process

Oracle Self-Service Human Resources


Apply for a Job Process - You use this process to enable SSHR users to submit an
application for a job. If the application is successful and the recruiter accepts the
application, the supervisor of the vacancy receives a notification and the workflow
completes.
Approvals Process - You can configure your SSHR workflow processes so that some
transactions, for example, a change to an address, require approval whereas other
transactions, for example, a change to a phone number, do not require approval.
Related processes include:

Approval Initialisation

Approval Notification Process

Approved Process

C-32 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Commit Transaction Data Process

Dynamic Approvals Process

OnApproval Validation

Rejected Process

Approvals Process with Correction - In addition to the standard approvals functionality,


this process also enables an approver to return an SSHR transaction to the initiator for
correction of information or for additional information. The Approvals Process with
Correction is the base process for approvals routing and notifications.
Approvers Notification Process (HR_APPROVAL_NTF_PRC) - This notification process
provides all the functionality of the Approvals Process with Correction workflow, and
also functionality that enables users to send notification to any workflow role supported
by AME, such FND, PER, POS, RESP and so on. Additionally this new process
incorporates the workflow notification timeout feature with AME callback functionality
for surrogate approver.
Change Extra Information Types/Change Special Information Types - These processes
provide navigation for Extra Information and Special Information pages connecting to
review, confirmation and approval processes. You can include the Extra information
and Special information functions in other workflows to capture additional information
if required.
Check Salary Basis Change in Mid-Pay Period - This process enables a SSHR manager to
change the salary basis for a direct report during a pay period. The workflow generates
a notification for the Payroll Contact who can then approve or reject the change.
Compensation Distribution - This process enables an SSHR manager to assign a one-time
or recurring award to an employee or worker. Non-manager users can use this
workflow to set up voluntary contributions.
Employee Review Process - This process enables a user to search for an existing review or
create a new review. When the review is created, the workflow initiates the approval
process.
Events and Bookings Processes - These processes generate notifications for users in the
following situations:

If a user has been added to an event (Event & Bookings: Added to an Event)

If a user has been designated the internal contact for an event (Event & Bookings:
Notify Internal Contact)

If a user has been removed from an event (Event & Bookings: Remove from an Event)

FYI Notification Process (HR_FYI_NOTIFICATION_PRC) - This process provides the


ability to send FYI notifications to approvers returned from AME of types, 'Pre
Approval Notifier', 'Authority Notifier', and 'Post Approval Notifier'. This new feature

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-33

is introduced in Release 12.


Hiring Processes - The hiring processes control the sequence of events that occur when a
recruiting manager hires a new employee or worker. The recruiting manager enters
personal and assignment information for the new hire and then defines the pay and the
new manager. The workflow processes are currently:

Hire or Placement

French Hire

HR Background Cleanup Process - This process removes workflow processes that are left
running if a system crashes or if a user ID is disabled or removed.
JP Commutation Information - In Japan, most companies pay employees the required
expense for commuting to the office, which is commonly known as Commutation
Allowance. This module supports the use of approval process, which is enabled by the
common Review page function and some other common functions of the SSHR
workflow definition (HRSSA.wft).
Manage Employment Events Processes - SSHR includes several workflows to enable SSHR
managers to perform Manage Employment Events transactions. For example, a
manager can change the location, pay, or working conditions for an employee or
contingent worker. The delivered workflows enable you to change the following
information for an employee or contingent worker, either individually or as a
combination:

Assignment

Cost Center

Hours

Job

Location

Manager

Pay

Role

The Manage Employment Events processes are built so that you can combine particular
sets of pages and build a process with or without approval and with specific sequence
of functions to control the page navigation.
New Employee Registration Processes - These processes combine to enable a new employee
to register and enter personal and other information using SSHR. The new user can also
create a new user name and password for SSHR. The processes include:

C-34 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

COBRA Registration Process

Create User Name Process

New Employee Registration Address Process

New Employee Registration Assignment Process

New Employee Registration Contacts Process

New Employee Registration Process

Notification Process for Approvers and Notifiers (HR_NOTIFICATION_PRC) - This


workflow is a comprehensive approval notification process that provides all the
functionality listed in the Approvers Notification Process and FYI Notification Process
and additionally incorporates the RFC Notification Process functionality. Also, this
process provides notification callback functions to archive the notification actions and
transaction data to Oracle Human Resources tables for auditing and history.
Notification Processes - These processes determine whether a user receives a notification
on approval of a transaction or on submission of the transaction. The processes are:

OnApproval Notification Process

OnSubmit Notification Process

Organization Manager - The Organization Manager processes enable an SSHR manager


to view or update organization managers.
Personal and Professional Information - SSHR includes workflows to enable users of SSHR
(managers and non-managers) to enter, update, and delete personal and professional
information. Users can currently enter, update, and delete information in the following
areas:

Personal Information

Address (secondary and main)

Basic Details

Contacts

Phone Numbers

Professional Information

Academic Rank (US)

Competences

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-35

Education and Qualifications

Professional Awards

Tenure Status (US)

Process Payroll Payments Process - This process controls the Manage Payroll Payments
function which an employee can use to determine how a salary is paid. If the user
changes the payment method, SSHR calls the Change Payment Method Process.
Release Information for Transfer - This process enables a SSHR user to use the Release
Employee Information function to share information about themselves with another
user, often a manager, who would not usually have access to their records. Similarly, a
manager can use this function to share information about one of their employees or
workers with a second manager.
Return for Correction Process - This workflow process enables an Oracle Self-Service
Human Resources user to return a transaction to the initiator for correction. This
process is introduced in Oracle Self-Service Human Resources version 5 and controls
notifications if they are returned for correction.
Self Service Generic Approval Process (HR_GENERIC_APPROVAL_PRC) - This approval
process supplied by Oracle Self-Service Human Resources is used across HRMS
products such as Oracle iRecruitment, Oracle Training Administration, Oracle Talent
Management (Appraisal), and others, as well as by Oracle Self-Service Human
Resource. The Self Service Generic Approval Process provides extensive capability
including the features delivered through the Notification Process for Approvers and
Notifiers. This generic approval process can be invoked directly from BC4J Java code by
passing mandatory attributes for AME callback. Also it provides callbacks for dynamic
notification message subject generation with product specific-callbacks.
Self-Service HR Standard Error Process - This workflow process is triggered if a system
error occurs. The workflow generates a notification to the SSHR Administrator to
inform them of the system error.
Tax Processes

Online Tax Forms Notification Process - This process sends a notification to an


employee or other contact person if W4 tax records are changed.

W4 Information Processes (US) - The Federal W4 Notification and Change W4


Information processes enable a US user to view W4 information and update the
information if necessary. The standard setup for these processes does not require
approval.

Employee W2 Process (US) - This process enables a user to view tax information
using SSHR. If the user requests a paper copy of the information, the workflow
generates a notification for the HR or Payroll Representative to inform them of the
request.

C-36 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Training Enrollment Processes - The training enrollment processes enable users to search
for training, enroll in a training offering, and cancel training. If appropriate, you can
configure the processes to enable approvals by a manager or another person, for
example, an HR administrator. The processes are:

Cancel Enrollment Process

Complete Enrollment Process

Enroll in Training

External Training

Training Link Access

Oracle Succession Planning


Succession Planning Approval Process - The Succession Planning Approval Process
governs approvals in Oracle Succession Planning. This process routes succession plans
for approval and generates notifications.

Oracle Time and Labor


OTL Seeded Approval Workflow - Oracle Time and Labor provides a single workflow that
routes timecards to the appropriate person or people for approval. You use this
workflow as a template to create as many workflows as you need for the approval
styles you define.

Leasing
Oracle Lease Management
OKL CS Equipment Exchange - The workflow is used for Equipment Exchange Requests
to update equipment details after receiving necessary approvals: 1. Notify Rejection of
Equipment Exchange; 2. Notify to follow up with Customer about Temporary
Exchange; 3. Notify modify contract for equipment exchange request. The workflow is
initiated from the Requests tab.
OKL CS Transfer Assumption Request - The workflow is used for Transfer and
Assumption Requests to notify the Contract Administrator after receiving necessary
approvals: 1. Received Customer Approval? 2. Received Vendor Approval? 3. Notify
Credit Departments. 4. Notify Collections for Approval. 5. Notify administrator to
restructure contract. The workflow is initiated from the Requests tab.
OKL CS Billing Correction Request - The workflow is used for Billing Correction Requests
to notify the Contract Administrator to approve billing correction requests. The
workflow is initiated from the Transactions tab.
OKL CS Billing Refund Request - The workflow is used for Billing Refund Requests to

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-37

notify the Contract Administrator to approve billing refund requests. The workflow is
initiated from the Account tab.
OKL CS Convert Interest Type - The workflow is used to convert Interest Requests to
notify the Contract Administrator of changes in the interest type from Lease Center. The
workflow is initiated from the Structure tab.
OKL CS Contract Lease Renewal - The workflow is used for Renewal Quotes to notify the
Contract Administrator to approve contract lease renewals: 1. Notification for Lease
Renewal; 2. Notification for Lease Renewal Rejection. The workflow is initiated from
the Requests tab.
OKL Stream Generation - Outbound - The workflow is used to initiate the outbound XML
Pricing Engine transaction for Stream Generation: 1. Receive raised Business Event to
send the outbound XML document; 2. Call XML Gateway API to check for validity of
the generated XML document; 3. Report error, if applicable; 4. Call XML Gateway API
to send the document to the Pricing Engine server. The workflow is initiated from the
Stream Generation Process.
OKL Stream Generation - Inbound - The workflow is used to manage the inbound XML
Pricing Engine transaction for Stream Generation: 1. Capture the Business Event for
inbound XML message; 2. Process the streams returned by the Pricing Engine server.
The workflow is a continuation of the Stream Generation Process.
OKL - INS Gather Third Party Insurance Information - The workflow creates a task to
gather third-party information when a customer fails to provide insurance proof by the
due date and the lessor cannot sell insurance. The workflow is initiated from the
insurance placement process.
OKL Account Generator - You can use this workflow to generate account combinations
instead of the seeded sources. The workflow is initiated from the Accounting Engine.
OKL - AM: Approve Contract Portfolio - The workflow routes a contract portfolio for
approval. The workflow is initiated from Contract Portfolio.
OKL - AM: Notify Contract Portfolio Execution - The workflow notifies the Remarketer
(Assignment Group) contract portfolio execution. The workflow is initiated from
Contract Portfolio.
OKL - AM: Approve Restructure - The workflow routes a restructure for approval. The
workflow is initiated from Restructure Quote.
OKL - AM: Shipping Instructions - The workflow is used to notify the lessee of shipping
instructions for an asset. The workflow is initiated from Communicate Quote.
OKL - AM: Notify Internal Transport Department - The workflow is used to notify the
internal transport department of the shipping details for an asset when the lessee
accepts the transport management option. The workflow is initiated from Communicate
Quote.
OKL - AM: Send Quote - The workflow is used to notify the requestor of an Asset Quote.
The workflow is initiated from Communicate Quote.

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OKL - AM: Repurchase Acceptance - The workflow informs users of the acceptance of a
Repurchase Quote. The workflow is initiated from Quote Acceptance.
OKL - AM: Termination Quote Acceptance - The workflow informs users of the acceptance
of a Termination Quote (Pre-Proceeds Termination Quote, Post-Proceeds Termination
Quote). The workflow is initiated from Quote Acceptance.
OKL - AM: Restructure Quote Acceptance - The workflow informs users of the acceptance
of a Restructure Quote. The workflow is initiated from Quote Acceptance.
OKL - AM: Notify Remarketer - The workflow informs the remarketing team of a new
asset assignment. The workflow is initiated from Asset Return.
OKL - AM: Notify Collections - The workflow informs the collections agent of updates on
returns in the case of a Repossessed Asset. The workflow is initiated from Asset Return.
OKL - AM: Notify Repossession Agent - The workflow informs the external repossession
agent of a new repossession request. The workflow is initiated from Asset Return.
OKL - AM: Asset Repair - The workflow routes asset repair requests for approval. The
workflow is initiated from Asset Condition.
OKL - AM: Request Title Return - The workflow requests the third party titleholder to
return the title on expiration of the contract. The workflow is initiated from
Remarketing.
OKL - AM: Remarketing Order Cycle - The workflow defines the order cycle in Order
Management for remarketed assets. The workflow is initiated from Remarketing.
Credit Application Request - The workflow notifies the Lease Credit Approver to approve
the recommendation. The workflow is initiated from Credit Management's
recommendation business event.
Lease Funding Approval - The workflow is used to obtain approvals required for funding
request approval. The workflow is initiated from the Funding Request submit button.
Lease Contract Booking Approval - The workflow is used to obtain approvals required for
contract booking and activation. The workflow is initiated from the Approval button in
Authoring.
OKL - AM: Notify Internal Transport Department - The workflow notifies the Transport
Department when the lessee accepts the transport management option. The workflow is
initiated from the shipping instruction.
OKL - AM: Notify Manual Termination Quote Request - The workflow notifies the
representative of a manual termination quoting request. The workflow is initiated from
the manual termination quote.
OKL - AM: AM Service Contract Integration - The workflow initiates Service Contract
Integration. The workflow is initiated from the asset return.
1.

Notify linked lease on asset return. The workflow is initiated from the asset
disposal.

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-39

2.

Notify linked lease on asset disposal. The workflow is initiated from the
termination and billing.

3.

Notify termination and subsequent contract billing. The workflow is initiated from
the delinking at termination.

4.

Notify delink and termination. The workflow is initiated from the termination.

5.

Notify delink error and termination. The workflow is initiated from the Transaction
tab.

OKL: CS Credit Memo - The workflow is used for getting approval before processing
credit memos, with a notification for approving Credit Memo Request. The workflow is
initiated from the Transaction tab.
OKL: Customer Service Principal Paydown - The workflow is used to send notifications
about Principal Paydown, with a notification for Contract Rebook after paydown. The
workflow is initiated from the Request tab.
OKL - SS: Request Termination Quote - Sends a notification to the Lease Center Agent that
a quote has been requested. The workflow is initiated in Customer Self Service when a
user creates a termination quote.
OKL - SS: Make a Payment - Sends a notification to the Lease Center Agent that a
payment was made. The workflow is initiated in Customer Self Service when a user
makes a payment.
OKL - SS: Request Repurchase Quote - The workflow creates a repurchase quote for the
contract and sends out a notification for approval. The workflow is initiated in
Customer Self Service when a user creates a repurchase quote.
OKL - SS: Cancel Insurance - Sends a notification to the Lease Center Agent that a policy
has been cancelled. The workflow is initiated in Customer Self Service when a user
cancels an insurance policy.
OKL - SS: Update Serial Number - The workflow sends out an approval notification and
updates the serial number of the asset if approved, and sends a notification to requestor,
whether the workflow is approved or declined. The workflow is initiated in Customer
Self Service when a user requests a serial number update.
OKL - SS: Update Asset Location - The workflow sends out an approval notification and
updates the location of the asset if approved, and sends a notification to requestor,
whether the workflow is approved or declined. The workflow is initiated in Customer
Self Service when a user requests an asset location update.
OKL - SS: Request Billing Change - The workflow sends out an approval notification and
updates billing information of the contract if approved, and sends a notification to
requestor, whether the workflow is approved or declined. The workflow is initiated in
Customer Self Service when a user requests a billing change.
OKL - SS: Submit Third Party Insurance - If the insurance company does not already exist,
the workflow sends out a notification to create a new party. The workflow creates an

C-40 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

insurance policy once the notified user inputs the new party ID into the notification.
The workflow is initiated in Customer Self Service when a user submits information on
a new provider or when a user submits insurance policy details.
OKL - SS: Request For Invoice Format Change - The workflow sends out an approval
notification and updates the invoice format if approved. The workflow sends a
notification back to the user with the approval decision. The workflow is initiated in
Customer Self Service when a user requests an invoice format change.
OKL - SS: Claim Notification - Sends a notification to the Lease Center Agent that a claim
has been created. The workflow is initiated in Customer Self Service when a user
submits a new insurance policy claim.
OKL - SS: Asset Return -The workflow notifies another user (the role selected in a setup
step) to create a new asset return request. The workflow is initiated in Customer Self
Service when a user submits a request for asset return.
OKL - SS: Request Renewal Quote - The workflow notifies the Lease Center Agent that a
new renewal quote has been created. The workflow is initiated in Customer Self Service
when a user creates a renewal quote.
OKL: Collections Approve Refund - The workflow is used to approve a vendor refund. The
workflow is initiated from the Request Details.
OKL: Collections Approve Cure Request - The workflow is used to approve a Cure
Request. The workflow is initiated when a user accepts a lease quote payment plan.
OKL - SO: Quote Acceptance - The workflow notifies another user that the quote payment
plan has been accepted.
OKL - SO: Payment Plan Approval - The workflow routes the payment plan for approval.
The workflow is initiated when the user submits a payment plan for approval.

Logistics
Oracle Inventory
INV: Move Order Approval - Sends notifications and reminders to approvers for approval
of move orders, and sends notifications of the proposed move to requesters and people
on the notification list associated with the subinventories.
Material Shortage Message - Sends a notification to planners every time a receipt
transaction is done for an item with material shortages. The workflow notification will
be initiated from a concurrent program that checks all material transactions that have
been marked by the transaction manager.
Lot Expiry/Retest Workflow - Sends a notification to a user at a defined number of days in
advance of lot expiration and retest dates. Without this workflow the expiration or
retesting of a lot is not visible to the user without a query for the expiration and retest
information. The Lot Expiry/Retest Workflow gives the approver this visibility by
notifying the approver the defined number of days in advance of the expiration and

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-41

retest date.
Item Activation E-Record - Sends notifications to approve newly created items before
changing their status to an approved inventory status. The workflow is initiated from
the Approve Item from the OPM Item Master window. The workflow notifies the
individual who needs to approve the item's creation and calls for e-signatures using
Oracle E-Records. The item becomes active if it is approved. The item remains inactive
if it is not approved. Item properties cannot be modified if the workflow approval is
pending for an item.

Oracle Warehouse Management


MTL Transaction Reasons Workflow - Transaction reason actions provide the user with an
alternative customizable function flow when an exception happens. This workflow
currently has two workflow processes seeded:

Cycle Count - Requests a cycle count on a location with a quantity discrepancy and
then send out a notification.

WMS N Step Putaway - Allows the user to putaway items to an intermediate


location that is different from the location suggested by the system. The system then
creates another task to move the item from the intermediate location to the
suggested location.

Maintenance Applications
Oracle Enterprise Asset Management
Isolation Approval Workflow - If this workflow is enabled within the Enterprise Asset
Management parameters (Enable Workflow for Safety check box), this approval
workflow is initiated when a user changes the status of isolation to Released.
Work Clearance Approval Workflow - If this process is enabled within the Enterprise Asset
Management parameters (Enable Workflow for Safety check box), this approval
workflow is initiated when the user changes the work clearance status to Released.
Work Order Approval Workflow - If this workflow is enabled within the Enterprise Asset
Management parameters (Enable Workflow for Work Orders check box), this process is
initiated when a work order is created, released for approval, completed, status is
changed, and operations are completed.
Work Permit Approval Workflow - If this workflow is enabled within the Enterprise Asset
Management parameters (Enable Workflow for Work Orders check box), this approval
workflow is initiated when the work permit creator associates the work permit with a
work order, completes entry and moves the status to Approval Pending.

C-42 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Manufacturing Applications
Discrete Manufacturing
The Discrete Manufacturing product family includes the following workflows.
Oracle Cost Management
Account Generation Extension - The Account Generation Extension workflow is designed
to provide a graphical user interface to the Client Extension. The workflow enables you
to specify the accounts for distribution based on the type of transaction or to define
your own business functions to generate the desired accounts. The Account Generation
Extension workflow is called from the Account Generator Client Extension.
Oracle Engineering
Engineering Change Orders Process - Submits an engineering change order to the
appropriate people for approval.
Change Line Workflow Routing Step - This process is made up of several specific workflow
processes, each of which is activated when assignees complete a particular step in the
Change Line Workflow Routing process. The specific workflow processes include:

Request Response - Sends a Change Line Level notification to the specified assignees
for sharing the documents as Change Line Attachments. It also automatically
provides document access to the assignees.

FYI - Sends an FYI notification to the specified assignees on the Workflow Routing
page. Once the step is completed, the workflow returns control to the parent
Workflow Routing Agent workflow. This workflow is started from the Workflow
Routing Agent based on the definition of the workflow routing.

Request Comment - Sends a comment request notification to the assignees specified


on the Change Line Workflow Routing page and controls comment requests. If the
assignees do not respond by the specified period, the workflow sends a reminder
notification. Once the step is completed, the workflow returns control to the parent
Workflow Routing Agent workflow. This workflow is started from the Workflow
Routing Agent based on the definition of the workflow routing.

Document Lifecycle Workflow Routing Step - This process is made up of several specific
workflow processes, each of which is activated when assignees complete a particular
step in the Document Lifecycle Workflow Routing process. The specific workflow
processes include:

Request Approval - Sends an approval request notification to the assignees specified


on the Document Workflow Routing page and controls approval requests. If the
assignees do not respond by the specified period, the workflow sends a reminder
notification. Once the step is approved, the workflow returns control to the parent

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-43

Workflow Routing Agent workflow. This workflow is started from the Workflow
Routing Agent based on the definition of the workflow routing.

FYI - Sends an FYI notification to the assignees specified on the Workflow Routing
page. Once the step is completed, the workflow returns control to the parent
Workflow Routing Agent workflow. This workflow is started from the Workflow
Routing Agent based on the definition of the workflow routing.

Request Comment - Sends a comment request notification to the assignees specified


on the Document Lifecycle Workflow Routing page and controls comment requests.
If the assignees do not respond by the specified period, the workflow sends a
reminder notification. Once the step is completed, the workflow returns control to
the parent Workflow Routing Agent workflow. This workflow is started from the
Workflow Routing Agent based on the definition of the workflow routing.

Oracle Master Scheduling/MRP


Planning Exception Messages - Enables you to automatically process exceptions in order
to take corrective action quickly when generating materials and resource plans.
Exception messages are routed to key contacts for specific responsibilities. Recipients
can be supplier and customer contacts as well as internal personnel.
Oracle Project Manufacturing
Indirect/Capital Project Definition Process - This process is part of the Project
Manufacturing Project Definition process navigator flow. This process guides users
through all the necessary sequence of steps for setting up an Indirect- or Capital-type
project for use in Oracle Project Manufacturing.
Contract Project Definition Process - This process is part of the Project Manufacturing
Project Definition process navigator flow. This process guides users through all the
necessary sequence of steps for setting up a Contract-type project for use in Oracle
Project Manufacturing.
Oracle Quality Online
Employee Notifications - Notifies employees that have registered interest for a particiular
event on a designated Defect or Enhancement.
Critical Defect - Notifies the owner that they have recently been assigned a critical defect.
Oracle Work in Process
Intermediate Shipment - Enables tracking the outside processing assemblies from the
shop floor to the shipping dock, and then to the supplier. The Intermediate Shipment
workflow is activated when you move assemblies into the Queue intraoperation step of
an Outside Processing operation with a PO Move resource charge type, or if the outside
processing operation is the first operation.
WIP Exception Notification Workflow - Sends notifications of Discrete Execution

C-44 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Workstation exceptions.

Process Manufacturing
The Process Manufacturing product family includes the following workflows.
Oracle Process Manufacturing (OPM)
Oracle Process Manufacturing components include the following workflows.
Using Oracle Order Management with Process Inventory

Sales Order Batch Reservations - The Sales Order Batch Reservations workflow sends
notifications to the Customer Service Representative for changes in the production
warehouse, quantity, completion date of the batch, and batch status.
OPM Product Development

Product Development Status Approval Workflow - When you activate the Product
Development Status Approval Workflow, formulas, routings, recipes, validity rules,
and operations require a series of approvals that result in reassigning their statuses
through a predefined approval process. The workflow presents each approver with an
electronic notification so action can be taken online. Laboratory Approval is optional in
this workflow.
If the workflow is enabled, then formulas, routings, recipes, validity rules, and
operations use the following statuses:

Approved for Laboratory Use - The status changes to Request Approval for
Laboratory Use until all approvers have accepted, at which time the status changes
to Approved for Laboratory Use.

Approval for General Use - The status changes to Request Approval for General
Use until all approvers have accepted, at which time the status changes to
Approved for General Use.

If the status is Approved for Laboratory Use, then you can only use formulas, routings,
recipes, validity rules, and operations in laboratory batches and cost rollups for
laboratories.
If the status is Approved for General Use, then you can use formulas, routings, recipes,
validity rules, and operations in production batches and cost rollups.
OPM Quality Management

Sample Creation Notification - Sends a notification to draw a physical sample as required


by the associated sampling plan for the specification and specification validity rule in
effect. This workflow can be triggered by an inventory quantity increase, receiving
transaction, batch step release, or lot expiration or retest. The notification lists the
sampling plan information and includes a link to the Samples window, where
information about the sampling event is populated.
Testing Notification - Sends a notification to prompt you to perform a test and enter its
result against a particular sample. This workflow is initiated by the creation of a sample
that is already associated to a specification or selection of the result action for retesting a

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-45

certain test. Each tester for a given sample in process receives a notification for the
expected test result.
Sample Disposition Notification - Prompts for assignment of the final disposition for a
sample once testing has completed. The sample disposition can be changed to accepted,
accepted with variance, or rejected when all tests (if required by the associated
specification) have recorded results that have been evaluated and finalized.
Composite Results Notification - Asks you whether to composite the results across a set of
samples within the same sampling event. This workflow is initiated when testing of all
the samples in a sampling event (based on the number of samples required by the
sampling plan) is complete and each sample has a final sample disposition. The
notification provides a link to the Composite Results window, where information about
the sampling event is populated.
Sample Group Disposition Notification - Notifies you that the sampling event requires a
final disposition, based on the number of samples required by the sampling plan. This
workflow is launched when all the samples within a sampling event have a final
disposition of accept, accept with variance, reject, or cancel.
Spec Status Change Approval Notification - The Spec Status Change Approval Notification
workflow notifies the contact person when the specification status has changed. The
workflow is activated for processing the status change. Typically, workflow approval is
activated for status changes to Approved for Lab Use and Approved for General Use.
The other statuses can be processed without requiring workflow approval.
Spec Customer Validity Rule Status Change Approval - The Spec Customer Validity Rule
Status Change Approval Notification workflow notifies the contact person when the
customer specification validity rule status has changed. The workflow is activated for
processing the status change. Typically, workflow approval is activated for status
changes to Approved for Lab Use and Approved for General Use. The other statuses
can be processed without requiring workflow approval.
Spec Inventory Validity Rule Status Change Approval - The Spec Inventory Validity Rule
Status Change Approval Notification workflow notifies the contact person when the
inventory specification validity rule status has changed. The workflow is activated for
processing the status change. Typically, workflow approval is activated for status
changes to Approved for Lab Use and Approved for General Use. The other statuses
can be processed without requiring workflow approval.
Spec Supplier Validity Rule Status Change Approval - The Spec Supplier Validity Rule
Status Change Approval Notification workflow notifies the contact person when the
supplier specification validity rule status has changed. The workflow is activated for
processing the status change. Typically, workflow approval is activated for status
changes to Approved for Lab Use and Approved for General Use. The other statuses
can be processed without requiring workflow approval.
Spec WIP Validity Rule Status Change Approval - The Spec WIP Validity Rule Status
Change Approval Notification workflow notifies the contact person when the WIP
specification validity rule status has changed. The workflow is activated for processing
the status change. Typically, workflow approval is activated for status changes to

C-46 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Approved for Lab Use and Approved for General Use. The other statuses can be
processed without requiring workflow approval.
Spec Monitoring Validity Rule Status Change Approval - The Spec Monitoring Validity Rule
Status Change Approval Notification workflow notifies the contact person when the
monitoring specification validity rule status has changed. The workflow is activated for
processing the status change. Typically, workflow approval is activated for status
changes to Approved for Lab Use and Approved for General Use. The other statuses
can be processed without requiring workflow approval.
Sample Group Rejection Notification - The Sample Group Rejection Notification workflow
notifies the contact person that either a monitoring sample group or a stability study
time point sample group is rejected.
Stability Study Change Status Notification - The Stability Study Change Status Notification
workflow notifies the study owner of status changes in the stability study. The process
of changing status from New to a status of Completed involves a series of workflow
notifications. Oracle E-Records operates with this workflow to enforce the stability
study status control business rules. The cancellation of a stability study is also
controlled by the workflow.
Stability Study Lot/Sublot Sample Notification - When the stability study is approved, and
specific lots or sublots of the item to be tested exist, then the Stability Study Lot/Sublot
Sample Notification workflow notifies the stability study contact person to obtain
samples for all required material sources. In the notification, the contact person is
designated to draw and store the specified samples, and to update the sample records
accordingly.
Stability Study Batch Creation Notification - When the stability study is approved, and
specific lots or sublots of the item to be tested do not exist, then the Stability Study
Batch Creation Notification workflow notifies the stability study contact person to
request that a batch be created for the study.
Stability Study Testing - The Stability Study Testing workflow is a master workflow that
governs the Stability Study Time Point Scheduling Notification workflow, and the
Stability Study Late Time Point Scheduling Notification workflow. This workflow runs
as a background process to monitor for any time point test that requires a workflow
notification, or a late workflow notification. The workflow raises the appropriate event
for either scheduled or late time point tests.
If the stability study is canceled or the scheduled time point testing date changes, then a
workflow API manages the situation. The sample group disposition is changed from a
status of Retained to a status of Pending, and the sample pull dates are updated.
Stability Study Time Point Scheduling Notification - The Stability Study Time Point
Scheduling Notification workflow notifies you to pull samples for time point testing.
The notification considers the required leadtime, and it requests you to change the
disposition of a time point sample from Retained to Pending. When the sample
disposition is changed to Pending, tests are scheduled. If the test is not performed
within the grace period, then the OPM Quality Stability Study Testing master workflow
raises a separate event that indicates the test is overdue.

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-47

Stability Study Late Time Point Scheduling Notification - The Stability Study Late Time
Point Scheduling Notification workflow notifies you that a test is overdue. The
notification considers the required grace period, and uses the OPM Quality Stability
Study Testing master workflow to raise a separate event to indicate the test is late.
Quality UOM Conversion Notification - The Quality UOM Conversion Notification
workflow notifies the contact person that a new or revised lot-specific UOM conversion
is recommended based on quality results. A link to the Item Lot/Sublot Standard
Conversion window in the OPM Inventory Control application is provided. This link
does not operate unless a lot number is assigned on the quality sample.
Oracle E-Records

Oracle E-Records Individual Approval Notification - For all deferred e-signatures, the
requestor receives a notification after each initiated e-signature of the event.
Oracle E-Records E-Signature Reminder Notification - Signers can receive reminder
notifications that there are e-records awaiting their e-signatures.
Oracle E-Records Timeout Notification - An e-record requestor is notified when an
e-record event times out when an e-signature is not received in the allotted period of
time.
Oracle E-Records Rejection Notification - All signers and the requestor receive notifications
when a rejection signature is entered for an associated e-record event.
Oracle E-Records Stylesheet Upload Notification - When all approvals have been captured
for a new or updated E-Record style sheet file, the style sheet is automatically uploaded
to the style sheet repository. A notification is sent to the requestor.
Oracle E-Records File Approval - Uploaded files can be routed for approval and
e-signatures. This event is initiated from the Oracle E-Records File Upload window by
clicking the Send for Approval button.
Oracle E-Records Transaction Configuration VariableCreate/Update - The settings for Oracle
E-Record transaction defaults are defined and set here. Enabling these events requires
that e-Records and e-Signatures are captured before updates are saved. The new or
updated data is not committed to the database unless all of the required signatures are
obtained while the E-Signature window displays.
Oracle E-Records Rule Configuration Variable Create/Update - The settings for Oracle
E-Record transaction rules are defined and set here. Enabling these events requires that
e-records and e-signatures are captured before updates are saved. The new or updated
data is not committed to the database unless all of the required signatures are obtained
while the E-Signature window displays.

Order Management
For detailed information about Order Management (Oracle Configure to Order, Order
Management, and Shipping Execution) workflows, see the Oracle Order Management
Using Oracle Workflow in Oracle Order Management guide.

C-48 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Procurement
Oracle CLM Purchasing
Requisition Approval Process - This is the approval workflow for requisitions. Requisition
amendments for purchase requisitions also use this workflow for the approval process.
PO Approval Workflow Using AME - This workflow is used in the approval process for
the following CLM documents: Awards, IDVs, and Modifications.
PO Concurrent Modifications Notification - This workflow is used to send notifications
from one user to other user(s) when the same Award or IDV is updated by more than
one user concurrently.
PALT Assignment Workflow - This workflow handles workload assignments. The
workflow also notifies buyers of re-assignment actions.

Oracle Contract Lifecycle Management for Public Sector (CLM) Purchasing


PO CLM Approval Workflow using AME - This workflow is launched from the Purchasing
Documents Open Interface for auto-approval of CLM documents. It includes
submission checks, reserve, and approve.
PO Initiate Closeout Workflow - This workflow initiates and orchestrates the closeout
process. As part of the closeout process, it also does the following: checks the checklist
details and signer details, updates the document status, sends notifications, validates
documents, and generates PDF for the Checklist and Contract Completion statement
(CCS).
Small Business Coordination Record Approval Workflow - This workflow routes the SBCR
documents for approval based on the AME setup.
Small Business Coordination Record Signature Workflow - This workflow routes the SBCR
documents for signature based on the Signatories defined in the document.

Oracle CLM Sourcing


Buyer Action - This workflow is used to send notifications to the requester when SLINs
or linked option lines on an award are deleted.
Sourcing Approval - This is the approval workflow for solicitations, Fair Opportunity
Notices, and solicitation amendments.
Offer Withdrawal - This workflow is used in the offer withdrawal process.

Oracle iProcurement
For a complete list of Oracle iProcurement workflows, see the Oracle iProcurement
Implementation Guide.
Receipt Confirmation Process - Sends receipt notifications to requestors, informing them

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-49

that they should have received their order. This process is also known as the PO
Confirm Receipt workflow.
Requisition Approval Process - Submits a requisition created from Web Requisitions to the
appropriate managers for approval and updates the status of the requisition.

Oracle iSupplier Portal


For information about workflows that are part of both Oracle iSupplier Portal and
Oracle Supplier Lifecycle Management, see: Oracle Supplier Lifecycle Management,
page C-51.
For a complete list of Oracle iSupplier Portal workflows, see the Oracle iSupplier Portal
Implementation Guide.
Supplier Self-Service Registration Approval Process - Oracle iSupplier Portal allows a guest
to log on and register as a supplier contact for a company. This process routes a
notification to the appropriate account approver to verify and approve the registration.
If the approver approves the registration, the Supplier Web User account is activated. If
the account approver rejects the registration, the account is deactivated.

Oracle Purchasing
For a complete list of Oracle Purchasing workflows, see the Oracle Purchasing User's
Guide.
Procurement Workflow - The Procurement Workflow is a lights-out, hands-off transaction
processing system that is truly flexible and extensible to all members of your supply
chain. It is one of the key enablers in the shift towards more strategic sourcing and
procurement activities. It consists of the Document Approval, Automatic Document
Creation, Change Orders, Account Generation, Send Notifications, Price/Sales Catalog
Notification, and Receipt Confirmation (used only by Self-Service Purchasing)
workflow processes.
Document Approval Process - Performs all approval related activities in Oracle
Purchasing. These include, but are not limited to, document submission, approval,
forwarding, approval notifications, and rejection. This includes the PO Approval
workflow process for approving purchase orders and the PO Requisition Approval
workflow process for approving requisitions.
Automatic Document Creation Process - Automatically creates standard purchase orders
or releases against blanket agreements using approved purchase requisition lines, if the
requisition lines have the required sourcing information. This process is also known as
the PO Create Documents workflow.
Change Orders Process - Allows you to control which changes require a manual
reapproval and which will be automatically reapproved. All reapproved documents,
either manual or automatic, will result in the document revision being incremented.
This process is part of the PO Approval workflow.
Send Notifications Process - Looks for documents that are incomplete, rejected, or in need

C-50 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

of reapproval, and sends notifications regarding the document's status to the


appropriate people. This is also known as the PO Send Notifications for Purchasing
Documents workflow.
Price/Sales Catalog Notification Process - Sends a notification to the buyer when the
price/sales catalog information sent through the Purchasing Documents Open Interface
includes price increases that exceed a price tolerance that you set. This process is also
known as the PO Catalog Price Tolerance Exceeded Notifications workflow.

Oracle Sourcing
Negotiation Approval - The negotiation approval is initiated when a buyer submits a
negotiation for approval before publishing the negotiation to suppliers. This process
sends approval notifications to collaboration team members designated as the
document approvers.
Sourcing Negotiation - This workflow is the main process that keeps track of the
negotiation status and sends notifications related to the negotiation invitations,
negotiation cancellation, round modifications, and amendments.
Supplier Response Disqualification - The supplier response disqualification process is
initiated when a response is disqualified by a buyer. All the participating supplier users
are notified about this disqualified response.
Award Approval - The sourcing award approval workflow is initiated when a negotiation
is submitted for award approval. This process tracks and routes the approvals based on
the approver list generated by AME.
Sourcing Auction Awarded - The sourcing auction awarded process is initiated when a
negotiation award is finalized. All the participating supplier users are notified about the
award decisions.
Sourcing Complete Auction - The sourcing complete auction process is initiated when a
purchasing document creation process is completed. This process notifies the buyer
user about the outcome of the purchasing document creation process.
Sourcing Concurrent Program Processing - The sourcing concurrent program process is
initiated when processing related to the concurrent program for a super large
negotiation is completed. This process notifies the initiator about the outcome of the
concurrent program.

Oracle Supplier Lifecycle Management


The following workflows are part of both Oracle Supplier Lifecycle Management and
Oracle iSupplier Portal :

Supplier Registration Approval Management - Workflow processes related to the


supplier registration approval process.

Supplier Registration and Profile Management - Workflow processes related to supplier


registration and profile management, such as supplier registration submitted,

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-51

approved, rejected, and so on.

Supplier Notifications - Workflow process for the Supplier Notify feature.

Product Hub (PIM)


For detailed information about Product Hub (previously known as Product Information
Management or PIM) workflows, see the Oracle Product Hub Implementation Guide.

Oracle Advanced Product Catalog

Business Event Notification - This is a notification workflow for business events. This
workflow contains the following process.

EGO Business Event Notify - This notification workflow starts when EGO
business events are raised. It sends a notification to the assignee containing the
business event details for the business events that are raised.

Change Action Process - This process is made up of several specific workflow


processes, each of which is activated when a user performs a specific change action.
These specific workflow processes include:

Initiate Change - Sends an assignment notification to the assignee and starts


"Initiate Change Line" workflow if Change has a line. This workflow is started
when users submit a Change Object.

Priority Change - Sends a priority change notification to the Requestor, Owner,


and Assignee for changes. This workflow is started when users change the
priority for a Change Object.

Reassign Change - Sends an assignment notification to the assignee. This


workflow is started when users reassign a Change Object.

Request Comment - Sends a notification requesting comment to the people


specified on the Request Comment Action page. When the recipient responds to
the request notification, the workflow sends a response notification to the
requestor. This workflow is started when users request comment for a Change
Object.

Send Response FYI - This process is called when the recipient responds to the
request notification in the Request Comment workflow process.

Status Change - Sends a status change notification to the Requestor, Owner, and
Assignee for a change. This workflow is started when users change the status
for a Change Object.

Change Line Action Process - This process is made up of several specific workflow

C-52 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

processes, each of which is activated when a user performs a specific action on a


change line. These specific workflow processes include:

Initiate Change Line - Sends an assignment notification to the assignee. This


workflow is started from the Change Header's Initiate Change Workflow or
when a user creates a Change Line if the Change Header is Open.

Reassign Change Line - Sends an assignment notification to the assignee. This


workflow is started when a user reassigns a Change Line.

Status Change Line - Sends a status change notification to the Header Requestor,
Header Owner, Header Assignee, Line Owner and Line Assignee. This
workflow is started when a user changes the status for a Change Line.

Change Workflow Routing Process - This process starts the Workflow Routing Agent
Process, which controls Workflow Routing and sends an Approval Status change
notification to the Requestor, Owner, and Assignee for a Change. This workflow is
started when a user submits a Workflow Routing for a Change Object, and it
controls the progression of the routing from step to step. Also this workflow is
aborted when a user aborts a Workflow Routing.

Change Workflow Routing Step Process - This process is made up of several specific
workflow processes, each of which is activated when assignees complete a
particular step in the Change Workflow Routing process. The specific workflow
processes include:

Definition - Sends a definition request notification to the specified assignees on


the Workflow Routing page and controls the definition request for a New Item
Request. If the assignees do not respond by the specified period, the workflow
also sends a reminder notification. Once the step is completed, the workflow
returns control to the parent Workflow Routing Agent workflow. This
workflow is started from Workflow Routing Agent based on the definition of
Workflow Routing.

Definition and Approval - Sends a definition and approval request notification to


the specified assignees on the Workflow Routing page and controls the
definition and approval request for a New Item Request. If the assignees do not
respond by the specified period, the workflow also sends a reminder
notification. Once the step is completed, the workflow returns control to the
parent Workflow Routing Agent workflow. This workflow is started from
Workflow Routing Agent based on the definition of Workflow Routing.

Request Approval - Sends an approval request notification to the specified


assignees on the Workflow Routing page and controls the approval request. If
the assignees do not respond by the specified period, the workflow also sends a
reminder notification. Once the step is approved, the workflow returns control
to the parent Workflow Routing Agent workflow. This workflow is started

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-53

from Workflow Routing Agent based on the definition of Workflow Routing.

Request Comment - Sends a comment request notification to the specified


assignees on the Workflow Routing page and controls the comment requests. If
the assignees do not respond by the specified period, the workflow also sends a
reminder notification. Once the step is completed, the workflow returns control
to the parent Workflow Routing Agent workflow. This workflow is started
from Workflow Routing Agent based on the definition of Workflow Routing.

FYI - Sends an FYI notification to the specified assignees on the Workflow


Routing page. Once the step is completed, the workflow returns control to the
parent Workflow Routing Agent workflow. This workflow is started from
Workflow Routing Agent based on the definition of Workflow Routing.

Group Notification Management Process - This process is made up of several specific


workflow processes, each of which is activated when a user performs a specific
change action. These specific workflow processes include:

Group Member Subscription - Adds a member to a group after getting approval


from the group administrator. This workflow sends an approval notification to
the group administrator for the subscription. Based on the administrator's
approval, the member is added to the group and a confirmation notification is
sent to the member.

Group Deletion - Sends a notification to all group members when a group is


deleted and deletes the group from the system. The workflow is started when a
member deletes the group.

Group Member Unsubscription - Unsubscribes a member from a group and


notifies both the group administrator and the member. This workflow is started
when the member is unsubscribed from a group.

Notify Subscription Confirmation - Sends a confirmation notification to the


member regarding the subscription to the group. This workflow is started after
the member is successfully subscribed to a group.

Notify Unsubscription Confirmation - Sends a confirmation notification to the


member regarding the unsubscription from the group. This workflow is started
after the member is successfully unsubscribed from a group.

Projects
Oracle Project Foundation
PA: Mass Pipeline Projects Update Workflow - Integrates Oracle Projects with Oracle Sales.

C-54 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

PA: Oracle Projects Library Workflow - Contains common functions that can be used to
enhance other workflows.
PA: Project Workflow - Routes project status changes to one or more destinations for
approval.

Oracle Project Costing


PA Step Down Allocations Workflow - Automates the execution of step-down auto
allocation sets to create allocation runs, generate the allocation transactions, release the
allocation transactions (or require approval before the process proceeds), distribute
costs, and update project summary amounts.
Send AR Notification Workflow - Notifies project managers when a receipt is applied to a
project invoice in Oracle Receivables. If this customer invoice is linked to one or more
supplier invoices that are on pay when paid payment holds, the project manager can
then release holds on these supplier invoices from the Supplier Workbench in Oracle
Projects, thereby clearing them for payment in Oracle Payables.

Oracle Project Resource Management


PA: Advertisements Workflow - Sends advertisement notifications and e-mails.
PA: Apply Team Template Workflow - Handles the task of applying a team template to a
project.
PA: Candidate Notification Process - This notification process is launched when a
candidate is nominated or withdrawn for a requirement. The process notifies the
resource, the manager of the resource, and their staffing manager of the nomination.
PA: CRM Workaround Workflow - Brings future-dated employees and contingent workers
into the CRM Foundation application.
PA: HR Related Updates Workflow - Synchronizes Oracle HRMS data with Oracle Project
Resource Management data.
PA: Mass Assignment Approval Workflow - Handles the routing of approvals for mass
assignments.
PA: Mass Assignment Transaction Workflow - Handles the creation of assignments when a
mass assignment request is submitted.
PA: Overcommitment Notification Process Workflow - Notifies users when assignments
cause overcommitments.
PA: Project Assignments Workflow - This process manages approvals for single resource
assignments. It is launched when an assignment is created for a resource and is
submitted for approval. When the assignment is approved or rejected, FYI notifications
are sent to the resource, the resource manager, the staffing manager, and the project
manager.

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-55

Oracle Project Management


PA: Budget Workflow - Routes a project budget for approval and baseline. You select
which workflow to use for the budget type, as well as determining the person(s) to
route the budget to.
PA: Budget Integration Workflow - When a project is set up to use bottom-up integration,
the project budget baseline process launches this deferred workflow. This workflow
process performs the following tasks:

Validates the submitted budget version

Optionally, activates the Budget Status Change workflow

Interfaces the budget amounts for baseline versions to Oracle General Ledger

PA: Issue and Change Workflow - Routes control items approvals.


PA: Issue and Change Action Workflow - Sends issue and change action notifications.
PA: Project Execution Workflow - Coordinates the Task Execution Workflows that you
create to perform tasks.
PA: Performance Notification Workflow - Sends performance notifications.
PA: Status Report Workflow - Routes status report approvals.
PA: Workplan Workflow - Sends workplan status notifications.
Project Budget Account Generation Workflow - When a project budget is integrated with a
General Ledger budget, an account must be assigned to each project budget line. The
account is used to interface the project budget amount to General Ledger. This
workflow enables you to automate the account generation and assignment process.

Oracle Project Portfolio Analysis


Project Portfolio Analysis Workflow - Routes actions for a planning cycle to plan
participants. Participants who receive notifications include the defined project
proposers, portfolio analysts, and portfolio approvers.

Sales, Marketing, and eCommerce


Oracle Content Manager
Content Item Approval - Sends notifications to designated approvers when a content item
is submitted for approval.
Translation Approval Workflow - Sends notifications to designated approvers when a
content item is waiting for translation approval. After the content item is approved,
translators are notified, so that they can translate the content item into different
languages.

C-56 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Oracle Incentive Compensation


Contract Approval Process - Oracle Incentive Compensation uses the Contract Approval
workflow in the Sales Force Planning module to process an agreement for approval by
management, distribute the agreement to the sales force, and allow the salespeople to
accept the agreement. The Contract Approval process begins when the user submits an
agreement for approval. After all approvals are done and the salesperson accepts the
agreement, it is activated as a compensation plan. The Contract Approval Process sends
messages to remind the manager to distribute the agreement, remind the sales force to
accept the agreement, and alert the sales manager that an agreement has not yet been
accepted.

Oracle iStore
Oracle iStore provides seeded workflows in which there are predefined notifications
and notification messages. The iStore Alert Workflow contains the non-report-related
notifications, while the report-related notifications belong to iStore Reports Alerts. The
notification e-mail messages are sent to users based on various events.
Notifications Related to Orders
Order Confirmation Normal - Confirms a normal order. This notification is initiated when
a user places an order in a Web specialty store.
Order Confirmation - Next Steps for Faxed Orders - Explains the remaining steps for order
submission. This notification is initiated when a user places an order and chooses to fax
a credit card or purchase order as payment.
Orders Not Booked Notification - Announces that an order has not been booked to the
system administrator. This notification is initiated when a user's order is not booked.
Cancel Order - Confirms a cancelled order. This notification is initiated when a user
cancels an order using the Web specialty store.
Notifications Related to Shared Shopping Carts
Share Cart Confirmation Notification - Confirms a shared cart event and explains how to
access the shared cart to the Shared cart owner and recipients. This notification is
initiated when a user shares a cart with other users.
Change Access Level - Notifies users about access level changes. This notification is
initiated when a Shared cart owner changes the access level of the recipient.
Remove Cart Access for Recipient - Notifies users about the shared cart status. This
notification is initiated when a Shared cart recipient ends working on a shared cart.
Stop Sharing - Notifies users that a shared cart has been un-shared by the owner. This
notification is initiated when a Shared cart owner stops sharing a shared cart.
Notifications Related to Sales Assistance
Sales Assistance Request - To Sales Representatives - Describes a request for sales assistance

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-57

to a sales agent. This notification is initiated when a user requests sales assistance
during the checkout flow.
Sales Assistance Request - Sends a confirmation to users who requested sales assistance.
This notification is initiated when user requests sales assistance during checkout flow.
Notifications Related to Users and Registration
User Registration - Welcomes a newly registered user. This notification is initiated when
a user registers in a specialty store, or a B2B user is registered by the B2B Primary User.
Forget Login - Sends email to a user with his or her username and password. This
notification is initiated when a registered user requests login information.
Notification Events Related to Contracts
Contract Negotiations Request- Disapproval - Announces rejection of a contract terms
change request. This notification is initiated when the Contract administrator rejects a
user's request for changes in contract terms.
Contract Negotiations Request - To Sales Representatives - Describes a request for changes
to contract terms. This notification is initiated when a user requests changes in contract
terms.
Contract Negotiations Request - Approval - Announces approval of a contract terms change
request. This notification is initiated when the Contract administrator approves a user's
request for changes in contract terms.
Contract Negotiations Request - Cancellation - Announces cancellation of contract
negotiations. This notification is initiated when the Contract administrator cancels a
contract that was created when a user requested changes in contract terms.
Contract Negotiations Request - To Users - Acknowledges a request for changes to contract
terms. This notification is initiated when a user requests changes in contract terms.
Notification Events Related to Reports
Reports - iStore Historical Summary - Contains the information from the Store Order
Summary Data Out Bin specified in the Store Administration UI. This notification is
initiated when iStore Reports concurrent programs refresh the report data.
Reports - iStore Top Orders - Contains daily Top Orders from the Top Orders Bin
specified in the Store Administration UI. This notification is initiated when iStore
Reports concurrent programs refresh the report data.

Oracle Marketing Online


Marketing Approval Workflow - This process gets initiated when a user submits a
marketing activity like a Campaign or Event for approval to make it Active. The
Marketing Approval Workflow is used for concept approval, budget approval, and
approval for any funds that may be required for running various marketing activities.
Marketing Generic Approval Workflow - This process gets initiated when a user submits

C-58 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Root Budgets, Claims, and Price Lists for approval to make them Active or Complete.
Schedule Execution - This process gets initiated when a campaign activity is set to
Available or Active, which means that it needs to be executed. This could happen as a
part of schedule's manual activation by the user, or as a part of any automated schedule
execution activity such as triggers or repeating schedules. This process updates the
schedule's status to Active if needed, and then performs any seeded execution
functionality based on the schedule's channel.
Marketing Triggers - This process gets initiated when a Marketing trigger's next run time
has been reached. This could be either the original start time of the trigger, or a
scheduled time for the trigger repetition, if the trigger repeats at a specific interval. This
process verifies, for non date based triggers, if the condition for the trigger is satisfied. If
it is, then some actions need to be performed, which is done by some of the subflows.
The types of actions that can be performed are execution of associated schedules,
generation and execution of associated schedules that need to repeat through this
trigger, sending out notifications, and plugged-in custom logic. Also, if the trigger
repeats, then the next run date/time for it is calculated and scheduled.

Oracle Sales for Handhelds


Alert Manager Process - This process is invoked from subscription rule functions. It gets a
list of subscribers and generates content for a specific provider associated with the
subscriber. It calls the Message Delivery process with the available information to
deliver the message.
Message Delivery Process - Delivers sales-related notification messages.

Service
Oracle Service
Call Support Process - Notifies the individual service request owner each time a service
request of this type is created or updated. The owner can set the status of the service
request to Closed by clicking the Resolved button on the notification.
This workflow has been superseded by a more flexible notifications process which
implementers can use to selectively notify both service request owners and customer
contacts of service-related events. You should associate this workflow with a type only
if you need to use the resolution functionality. If you associate this workflow with a
service request type and also use the new notifications feature, owners may receive two
notifications for the same event.
Customer Support Event Process - Notifies service request owners and contacts of
different events related to service requests and manages the status propagation among
related service requests. This process is used by the notifications feature of Oracle
TeleService.
Duplicate Check and Autotask Create for iSupport and Email Center Created SR - Checks for
potential duplicate service requests when customers create service requests using

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-59

Oracle iSupport or agents create service requests from within Oracle Email Center. If
the process finds a potential duplicate, it notifies the service request owner. When
customers create a service request of a type set up with extended attributes, the
program instead alerts the individual you specify in the Alert Recipient field of the
Service Request Attributes Configuration window. You must select the autolaunch
check box to enable this process.
Email Notification Generic Process - This process begins when a task of type Email
Follow-up is created. The process retrieves the task attribute details, such as requester,
approver, subject, and so on, from the values you enter on the Optional tab of the Task
Type: Attribute Configuration window and sets a due date for the approver to
acknowledge the e-mail notification. The due date is set based on the service request
creation date and the number of days you enter in the Offset for Due Date attribute. An
e-mail is sent to the approver with the text entered in the Subject, Message Header,
Message Body, and Message Footer attributes. If the approver does not acknowledge
the message by the end of the due date, the process sends a reminder notification. If the
approver acknowledges any of the notifications, either the original or a reminder, then
the workflow terminates. Otherwise, after sending the maximum number of reminders
specified in the Email Reminder Counter attribute, the workflow fails and terminates.
When the process completes successfully, the workflow updates the task status to
Completed. If the processing fails, the process sets the task status to Cancelled. You can
modify these statuses by setting the profile options CUG_TASK_FAILED_STATUS and
CUG_TASK_SUCCESS_STATUS.

Value Chain Planning


Oracle Advanced Supply Chain Planning
Advanced Planning Exception Message Process - Sends notifications to suppliers, customer
contacts, or internal personnel that inform them of advanced planning exceptions and
lets the recipients initiate appropriate action to correct the planning exception.

Oracle Collaborative Planning


Error Notifications for Excel Import of Forecast/Supply Process - This process sends
notifications when you conduct flat file or XML loads to Oracle Collaborative Planning
and when loading a supply/demand flat file or loading an XML file adhering to
000_sync_forecast_001.dtd.
User Defined Exception Workflow Process - In this process, a user-defined custom
exception is run and generates a number of results (exceptions). For each generated
exception, a notification is sent to the recipient of the exception. The workflow is called
for each generated exception. The recipients and subject of the notification can be
specified in the Custom Exceptions recipients page.
Supply/Demand Mismatch Process - This process is the Supply Chain Event Manager
Exceptions notification workflow.

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Oracle Collaborative Planning VMI Replenishment Process - This process is the workflow
for the VMI replenishment engine.
Start ASCP Engine Process - This process facilitates the automation of launching an
ASCP plan after receiving an order forecast or supply commit from Oracle
Collaborative Planning.
DP Receive Forecast Process - This process facilitates receiving forecasts from Oracle
Demand Planning into Oracle Collaborative Planning.
Publish Order Forecast Process - This process facilitates the automatic launch of the
Publish Order Forecast program from the Planner Workbench.
Publish Supply Commit Process - This process facilitates the automatic launch of the
Publish Supply Commit program from the Planner Workbench.
Start Receive Supplier Capacity Process - This process facilitates the automatic start of the
Receive Supplier Capacity program when a supply commit is loaded into Oracle
Advanced Supply Chain Planning.
Start SCEM Engine Process - This process facilitates the automatic launch of the supply
chain event manager when an order forecast or supply commit is loaded into Oracle
Collaborative Planning.

Oracle Demand Planning


MSD Demand Planning Cycle Process - The MSD Demand Planning Cycle manages all
background processing during a Demand Planning cycle. It is made up of several
stages, each of which initiates a specific workflow process to govern a task that is
performed during that stage. Each stage is initiated from the Demand Planning
Administrator page. Notifying the administrator and user community of relevant
processing status as the workflow progresses through its many stages is a central
benefit.
The Demand Planning processing cycle is made up of the following five stages, which
correspond to processes:

Downloading data from the Planning Server - Manages the transfer and
transformation of data from the Demand Planning Server to the Express Server
Demand Planning Engine for analytic processing.

Populating measures - Runs the statistical forecast and populates each measure that
has been defined.

Distributing to planners - Makes data available to the community of demand


planners and notifies each planner that their data is ready.

Collecting and consolidating data from demand planners - Collects submitted data
from demand planners and consolidates data in the Demand Planning Engine. This
process can iterate until the date you specify to end the collection period.

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-61

Uploading the consolidated data to the Planning Server - Transfers transformed


data back to the Planning Server.

At any time during the Demand Planning processing cycle, the Demand Planning
Administrator may choose to run a special process called "Collect Available
Submissions Now." This process collects any waiting submissions of data for review
prior to the end of the cycle.
The Demand Planning Administrator may choose to run a master workflow process
called ODP Master that manages all five stages together by running a concurrent
request to launch and manage this master process. This concurrent request is called
"Demand Planning Engine Master Workflow Process."

Oracle Demantra
The Oracle Demantra products use Oracle Demantra Workflow Manager to develop
workflows. See: Oracle Demantra Implementation Guide.

Oracle Global Order Promising


Allocated ATP Process - Sends notification to planners if there was any stealing between
different supply sources to satisfy an Order Promising request or if the Order
Scheduling process failed.

Oracle Workflow Business Event System Implementation in Oracle


E-Business Suite
Several Oracle E-Business Suite products leverage the Oracle Workflow Business Event
System for business process integration. For a complete list of business events provided
by Oracle E-Business Suite, please see the Oracle E-Business Suite Electronic Technical
Reference Manual (eTRM), available on My Oracle Support. A description of each
feature is documented in its respective product's User's Guide or Implementation
Guide, if one is available.
You can also view business event interface information in the Integration Repository.
For information about using the Integration Repository, see: Oracle E-Business Suite
Integrated SOA Gateway User's Guide.

Related Topics
Oracle Workflow Support Policy, page C-62

Oracle Workflow Support Policy


Oracle Workflow is embedded in Oracle E-Business Suite and is used by its modules to
automate and streamline business processes. You can use Oracle Workflow Builder to
easily modify an existing business process without changing its application's code.

C-62 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

Oracle Workflow also allows you to extend your workflow processes as your business
rules change and mature. Additionally, you can use the Event Manager to modify event
and subscription definitions without changing application code.
Before you use Oracle Workflow to customize any predefined workflow process, event,
or subscription, you should familiarize yourself with the following customization
guidelines to ensure standard and safe design and development practices. By following
these guidelines, you will be able to supply important information to Oracle Support
Services in helping you resolve any issues that arise from your customizations.

Customization Guidelines
1.

Verify that all setup steps have been completed as documented in the Oracle
Workflow documentation, and the product-specific User's Guides.

2.

Test the unmodified seeded workflow, event, or subscription on a test database and
ensure that it runs successfully with the setup and data specific to your
environment.

3.

Refer to the product-specific User's Guide and any documentation update, available
on My Oracle Support, for the specific workflow, event, or subscription of interest.
These documentation sources specifically mention what should NOT be modified.
Oracle Support Services will not support modifications to any object that is
specifically documented as not modifiable.

4.

Gradually build in customizations step-by-step, and test the customized workflow


or subscription after each step.

5.

When creating PL/SQL procedures, conform to the standard PL/SQL API templates
documented in the Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide. Be sure to handle exceptions
in the event of an error so you can track down the procedure where the error has
occurred.

6.

Do not implement the customized workflow, event, or subscription in production


without fully ensuring that it works successfully on a test database, which is a
replica of your production setup.

7.

To ensure that your customizations are handled appropriately in conjunction with


the Online Patching feature introduced in Release 12.2, follow the instructions in
Deploying Customizations in Oracle E-Business Suite Release 12.2, My Oracle Support
Document 1577661.1.

Resolving Customization Issues


If you encounter a problem when customizing a seeded workflow, event, or
subscription, you should:

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-63

Provide the Support analyst with the modified workflow definition file or event or
subscription definition, and where possible, identify the exact step where the
problem occurred.

Provide the Support analyst with results of running the unmodified seeded
workflow or subscription.

What Is NOT Supported


The following types of customizations are not supported:
1.

Modifying a workflow object that has a protection level that is less than 100.

2.

Altering a workflow object's protection level if its original protection level is less
than 100.

3.

Modifying your access level to an unauthorized level of less than 100 for the
purpose of modifying workflow objects that are protected at levels less than 100.

4.

Customizations that are explicitly documented as being UNSUPPORTED in the


seeded workflow's product-specific User's Guide or documentation update notes.
This includes modifying processes, attributes, function activities, event activities,
notifications, lookup types, messages, events, or subscriptions that are specifically
documented as not to be modified.

5.

Manual modification of Workflow tables with a prefix of WF_ or FND_ unless it is


documented in the Oracle Workflow documentation or is required by Oracle
Support Services.

6.

Customizations to any predefined Oracle Workflow directory service view


definitions, including any of the predefined implementations of the WF_USERS,
WF_ROLES, and WF_USER_ROLES views, as well as the bulk synchronization
views provided by originating systems within Oracle E-Business Suite.

7.

Customizations to any predefined versions of the Oracle Workflow PL/SQL security


package, WFA_SEC.

What Is Supported
The following types of customizations are supported:
1.

Any customization that is stated as Required in the seeded workflow's, event's, or


subscription's product-specific User's Guide or documentation update notes.

2.

Customization examples documented in the product-specific User's Guide or


documentation update notes. Any issues that arise are fully supported to
resolution, to the extent that the customization example was followed as

C-64 Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide

documented. Any deviation from what is documented amounts to a custom


development issue that needs further evaluation. See number 3 below.
3.

Customizations that are not explicitly stated as unsupported customizations, as


required customizations, or as supported customization examples are supported to
the extent that the customer must first isolate the problem following the
customization guidelines discussed earlier. If upon evaluation, Oracle Support
Services deems that the isolated problem stems from an Oracle product, Oracle will
supply a solution. Otherwise, it is the responsibility of the customer to correct the
custom development issue.

Oracle Workflow Implementation in Oracle E-Business Suite C-65

Glossary
Access Level
A numeric value ranging from 0 to 1000. Every workflow user operates at a specific
access level. The access level defines whether the user can modify certain workflow
data. You can only modify data that is protected at a level equal to or higher than your
access level.
Activity
A unit of work performed during a business process.
Activity Attribute
A parameter that has been externalized for a function activity that controls how the
function activity operates. You define an activity attribute by displaying the activity's
Attributes properties page in the Activities window. You assign a value to an activity
attribute by displaying the activity node's Attribute Values properties page in the
Process window.
Agent
A named point of communication within a system.
Agent Listener
A type of service component that processes event messages on inbound agents.
Attribute
See Activity Attribute, Item Type Attribute, or Message Attribute.
Background Engines
A supplemental Workflow Engine that processes deferred or timed out activities or
stuck processes.
Business Event
See Event.

Glossary-1

Cost
A relative value that you can assign to a function or notification activity to inform the
Workflow Engine how much processing is required to complete the activity. Assign a
higher cost to longer running, complex activities. The Workflow Engine can be set to
operate with a threshold cost. Any activity with a cost above the Workflow Engine
threshold cost gets set to 'DEFERRED' and is not processed. A background engine can be
set up to poll for and process deferred activities.
Concurrent Manager
An Oracle E-Business Suite component that manages the queuing of requests and the
operation of concurrent programs.
Concurrent Process
An instance of running a non-interactive, data-dependent function, simultaneously with
online operations. Each time you submit a request, a concurrent manager processes
your request, starts a concurrent process, and runs a concurrent program.
Concurrent Program
A concurrent program is an executable file that performs a specific task, such as posting
a journal entry or generating a report.
Concurrent Queue
A list of concurrent requests awaiting completion by a concurrent manager. Each
concurrent manager has a queue of requests waiting in line to be run. If your system
administrator sets up your Oracle E-Business Suite application to have simultaneous
queuing, your request can wait to run in more than one queue.
Directory Service
A mapping of Oracle Workflow users and roles to a site's directory repository.
Event
An occurrence in an internet or intranet application or program that might be
significant to other objects in a system or to external agents.
Event Activity
A business event modelled as an activity so that it can be included in a workflow
process.
Event Data
A set of additional details describing an event. The event data can be structured as an
XML document. Together, the event name, event key, and event data fully
communicate what occurred in the event.

Glossary-2

Event Key
A string that uniquely identifies an instance of an event. Together, the event name,
event key, and event data fully communicate what occurred in the event.
Event Message
A standard Workflow structure for communicating business events, defined by the
datatype WF_EVENT_T. The event message contains the event data as well as several
header properties, including the event name, event key, addressing attributes, and error
information.
Event Subscription
A registration indicating that a particular event is significant to a system and specifying
the processing to perform when the triggering event occurs. Subscription processing
can include calling custom code, sending the event message to a workflow process, or
sending the event message to an agent.
External Functions
Programs that are executed outside of the Oracle Database.
Function
A PL/SQL stored procedure that can define business rules, perform automated tasks
within an application, or retrieve application information. The stored procedure accepts
standard arguments and returns a completion result.
Function Activity
An automated unit of work that is defined by a PL/SQL stored procedure.
Generic Service Component Framework
A facility that helps to simplify and automate the management of background Java
services.
Item
A specific process, document, or transaction that is managed by a workflow process.
Item Attribute
See Item Type Attribute.
Item Type
A grouping of all items of a particular category that share the same set of item
attributes. Item type is also used as a high level grouping for processes.

Glossary-3

Item Type Attribute


A feature associated with a particular item type, also known as an item attribute. An
item type attribute is defined as a variable whose value can be looked up and set by the
application that maintains the item. An item type attribute and its value are available to
all activities in a process.
Lookup Code
An internal name of a value defined in a lookup type.
Lookup Type
A predefined list of values. Each value in a lookup type has an internal and a display
name.
Message
The information that is sent by a notification activity. A message must be defined before
it can be associated with a notification activity. A message contains a subject, a priority,
a body, and possibly one or more message attributes.
Message Attribute
A variable that you define for a particular message to either provide information or
prompt for a response when the message is sent in a notification. You can use a
predefine item type attribute as a message attribute. Defined as a 'Send' source, a
message attribute gets replaced with a runtime value when the message is sent. Defined
as a 'Respond' source, a message attribute prompts a user for a response when the
message is sent.
Node
An instance of an activity in a process diagram as shown in the Process window.
Notification
An instance of a message delivered to a user.
Notification Activity
A unit of work that requires human intervention. A notification activity sends a
message to a user containing the information necessary to complete the work.
Notification Mailer
A type of service component that sends e-mail notifications to users through a mail
application, and processes e-mail responses.
Notification Worklist
A Web page that you can access to query and respond to workflow notifications.

Glossary-4

Performer
A user or role assigned to perform a human activity (notification). Notification activities
that are included in a process must be assigned to a performer.
Process
A set of activities that need to be performed to accomplish a business goal.
Process Activity
A process modelled as an activity so that it can be referenced by other processes.
Process Definition
A workflow process as defined in Oracle Workflow Builder, which can be saved as a
flat file or in a database.
Protection Level
A numeric value ranging from 0 to 1000 that represents who the data is protected from
for modification. When workflow data is defined, it can either be set to customizable
(1000), meaning anyone can modify it, or it can be assigned a protection level that is
equal to the access level of the user defining the data. In the latter case, only users
operating at an access level equal to or lower than the data's protection level can modify
the data.
Result Code
The internal name of a result value, as defined by the result type.
Result Type
The name of the lookup type that contains an activity's possible result values.
Result Value
The value returned by a completed activity.
Role
One or more users grouped by a common responsibility or position.
Service Component Container
An instance of a service that manages the running of the individual service components
that belong to it. The container monitors the status of its components and handles
control events for itself and for its components.
Service Component
An instance of a Java program which has been defined according to the Generic Service
Component Framework standards so that it can be managed through this framework.

Glossary-5

Subscription
See Event Subscription.
System
A logically isolated software environment such as a host machine or database instance.
Timeout
The amount of time during which a notification activity must be performed before the
Workflow Engine transitions to an error process or an alternate activity if one is
defined.
Transition
The relationship that defines the completion of one activity and the activation of
another activity within a process. In a process diagram, the arrow drawn between two
activities represents a transition.
Workflow Definitions Loader
A concurrent program that lets you upload and download workflow definitions
between a flat file and a database.
Workflow Engine
The Oracle Workflow component that implements a workflow process definition. The
Workflow Engine manages the state of all activities for an item, automatically executes
functions and sends notifications, maintains a history of completed activities, and
detects error conditions and starts error processes. The Workflow Engine is
implemented in server PL/SQL and activated when a call to an engine API is made.

Glossary-6


Index
Symbols
&#NID, 3-14, 3-16, 3-19, 3-64
#WF_REASSIGN_LOV attribute, 3-33

A
Access level indicator, 3-21
Access property page, 3-21
Access protection
preserving customizations, 3-22
Acknowledge Ping event, 9-13
ACTID, 6-4, 6-9
Action history, 3-30, 3-32, 3-42
related, 3-43
Actions
for subscriptions, 8-20
Activities, 2-8
accessing from different data stores, 4-5, 5-1
Concurrent Manager, 5-18
copy, 3-93
cost, 3-80
create, 3-81, 3-83, 3-86, 3-89
deferred, 3-80
effective date, 3-93
error process, 3-92
event, 3-73, 3-76
function, 3-73, 3-75
icons, 3-82, 3-85, 3-86, 3-91, 3-95
in a loop, 3-93
in the Default Error Process, 11-10
in the Default Event Error Process, 11-16
in the Default Event Error Process (One Retry
Option), 11-21

in the Detail Ping process, 8-85


in the Error Process for Notification Response
Processing, 11-28
in the Master Ping process, 8-84
in the Retry-only Process, 11-13
in the Workflow Event Protocol process, 9-63
joining branches, 4-3
notification, 3-73, 3-74
optional details, 3-92
process, 3-73, 3-79
result type, 3-82, 3-84, 3-90
Standard, 3-74, 5-1
System: Error, 3-74
timing out, 4-9
version number, 3-93
Activity attributes, 3-8
Event activity attributes, 3-88
Function activity attributes, 3-85
Process activity attributes, 3-91
setting values for, 4-10
Activity nodes
in the Detail Ping process, 8-85
in the Master Ping process, 8-84
in the Workflow Event Protocol process, 9-63
Ad hoc users and roles, 4-23
Advanced Queuing, 8-1
Agent Created event, 9-6
Agent Deleted event, 9-6
Agent Group Member Created event, 9-7
Agent Group Member Deleted event, 9-7
Agent Group Member Updated event, 9-7
Agent groups
creating, 8-64

Index-1

overview, 8-49
updating, 8-64
Agents
creating, 8-62
direction, 8-47
on external systems, 8-60
overview, 8-46
pinging, 8-75
protocol, 8-47
queue handlers, 8-48
queues, 8-48
updating, 8-62
viewing, 8-61
Agent Updated event, 9-6
And activity, 5-2
Any event, 9-15
Any transitions, 4-2
AQ$_JMS_TEXT_MESSAGE, 8-49
Arrows, 4-2
Assign activity, 5-15
ATTACHED_URLS attribute, 3-51
Attribute
token substitution, 3-72
Attributes, 3-6
copy, 3-20
type, 3-3, 3-11, 3-67
Attribute-type attributes, 3-4
Attribute types
attribute, 3-12
date, 3-11, 3-68
document, 3-11, 3-17, 3-69
event, 3-12, 3-69
form, 3-11, 3-16, 3-68
lookup, 3-11, 3-68
number, 3-11, 3-67
role, 3-12, 3-69
text, 3-11, 3-67
URL, 3-11, 3-13, 3-68
Automatic replication
of Event Manager objects, 8-70

B
BCC recipients, 3-51
Block activity, 5-5
Business events, 8-4
Business Event System, 1-3

Index-2

managing business events, 8-1


Ping/Acknowledge example, 8-75
predefined events, 9-1
Business Event System Applications Control
Group, 9-42
Business Event System Control Group, 9-41
Business Event System Control Ping event, 9-41

C
Callback functions, 6-8
command, 6-10
for item types, 3-5
CC recipients, 3-51
Certificate-based digital signatures, 3-38
Compare Date activity, 5-3
Compare Event Property activity, 5-17
Compare Execution Time activity, 5-3
Compare Number activity, 5-3
Compare Text activity, 5-3
Comparison activities, 5-3
Concurrent Manager activities, 5-18
Concurrent Manager Functions item type, 5-18
Content-attached checkbox, 3-70, 3-71
Continue Flow activity, 5-13
Coordinating master/detail activities, 5-11
Cost threshold, 3-80
Customization level
events, 8-7
subscriptions, 8-18
Customization Level
for activities, 3-8, 3-12, 3-25, 3-64, 3-83, 3-85, 388, 3-91, 3-95

D
Date-type attributes, 3-3
DEFAULT_ERROR, 11-10
DEFAULT_EVENT_ERROR, 11-16
DEFAULT_EVENT_ERROR2, 11-21
Default Error Process, 11-10
Default Event Error Process, 11-16
Default Event Error Process (One Retry Option),
11-21
Default transitions, 4-2
Deferred activities, 3-80
Deferred processing
for event subscriptions, 8-32

Defer Thread activity, 5-6


Denormalize Notification event, 9-34
Dequeue
queue handler, 6-30
Detail Ping process
summary, 8-85
Detail process, 5-11
Developer Studio, 7-1, 7-1
Diagram arrows, 4-2
Digital signatures, 3-38
Directory service
events, 9-48
Directory Service
in Navigator tree, 2-3
view from Builder, 4-25
Dispatch mode, 8-35
Document integration, 3-3, 3-11, 3-69, 6-11
Document management integration, 3-3, 3-5
Document message attributes
attached vs embedded, 3-70
Documents, 3-5
Document-type attributes, 3-3
Dynamic priority, 4-9
Dynamic timeouts, 4-9

E
Edit menu, B-2
Effective date, 2-14
Effective dates, 2-11, 2-14, 3-93
Effectivity
dates of, 2-6
Electronic signatures, 3-38
E-Mail Notification Dispatch Failure event, 9-28
E-mail notifications
data type hints, 3-54
feature, 1-4
END activities, 4-3
End Activity, 5-9
Enqueue
queue handler, 6-29
Error handling
for event subscriptions, 11-4
for workflow processes, 11-1
Error process, 3-92, 11-8
Error Process for Notification Response
Processing, 11-28

Event activities, 3-76


create, 3-86
Event activity attributes, 3-88
Event activity details, 4-11
Event Created event, 9-2
Event data, 6-27, 8-5, 8-18
Event Deleted event, 9-3
Event for Notification Cancel, 9-23
Event for Notification Close, 9-34
Event for Notification MoreInfo Answer, 9-23
Event for Notification MoreInfo Question, 9-23
Event for Notification Reassign, 9-22
Event for Notification Respond, 9-33
Event for Notification Send, 9-22
Event Group Creation event, 9-3
Event Group Deleted event, 9-4
Event groups
creating, 8-12
overview, 8-8
updating, 8-12
Event Group Updated event, 9-4
Event Manager, 8-3
Event nodes, 4-11
Events
creating, 8-11
overview, 8-4
predefined, 9-1
raising, 8-3
sending to agents, 8-23
sending to workflow processes, 8-20
testing, 8-14
updating, 8-11
viewing, 8-9
Event subscriptions, 8-15
rule functions, 6-32
Event-type attributes, 3-4
Event Updated event, 9-3
Example function activities
Select Approver, 10-17
Verify Authority, 10-20
Example notification activity
Notify Requisition Approval Required, 10-23
Example process
Requisition, 10-1
Execute Concurrent Program activity, 5-18
Expand Roles check box, 3-74, 3-82, 3-95
External document integration, 3-5

Index-3

External system registration, 8-73

F
File menu, B-1
Fonts
modifying, 4-21
Form-type attributes, 3-3
Frame target
URL attributes, 3-70
Framework, 3-55
FROM_ROLE attribute, 3-38
FUNCMODE, 6-4
Function activities, 3-75
create, 3-83
standard PL/SQL API, 6-2
Function activity attributes, 3-85
Functions, 2-8
PL/SQL procedures, 2-8
Future dated events, 8-24
Future-dated events, 8-33

G
Generate function, 8-5
Generate Local System Identifier, 8-73
Generic Service Component Framework
events, 9-44
Get Event Property activity, 5-15
Get Monitor URL activity, 5-15
Global variables, 3-2
GSC Business Event System Control Group, 9-45

H
HDR_REGION attribute, 3-42
HDR attributes, 3-41
Header attributes, 3-41
Header region, 3-42
Help menu, B-5
Hidden item types, 2-3
HIDE_MOREINFO attribute, 3-36
HIDE_REASSIGN attribute, 3-34
HISTORY attribute, 3-42

I
Icons
viewing, 3-82, 3-85, 3-87, 3-91

Index-4

Images
in notifications, 3-14
IMG prefix, 3-14
Item attributes
external document integration, 3-5
ITEMKEY, 6-4, 6-9
ITEMTYPE, 6-4, 6-9
Item type attributes, 3-2, 3-8, 3-8
Workflow Send Protocol, 9-59
Item types, 2-7, 3-2
callback function, 3-5
Concurrent Manager Functions, 5-18
context reset, 6-8
copy, 3-20
creation, 3-7
loading, 2-10, 2-10
persistence type, 3-4
Requisition sample item type, 10-3
saving, 2-10
selector functions, 3-5, 6-8
Standard, 5-1
System: Error, 11-8
Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge, 8-82
Workflow Send Protocol, 9-59

J
Java APIs
for a queue handler, 6-29
JDeveloper, 3-55
JMS Text messages, 8-49
Joining activities, 4-3

L
Launch Process activity, 5-6
Launch Summary Notifications event, 9-39
Licensing, 8-8, 8-18
LNK prefix, 3-14
Load balancing, 5-9
Loading item types, 2-10
Local system, 8-66
Local system identifier, 8-73
Lookup codes
copy, 3-28
Lookup-type attributes, 3-3
Lookup types, 2-7, 3-23, 3-24
copy, 3-27

creation, 3-24
Loop Counter activity, 5-7
Loop Reset, 4-3
Loops, 3-93, 6-6

M
Master/copy systems, 8-70
Master/Detail coordination activities, 5-11
notes on usage, 5-14
Master Ping Process
summary, 8-83
Master process, 5-11
Menus
Oracle Workflow Builder, B-1
Message attributes, 3-28, 3-29, 3-66, 3-66, 10-24
#ATTACHED_URLS, 3-51
#FROM_ROLE, 3-38
#HDR, 3-41
#HDR_REGION, 3-42
#HIDE_MOREINFO, 3-36
#HIDE_REASSIGN, 3-34
#HISTORY, 3-42
#MORE_INFO_PARTICIPANTS, 3-37
#PERZ_FUNCTION_NAME, 3-46
#PERZ_LOCALIZATION_CODE, 3-46
#PERZ_ORGANIZATION_ID, 3-46
#RELATED_APPL, 3-42
#RELATED_HISTORY, 3-43
#SUBMIT_COMMENTS, 3-43
#WF_REASSIGN_LOV, 3-33
#WF_SECURITY_POLICY, 3-41
#WF_SIG_ID, 3-40
#WF_SIG_POLICY, 3-38
#WFM_BCC, 3-51
#WFM_CANCELED, 3-51
#WFM_CC, 3-51
#WFM_CLOSED, 3-51
#WFM_FROM, 3-46
#WFM_HTML_DELIMITER, 3-48
#WFM_HTMLAGENT, 3-46
#WFM_LANGUAGE, 3-47
#WFM_NODENAME, 3-48
#WFM_OPEN_INVALID, 3-51
#WFM_OPEN_MAIL, 3-50
#WFM_OPEN_MAIL_DIRECT, 3-50
#WFM_OPEN_MAIL_FYI, 3-50

#WFM_OPEN_MORE_INFO, 3-51
#WFM_REPLYTO, 3-46
#WFM_RESET_NLS, 3-48
#WFM_TERRITORY, 3-47
additional e-mail recipient attributes, 3-51
formatted table, 3-32
message template attributes, 3-50
notification mailer attributes, 3-46
personalization attributes, 3-46
Respond, 3-30, 3-53, 3-67
Send, 3-29, 3-67
source, 3-29, 3-67
WF_NOTE, 3-31
Message function
WF_NOTIFICATION(), 3-32
Messages, 2-8, 3-28
body, 3-62, 10-24
copy, 3-73
creation, 3-60
overriding default priority, 4-9
subject, 3-62, 10-24
viewing, 10-24
Message templates, 3-50
MIME types and subtypes, 6-24
Monitoring
work items, 1-4
MORE_INFO_PARTICIPANTS attribute, 3-37
Multi-consumer queues, 8-23

N
Navigation paths, A-1
Navigator Toolbar, B-5
Navigator tree
finding objects in, 2-4
Node activities
dynamic priority, 4-9
Nodes
adding to a process, 4-4
start and end, 4-6
NOOP activity, 5-7
Notification activities, 3-74
coupling with custom functions, 3-82
create, 3-81
Notification Cancel event, 9-23
Notification Close event, 9-34
Notification Error event, 9-31

Index-5

Notification functions, 3-82


Notification history, 3-32
Notification ID token, 3-14, 3-16, 3-19, 3-64
Notification mailers
events, 9-39
Notification MoreInfo Answer event, 9-23
Notification MoreInfo Question event, 9-23
Notification Reassign event, 9-22
Notification Receive Group, 9-32
Notification Recipient Is Unavailable event, 9-31
Notification Respond event, 9-33
Notifications
action history, 3-42
designating additional more information
participants, 3-37
e-mail attributes, 3-46
header attributes, 3-41
header region, 3-42
hiding the Reassign button, 3-34
hiding the Request Information button, 3-36
load balancing, 5-9
region personalizations, 3-46
related action history, 3-43
Related Applications region, 3-42
requiring an electronic signature, 3-38
security policy, 3-41
setting the From Role, 3-38
specifying additional e-mail recipients, 3-51
specifying a list of users for reassignment, 3-33
specifying message templates, 3-50
Notification Send Error event, 9-30
Notification Send event, 9-22
Notification Send Group, 9-24
Notification Web page, 1-4
Notify activity, 5-9
NTF_DEFER_RESP_PROCESS_ERROR, 11-28
Number-type attributes, 3-3

O
ONDEMANDATTR process activity attribute, 379
oracle.apps.fnd.wf.attribute.denormalize event,
9-35
oracle.apps.wf.engine.abort event, 9-47
oracle.apps.wf.engine.skip event, 9-48
Oracle Advanced Queuing, 8-1

Index-6

Oracle Application Framework


embedding regions in notifications, 3-55
Oracle Applications Manager, 1-4
Oracle JDeveloper, 3-55
Oracle Workflow Builder, 1-2
Loader functionality, 2-13
overview, 2-1
save modes, 2-13, 3-21
starting from command line, 2-15
Oracle Workflow Manager, 1-4
Or activity, 5-2

P
Password-based signatures, 3-38
Persistence, 3-4
PERZ_FUNCTION_NAME attribute, 3-46
PERZ_LOCALIZATION_CODE attribute, 3-46
PERZ_ORGANIZATION_ID attribute, 3-46
Phase numbers, 8-17, 8-34
Ping Agent event, 9-12
Pinging agents, 8-75
PL/SQL, 1-3
document, 6-11, 6-12
PL/SQL APIs
for a 'PL/SQL' document, 6-11
for a 'PL/SQL BLOB' document, 6-11
for a 'PL/SQL CLOB' document, 6-11
for an Event Data Generate Function, 6-27
for an Event Subscription Rule Function, 6-32
for a queue handler, 6-29
for a selector or callback function, 6-8
for function activities, 6-2
PL/SQL BLOB
document, 6-11, 6-21
PL/SQL CLOB
document, 6-11, 6-15
PL/SQL documents, 3-5
Post-notification functions, 3-74
Predefined events, 9-1
Preserving customizations
for an activity, 3-22
Process activities, 3-79
create, 3-89
Process activity attributes, 3-91
#ONDEMANDATTR, 3-79
Process definition

modifying, 2-9
Process diagram
adding nodes, 4-4
drawing, 4-1, 4-4
Processes
activity transitions, 4-2
copying to clipboard, 4-20
creation, 2-5
editing, 2-8, 2-10
loops, 6-6
overview, 4-19
printing, 4-20
starting, 4-26
verify, 4-20
Process window
editing, 4-1
Process Window Toolbar, B-8
Protocols, 8-47

Q
Queue handlers, 6-29, 8-48
Queues
assigned to agents, 8-48

R
Raising events, 8-3
Reassign notifications
hiding the Reassign button, 3-34
specifying a list of users for reassignment, 3-33
Receipt of Incoming Response event, 9-30
Receipt of Worklist Notification Response event,
9-36
Refresh event, 9-44
Registering external systems, 8-73
RELATED_APPL attribute, 3-42
RELATED_HISTORY attribute, 3-43
Related Applications region, 3-42
Requisition process
sample data model, 10-2
Requisition sample process, 10-1
RESULT, 6-4, 6-10
Result type
for activities, 3-82, 3-84, 3-90
for voting activities, 3-95
Resume event, 9-45
RETRY_ONLY, 11-13

Retry Error, 11-13


Return to Sender event, 9-31
Role
property page, 4-25
Role Resolution activity, 5-9
Roles, 4-23
ad hoc, 4-23
loading into the Workflow Builder, 4-23
tab page, 4-23
view from Builder, 4-25
Role-type attributes, 3-4
Rule functions, 6-32
for event subscriptions, 8-30
Running test processes, 7-2
Run Workflow page, 7-2

S
Sample workflow process, 10-1
Savepoints, 6-2
Security policy
for e-mail notifications, 3-41
Seed event group, 9-9
Selector functions, 3-5, 6-8
Send Summary Notification event, 9-27
Set Event Property activity, 5-16
SetItemParent API, 5-12
Shortcuts, 4-22
Signature IDs, 3-40
Signatures, 3-38
Single-consumer queues, 8-23
Source types, 8-17
Stack Layout regions, 3-58
Standard activities, 5-1
Standard APIs
for "PL/SQL" documents, 6-11, 6-12
for "PL/SQL BLOB" documents, 6-11, 6-21
for "PL/SQL CLOB" documents, 6-11, 6-15
for an Event Data Generate Function, 6-27
for an Event Subscription Rule Function, 6-32
for a Queue Handler, 6-29
for function activities, 6-2
for selector/callback functions, 6-8
Standard error process, 11-8
Standard item type, 5-1
START activities, 4-3
Start activity, 5-9

Index-7

Start event, 9-44, 9-47


StartProcess function
for sample Requisition process, 10-14
Stop event, 9-45
SUBMIT_COMMENTS attribute, 3-43
Submit Concurrent Program activity, 5-19
Subprocesses
timing out, 4-9
Subscription Created event, 9-8
Subscription Deleted event, 9-8
Subscription processing, 8-20
Subscriptions
creating, 8-37
deferring, 8-32
overview, 8-15
predefined, 9-1
updating, 8-37
viewing, 8-36
Subscription Updated event, 9-8
Suspend event, 9-44
Synchronize Event Systems event, 9-9
System: Error item type, 11-8
System Created event, 9-5
System Deleted event, 9-5
System integration, 8-2
Systems
creating, 8-72
external, 8-67
local, 8-66
local system identifier, 8-73
master/copy, 8-70
overview, 8-66
registering Workflow-enabled systems, 8-73
signing up, 8-67
synchronizing, 8-68
updating, 8-72
viewing, 8-71
System Signup event, 9-14
System Updated event, 9-5

T
Test BES event, 9-56
Testing workflow definitions, 7-2
Text-type attributes, 3-3
Timeouts, 4-9
dynamic, 4-9

Index-8

Timeout transitions, 4-2, 4-2


Token substitution
attributes, 3-72
of document-type message attributes, 3-17
Toolbars
Oracle Workflow Builder, B-5
Transitions, 4-2
Any, 4-2
creating, 4-18
Default, 4-2
editing, 4-18
Timeout, 4-2

U
Unexpected event, 9-18, 11-7
Unsolicited Email Threshold Reached event, 9-40
URL attributes
frame target, 3-70
URL message attributes
attached vs embedded, 3-71
URL-type attributes, 3-3
User Entry Has Changed event, 9-21
Users
ad hoc, 4-23

V
Versioning, 2-6
Version number
for activities, 3-93
View menu, B-3
Vote Yes/No activity, 5-10
Voting activities
result type, 3-95
Voting activity, 3-94

W
Wait activity, 5-4
Wait for Concurrent Program activity, 5-20
Wait for Flow activity, 5-12
Web services, 8-26
WF_CONTROL agent, 8-50
WF_DEFERRED agent, 8-50
WF_ERROR_QH, 8-48
WF_ERROR agent, 8-50
WF_EVENT_OJMSTEXT_QH, 8-49

WF_EVENT_QH, 8-48
WF_IN agent, 8-50
WF_JAVA_DEFERRED agent, 8-50
WF_JAVA_ERROR agent, 8-50
WF_JMS_IN agent, 8-50
WF_JMS_OUT agent, 8-50
WF_NOTE attribute, 3-31
WF_NOTIFICATION_IN agent, 8-50
WF_NOTIFICATION_OUT agent, 8-50
WF_NOTIFICATION() message function, 3-32
WF_OUT agent, 8-50
WF_REASSIGN_LOV attribute, 3-33
WF_REQDEMO.VerifyAuthority, 10-9
WF_SECURITY_POLICY attribute, 3-41
WF_SIG_ID attribute, 3-40
WF_SIG_POLICY attribute, 3-38
WF_WS_JMS_IN agent, 8-50
WF_WS_JMS_OUT agent, 8-50
WFM_BCC attribute, 3-51
WFM_CANCELED attribute, 3-51
WFM_CC attribute, 3-51
WFM_CLOSED attribute, 3-51
WFM_FROM attribute, 3-46
WFM_HTML_DELIMITER attribute, 3-48
WFM_HTMLAGENT attribute, 3-46
WFM_LANGUAGE attribute, 3-47
WFM_NODENAME attribute, 3-48
WFM_OPEN_INVALID attribute, 3-51
WFM_OPEN_MAIL_DIRECT attribute, 3-50
WFM_OPEN_MAIL_FYI attribute, 3-50
WFM_OPEN_MAIL attribute, 3-50
WFM_OPEN_MORE_INFO attribute, 3-51
WFM_REPLYTO attribute, 3-46
WFM_RESET_NLS attribute, 3-48
WFM_TERRITORY attribute, 3-47
Window menu, B-5
Workflow Agent Ping/Acknowledge, 8-75
item type, 8-82
item type attributes, 8-82
Workflow Builder, 1-2
Workflow Builder menus, B-1
Workflow definitions
loading, 1-3
source control, 2-10
testing, 7-1
Workflow Definitions Loader, 1-3
Workflow Engine, 1-3

cost threshold, 3-80


error processing, 11-1
events, 9-47
Workflow Event Protocol process
summary, 9-61
Workflow processes
sample, 10-1
Workflow Role Hierarchy Relationship Created
event, 9-53
Workflow Role Hierarchy Relationship Updated
event, 9-54
Workflow Role Updated event, 9-49
Workflow Send Protocol
item type, 9-59
sample workflow process, 9-58
Workflow Send Protocol Acknowledgement
event, 9-68
Workflow Send Protocol event, 9-65
Workflow User/Role Relationship Created event,
9-50
Workflow User/Role Relationship Updated
event, 9-52
Workflow User Updated event, 9-48
Work items, 2-7

X
X.509 certificates, 3-38

Index-9

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