Know how: Multiple use of objects

Multiple use of objects (processes, decisions, areas, information) is desired and useful in viflow. We would like to show you here four methods for multiple use of a viflow object.

You can find a video on this topic on our YouTube channel viflow.tv.

The central data maintenance in viflow

In viflow, all data of a process model are stored centrally. viflow thus enables you to maintain and store data centrally, to navigate easily within the process model and to report cleanly.

Change of global properties and their effects

If you change the Global Properties of an object, this change will take effect at every point where this object is used. Global properties are, for example, the name and shape text of processes.

In the Global Properties – References field, the number of uses of this object is displayed. Use the drop-down menu to get more details about the object's usage.

View multiple uses in the viflow properties window

Tip: To see immediately if an object is used more than once, there is the possibility to set a warning message in the options. To do this, open the Options – User Interface – Properties window and activate the function Display warning on multiple use.

Multiple use warning in the properties window of viflow

Use objects multiple times

1. Copy and paste objects

Objects can be duplicated via right-click – context menu – copy/paste. This function can also be realized with copy-and-paste via [CTRL+C] – [CTRL+V] or alternatively via [CTRL] and pressed left mouse button.

Use objects in viflow multiple times via copy-and-paste

2. Use objects multiple times via drag-and-drop

Objects can be dragged and dropped (left-click and hold) from the object windows onto the graphic.

Multiple use of objects from the corresponding viflow window

3. Use objects multiple times via master shapes

Shapes can be dragged and dropped (left click and hold) from the stencil onto the graphic. A dialog opens with which an object can be assigned several times to one or more graphics.

Multiple use of objects from the viflow stencil

4. Use objects multiple times via "Assign viflow Object"

Right-clicking on an object opens the context menu. Here, another object can be assigned to a viflow object via Assign viflow Object.

Multiple use of objects via "Assign viflow Object"

Reports for the display of multiple uses

Multiple uses of objects can be displayed via the report function.

1. Reports – Information – List

The corresponding report can be created via the Reports tab – Information – List. Where multiple use takes place can be seen under the item References.

Multiple use of viflow objects in the "Information – List" report

2. Reports – Information – Usage

The corresponding report can be created via the Reports tab – Information – Usage. Where multiple usage takes place can be seen in the column Assigned Information to Process (Graphic).

Multiple use of viflow objects in the "Information – Usage" report

3. Reports – Areas – Job description

The corresponding report can be created via the Reports tab – Areas – Job description. To create the report, an area object must be selected. Where an object is used more than once, you can see in the columns Graphic and Participation Type.

Multiple use of viflow objects in the "Areas – Job Description" report

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