Understanding Connection Points

Connection Points 

Connection points are where data, or interactions, are passed into and out of an Actionflow. It is the connection points that create a separation between the Actionflow and instance where it is being used which in turn allows Actionflows to be reusable.

For example, an Address Cleanser Actionflow that takes in a single line of unstructured address data from an Input Connection Point, then returns a structured address to an Output Connection Point. This Actionflow can be reused by connecting in different address data. Each combination of connections is referred to as an Instance, that can be viewed by pressing the  Instances button in the Settings above the canvas

The different types of connection point are: 

  • Inputs receive a mouse click (no data), a scheduled task or data into the Actionflow and records are read in one-by-one
  • Lookups retrieve data, when called, passing in all data as a single recordset, which may contain multiple records as an array 
  • Outputs return data out of the Actionflow

Inputs and Lookups

 Input

  • Data Required: where data causes the Actionflow to run records are pushed into the Actionflow one by one
  • Data Not Required: where the Actionflow does not require any data from the screen from which it is initiated, use the event as the input
    • An event is triggered by mouse-clicks (  On Click, Double-Click), keyboard presses (On-Enter), or a  Scheduled Task that causes the Actionflow to run once
  • Every Actionflow must have at least one  Input which causes the Actionflow to run

 Lookup

  • All records are pulled as a single recordset but only when the connection is referenced in an expression inside the Actionflow
  • Records are then returned as a single recordset (array), which may contain multiple records

The data sources available to be mapped into the Connection Point of an Actionflow depends on where the instance of the Actionflow is being called from. For example, if a screen has a grid of data and a card container, an Actionflow on a button which exists on this screen will have access to both sources of data. However, if an action is embedded in a grid, this will only have access to the data displayed in the grid. 

To select the source of data, click the input box under Connections.

Ensure the Output Connection Point is mapped if the Actionflow needs to return data.

Removing Connection Points

To remove a connection point, right-click and select:

  •  RemoveInput: this removes the connection point but retains the mappings within the Actionflow
  •  Delete Connection Point: this deletes the connection point and deletes the mappings


1.05 Action Nodes