Using the Workflow Designer

The Dispatcher Stratus Workflow Designer is a graphical interface you use to create document workflows. It includes drawing tools and drag-and-drop technology, enabling you to efficiently create intelligent, eye-catching workflows. This topic describes the many features and functions included in the Workflow Designer, and how to access it in Dispatcher Stratus .

For more information about getting started with the Workflow Designer, see the sections below:

• Accessing the Workflow Designer
• Installing the Workflow Designer

For overview information about working within the Workflow Designer, see the sections below:

• Features of the Workflow Designer

• Menu bar

• Top Toolbar

• Drawing Tools

• Connectors bar

• Node Palettes panel

• Canvas

• Properties Panel - General

• Canvas Properties Panel

• Node Properties Panel

• Connector Properties Panel

• Text Properties Panel

• Ellipse Properties Panel

• Rectangle Properties Panel

• Line Properties Panel

• Multi Selection Properties Panel

• Group Properties Panel

• Status bar

• Building Workflows with People Nodes

• Building a Sample Workflow

Accessing the Workflow Designer

Note: To access the Workflow Designer, you must be a Tenant Admin or User who has had at least one workflow shared with you with Edit permissions.

To access the Workflow Designer, do the following:

1. Log into your Dispatcher Stratus account.

2. Using the menu on the left, select Workflows.

   

   If you have not downloaded the Workflow Designer, select the Download Workflow Designer button in the upper-right hand corner, and follow the instructions in the Dispatcher Workflow Designer Setup Wizard. For more information, see the Installing the Workflow Designer section below. After that is completed, return to the Workflows page.

3. Select the New Workflow button. This will open the Workflow Designer with a blank canvas. You may also select the Edit button on one of the pre-installed sample workflows. This will open the Workflow Designer with the sample.

   

Installing the Workflow Designer

The Workflow Designer can be downloaded from within the tenant. To install the designer, do the following:

1. From the Workflows page, select the Download Workflow Designer button in the upper-right hand corner.

   

2. In your downloads folder, double-click the file Dispatcher-Workflow-Designer-Setup.exe. This will open the Dispatcher Workflow Designer Setup Wizard.

   

3. Select the Next button. Then, select the I accept the agreement radio button, and select the Next button.

4. Select the Next button, then the Install button, then the Finish button.

   

Installation is now complete. To access the Workflow Designer, see the Accessing the Workflow Designer section above.

System Requirements

Workflow Designer is designed to work on the following platforms:

• Windows Server 2022
• Windows Server 2019
• Windows Server 2016
• Windows 11
• Windows 10 Note: The latest Service Pack for these OS’ is supported. For best operation, install the latest updates for your OS.

Your Operating System must support .NET Framework v4.8 or greater.

Supported Architectures

• x64 (64-bit)

Hardware Requirements Recommended: Quad Core, 2GHz or higher processor with 8 GB RAM; 512 MB of VRAM or higher; 2 GB or more available disk space

Video Card Requirements

Dispatcher® Workflow Designer is developed using Microsoft WPF technology, which is optimized for with newer hardware. Some graphics/visual artifacts may be seen when using Konica Minolta® Dispatcher Phoenix on PCs using older video drivers. Upgrading your video driver, or turning off hardware acceleration, may correct the issue.

Minimum Video Card Requirements:

• DirectX version: Greater than or equal to version 7.0
• Video RAM: Must be greater than or equal to 30MB.
• Multi-texture units: Number of units must be greater than or equal to 2.
• Graphics Card should support: Rendering Tier 1

Recommended Video Card Requirements:

• DirectX version: DirectX 9-capable video card running at 1024 x 768 or higher display resolution
• Video RAM: Must be greater than or equal to 512 MB.
• Pixel shader: Version level must be greater than or equal to 2.0.
• Vertex shader: Version level must be greater than or equal to 2.0.
• Multi-texture units: Number of units must be greater than or equal to 4.
• Graphics Card should support: Rendering Tier 2

Features of the Workflow Designer

The Workflow Designer screen includes the following panes, panels, and elements:

• Menu bar - Displays icons providing access to important functions, as well as a cascading drop-down menu with menu items providing access to additional controls.

• Drawing Tools - Displays icons for the objects that can be added to a workflow.

• Connectors bar - Displays icons for the connectors that can be used in a workflow. Connectors create transitions between nodes on the canvas.

• Node Palettes panel - Contains node palettes, each displaying icons for the nodes available in Dispatcher Stratus . The palettes are organized by node function:

  • Collection

  • Process

  • Distribution

• Canvas - The work area where you build and maintain your workflows.

• Canvas Properties Panel - Displays the properties of the Canvas. Use this panel to view and modify the properties of the workflow as a whole, including page size, orientation, and grid spacing. The panel appears when you do not have any objects selected and press the F4 key or right-click and select Properties.

• Properties panel - Displays the properties of the object currently selected on the canvas. Use this panel to view and modify the visual attributes of the selected object, such as the size or color. The panel appears when you right-click on an object and select Properties or press the F4 key.

• Status bar - Displays information on the current workflow such as the page size and the X/Y coordinates of the selected object. Also provides access to several functions including the Zoom slider and the Show Grid icon.

Menu Bar

The Menu bar appears near the top of the screen and displays icons providing access to important functions, as well as a cascading drop-down menu with menu items providing access to additional controls. See the following illustration:

Top Toolbar

On the main application screen, the toolbar at the top of the screen contains icons and pull-down menus which perform some of the more commonly used functions. Many of these functions include visual indicators when they are activated. These functions include:

Icon	Image	Shortcut
	Save	Ctrl + s
	Save and Close	Ctrl + w
	Print	Ctrl + p
	Export	Ctrl + e
	Favorite	NA
	Cut	Ctrl + x
	Copy	Ctrl + c
	Paste Duplicate	Ctrl + v
	Delete	Del
	Undo	Ctrl + z
	Redo	Ctrl + y
	Validate	F12
	Full Screen	F11
	Help	F1
	Menu	NA

Menu Bar Drop-Down

The Menu bar includes a drop-down menu indicated by a triangle located to the right of the Menu bar icons. The Menu Bar Drop-down is a cascading menu tree that provides centralized access to most of the functions available in the Workflow Designer. Note that the Workflow Designer also provides context-sensitive access to many of these functions, such as via the dynamic Context menu that appears when you right-click on an object on the canvas.

If you click on the triangle on the Menu Bar Drop-Down, the following menu options appear:

• File

• Edit

• View

• Insert

• Shape

• Project

• Help

Each menu option displays its own triangle, indicating additional options are available when you click on the menu item. The following illustration shows the options available from the Menu Bar Drop-down menu:

File Menu

The File menu in the Workflow Designer includes Save, Export, Page Setup, Print, and Exit.

• Select Save to put the workflow in a proprietary location.

  Note: Changes to workflows are not uploaded to the site until the workflow is saved and closed. However, the Workflow Designer contains an autosave function that saves a local copy of any unsaved workflow every 90 seconds. If an autosave version of a workflow exists when you open the Workflow Designer, you will be given the option to open the autosaved version of the workflow.

• Select Save and Close to put the workflow in a proprietary location and close the Workflow Designer.

• Select Export… to export a preview image of your workflow file as an XPS, PDF, or PNG file type in the location of your choice. The Export window will open, as in the following illustration:

  

  On the Export window, do the following:

  1. In the Directory field, enter a file location to save the export to.

  2. In the File Name field, enter a File Name for your exported file.

  3. Choose the Format you want using the appropriate radio buttons (XPS, PDF, PNG).

  4. Select the pages you would like to export. If the workflow contains multiple pages, you can select the pages you want to include in the export. Click on the pages you want to include until they are highlighted. Remove the highlighting from the pages you want to exclude. To select all pages, check the box at the Select All field.

  5. Select the Export button to save the exported file. To exit the process without saving, click on the Cancel button.

• Select Page Setup… to edit or set defaults for the workflow page.

  1. Choose Paper Size, and measurement units: Inches, Pixels, Centimeters, Millimeters, or Points. If you select Custom Size, you can specify your own dimensions for the canvas.

  2. If inches is selected, set the desired Drawing Scale.

  3. Check the Set as Default box to save the Page Setup options.

• Select Print… to print the workflow.

• Select Exit to close the application.

Edit Menu

The Edit menu includes many editing functions that are typical of Windows applications. Note that these functions are also available via the Context menu by right-clicking on an object.

Options on the Edit menu are:

• Select Undo to reverse the last action you performed. For example, if you delete a node by accident and need to get it back, you could use Undo.

• Select Redo (not enabled until you use the Undo function) to repeat the action that had been previously “undone.”

  Undo and Redo can be used on the following actions:

  • Adding or deleting workflow elements (nodes, connectors, drawing objects)

  • Moving or resizing a workflow object

  • Cutting, copying, and pasting workflow elements

  • Changing properties (color, font size, stroke)

• Select Cut to remove the selected element and copy it to the clipboard.

• Select Copy to copy the element to the clipboard.

• Select Paste Duplicate (only available if you copy a node such as the Advanced OCR node) to create an independent copy of the node with the same properties as the originally copied node. If you make changes to the duplicate copy, those changes will not affect the original, copied node. If the clipboard is empty, this option is disabled.

  When you select this option, the pasted copy appears on top of the original, in a selected state. Click and drag the pasted object to the desired location on the canvas.

  If you are copying any other element, such as rectangles, text boxes, circles, etc., or copying a mixture of nodes and objects, only the “Paste Duplicate” option will be available.

• Select Paste Original (only available if you copy a node such as the Advanced OCR node) to create a pasted version of the same node. If changes are made to the pasted node, they will also be applied to the original node.

  This option is available only for copied nodes. It creates an additional instance of the node so that the workflow now contains two instances of the same node. Any change to the configuration of an instance of the node updates the other instances as well. In this way, you can include multiple instances of a node in a workflow while having to maintain only one. For example, a large workflow may require multiple pages for clarity, and the Paste Original function allows you to duplicate a node across multiple pages.

  Both the pasted copy and the original node appear with a colored background, indicating they are instances of the same node. If you click away from the nodes, the colored background disappears but reappears when you select either of the nodes again.

  When you paste a node using the Paste Original function, the pasted copy appears on top of the original, in a selected state. Click and drag the pasted node to the desired location on the canvas. You can repeat this process to create additional instances of the original node. Note that if you attempt to delete any of the instances, a popup window appears with the option to delete the selected node, all instances of the node, or cancel the delete operation.

  If the clipboard is empty, or does not contain a copied node, this option does not appear on the menu.

  In the following illustration, the MFP Capture node was copied to the clipboard and pasted to the canvas using the Paste Original function. The copy was then dragged to a new location. The turquoise backgrounds indicate the original node and the copied instance. A third MFP Capture node, named MFP Capture 2, was also added to the canvas. Its background does not match the other MFP Capture nodes, indicating it is a unique version of the node and not an instance of the original node.

  

  Notes:

  • Only changes to a node’s configuration affect other instances of a node. Changes to a node’s appearance (for example, size or color) do not affect other instances of the node.

  • You can always drag a new version of the node from the Node palette onto the canvas. However, since this new version is not created via the Paste Original feature, the Workflow Designer does not treat it as an instance of another node.

• Select Lock/Unlock to lock an object to the canvas. When an object has been locked, a small lock icon will become visible in the upper left corner of the object when the node is highlighted. This is positional only for use with nodes and drawing objects; it has no effect on the attributes of the node.

  Caution! Even if an object is locked, it can still be deleted. The “locking” is only positional with regard to the work area.

• Select Add to Favorites… to create your own custom node palettes for use with your workflows. To add a defined node to a “favorites” group, select the node; then do one of the following:

  • Select Add to Favorites… from the Edit menu. Or,

  • Right-click on the node and then select Add to Favorites… from the context menu that appears. Or,

  • Hover over the node and click on the heart icon above an existing node (in a node palette).

  Note: You can also save Grouped nodes as a Favorite.

  The first time you add a favorite, you need to either add it to the default My Favorites group, or specify a new group to add it to, as in the following illustration:

  

  To remove a node from a Favorites group, hover over the node and click on the heart x icon in the upper left corner of a node in the group or right-click on the node in the palette and select Remove from Favorites… from the menu that appears.

  

  • To organize the nodes palettes if you have created more favorites groups, right-click on the My Favorites palette and select Organize Favorites…. In the Organize Favorites window, you can do the following:

    • Drag the palettes in the order that you prefer.

    • Specify a default Favorites Group. Right-click on the group title; then choose Set as Default from the context menu.

    • Rename a default Favorites Group. Right-click on the group title; then choose Rename from the context menu.

    • Delete a default Favorites Group. Right-click on the group title; then choose Delete from the context menu.

• Select Select All to select all objects of a particular subset.

  • Select all Connectors or press Ctrl+Shift+C

  • Select all Nodes or press Ctrl+Shift+N

  • Select all Text Elements or press Ctrl+Shift+T

  • Select all Rectangles or press Ctrl+Shift+R

  • Select all Ellipses or press Ctrl+Shift+E

  • Select all Lines or press Ctrl+Shift+L

  • Select All Shapes or press Ctrl+A

    Note: Selecting All Shapes selects all objects on the canvas, not only Rectangles, Ellipses, and/or Lines.

  You can also select objects by clicking on the Select/Resize tool and then drawing a selection box around one or more objects on the canvas. Any objects completely inside the selection box are selected. You can then perform an action on the selected devices, such as cut or copy.

• Select Select Similar Shapes to select all objects of the same type as the selected object. For example, right clicking on a node and selecting Select Similar Shapes will select all nodes.

  Note: The Select Similar Shapes option is not restricted to only Rectangles, Ellipses, and/or Lines.

View Menu

• Select Toolbars to display or hide toolbars (the icons at the top of the canvas area), Drawing Tools, Nodes Panel, and Status Bar. Hiding toolbars will give you more room to draw (the Insert menu can be used to create the drawing objects without using the drawing tool box).

• Select Grid to display or hide the grid. This function can also be performed using the Grid icon at the bottom of the screen ().

• Select Snap to Grid to toggle whether the Workflow Designer pulls objects to the nearest grid line or not. This function can also be performed using the Snap to Grid icon at the bottom of the screen ().

• Select Zoom In to magnify the view of the canvas (bring you closer to the canvas) by 10%.

• Select Zoom Out to reduce the view of the canvas (take you farther from the canvas) by 10%.

• Select Full Screen to have the Workflow Designer screen take up your entire monitor. Press F11 or the Esc key to return to the previous view.

• Select Keyboard Shortcuts… to open a window that lists the available keyboard shortcuts.

Using the Zoom Function

You can adjust the zoom level of the canvas using any of the following areas of the Workflow Designer:

• On the Status bar, a Zoom slider appears at the far-right.

• Press Ctrl + + to magnify the view of the canvas by 10 percentage points.

• Press Ctrl + - to reduce the view of the canvas by 10 percentage points.

• On the Canvas Properties panel, a zoom slider appears in the Grid Settings panel.

• On the View Menu, options to zoom in and zoom out are available.

Insert Menu

The Insert menu enables you to add a new page or drawing object to the workflow. You can use this menu at any time, but it is especially helpful when you are working in the application with the Toolbars hidden.

• Select New Page to add a new page to a workflow.

• Select Text to add a note, title, or other text to the canvas workflow area.

• Select Rectangle to draw a rectangle or square. Rectangles and nodes can be rotated using the small circle above the object.

• Select Ellipse to draw an oval or circle.

• Select Line to draw a line on the canvas.

• Select Connector to connect two nodes. Like a drawing object, the connectors can be different colors; however, unlike a drawing object, connectors can have more details assigned to them. Use the Layout section below to show or hide symbols (arrowheads), to indicate an error, or even a Yes or No decision.

Notes:

• With the exception of Lines and Connectors, all drawing objects and icons work with the snap-to-grid function to help you line up the objects in your workflow.

• All rectangles, ellipses, lines, and text boxes can take advantage of the line styles, stroke thickness, opacity, and colors under Properties.

Insert Multiple Pages

If your workflow turns out to be larger than one page, use the Insert menu to add pages. To add a page, or pages, to an existing workflow, select New Page from the Insert pull-down menu.

Note: You may have to change the “zoom” percentage to view the added page(s).

Shape Menu

The Shape menu allows you to arrange the objects on the canvas.

• Select Group to group objects together.

• Select Ungroup to return grouped objects to individual objects on the canvas.

• Select Bring to Front to place the selected object(s) in front of other objects.

• Select Send to Back to place the selected object(s) behind other objects.

• Select Bring Forward to place the selected object in front of other objects one level.

• Select Send Backward to place the selected object behind other objects one level.

• To select similar objects (such as all rectangles or all text boxes), select one of the shapes on the canvas work area; then select Select Similar Shapes. This allows you to make the same changes to all of the shapes at once.

These menu options are also available in the Properties panel in the Layout section.

Project Menu

Select Validate to check that your workflow is logical and does not violate any of the rules of the application.

Help Menu

• Select Help Topics to access online help.

• Select About Dispatcher Workflow Designer… to view information about your copy of the application.

Drawing Tools

This toolbar appears at the far-left of the Workflow Designer screen, above the Connectors bar. It contains icons you use to add objects such as rectangles and text boxes to your workflow. The following drawing tools are available for use in a workflow.

Icon	Function	Description
	Select/Resize	Use this tool to select objects on the canvas. Once selected, you can rotate or resize the object(s) by dragging the surrounding handles to the desired state.
	Text Box	Use this tool to add a box with text to the canvas.
	Rectangle	Use this tool to draw a rectangle on the canvas.
	Circles/Ellipses	Use this tool to draw an oval on the canvas.
	Line	Use this tool to draw a line on the canvas.

To add an object to the canvas, do the following:

1. Click on the icon in the Drawing Tools area (for example, the Rectangle icon).

2. On the canvas, click and drag in the area where you want the object to appear. The object displays on the canvas in a “selected” state.

3. While the object is selected, you can:

   • Perform functions such as Move or Resize.

   • Right-click on the object to display the Context menu.

   • Access the Properties panel for the object type, like the Rectangle Properties panel.

Select / Resize Tool

The Select/Resize tool icon appears in the Drawing Tools as an arrow with handles at each corner. Use this tool to perform any of the following functions on an object on the canvas:

• Select

• Resize

• Move

• Rotate

Do the following:

1. Click on the Select/Resize tool.

2. Click on an object to select it. A surrounding box with “handles” appears. The surrounding box does not appear if you select a line.

3. Once selected, you can do the following:

   • To move the object, click inside the surrounding box and drag it to a new location on the canvas.

   • To resize the object, click on a handle and drag.

   • To rotate the object, click on the small circle above the surrounding box and drag. To “rotate” a line, open the Line Properties panel and modify the angle.

Notes:

• The Resize option, if used on a group, resizes all of the objects in the group simultaneously.

• To change the font size of the selected text, use the Text section of the Properties panel.

Multiple Select

To select multiple objects on the canvas, you have the following options:

• Click on the first object, hold down the <Ctrl> key, and click on the other objects to be selected, or

• Use the Select/Resize tool to click and drag around several objects at one time, selecting all of them, including the connectors (if any).

  

Text Box Drawing Tool

Workflows can have text boxes added to help explain the different details of the flow. Do the following:

1. Click on the Text tool, click on the canvas, and then drag the mouse to draw a text box. Do not worry too much about the size of the text box, as you can adjust it later.

2. Double-click on the text box and type the words you want included with the drawing. The text will wrap to the width of the box drawn.

   On the Properties panel, you can do the following:

   • Use the Text section of the Properties panel to adjust the text to the size and style you want. You can change the size, make the text Bold or Italic, and set the alignment.

   • Use the Layout section to change the stroke thickness and style.

   • Use the different buttons to change the justification of the text.

   • Use the Grouping and Order section to put the text box in the Front or Back.

   • Use the Color section to change the text foreground, text background, and text border.

   To delete a text box or any object on the workflow, highlight the text box; then click on the Delete icon on the menu bar, use the Delete key, or right-click and use the Delete option on the context menu.

   The default font for a Text Box is the Windows default for your PC, but you can change this, by way of a drop-down list of fonts, as in the following illustration:

   

   Note: An in-line spell check feature is included. If a word in either a text box or node label is misspelled, it will be underlined in red. Right-click on the word for a list of possible replacement words to correct the spelling.

Rotate Shapes

Nodes and other objects drawn on the canvas can be rotated, using the mouse to move the circle above the center of the selected object.

Rectangle and Ellipse Drawing Tools

You can add rectangles and/or ellipses to a workflow. These shapes may be used to visually associate objects or otherwise enhance the appearance of your workflow. You can apply colors to the objects as well, such as to represent areas of responsibility.

To draw objects on the canvas using the tools available in the Drawing Tools, do the following:

1. Click on the Rectangle or Ellipse drawing tool to select it.

2. Click on the canvas and drag the pointer to draw the object. The object appears on the canvas in a “selected” state.

3. While the object is selected, you can:

   • Use the handles surrounding the object to perform functions such as Move or Resize.

   • Access the Context menu for the object, where additional options are available. Right-click on the object to display the Context menu.

   • Access the Rectangle Properties panel (or the Ellipse Properties panel) to modify aspects of the object’s appearance, such as the size or color.

Line and Arrow Drawing Tool

You can add lines to the canvas. For example, you can underline a page title or display visual separators on the canvas. Do the following:

1. Click on the Line icon in the Drawing Tools.

2. Click and drag on the canvas. The line appears on the canvas in a “selected” state. While the line is selected, you can:

   • Perform functions such as Move or Resize.

   • Right-click on the object to display the Context menu.

   • Modify the object using the Line Properties panel, where you can:

     • Apply arrowheads to the line.

     • Specify stroke thickness and/or style (for example, a dotted line).

     • Apply color and/or opacity.

     • Position the line on an angle. Note that the Workflow Designer does not allow you to apply an angle to a line that would cause it to run off the edge of the page.

Set Color Defaults

You can set color defaults for objects drawn on the canvas, and for the canvas area background and grid lines. For example, to define colors for a rectangle, highlight a rectangle, make its background and border the color you want, then right-click in the color section and choose Set as Default.

Note: Another way to set the default is to click on the small triangle in the section header to access the menu.

Connectors Bar

This toolbar appears at the far-left of the Workflow Designer screen, below the Drawing Tools. It contains icons representing the various connector styles available in the Workflow Designer. Use the Connectors toolbar to add connectors to your workflow.

Connectors create transitions between nodes in a workflow. They determine the “flow” of documents and data through a workflow. Connectors flow data in one direction between nodes, and not back and forth. The flow direction is indicated by an arrowhead on the connector.

Connectors

Connectors create transitions between nodes and define the path that documents take through a workflow. After creating nodes, click on the desired connector, click on the originating node, and drag the connector to the next node, creating a transition between them.

Although Connectors represent transitions from one node to another, they are visually like other drawing tools, in that they can be of different colors, opacity, and gradient. Use the slider bar to find the Color “family” you want, and then the color picker to determine the exact shade. You may also choose one of the commonly used colors shown underneath the color picker area.

Connectors can be different colors, if you so choose. Besides the Connector Style, you can uncheck the Show Symbols box if you’d like to hide the connector’s directional arrowheads. You can also drag the point of a connector to a different node, without deleting and redrawing it.

Note: Moving connected nodes very close together, even if those nodes are not touching, will result in the connector line not being visible.

Connector Definition

Connectors of any type can have an Error path, and a connector in a routing workflow can indicate Yes and No decisions or an Error. You change the Connector Type under Layout, by selecting the connector and then the Type. For more information, see the Properties Panel section below.

When a process fails, causing an error, the file is either passed to the connector that has the error connector type enabled and connected to the designated error location, or the Default Error Node (if it is defined). If an error occurs and there is no connector with the error connector type enabled or defined Default Error Node, the file can be lost.

Adding a Connector

To apply a connector to nodes in a workflow, do the following:

1. Select a connector style by clicking on an icon in the Connectors toolbar.

2. On the canvas, click on a node and drag the pointer over another node, then release the pointer. The connector appears on the canvas in a “selected” state, creating a transition where documents will flow from the first node to the second node (the target node).

   Note: If the connector does not appear, note the following:

   • When you release the pointer, it must be above the target node. That is, to appear on the canvas, a connector must be attached to two nodes.

   • You can apply only one connector between the same two nodes.

While a connector is selected on the canvas, you can:

• Right-click on the connector to display the Context menu.

• Access the Connector Properties panel, where you can modify the appearance of the connector.

Notes:

• A node not connected to another node performs no function in a workflow.

• Each connector in a workflow has an assigned connector type. The default type is “Normal”, but you can assign a different connector type, such as “Error”. You can also assign multiple connector types to a connector. By default, connections drawn from a People Node to another People Node are dotted, indicating a **user-selectable transition**.

• If you place two nodes very close together on the canvas, any connector you apply to the nodes may not be visible on the canvas.

• To hide a connector’s directional arrowhead from appearing on the canvas, select the connector and uncheck the Show Symbols box on the Connector Properties panel.

• To attach a connector on the canvas to a different node, do the following:

  1. Select the connector.

  2. Click on a box at the end of the connector and drag the connector to a different node.

Connector Styles

When applying a connector to a workflow, you can choose from many styles. The Connectors toolbar provides access to the various connector styles available in the Workflow Designer.

All connector styles perform the same function - they connect two nodes together in a workflow. However, each connector style takes a different route from origin to destination. For example, the Straight connector follows a straight line while the HV connector travels horizontally first, then vertically. The variety of styles available helps you to quickly create attractive, easy-to-follow workflows.

In the following table of connector styles, “Node A” indicates the starting point of the connector, and “Node B” indicates the ending point.

Icon	Style	Path	Description
	Straight	Straight	Originates from any side of Node A and connects to the closest side of Node B.
	Bezier Curve	Curved line	Originates from any side of Node A and connects to the closest side of Node B.
	HV	Horizontal to vertical	Originates from the left or right side of Node A and travels horizontally. Bends vertically, up or down, and connects to the top or bottom of Node B.
	VHV	Vertical to horizontal to vertical	Originates from the top or bottom of Node A and connects to the top or bottom of Node B. The vertical segments of the line travel in the same direction, creating a “zigzag” line.
	VH	Vertical to horizontal	Originates from the top or bottom of Node A and travels vertically. Bends horizontally, left or right, and connects to the left or right side of Node B.
	HVH	Horizontal to vertical to horizontal	Originates from the left or right side of Node A and connects to the left or right side of Node B. The horizontal segments of the line travel in the same direction, creating a “zigzag” line.
	HVH Bracket	Horizontal to vertical to horizontal	Originates from the left or right side of Node A and connects to the left or right side of Node B. The horizontal segments of the line travel in the opposite direction, forming a bracket shape.
	VHV Bracket	Vertical to horizontal to vertical	Originates from the top or bottom of Node A and connects to the top or bottom of Node B. The vertical segments of the line travel in the opposite direction, forming a bracket shape.

Multiple Connectors to the Same Distribution Node

When you are creating your workflow in the Workflow Designer, if you want your files to move to the next Node regardless of the results of a routing rule, multiple Connectors can be drawn to the same Distribution Node. The connectors will be labeled Y, for Yes, then N, for No, and, if there is a third, X, for Error. You can manually label a Connector by selecting it and changing the Connector Type, under Layout.

Node Palettes Panel

The Node Palettes panel consists of three sub-panels containing icons representing the nodes available for use in the Workflow Designer. These panels are called node palettes. Each palette contains nodes of related functionality. In addition, the My Favorites panel appears after at least one node has been favorited.

• My Favorites - A custom palette included with the Workflow Designer. Use it to store your favorite nodes in a central location. Or, you can remove the palette from the Node Palettes panel. You can add additional custom palettes by creating a new group via the Add to Favorites window.

• Collect - A standard palette containing collection nodes such as MFP Capture.

• Process - A standard palette containing process nodes such as Rename. Process nodes “process” the document information collected by the collection node.

• Distribute - A standard palette containing distribution nodes such as Email Out. Distribution nodes output document data to a selected destination.

Note: Custom palettes such as My Favorites are optional. To remove a custom palette from the Node Palettes panel, click on the X on the title bar of the palette. All other node palettes are standard and cannot be deleted.

These options can be accessed by clicking on the down arrow on the palette’s title bar, as in the following illustration:

Using this menu, you can do the following:

• Select Float Window to move the palette window anywhere around your Desktop.

• Select Pin to keep the palette open. Note that a pinned node palette will become unpinned when collapsed. Any node palettes that were pinned before the Workflow Designer starts will be in an open state when the Workflow Designer is launched next. Any unpinned node palettes will be in a closed state the next time the Workflow Designer is launched.

• Select Remove group from favorites… to delete a Favorites grouping.

• Select Organize favorites… to open the Organize Favorites window.

• Select View to customize the appearance of the nodes within the palette.

  • Names under icons

  • Icons and names

  • Icons only

  • Names only

• Select Sort By to customize the organization of the nodes within the palette. Options are:

  • By name (alphabetical), which is the default setting

  • By type, separated by a line

  • By type with no separating line.

Searching for Nodes

To make it easy to find the node that you would like to add to a workflow, a Search function is available at the top of the Node Palette area. Do the following:

1. Enter the full or partial name of the node that you are looking for in the empty field provided. This field includes type ahead search functionality so the node palettes that match your search criteria will automatically appear once you begin typing. In the example below, the user is searching for “we”, which produces a single result of the WebDAV Connector:

   

2. To return to the full node palette, click the Clear Search button at the far right of the search bar.

Using the Node Palettes Panel

Use the Node Palettes panel to:

• View the nodes available for use in workflows.

• Add nodes to a workflow.

• Customize the node palettes to best suit your needs.

Adding Nodes to a Workflow

To add a node to a workflow, drag and drop the node icon from the Node Palettes panel to the canvas. The node appears on the canvas in a “selected” state. While the node is selected, you can:

• Perform functions such as Move or Resize.

• Right-click on the object to display the Context menu.

• Modify the appearance of the node using the Node Properties panel, where you can:

  • Rename the node as it appears in the workflow.

  • Access the Node Configuration window.

  • Modify the node layout, including the stroke thickness and/or icon style.

  • Modify the appearance of the node’s supporting text in the workflow, such as the font.

  • Modify the color and/or opacity.

Canvas

The Canvas is the large area in the middle of the Workflow Designer where you build your workflow. Nodes and objects can be dragged and dropped onto the Canvas, where they will stay until moved. If the Snap to Grid feature is enabled (see Canvas Properties below), objects will align to the nearest grid point.

The Canvas area can be resized by clicking and dragging the boundary between the left side of the Canvas area and the right side of the Node Palettes area.

Properties Panel (Visual Attributes)

When the Properties panel is opened, it will only show the Properties specific to the object you have selected. The Properties panel allows you to define the visual traits of an object, such as size, color, font, and order. You can also disable nodes by unchecking the Enabled box.

Note: Double-clicking on a node opens its window only; it does not open the Properties panel for the node. To change the node definition, but not its visual properties, double-click on the node.

To open the Properties panel, select an object and either right-click (for a context menu), or select Properties from the Edit pull-down menu (Edit > Properties), or select an object and press the F4 key.

Elements of the Properties Panel

The Properties panel consists of a title bar and one or more sub-panels containing configuration options. The Properties panel is dynamic. That is, the content of the panel, including the name on the title bar, is determined by the type of object selected on the canvas at the time you open the Properties panel. The Properties panel can assume any of the following names, and contains options specific to the object type for which it is named:

• Canvas Properties

• Node Properties

• Connector Properties

• Text Properties

• Ellipse Properties

• Rectangle Properties

• Line Properties

• Multi Selection Properties

• Group Properties

The following illustration shows the Ellipse Properties panel, which appears when you open the Properties panel while an ellipse is selected on the canvas.

Sub-Panels

A sub-panel is a panel within another panel. Like the Properties panel that contains them, sub-panels are dynamic and consist of a title bar and one or more configuration options. Their configuration options vary based on the selected object type. For example, the Layout panel appears in both the Canvas Properties and Node Properties panels, but its configuration options differ in each.

The Properties panel can include any of the following sub-panels:

• Layout - Settings include Height, Width, Stroke Style, Stroke Thickness, etc.

• Color - Includes a Color Picker tool as well as settings where you can specify which attribute of the object (fill, line, etc.) you want to colorize as well as the opacity of the attribute.

• Text - Settings include font, size, style, etc. Available only for text boxes and nodes (to modify the node label text).

• Properties (node) - Settings include Node Name and Enabled. Accesses the Node Configuration window. Also displays information on the node such as the metadata file format.

In the illustration above, notice that the Ellipse Properties panel includes a title bar and two sub-panels: the Layout and Color panels. The Text panel is not available, as ellipses cannot contain text.

Pin/Auto-Hide Option

On the Properties panel, the title bar displays a Pin icon. Use this icon to set your preference for displaying or hiding the Properties panel in the workflow. You have the following options:

• Auto-Hide - When you initially open the Properties panel in a workflow, it appears in a hovering state above the canvas. This state is called “Auto-Hide”. When Auto-Hide is active for the panel, you can hide the panel either by moving the pointer away from the panel or clicking on the X on the title bar.

• Pin - To force the panel to remain open while you work on the canvas, click on the Pin icon on the title bar of the Properties panel. In this state, the panel remains open until you click on the X button. To restore the Properties panel to Auto-Hide, click on the Pin icon again.

Note: The Pin icon is not available for sub-panels. The following illustration shows the Canvas Properties panel, whose title bar displays the Pin icon but whose sub-panel, the Layout panel, does not:

Float Window Option

Each sub-panel in the Properties panel contains a Float Window icon on the title bar. If you click on this icon, the sub-panel disengages from the Properties panel and is placed in a floating state over the canvas. You can position the floating panel anywhere on your desktop by clicking and dragging on the title bar.

You can float multiple sub-panels at the same time. To dock a floating panel back into the Properties panel, click on the X button in the floating panel.

In the above illustration of the Canvas Properties panel, the Float Window icon appears on the title bar of the sub-panel (the Layout panel).

Setting Default Properties

If you modify any settings on the Properties panel, you can save the configuration as the default settings for the Workflow Designer. The configuration will then appear in the panel the next time you access the panel, and thereafter until you modify the default settings again. You can also return the Properties panel to the application’s default configuration.

Default properties are set by sub-panel. Each sub-panel in the Properties panel (for example, Layout, Text, or Color) includes a title bar with a small arrow button that provides access to the Default Properties menu. You can also access the Default Properties menu by right-clicking on a section of the Properties panel. The following options appear:

• Set as Default - When you modify a setting in the Properties panel (for example, Size) and you want to make it the default, access the Default Properties menu for the sub-panel containing the setting and select Set as Default from the menu that appears.

  Note: If an arrow appears next to the Set as Default option, then when you hover or click on the option, a second menu will appear listing sections of the panel. Select the section containing the setting(s) you want to save as default.

  See the following illustration:

• Restore Default - To restore the settings in a sub-panel of the Properties panel (for example, the Text panel) back to the application’s default configuration, access the Default Properties menu for the sub-panel containing the setting and select Restore Default from the menu that appears.

  Note: If an arrow appears next to the Restore Default option, a second menu will appear listing sections of the Properties panel. Select the section containing the setting(s) you want to restore to the application’s default configuration.

Using the Color Panel

The Color Panel is a sub-panel of the Properties panel. It contains options that allow you to modify the colors of the attributes of an object selected on the canvas. You can also apply a color gradient to the attribute. You can then save the color or color gradient as the default color, if desired. See the following illustration:

The selected color brush indicates the current color of the attribute. You can modify the color in the following ways:

• Select a swatch from the default colors panel.

• Specify the RGB levels of the color in the Input fields.

• Specify the hex code of the color in the Hex field.

• Create a custom color in any of the following ways:

  • Modify one or more of the Input fields.

  • Modify the Hex field.

  • Use the Hue slider and/or the Saturation picker to create a color.

The Color Panel contains the following controls:

• Attribute selectors - Use these buttons to select the attribute of the object you want to modify, such as text, line, or fill. Not all buttons will be active for all object types. For example, the Text button is not active for rectangles because rectangles cannot contain text.

• Saturation picker - Saturation is the intensity of the color. Black and white images have no color saturation, while color images have varying degrees of color saturation.

• Hue slider - Hue is the base color, such as red or blue. Hue can also be the shade of the base color, such as orange or purple. To modify the hue of the selected attribute, click and drag the arrow in the slider to the desired hue.

  Note: If modifying black (0, 0, 0,) or white (255, 255, 255), the Hue slider does not change the RGB values.

• Input fields - These fields display the RGB color values (red, green, and blue) of the selected object attribute. To modify a value, click in the field and enter a value from 0 to 255.

• Hex - The hex code is a hexadecimal representation of a color’s RGB value. The hex code combines three values – the amounts of red, green, and blue in a particular shade of color.

• Opacity slider - Color opacity is a value from 1 to 100 that indicates the color transparency of the selected attribute. A color opacity value of 1 fully obscures anything on the canvas positioned beneath the attribute. A value of 100 renders the color completely transparent. To adjust an attribute’s color opacity, click and drag the slider to the desired value.

• Pre-set colors - To select from a standard palette of colors, click on a swatch.

• Color brushes - The following color brushes are available:

  • Solid brush - Applies the selected color evenly across the surface of the attribute.

  • Gradient brush - Applies a color gradient to the attribute. A color gradient is a transition between two or more colors. The Gradient brush transitions between the selected color and white. When you click on this option, a panel of gradients appears. Select the gradient you want to apply to the color.

    • Fade to Transparent - To remove the white portion of the color gradient so that it appears transparent, check this box.

When you modify a control on the Color Panel, the other controls update accordingly to reflect the change.

Canvas Properties Panel

The Canvas Properties panel appears when you open the Properties panel while the canvas is selected. It is a sub-panel of the Properties panel. See the following illustration:

The Canvas Properties panel includes the following sub-panels, each containing sections with settings you can use to modify the canvas:

Layout Panel (Canvas)

Use the Layout panel to modify the layout and arrangement of the workflow canvas. The panel includes the following sections:

Page Setup

This section Layout panel (Canvas) includes the following settings:

• Project Name - The name of the project.

• Size - Specify the “paper size” (the size of the canvas). The drop-down menu includes many commonly-used sizes. If you select Custom, you can specify your own dimensions for the canvas.

• Width - If you select Custom Size at the Size field, this field activates and you can specify the width of the canvas. You can also specify a unit of measurement, such as “pixels”. Note that if you change the unit of measurement at this field, the unit of measurement at the Height field updates to match your selection.

• Height - If you select Custom Size at the Size field, this field activates and you can specify the height of the canvas. You can also specify a unit of measurement, such as “pixels”. Note that if you change the unit of measurement at this field, the unit of measurement at the Width field updates to match your selection.

• Orientation - Options are Portrait or Landscape.

• Drawing Scale - Set the desired drawing scale (if any), in inches.

Default Error Node

The Workflow Designer needs to know where to send documents that “error out” of the workflow. You can add an error output node for each node in the workflow, or you can use this section to define a default error node to handle all error transitions. All failed documents are then directed to the default error node.

To enable the default error node for a workflow, click on the Default Error Node drop-down menu and select a target node from the list that appears. To disable the default error node for a workflow, select No Default from the drop-down list.

Note: The default error node is not visible within the workflow.

Grid Settings

Use this section to enable or disable the alignment grid. Enabling the grid helps you align objects on the canvas. You have the following options:

• Grid Spacing - Use this slider to specify the space between grid lines on the canvas.

• Zoom - Use this slider to specify the zoom percentage of the canvas view.

• Show/Hide Grid - Use this toggle button to show or hide the grid.

• Snap to Grid - Use this toggle button to “snap” objects to the nearest grid line, or to turn off Snap to Grid for the workflow. Snap to Grid applies to new objects you add to the canvas, or to existing objects on the canvas that you move to a new position.

• Cross-Hair Lines - Use this toggle button to turn on or off the Cross-Hair Lines function. This function helps you align objects on the canvas.

Workflow Button Icon

The Workflow Designer allows you to select an image to use as the workflow preview image at the MFP. You have the following options:

• Enable - Clicking in this checkbox allows the workflow to display using an icon or image. By default, the workflow displays the first page of the workflow.

• Select an Image - This allows you to choose from many preloaded images or browse for an image from your computer.

Background Image

Adding a background image to your workflow can be visually attractive and also help to indicate the purpose or function of the workflow. For example, you can use a favorite photograph, a floor plan, or a map.

Do the following:

1. Double-click on the canvas, or open the Properties panel when no objects are selected.

2. In the Background Image area of the Canvas Properties panel, check the Enable box.

3. Click on the Select an Image button. A folder browsing window appears.

4. Browse to the folder containing the image that you want to use.

   Note: The list of files is restricted to PNG, JPG, GIF, and BMP file types.

5. Select the desired file, and then click on Open to upload it. The selected image appears on the canvas, underneath any existing objects on the canvas.

Once uploaded, you have the following configuration options:

• Brightness - Use the slider bar to change the brightness of the image.

• Positioning - Define where to position the image. You have the following options:

  • Fit to Canvas

  • Center

  Notes:

  • If the image is larger than the canvas, Workflow Designer will shrink the image to fit the canvas, even with the Center option selected.

  • If the image is small, such as an icon-sized image (45 x 45 pixels), choosing Fit to Canvas may distort the image as Workflow Designer expands the image to fit the canvas.

Color Panel (Canvas)

The Color panel is a sub-panel of the Properties panel. Use the Color panel to modify the colors of the attributes of the canvas. You have the following options:

• Attribute Selector buttons - Select the attribute to modify:

  • Text - Not available for the canvas.

  • Grid Lines

  • Background

Node Properties Panel

The Node Properties panel appears when you open the Properties panel while a node on the canvas is selected. It is a sub-panel of the Properties panel. See the following illustration:

The Node Properties panel includes the following sub-panels, each containing sections with settings you can use to modify the appearance of the node:

Properties Panel (Node)

Use this panel to modify the properties of a node on the workflow canvas. The Properties panel (Node) includes the following sections:

• Node Name - Modify the node name as it appears on the canvas.

• Enabled - Enable or disable the node in the workflow. If you disable a node, the workflow ignores it.

• Edit Node Properties button - Accesses the Node Configuration window for the selected node.

Layout Panel (Node)

Use this panel to modify the attributes of the selected node. You have the following options:

• Width, Height - Use these fields to increase or decrease the size of the node as it appears on the canvas. Note that you can also resize the node by selecting it on the canvas and dragging the handles.

• Left, Top - Use these fields to relocate the node on the canvas. Specify the left and top coordinates. Note that you can also relocate the node by clicking and dragging it on the canvas.

• Angle (degrees) - Rotate the node. Do one of the following:

  • Click and drag the slider. The node rotates on the canvas and the number of degrees of the angle updates in the associated entry field.

  • Enter a number of degrees directly into the entry field.

  Note: You can also rotate the node by selecting it on the canvas and dragging the circular Rotate handle.

• Stroke Thickness - Modify the thickness of the stroke surrounding the node’s label. Do one of the following:

  • Click and drag the slider. The stroke thickness changes on the canvas and the thickness in pixels (px) updates in the associated entry field.

  • Enter a number of pixels directly into the entry field.

  Note: To see the stroke surrounding the node’s label, its color must be different from the label’s fill color. To change the stroke color, click on the Line Color button In the Color panel, and then select a different color.

• Stroke Style - The current style of the stroke forming the node’s supporting text box displays below this field. To change the style, click on the current style and select a different style from the style options that appear (for example, solid line or dotted line).

• Icon Style - To change the icon used to represent an object used in the Workflow Designer, click on the Change Icon button to access the Select an Image window.

  • Change Icon - To change the icon used to represent the node currently selected on the canvas, click on this button.

• Grouping and Order - Use these buttons to modify the grouping and order of the selected objects.

  • Grouping - To simultaneously perform a function (for example, move or resize) on multiple objects on the canvas, group them together. Select the objects and then click on the Group button. The button is active only if multiple objects are currently selected on the canvas. The Ungroup button is active only if one or more object groups are selected on the canvas. If you click on this button when active, all selected groups are ungrouped.

    Note: Although nodes can be grouped, any connectors attached to the nodes will not be part of that grouping.

  • Ordering - “Ordering” is the layered placement of an object in relation to other objects on the canvas. An object that is placed on a higher layer will block the view of any portion of an object beneath it. Use the Ordering buttons to arrange the layering placement of overlapping objects on the canvas.

Text Panel (Node)

The Text panel is a sub-panel of the Properties panel. Use the Text panel to format the text in the selected box below the selected node. You have the following options:

• Font family

• Font size

• Text style

• Text alignment

Color Panel (Node)

The Color panel is a sub-panel of the Properties panel. Use the Color panel to modify the colors of the attributes of the selected node. You have the following options:

• Attribute Selector buttons - Select the node attribute to modify:

  • Text

  • Line

  • Fill

Node Configuration Window

Use the Node Configuration window to modify the node’s configuration. To access the Node Configuration window, do one of the following:

• Double-click on a node in a workflow.

• Access the Node Properties panel and click on the Edit Node Properties button. See the following illustration:

  

The controls that appear in the Node Configuration window vary depending on the selected node. For example, for many distribution nodes, the Node Configuration window includes the Connection Timeout field. For the Rename node, you use the Node Configuration window to specify the file name components (for example, Counter and File Extension) you want to use when renaming files in the workflow. The following illustration shows the Node Configuration window for the Dropbox Connector node:

Notes:

• The Node Configuration window is distinct from the Node Properties panel, which appears when you select a node in a workflow and then open the Properties panel.

• For details on a node’s configuration window, see the Help topic for the individual node.

Change Icon Button

Use this button to change the icon used to represent the node currently selected on the canvas. You can replace one or more icons with any of the following image file types:

• BMP
• JPEG
• PNG
• GIF

Note: This process changes only the node image and not the node label.

To change a node’s icon, do the following:

1. Select the node on the canvas.

2. Open the Node Properties panel. You can also access this option by right-clicking on a node.

3. Click on the Change Icon option. The Select an Image window appears.

4. In the Select an Image window, specify the repository containing the image you want to select. You have the following options:

   • From Canvas Icon Library - To select from the Workflow Designer’s Canvas Icon Library, click on this tab.

   • From Your Own Images - To select an image from a source outside of the Workflow Designer, click on this tab. You have the following options:

     • From File… - Browse a local or network drive and select a file.

     • From Clipboard - Select the current contents of the Windows clipboard. If the clipboard is empty, this option is disabled.

5. Once you identify the file you want to use as your new icon, a preview window appears where you can view the image. A selection box with “handles” appears over the image via which you can crop the image, click and drag the selection box to a new location, and/or click and drag the handles to resize. The current contents of the selection box appear in the right pane of the Select an Image window.

   • Memory Optimization - This box is checked by default. It limits the memory your system uses when uploading and formatting the selected image.

     Caution! If you uncheck this box, the image will be enhanced, but it may increase memory usage enough to cause your system to slow down. To upload a picture with higher resolution, uncheck the box, but be aware that a better image will use more resources on your PC.

   When the preview is acceptable, click on the Select button. See the following illustration:

   

Connector Properties Panel

The Connector Properties panel appears when you open the Properties panel while a connector is selected on the canvas. It is a sub-panel of the Properties panel. Use it to modify the style and appearance of the connector selected on the canvas, as well as its position among other objects on the canvas. See the following illustration of the panel:

Layout Panel (Connector)

The Layout sub-panel contains the following sections:

Connector Type

Connectors flow documents from one node to another in a workflow. They can be of two types:

• Standard - The default connector type. This type routes successfully processed documents to a specified node and ignores failed documents. By default, Standard connectors are not labeled.

• User-Selectable - This connector type is selected automatically when drawn between two People nodes. You may change a Standard connector to a User-Selectable connection if the connector is between a People node and an automation node. This connector indicates that a Dispatcher Stratus user has the option of choosing the next destination for documents or jobs within the portal.

  Note: The Standard and User-Selectable connectors are mutually exclusive.

• Reject - This connector indicates the path a document or job will take if the assigned user rejects it.

• Negative - This type routes documents that do not fit the “yes” condition of the specified routing node.

• Error - This type routes failed documents (documents that “error-out”) to a specified node and ignores successfully processed documents.

Note: You can apply multiple connector types to the same connector. For example, a connector may use both the Standard and Error connector types if you want to route all files processed by a node to the same target node, including files that error-out. By default, connectors with multiple connector types have the “Show Symbols” option enabled.

Show Symbols

To display informational symbols on the selected connector such as directional arrowheads, check this box. To hide the symbols, leave the box blank. By default, all connector types except Standard connectors default to having the Show Symbols option enabled.

When a Process Fails - Using Error Connectors

Important! If a document causes a process in a workflow to fail and create an error (for example, a condition specified in a node such as the Advanced OCR node was not met), Workflow Designer needs to know where to route the failed document. Otherwise, Workflow Designer can lose track of the file (the file processed in the workflow, not the source file collected by the workflow) and the file may be lost.

To route failed documents in a workflow, you have the following options:

• Add one or more nodes (typically, distribution nodes) to act as designated error locations. The connectors attached to these nodes must include the Error connector type. Note that unless you apply an error node and connector to each collection and process node in the workflow, you risk losing track of files (that is, files that error-out at nodes to which you did not attach a designated error location).

• Designate a Default Error node for the workflow. All failed documents not routed to a designated error location are routed to this folder.

Note: You can use both of the above options in a workflow. You can route some failed documents to designated error locations and the rest to the Default Error node.

Connector Style

This section contains icons representing the various connector styles available in the Workflow Designer. The current style is highlighted. To change the style, click on an icon.

All connector styles perform the same function - they connect two nodes together in a workflow. However, each connector style takes a different route from origin to destination. For example, the Straight connector follows a straight line while the HV connector travels horizontally first, then vertically. The variety of styles available helps you to quickly create attractive, easy-to-follow workflows.

Grouping and Order (Connector)

Use these buttons to modify the grouping and order of the selected connector(s).

• Grouping - Grouping is not available for connectors.

• Ordering - “Ordering” is the layered placement of an object in relation to other objects on the canvas. An object that is placed on a higher layer will block the view of any portion of an object beneath it. Use the Ordering buttons to arrange the layering placement of overlapping objects on the canvas.

Color Panel (Connector)

The Color panel is a sub-panel of the Connector Properties panel. Use the Color panel to modify the colors of the attributes of the selected connector. You have the following options:

• Attribute Selector buttons - Select the attribute to modify:

  • Text - Not available for connectors.

  • Line

  • Fill - Not available for connectors.

Text Properties Panel

The Text Properties panel appears when you open the Properties panel while a text box is selected on the canvas. It is a sub-panel of the Properties panel. See the following illustration:

The Text Properties panel includes the following sub-panels, each containing sections with settings you can use to modify the text box:

Layout Panel (Text)

Use this panel to modify the attributes of the selected text box. You have the following options:

• Width, Height - Use these fields to increase or decrease the size of the text box as it appears on the canvas. Note that you can also resize the text box by clicking it on the canvas and dragging the handles.

• Left, Top - Use these fields to relocate the text box on the canvas. Specify the left and top coordinates. Note that you can also relocate the text box by clicking and dragging it on the canvas.

• Angle (degrees) - Rotate the text box. Do one of the following:

  • Click and drag the slider. The text box rotates on the canvas and the number of degrees of the angle updates in the associated entry field.

  • Enter a number of degrees directly into the entry field.

  Note: You can also rotate the text box by clicking it on the canvas and dragging the circular Rotate handle.

• Stroke Thickness - Modify the thickness of the stroke surrounding the text box. Do one of the following:

  • Click and drag the slider. The stroke thickness changes on the canvas and the thickness in pixels (px) updates in the associated entry field.

  • Enter a number of pixels directly into the entry field.

  Note: To see the stroke surrounding the text box, its color must be different from the text box’s fill color. To change the stroke color, click on the Line Color button In the Color panel, and then select a different color.

• Stroke Style - The current style of the stroke forming the text box displays below this field. To change the style, click on the current style and select a different style from the style options that appear (for example, solid line or dotted line).

• Grouping and Order - Use these buttons to modify the grouping and order of the selected objects.

  • Grouping - To simultaneously perform a function (for example, move or resize) on multiple objects on the canvas, select the objects and then click on the Group button. The button is active only if multiple objects are currently selected on the canvas. The Ungroup button is active only if one or more object groups are selected on the canvas. If you click on this button when active, all selected groups are ungrouped.

  • Ordering - “Ordering” is the layered placement of an object in relation to other objects on the canvas. An object that is placed on a higher layer will block the view of any portion of an object beneath it. Use the Ordering buttons to arrange the layering placement of overlapping objects on the canvas.

Text Panel (Text)

The Text panel is a sub-panel of the Text Properties panel. Use the Text panel to format the text in the selected text box. You have the following options:

• Font family

• Font size

• Text style

• Text alignment

Color Panel (Text)

The Color panel is a sub-panel of the Text Properties panel. Use the Color panel to modify the colors of the attributes of the selected text box. You have the following options:

• Attribute Selector buttons - Select the node attribute to modify:

  • Text

  • Line

  • Fill

Ellipse Properties Panel

The Ellipse Properties panel appears when you open the Properties panel while an ellipse is selected on the canvas. It is a sub-panel of the Properties panel. See the following illustration:

The Ellipse Properties panel includes the following sub-panels, each containing sections with settings you can use to modify the ellipse:

Layout Panel (Ellipse)

Use this panel to modify the attributes of the selected ellipse. You have the following options:

• Width, Height - Use these fields to increase or decrease the size of the ellipse as it appears on the canvas. Note that you can also resize the ellipse by clicking it on the canvas and dragging the handles.

• Left, Top - Use these fields to relocate the ellipse on the canvas. Specify the left and top coordinates. Note that you can also relocate the ellipse by clicking and dragging it on the canvas.

• Angle (degrees) - Rotate the ellipse. Do one of the following:

  • Click and drag the slider. The ellipse rotates on the canvas and the number of degrees of the angle updates in the associated entry field.

  • Enter a number of degrees directly into the entry field.

  Note: You can also rotate the ellipse by clicking it on the canvas and dragging the circular Rotate handle.

• Stroke Thickness - Modify the thickness of the stroke surrounding the ellipse. Do one of the following:

  • Click and drag the slider - The stroke thickness changes on the canvas and the thickness in pixels (px) updates in the associated entry field.

  • Enter a number of pixels directly into the entry field.

  Note: To see the stroke surrounding the ellipse, its color must be different from the ellipse’s fill color. To change the stroke color, click on the Line Color button In the Color panel, and then select a different color.

• Stroke Style - The current style of the stroke forming the ellipse displays below this field. To change the style, click on the current style and select a different style from the style options that appear (for example, solid line or dotted line).

• Grouping and Order - Use these buttons to modify the grouping and order of the selected objects.

  • Grouping - To simultaneously perform a function (for example, move or resize) on multiple objects on the canvas, select the objects and then click on the Group button. The button is active only if multiple objects are currently selected on the canvas. The Ungroup button is active only if one or more object groups are selected on the canvas. If you click on this button when active, all selected groups are ungrouped.

  • Ordering - “Ordering” is the layered placement of an object in relation to other objects on the canvas. An object that is placed on a higher layer will block the view of any portion of an object beneath it. Use the Ordering buttons to arrange the layering placement of overlapping objects on the canvas.

Color Panel (Ellipse)

The Color panel is a sub-panel of the Properties panel. Use the Color panel to modify the colors of the attributes of the selected ellipse. You have the following options:

• Attribute Selector buttons - Select the node attribute to modify:

  • Text - Not available for ellipses.

  • Line

  • Fill

Rectangle Properties Panel

The Rectangle Properties panel appears when you open the Properties panel while a rectangle is selected on the canvas. It is a sub-panel of the Properties panel. See the following illustration:

The Rectangle Properties panel includes the following sub-panels, each containing sections with settings you can use to modify the rectangle:

Layout Panel (Rectangle)

Use this panel to modify the attributes of the selected rectangle. You have the following options:

• Width, Height - Use these fields to increase or decrease the size of the rectangle as it appears on the canvas. Note that you can also resize the rectangle by clicking it on the canvas and dragging the handles.

• Left, Top - Use these fields to relocate the rectangle on the canvas. Specify the left and top coordinates. Note that you can also relocate the rectangle by clicking and dragging it on the canvas.

• Angle (degrees) - Rotate the rectangle. Do one of the following:

  • Click and drag the slider. The rectangle rotates on the canvas and the number of degrees of the angle updates in the associated entry field.

  • Enter a number of degrees directly into the entry field.

  Note: You can also rotate the rectangle by clicking it on the canvas and dragging the circular Rotate handle.

• Stroke Thickness - Modify the thickness of the stroke surrounding the rectangle. Do one of the following:

  • Click and drag the slider - The stroke thickness changes on the canvas and the thickness in pixels (px) updates in the associated entry field.

  • Enter a number of pixels directly into the entry field.

  Note: To see the stroke surrounding the rectangle, its color must be different from the rectangle’s fill color. To change the stroke color, click on the Line Color button In the Color panel, and then select a different color.

• Stroke Style - The current style of the stroke forming the rectangle displays below this field. To change the style, click on the current style and select a different style from the style options that appear (for example, solid line or dotted line).

• Grouping and Order - Use these buttons to modify the grouping and order of the selected objects.

  • Grouping - To simultaneously perform a function (for example, move or resize) on multiple objects on the canvas, select the objects and then click on the Group button. The button is active only if multiple objects are currently selected on the canvas. The Ungroup button is active only if one or more object groups are selected on the canvas. If you click on this button when active, all selected groups are ungrouped.

  • Ordering - “Ordering” is the layered placement of an object in relation to other objects on the canvas. An object that is placed on a higher layer will block the view of any portion of an object beneath it. Use the Ordering buttons to arrange the layering placement of overlapping objects on the canvas.

Color Panel (Rectangle)

The Color panel is a sub-panel of the Properties panel. Use the Color panel to modify the colors of the attributes of the selected rectangle. You have the following options:

• Attribute Selector buttons - Select the node attribute to modify:

  • Text -Not available for rectangles.

  • Line

  • Fill

Line Properties Panel

The Line Properties panel appears when you open the Properties panel while a line is selected on the canvas. It is a sub-panel of the Properties panel. See the following illustration:

The Line Properties panel includes the following sub-panels, each containing sections with settings you can use to modify the line:

Layout Panel (Line)

Use this panel to modify the attributes of the selected line. You have the following options:

• Angle (degrees) - Rotate the line. Do one of the following:

  • Click and drag the slider. The line rotates on the canvas and the number of degrees of the angle updates in the associated entry field.

  • Enter a number of degrees directly into the entry field.

• Stroke Thickness - Modify the thickness of the line. Do one of the following:

  • Click and drag the slider - The stroke thickness changes on the canvas and the thickness in pixels (px) updates in the associated entry field.

  • Enter a number of pixels directly into the entry field.

• Stroke Style - The current style of the stroke forming the line displays below this field. To change the style, click on the current style and select a different style from the style options that appear (for example, solid line or dotted line).

• Arrow Style - The current style of the arrowhead(s) attached to the line display below this field. To change the style, click on the current style and select a different style from the style options that appear (for example, arrowheads at the end of the line or in the middle).

• Grouping and Order - Use these buttons to modify the grouping and order of the selected objects.

  • Grouping - To simultaneously perform a function (for example, move or resize) on multiple objects on the canvas, select the objects and then click on the Group button. The button is active only if multiple objects are currently selected on the canvas. The Ungroup button is active only if one or more object groups are selected on the canvas. If you click on this button when active, all selected groups are ungrouped.

  • Ordering - “Ordering” is the layered placement of an object in relation to other objects on the canvas. An object that is placed on a higher layer will block the view of any portion of an object beneath it. Use the Ordering buttons to arrange the layering placement of overlapping objects on the canvas.

Color Panel (Line)

The Color panel is a sub-panel of the Properties panel. Use the Color panel to modify the colors of the attributes of the selected line. You have the following options:

• Attribute Selector buttons - Select the node attribute to modify:

  • Text - This option is not available for a line.

  • Line

  • Fill - This option is not available for a line.

Multi Selection Properties Panel

The Multi Selection Properties panel appears when you open the Properties panel while multiple objects are selected on the canvas. It is a sub-panel of the Properties panel. See the following illustration:

The Multi Selection Properties panel includes the following sub-panels, each containing sections with settings you can use to modify the selected objects:

Layout Panel (Multi Selection)

Use this panel to modify the attributes of the selected objects. You have the following options:

• Width, Height - Use these fields to increase or decrease the size of the selected objects as they appear on the canvas.

• Left, Top - Use these fields to relocate the selected objects on the canvas. Specify the left and top coordinates. Note that you can also relocate the selected objects by clicking and dragging them on the canvas.

• Angle (degrees) - Rotate the selected objects. Do one of the following:

  • Click and drag the slider. The selected objects rotate on the canvas and the number of degrees of the angle updates in the associated entry field.

  • Enter a number of degrees directly into the entry field.

• Stroke Thickness - Modify the thickness of the stroke surrounding each of the selected objects. Do one of the following:

  • Click and drag the slider - The stroke thickness changes on the canvas and the thickness in pixels (px) updates in the associated entry field.

  • Enter a number of pixels directly into the entry field.

  Note: To see the strokes surrounding the selected objects, the stroke color must be different from the object’s fill color. To change the stroke color, click on the Line Color button In the Color panel, and then select a different color.

• Stroke Style - The current style of the stroke forming the selected objects displays below this field. To change the style, click on the current style and select a different style from the style options that appear (for example, solid line or dotted line).

• Grouping and Order - Use these buttons to modify the grouping and order of the selected objects.

  • Grouping - To simultaneously perform a function (for example, move or resize) on multiple objects on the canvas, select the objects and then click on the Group button. The button is active only if multiple objects are currently selected on the canvas. The Ungroup button is active only if one or more object groups are selected on the canvas. If you click on this button when active, all selected groups are ungrouped.

  • Ordering - “Ordering” is the layered placement of an object in relation to other objects on the canvas. An object that is placed on a higher layer will block the view of any portion of an object beneath it. Use the Ordering buttons to arrange the layering placement of overlapping objects on the canvas.

Color Panel (Multi Selection)

The Color panel is a sub-panel of the Properties panel. Use the Color panel to modify the colors of the attributes of the selected objects. You have the following options:

• Attribute Selector buttons - Select the node attribute to modify:

  • Text - This option is available only for objects containing text.

  • Line

  • Fill

Group Properties Panel

The Group Properties panel appears when you open the Properties panel while a group of objects is selected on the canvas. It is a sub-panel of the Properties panel. See the following illustration:

The Group Properties panel includes the following sub-panels, each containing sections with settings you can use to modify the grouped objects:

Layout Panel (Group)

Use this panel to modify the attributes of the grouped objects. You have the following options:

• Width, Height - Use these fields to increase or decrease the size of the selected objects as they appear on the canvas.

• Left, Top - Use these fields to relocate the selected objects on the canvas. Specify the left and top coordinates. Note that you can also relocate the selected objects by clicking and dragging them on the canvas.

• Angle (degrees) - Rotate the selected objects. Do one of the following:

  • Click and drag the slider. The selected objects rotate on the canvas and the number of degrees of the angle updates in the associated entry field.

  • Enter a number of degrees directly into the entry field.

• Stroke Thickness - Modify the thickness of the stroke surrounding each of the selected objects. Do one of the following:

  • Click and drag the slider - The stroke thickness changes on the canvas and the thickness in pixels (px) updates in the associated entry field.

  • Enter a number of pixels directly into the entry field.

  Note: To see the strokes surrounding the selected objects, their color must be different from the selected objects’ fill color. To change the stroke color, click on the Line Color button In the Color panel, and then select a different color.

• Stroke Style - The current style of the stroke forming the selected objects displays below this field. To change the style, click on the current style and select a different style from the style options that appear (for example, solid line or dotted line).

• Grouping and Order - Use these buttons to modify the grouping and order of the selected objects.

  • Grouping - To simultaneously perform a function (for example, move or resize) on multiple objects on the canvas, select the objects and then click on the Group button. The button is active only if multiple objects are currently selected on the canvas. The Ungroup button is active only if one or more object groups are selected on the canvas. If you click on this button when active, all selected groups are ungrouped.

  • Ordering - “Ordering” is the layered placement of an object in relation to other objects on the canvas. An object that is placed on a higher layer will block the view of any portion of an object beneath it. Use the Ordering buttons to arrange the layering placement of overlapping objects on the canvas.

Status Bar

The Status bar appears at the bottom of the page. It displays important information about the workflow canvas and gives quick access to certain tools.

Information Displayed

The following information is always displayed in the Status Bar:

• Current page out of the total number of pages

• Left Coordinate of the last object selected. Note that this defaults to 0 if no object has been selected. This will maintain the last coordinate even if the object has been deleted.

• Top Coordinate of the last object selected. Note that this defaults to 0 if no object has been selected. This will maintain the last coordinate even if the object has been deleted.

• Page size (in measurement units)

• Printer paper size and orientation

Status Bar Tools

The Status Bar also gives users access to certain tools, including:

• Show Grid (described in the View Menu section above)

• Snap to Grid (described in the View Menu section above)

• Zoom (described in the View Menu section above)

Building a Sample Workflow

The Workflow Designer is a cloud-based solution with a complete palette of graphical icons and drawing tools that allow you to create document processing workflows.

When you select the New Workflow icon or edit an existing workflow from the main application screen, the Workflow Designer window will open. For new workflows, the initial “canvas” will be blank, with the default view opting to “Hide” grid lines.

The left side of the window contains palettes. Click on the pushpin to keep a node palette open. The node palettes are divided by their function to Collect, Process, or Distribute documents. In addition, you can favorite nodes, which will cause them to appear in the My Favorites palette.

Creating a Simple Workflow

1. To begin, open the Collect nodes palette and click on an MFP Capture node. With the node selected, click on the canvas drawing area and drag the mouse to create and size the node. For more information on how to configure the node, visit the MFP Capture page.

2. Add a simple Process node for your first workflow, such as Rename. For more information on how to configure the node, visit the Rename page.

3. Add Box Connector as the Distribute node. Use the mouse with the gridlines and cross-hairs to line up your nodes. For more information on how to configure the node, visit the Box Connector page. Use the Select/Resize tool to make any node larger.

   

4. Double-click on the canvas work area to open the Properties panel and name your workflow, as in the following illustration:

   

5. Click on a Connector tool. Then, click on the MFP Capture node and hold the mouse button down while dragging to the Rename node to connect them. Do the same to add a connection between the Rename and Box Connector nodes.

   The drawing should now look something like the illustration below with the three nodes connected.

   

6. Select the Validate icon () or select Validate from the Project pull-down menu to validate the workflow (this can be done now or at a later time).

7. Select the Save icon () or select Save from the File pull-down menu to save the workflow.

8. Close the workflow.

Note: If you close the window with unsaved changes, a message will appear asking if you would like to save changes to the workflow. If you haven’t named the workflow, you will be asked to do so.

Building a Workflow with People Nodes

Dispatcher Stratus’ People Nodes allow for human interaction during workflow processing through the Dispatcher Stratus portal. The People Nodes include:

• People - Edit and Approve - The People - Edit and Approve node is typically used for jobs that only need approval and not other interactions. This node will send a job to a licensed tenant member, who can then view and/or edit documents in the workflow. For example, you can include this node in a workflow in which a default group member sends a request to a tenant group to review and approve/deny a scanned document and the document’s metadata generated by the workflow.
  • For example, you can include this node in a workflow in which a default group member sends a request to a tenant group to review and approve/deny a scanned document and the document’s metadata generated by the workflow.
• People Group - The People Group node is typically used for jobs that are usually handled by one individual but can be completed by any member of a group. This node will send jobs to a User Group’s Default Member. That user can then reassign the job to another user in the group (depending on the node configuration) or complete the job themselves and send it to the next step in the workflow.
  • For example, a member of the Accounting team may be in charge of invoices. That person would be the Default Member and receive every invoice job. But that person could reassign invoice jobs if workloads needed to be adjusted.
• People Queue - The People Queue node is commonly used for jobs that do not need to be completed by a specific individual. Use the Queue Node to send jobs to a Dispatcher Stratus queue, where anyone with access to the job queue can claim the job.
  • For example, external job applications may all go to a general hiring Queue for vetting. Anyone on the Human Resources team can claim an application, review it, and approve or reject it as they have time.
• People User - Use the People User node to send jobs to a licensed Dispatcher Stratus User. The job may be reassigned, depending on workflow configuration. The People User node is designed for jobs that are intended to be completed by the recipient, typically an individual with specialized skill or authority.
  • For example, final approvals for all purchases over $10,000 must be personally approved by the CFO, so the People User node is configured to send those jobs to that user.

Example

The Editing Process Sample Workflow provides an example of how you can arrange People Nodes to create a business workflow.

The Challenge: A newspaper is having trouble keeping track of all the freelance article submissions they get, causing articles to be lost, wasting Editors’ time, and even delaying printing. The newspaper is looking for a digital solution to clarify its submission pipeline and streamline the approval process.

The Solution: In this workflow, documents are collected from a Dropbox folder and sent to a queue for editors to process. Editors can approve articles or send them for in-house edits. Approved or edited articles are then sent to the Editor-in-Chief for final approval (or more edits) and then stored in Dropbox until they are used. Editors can also add notes to documents to help with future edits.

How the Workflow Works

What follows is a description of the workflow and how the company’s needs translate to components of the workflow in order to provide a jumping-off point for future workflows:

1. The company uses Dropbox for file storage - Add a Dropbox In and a Dropbox Connector for the input and output. Sign in to Dropbox through each node and select the relevant folders for each node.

2. Documents need to be reviewed - Add a People Queue node for Editors. In the corresponding User Group, create a Queue. Then, select the User Group and Queue in the node.

3. Documents may need edits - Add another People Queue node for the in-house editing team. In the corresponding User Group, create a Queue. Then, select the User Group and Queue in the node.

4. The Editor-in-Chief needs to have final approval - Add a People User node for the Editor-in-Chief. Use the node to search through all licensed users and select the one you would like to send to.

5. Connecting the nodes - Now that the individual elements are configured, they need to be connected to create a workflow.

• Connect the Dropbox In node to the Editor’s People Queue node.

• Connect the Editor’s People Queue node to the In-House Edits People Queue node and the Editor-in-Chief People User node. Note that the connections default to a dotted line, indicating that the user in the People Queue node can select the correct path.

• Connect the In-House Edits People Queue node and the Editor-in-Chief People User node. Note that the connections default to a dotted line, indicating that the user in the People Queue node can select the correct path.

• Connect the Editor-in-Chief People User node to the In-House Edits People Queue node and the Dropbox Connector. Note that the connection to the People Queue node defaults to a dotted line, indicating that the user in the People User node can select the correct path (if the document needs further edits, it can be placed back in the In-House Edits Queue). However, People nodes default to Normal connections with non-People nodes. Select the last connection, press the F4 key, and change the connection to the dotted line (User-Selectable) so the user has the option of selecting that one as well.

With that, your workflow is complete!