Start point defines the entry of a process automation. It defines how and when the automation is triggered and initializes any required input parameters before the process begins.

Every process automation must have exactly one Start point, as it controls the execution flow and sets the context for all subsequent tasks.

Key points

  • The process execution always begins at the Start node which is added to the canvas by default.
  • The Start node can be configured with the input parameters to accept data at runtime, which can be used throughout the process.
  • Every process automation must contain exactly one Start node.
  • The Start node cannot be deleted or duplicated.
  • Clearly name the Start node to reflect the purpose of the automation.
  • Specify only the required input parameters to keep the process lightweight.

Settings

  • Enter an Element ID used only as an internal reference during design and must be unique within the request workflow.
  • In the Request title field, enter text or insert a variable as an input variable. A dynamic title is created for this request that will display in the web interface and serve as a reference.
  • In the Task name (optional) field, enter the name of the task.
  • Choose one of the following tab from the Start with panel:
    • Input variables : Select the user defined variables that are passed into the automation when it starts.
    • Form: Browse and select the form. When the process is initiated a form is presented to the requestor to provide the required information.
  • Select the File upload storage.

    Automation Co-Pilot Storage is default for process automation and Document Workspace Storage is default for document automation.

  • In the Data privacy tag (optional) field (same as a PII [Personally Identifiable Information] tag), enter a text or variable to generate hidden custom output.
  • Output variable (optional) : If you create a variable with its type set to Output and use the variable option to start the automation, the variable’s expressions will appear in the Output variable section. These expressions will be evaluated after the process is complete.
  • In the Request attributes (optional) field, click Add attribute and provide the following details:
    • Label: Provide a label (name) for the attribute. After you add the label, an ID is automatically generated.
    • Visibility: Choose the attribute type (Visible, Hidden).
    • Type: Choose the data type (String, Number, Boolean, Datetime).
    • Value : You can either assign a hard-coded value to the selected data type or provide a value through a variable.

    Attributes are created and checked in along with the process. You can customize the columns in the Request and Task view pages and select the attributes to view them as separate columns. Attributes are shared across processes.