To effectively build and run approvals, it is important to understand the different aspects of data.
Step data
Step data includes Input data and Output data.
- Triggers only have Output data.
- Activities can have both Input data and Output data.
Some Triggers and Activities have fixed data, so you can't add or remove Input data or Output data items. You just provide data to the Inputs (see Input Mapping Formulas) and use data from the Outputs (see Using step output data) in your approval.
Other Triggers and Activities let you add the Input data and Output data.
Input data
Input data is information that is provided to an Activity in an approval.
Output data
Output data is information that comes from a Trigger or Activity and can then be used in an approval.
Flow data
Flow data refers to the data associated with the approval itself, not the individual steps. There are two types:
- Constants: Fixed data that does not change.
- Variables: Data that can change and hold calculation results during the approval.
Constants
Constants hold information that remains unchanged throughout the approval.
Variables
Variables hold calculation results during the approval or other information copied from steps as the approval runs.
Data types
GoApprove handles various types of data, including numbers, dates, and text.
Data types
Data in approvals is assigned a specific type. This type tells you what kind of information you’re working with and how it should be used. Data typing makes life easier because it prevents confusion, reduces mistakes, and ensures your approvals behave the way you expect.
Data scope
In approvals, it's important to know which data can be used and where. This is called data scope.
Learn about Data scope
Data scope sets the rules for what data can be used in formulas and where it can be used. Some rules are fixed - for example, Variables can't be used inside Conditional Logic formulas.
Standard data
Standard data is a set of system properties that are available in formulas for every approval.
Learn about Standard data
These properties do not depend on any steps you add to the approval or any input or output data you add to activities.
Related
- Formulas: When setting up approval steps, you'll often need to pass data from one step to another. Data can be used in different steps, help decide which path to take, or be used in conditions. This is where formulas come in. To learn about using formulas, click here.
- Functions: GoApprove offers various functions similar to those in 'Microsoft Excel'. These functions help with formulas, data handling, and creating conditions for Validation logic and Conditional logic. To see a list of functions available in GoApprove, click here.
- Formatting: Formatting lets you adjust how your data appears on a form, like the number of decimal places, currency symbols, and the way dates and times look. Learn more about formatting here.
- Timezones: Timezones help you work with dates and times across different countries and regions. Learn more about timezones here.
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