Questions on BPM Modelling

Dear BPM experts, I would like to raise few questions and get some guidance from experts working on OBPM for long time...
1) We have a business process where data is received from external source and has to be evaluated before we could determine if a manual intervention is required to deal with the scenario. 70% of the time, there is no action required by the system.
Hence my questions is, if at the start of a business process, data evaluations are to be done to determine if manual action would be required to handle the process, should that evaluation be done within OBPM or should that be done outside of OBPM?
1a) If to be done within BPM, would it be done using a Global Automatic Activity?
1b) If to be done outside BPM, why?
2) We have another requirement where a task within a process must be handled by a different user that ealier assigned if specific instance data changes.
Is it possible to reassign a task to a new user based on some business rule either using PAPI API or from within a process?
3) Is it generally OK to query the status of a process instance and keep it in another application? If not, why?
4) Is it generally OK to update / close a process instance from an external application? If not, why?
5) How can an external application obtain a process instance id for JMS messages sent to be referenced later for update/delete the case? Or would that be better handled by exposing the process as synchronous web service.
6) Is it generally OK to expose a BPM workspace to external users over internet? If not, why?
7) Can BPM process handle escalations automatically using some in built feature or should they be designed as part of BPM process?
Many thanks.

Hi there,
I am certainly not an expert, only started last month but lets hope I can be useful.
2/ Install feature pack. Very easy to do that. You just select "exclude previous participant" and he wont be assigned the task.
7/ When you generate the task form there is an "ACTIONS" menu. Amongst the choices there is "Escalate"
Someone with more experience will have to help you through the rest.
Regards,
Yanis

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BPM Modelling Query

Hi Experts,
Scernario: Create and change of MDM Customer Master data via BPM
In our scenario, we are using One webdynpro component UI Component. This webdynpro component is used for both change and create.
In BPM Modelling, I have create a Task for this Webdynpro Component and using it as a task in Requestor , Approver 1 and Approver 2 Human activities.
My questions here is which is best practise.
1) One only task for webdynpro UI and assign owner in the Process lane.
2) Separeate task for requestor and approver and pointing to the same Webdynpro Component. Assigning owners in the task level
Thanks in Advance,
Best Regards,
Arun

Hi Arun,
It will be better if you go with option 2 as you will be having more control over the task assigned to each user/role like you will be able to customize the UWL Subject text, setup Time Contrains for each task(if not now, may be in future).
Regards,
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Basic questions on data modeling

Hi experts,
I have some basic questions regarding data modeling within MDM. I understand the available table types and the concept of lookup fields. I know that the MDM data modeling concept is different to the relational concept. But having a strong database background my first step was to design a relational data model which I would like to transfer to a MDM repository. Unfortunately I didn't found good information material on this. So here are some questions maybe you can help me:
1) Is it the right approach to model n:m relationships with multivalued lookup fields? E.g. main table Users with lookup field from subtable SapAccounts (a user can have accounts in different SAP systems, that means more than one account).
2) Has a record always be unique in MDM repositories (e.g. should we use Auto ID's in every table or do we have to mark a combination of fields as unique)? Is a composite key of 2 or more fields represented with marking these fields as unique?
3) The concept of relationships in MDM is only based on relationships between single records (not valid for all records in a table)? Is it necessary to define all relationships similar to the relational data model in MDM? Is there something similar to referential integrity in MDM?
4) Is it possible to change the main table to a sub table later on if we realize that it has also to be used as a lookup table for another table (when extending the data model) or do we have to create a new repository from scratch?
Thank you for your answers.
Regards, bd

Yes you are correct. It is almost difficult to map relational database to mdm one. But again MDM is not 'just' a database. It holds much more 'master' information as compared to any relational db.
1) Is it the right approach to model n:m relationships with multivalued lookup fields? E.g. main table Users with lookup field from subtable SapAccounts (a user can have accounts in different SAP systems, that means more than one account).
Yes Here you need to use MV look up tables or can also try Qualifier tables if it gets more complex
2) Has a record always be unique in MDM repositories (e.g. should we use Auto ID's in every table or do we have to mark a combination of fields as unique)? Is a composite key of 2 or more fields represented with marking these fields as unique?
Concept of uniqueness differs here that you also have something called Display Fields (DF). A combination of DF can also be treated as Unique one. For instance while importing records if you select these DF as a combination, you will eliminate any possible of duplicates based on this combination. Auto Id is one of the ways to have a unique id once record is within MDM. While you use UF or DF to eliminate any possible duplicates at import level
3) The concept of relationships in MDM is only based on relationships between single records (not valid for all records in a table)? Is it necessary to define all relationships similar to the relational data model in MDM? Is there something similar to referential integrity in MDM?
Hmm... good one. Referencial Integrity. What I assume you are talking is that if you have relationships between tables then removing a record will not be possible as it is a foreign key for some record. Here MDM does not allow that. As Relationships within MDM are physical and not conceptual. For instance material can have components. Now if material does not exist then any relationship to components is not worthwile to maintain. Hence relationshsip is eliminated. While in relational model relationships are more conceptual. Hence with MDM usage of lookups and main table you do not need to maintain these kind of relationships on your own.
4) Is it possible to change the main table to a sub table later on if we realize that it has also to be used as a lookup table for another table (when extending the data model) or do we have to create a new repository from scratch?
No. It is not possible to convert main table. There is only one main table and it cannot be changed.
I went for the same option but it did not work. What I suggest is to look up your legacy system one by one and see what fields in general can be classified as Master, Reference, Transactional - You will start getting answers immediately.

Reg:BPM Modelling

In BPM Modelling an individual swim lane contains business scenarios from same company or from same application ?
Regards

It could be both. It depends upon how you want to design your business flow. However, designing one only for an application is not that common.
Regards,
Prateek

Some generic questions on BPM of NW CE

Hi Gurus
i have over 6 years of ABAP business workflow experience and over 3 years of XI experience. Now i'm getting tough with this new stuff, BPM of NW CE. Here i have some generic questions of it:
1. How can i trigger a BPM task while a document, like a sales order , has been created in the system? is there any processes to catch the event of R3 in NWDI?
2. Can BPM consume RFC/BAPIs in R3?
3. Is it possible to make message mapping in BPM? i found there is a 'mapping' choice in the context setting of NWDI whereas it is quite simple compared with PI.
4. Can the BPM be integrated with webdynpro ABAP? or send the relevant tasks into R3 directly? Actually what i mean is , can i bypass java programing while dealing with BPM of CE, if possible.
thanks

Hi Stephen,
In the first released version of SAP NetWeaver BPM it is not possible to catch events of R/3 directly. Anyway. In case you have the possibility to trigger a web service in that situation you could start off a specific (BPM) process instance that handles the situation.
The same is basically true for the question regarding RFC: In the initial version you'd need to wrap the RFC into a web service in order to consume it.
The mapping possibilities in SAP NetWeaver BPM are meant to perform data flow between different activities in a BPMN based process model. This way you could transform a message that came into the process in that way that if fits your needs in regards to the BPM process (data) context.
Bypassing Java when using SAP NetWeaver BPM would be difficult as the supported UI technology is Web Dynpro for Java. In addition the possibility to add more flexibility to your mappings by defining custom functions is based on EJB, thus again Java.
Best regards,
Martin

Question on BPM Integration Process

Hello Experts,
I am following this BPM article which is very similar to what I want to do.
We are using PI 7.1 without EP1.
I have an XML to IDoc scenario where my XML's external definition resides in a seperate SCV (SCV1) and my imported IDoc resides in a seperate SCV (SCV2). We did this to follow the Sender-Mapper-Receiver model. We have a different SCV for Mapping which holds MM and OM (SCV3). Now, I have my Abstract Service Interfaces for external definition in SCV1 and abstract interface for IDoc in SCV2. And, Integration Process in SCV1 (no good reason). But, now I am not able to access SCV2 abstract interfaces (IDoc abs) in my Integration Process since it sits in SCV1. I am thinking if I have to crate my external definitions, idoc, abstract service interfaces, MM, OM and Ingtration Process in one SCV instead of having them in three different SCVs. I was trying to follow sender-mapper-reciever model but seems like for BPM you need to have all your stuff in one SCV. Please help if you know how to resolve this issue wiithout getting rid of sender-mapper-receiver concept.
Thank you in advance for your help.
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Thanks Jose. I think creating dependencies is a away to go. I also found this this where Stefan suggested same thing.
So, now Sender (SCV1) and Receiver (SCV3) have been added under Mapper (SCV2)'s dependencies list and I will have my BPM Integration Process in the SCV2 which will give me access to both sender and receiver abstract service interfaces.
Re: Software Component Dependencies PI 7.1
Thanks,
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Some Questions on BPM

Hi Master,
I Attended the one Interview...I have some Questions, Please Reply ASAP..
<b>What is Pattern</b>? Why we are using with Real time Example.
Thanks & Regards,
SReddy

Hi,
As moorthy already said pattersns are like templates that can solve many of the real time scenarios either as given or with some customization.
In BPM there are different patterns and each one having some sub patterns within them with slight variations.
Some Patterns are,
1. Multicast Pattern.
2. Serialization Pattern.
3. Sync/Async Bridge Pattern.
4. Collect/Bundle Pattern.
You can go thro this help link for more examples in Patterns,
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_nw04/helpdata/en/de/766840bf0cbf49e10000000a1550b0/content.htm
Regards,
P.Venkat

A question about conversion model.

I'm programming a JSF-based forum. See the code below:
<jsp:useBean id="CommentBean" class="net.gleamynode.notes.http.faces.CommentBean" scope="request" />
<jsp:setProperty name="CommentBean" property="pageId" value="${p.id}"/>
<h:form id="commmentForm" formName="commentForm" >
<h:input_hidden id="pageId" valueRef="CommentBean.pageId"/>
<h:input_text id="userName" valueRef="CommentBean.userName"/>
<h:input_text id="userEmail" valueRef="CommentBean.userEmail"/>
<h:input_text id="userURL" valueRef="CommentBean.userURL"/>
<h:input_textarea id="content" valueRef="CommentBean.content"/>
<h:command_button id="submit" label="Leave a comment" commandName="submit" actionRef="CommentBean.createAction" />
</h:form>
The type of CommentBean.pageId property is 'java.lang.Integer'. It seems JSF does not convert the request parameter 'pageId' (whose type is String) properly. CommentBean.pageId is always set to '0'.
The strange fact is that it works if I use input_number instead of input_hidden! It is clear that the conversion model is applied differently for different component types. (Sorry, I did'nt have much time to read every chapter of the spec. ;)
Is there anyone who experienced the same problem?
PS: btw, the first two line in the code above looks very unnatural because we specified the name of the bean class and scope already in faces-config.xml. Is there any way to do the same job without using jsp:useBean and jsp:setProperty? (please note ${p} is not a managed bean. it is just a dynamically declared bean in page scope.)

Hi,
yes, it seems, that input_hidden field accepts only String attributes.
But this (maybe) will be changed in next releases so no conversion should be necessary.
See, what Craig said about a similar case, which I think includes your question: http://forum.java.sun.com/thread.jsp?forum=427&thread=443816&message=2011411#2011411
Greetings,
Rene

Question on BPM Example

Hi all,
I am going through the following BPM example http://help.sap.com/saphelp_nw04/helpdata/en/ca/7c5c41fe06cf1ee10000000a155106/content.htm
and the question I have is they are talking about configuring the receiver based on Receiver Determination. But I don't see a receiver determination in the diagram. Do we need to cinfigure as part of send step or something like that.
Also they are talking about Request and Response messages so do we need to have a sync communication. How do we define a sync communication BPM since we have only tweo options Async Message and Open a Async / Sync Bridge.

Hi-
This is a good blog
/people/arpit.seth/blog/2005/06/27/rfc-scenario-using-bpm--starter-kit
Just have a look into this.
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_nw2004s/helpdata/en/ca/7c5c41fe06cf1ee10000000a155106/frameset.htm

BPM Modelling !

Hi XI Gurus.. I need advice in modelling a BPM.
We have a scenario
1.) ECC sends Async request to PI ( there are three actions Create, update and Modify we are using webservices)
2.) PI makes Sync call to External system( We are using webservices).
3.) PI updates the response from External System to ECC .(Async call)
An order request comes to PI from ECC (lets say Create order), at that point of time if the external system is down, PI has to retry the message. (This can be done using a blocks exception handler in BPM) . If a Modify request comes for the same order number then BPM should not send it unless the Create request for that order is not successful. Meanwhile if a new order comes in then BPM has to process it. I guess this is not exactly a EOIO scenario, may be correlation......... Inputs will be appreciated. !!!

Pramod,
Is there any field coming from ECC that decides you need to call Update or Modify webservice?
raj.

Question on Component Model

Dear Experts ,
In an interview i faced a question, it is
what is advantage public part for a component ? if we can use the visibility options of objects in a DC to acess ?
i read a blog on component model which states that complie time dependencies can be redused , please throw some light on this concept .
thanks in advance,
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Hi Phani,
This question belongs to the [NWDI forum|SAP NetWeaver Development Infrastructure (NWDI);.
Anyway, a public part allows you to expose an API (an interface if you like) of the component to other components. This will allow you to change internal logic of the methods and API you expose without having to change anything on the component that uses your public part.
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Concept Question : Migrate SQL Models

Hi Oracle SQL Data Modeler users.
I have a question. How, if it at all, do you migrate a Database from Version 1 of the model to version 2?
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Now I've generated the DDL and imported it into Oracle (or any other database).
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All of this is fine. But Oracle generates new DDL for complete new tables.
How do I migrate the current data model from Version 1 to Version 2? Is this possible? How do other users manage this problem?
i.e. if the solution is with DDL, I'm looking for alter table statements rather than create table statements
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Edited by: mac24nz on Apr 11, 2011 3:07 AM

Hi Martin,
I suggest you look at these messages in the forum:
Generate DDL - change is a new column and I want to generate a alter table
Create 'alter tables ...' etc from Data Modeller
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A question about table model

I created a table model and use JTable to display content of a database's table with that model.
The problem is: when I update a data to data1 in a cell (first column) and hightlight another cell (second column), all cells of first column change content to data1. What 's the problem with my table model?
import java.util.Vector;
import java.sql.*;
import javax.swing.table.AbstractTableModel;
public class CommonTableModel extends AbstractTableModel {
String[] columnNames;
Vector          rows, newRow;
ResultSetMetaData metaData;
private boolean editable;
public CommonTableModel(ResultSet rs, boolean editable) {
this.editable = editable;
try {
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int numberOfColumns = metaData.getColumnCount();
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rows.addElement(newRow);
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Try this :
rows = new Vector();
//newRow = new Vector();
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Questions regarding BPM- asked in interviews

1) in BPM scenario does it necessary to use the receiver step for getting data inside the workflow ? without using the receive step can't we get the data inside the integration process?
2) in receiver step while maintaining properties for the receive step,we assign a variable and interface to it , ok can we enable the MULTILINE CHECK box for this variable maintained in receive step?
if enabled what happens?
3)what are the components in XI runnig on abap engine and java engine

chandra,
>>in BPM scenario does it necessary to use the receiver step for getting data inside the workflow ? without using the receive step can't we get the data inside the integration process?
yes, receive is necessary.
>>>in receiver step while maintaining properties for the receive step,we assign a variable and interface to it , ok can we enable the MULTILINE CHECK box for this variable maintained in receive step?
if enabled what happens?
when we have multiple receivers we enable the container of multiline receiverr...so in steps like receiver determination, this particular container is used.
>>>what are the components in XI runnig on abap engine and java engine
go to RWB - > cache montioring -> drop dowm list of java and abap, u wud find exaclty, wot all is under java and wot all under abap cache...
regards,
Vishal

Question in BPM, "Payload" Main Document not seen

Hi
I have a BPM that sends msg to a receiver.
Now in sxmb_moni here is what i see in the final message that the BPM delivers to the receiver,
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What is the difference between XI-Content and MainDocument????
In my case you thnk it is normal to see only the XI_Content and not the mainDocument???Because in the inbound message the BPM gets both the XI_Content and the MainDocument.
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Hank

Dear Sadhu,
i am facing the slimier problem. kindly share the solution for the above issue. Also if yoy have any standard doc for Appraisal configuration .... i kindly request you pls share with me on [email protected]

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