11.1.2.2.7. Parallel Gateway

If multiple tasks need to be executed concurrently during the workflow, use the parallel gateway.

!A gateway is used to control the divergence and convergence of multiple flow objects. It can have both fork and join behavior. In the Process Designer, it is mandatory that the number of forks and joins be equal. In other words, the number of branches exiting the fork must be the same as the number of branches entering the join. Otherwise, publication will fail.

There are two types of parallel gateways in the toolbox: output parallel gateway and input parallel gateway.

1. Output Parallel Gateway

An output parallel gateway is used to fork the process into multiple, concurrent paths of execution. It can only be linked to human tasks, system tasks, and subprocesses.

*When a parallel gateway is in use, the process continues only when all of its branches have been executed

Selecting an output parallel gateway on the design canvas will display its associated properties in the Properties panel.

• 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.

!If the output parallel gateway is used during the process, users must regroup the flow by using either the complex, exclusive, or input parallel gateways.

2. Input Parallel Gateway

An input parallel gateway is used to join back together multiple incoming paths of execution.

*When a parallel gateway is in use, the process continues only when all of its branches have been executed

Selecting an input parallel gateway on the design canvas will display its associated properties in the Properties panel.

• 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.

*When transitioning from a parallel gateway to another object in the process, users are limited to three event types: auto, system, and scheduled. For more details on events and their types, click here.

!It is mandatory for users to select a name for any gateways added to the diagram. In cases of non-observance, the publication will not succeed.