Flowchart

Overview and Key Concepts

There are many different Flowchart objects available in the Process Flow Library. You can use these shapes to build a classic flowchart in your process flow. You could also possibly use them a visual containers that help organize and visualize the activities in your process flow.

When process flow activities are inside the container, they will move when the container is moved, as shown in the following animated image:

You can also set the Flowchart object so that the activities possibly disappear when you zoom out from the model. For example, in the following animated image, the Process Flowchart object is set to hide contents when the process flow is zoomed out by 75%:

The Process Flow library has many different shapes available, including standard flowchart shapes:

Connectors

Flowchart objects do not allow incoming or outgoing connectors. They are for visual use only.

Properties

The following image shows the properties that are available for all Flowchart objects:

Each of these properties will be explained in the following sections.

Name

You can change the name of the object using the Name box. See Name for more information about this property.

Lock To

You can use the Lock To box to attach the Image object to an activity in your process flow. When the Image is locked to an object, it will move when that activity is moved. Use the Sampler button to select the activity the Image object should be locked with.

Rotation

Using the Rotation box, you can set the angle (in degrees) at which the Flow Chart object will display. The base line is horizontal and the rotation is to the right. For example, a rotation value of 90 will result in the following image, which shows the object before and after rotation:

Height

The Height box the Flow Chart object's height.

Width

The Width box the Flow Chart object's width.

Shape Type

You can switch between the different kinds of flowcharting styles here. This will change the shape of the container accordingly.

Hide Contents at Magnification

You can specify a zoom level where when you zoom out further than that level the contents of this container will be hidden.

Fill

When the Fill checkbox is cleared, you will only be able to select the image by clicking on its edge. This setting allows you to prevent clicking and selecting the background image on accident.

If you want to be able to click anywhere inside the Image object, check the Fill box. When the box is checked, the following properties will become available:

• Color - Change the color of the Flow chart object's background by using the color selector. Alternatively, you can use the Sampler button to select a color from any object in your simulation model or process flow.
• The Alpha slider changes the transparency of the Image object.

Outline

If you check the Outline checkbox, the border of the Flow Chart object will be visible. There are a variety of properties you can use to change the border display:

• Single or Double - Use these options to switch to from a solid black line or a double line (which looks like it has a white stripe running through it).
• Width - Sets the border's width.
• Style - Changes the line style of the border.
• Thickness - Changes the thickness of the border.
• Color - You can change the color of the border by using the color selector or using the Sampler button to select a color from any object in your simulation model or process flow.
• The Alpha slider changes the transparency of the border.

Image

If you want to use a background image for your Flow Chart shape, use the Image box to choose the image. To browse for an image in your computer, click the arrow next to this box and select Browse from the menu.