3.7.2 How to use Branch Nodes

Branch Nodes must be placed between Process Nodes or between a Process Node and a Terminal Node.

How to use Branch nodes between Process Nodes

If the next task to be performed varies depending on a condition, place a Branch Node as a branch point immediately after the Process Node of the task in which the condition occurs. If a common task exists after different tasks, place a Branch Node as a merge point immediately before the Process Node of the common task.

The following figure shows an example.

Figure 3‒4: Example of using Branch Nodes

In this example, a condition occurs in Task 1, and then the next task is divided into Task 1A and Task 1B by the condition. Therefore, a Branch Node is placed immediately after Task 1. The next task of Task 1A and Task 1B is Task 2 (common task). Therefore, another Branch Node is placed immediately before Task 2.

How to use a Branch node between a Process Node and a Terminal Node

To create an Operational Flow that returns to the first step in the middle of the flow, place a Branch Node as a merge point between the start Terminal Node and the first Process Node.

However, if processing returns to the first step in the middle of the flow, an infinite loop might occur during the operation defined in Operational Content, and the operation might never be completed. Note that if a loop occurs in the configuration of any Operational Flow, Navigation Platform might run slower.

How to show legible branch conditions

• Clearly indicate branch conditions in the operational flow area

  Devise the way to provide branches in the Operational Flow so that users can easily understand branch conditions and quickly decide what operation to perform. Make sure that branch conditions are simple and legible. For example, specify End Report as the name of the Process Node indicating that the operation is completed successfully, and Error Report for the Process Node indicating that the operation was not completed due to an error. For complicated branch conditions, you can simplify the node names by using fixed text to provide supplementary information that supports branch decisions.

• Use the guide area to describe branch condition details

  If a branch condition is too complicated to be fit in the operational flow area, use the guide area to explain details about the branch condition so that the Operational Flow is more legible.

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