11.1.2.2.9. Common State

If an event ultimately causes the same result to occur in different parts of the process, use the common state/activity to make the process clearer.

*A common state is typically used to simplify and streamline the process. When applied following an event that repeatedly brings about the same result, the common state allows the process to flow in a more smooth and orderly manner.

Placing a common activity and establishing a link between it and the beginning of the repetitive path in the process is equivalent to connecting that event to all of the selected items in the common activity. For more information on these items, see the common activity properties (described below).

!When establishing this relationship between common states and other objects, it is important to note the direction of the link. An event must connect from the common state to the applicable object—not vice versa. A human state, for example, cannot be linked to a common state, but a common state can be linked to a human state.

Selecting a common activity on the design canvas will display its associated properties in the Properties panel.

* A common state cannot be linked to a start object or another common state.

• Name: This is a text field that allows users to input the name for the element.
  • There are the following rules determining the validity of names:
    • A valid name can contain letters, numbers, and the underscore symbol. It cannot, however, contain spaces or other special characters. It also cannot begin with a number.
    • An element must have a unique name. It cannot have the same name as another element in the process.
  • Users can only input up to a maximum of 17 characters in this field.
• Title: This is a text field that allows users to input the title for the element. This title will be displayed in the diagram.
  • Unlike with names, there are no rules determining the validity of titles.
• Items: This field displays the list of states and/or subprocesses currently being used in the process.
  • If there are no states or subprocesses in the diagram, this field will be empty.
    • Items listed inside this field are identified by their name (rather than their title).
      • In the Process Designer, items are also sometimes referred to as activities.
  • By selecting an item in this field, users are essentially connecting the following event in the process to it.

!It is mandatory for users to select a name for any common states added to the diagram. These common states must also have items assigned to them. In cases of non-observance, the publication will not succeed.