Know how: Remove unused objects

3D modeled image of several dark blue process shapes next to each other in a row on a light blue background. An open dustbin can be seen in the middle.

During process modeling, viflow objects are created from time to time that are not needed after all. We would like to show you here how you can safely delete these objects with the Remove unused objects function and reduce the file size of your process model at the same time.

Attention: This is a function that cannot be undone. Please be sure to save your process model file beforehand.

Remove unused objects

Click on File – Information and then select the Remove unused objects function. The Clean-Up process model window opens.

Screen cast showing how to open the "Remove unused objects" function.
Open the "Remove unused objects" function.

 

To display the contents, click on the entries in the left-hand area. The unused objects are then displayed on the right. Select the objects that are to be deleted. After clicking on Finish, the objects are removed from the process model.

Screen cast showing how to use the "Remove unused objects" function.
Use the "Remove unused objects" function.

 

Delete model versions

To be able to delete model versions, the Editing allowed option must first be selected under File – Options – Current process model – Historiography.

In the Clean up process model window, click Remove Model Versions. Check the Remove Model Versions checkbox. If you want to delete model versions that were created before a certain date, select the Older than option and the date. When deleting all model versions up to a certain version, select the Version lower version than option and enter the version number. After clicking on Finish, the model versions are removed from the process model.

Screen cast showing how to use delete old model versions
Delete old process model versions using the Remove unused objects function.

 

Optimization

It is possible that the process model contains local data that is no longer required and outdated links. These may be displayed incorrectly in the object properties and can be removed using the Optimization function.

In the Clean-Up process model window, click on Optimization. If available, the data to be deleted is displayed in tabular form in the window. Otherwise, the message No optimization required appears. If necessary, make your selection, activate the Optimize Process Model option and click Finish. The unnecessary data is removed from the process model.

Screen cast showing how to optimize the process model
Optimize the process model versions using the Remove unused objects function.