ProcessPro Gateway vs Decision

Decide if the outcome leads to the same path, us a gateway, or different paths, use a decision.

Gateways are points of decision that can adjust the flow based on conditions.  For more details about gateways, see the ProcessPro knowledgebase: Set Gateway Options​​​​​​​

Gateways are used when there is more to the decision than a yes/no answer, when you have multiple ways to go but the choices will lead to the same outcome.

A great example of a gateway is payment type. Pay by cash, pay by credit card, pay by bank transfer. All options lead to the payment being received. There is no fork in the process, and one option does not end, both options continue to the rest of the process. 

Decisions allow for additional information to be gathered and alternatives assessed. For more details about decisions, see the ProcessPro knowledgebase: Add a decision

Decisions are used when there is a yes/no outcome to the decision or question. A decision is for a choice about something which can lead the process continuing or not.

A great example of a decision is approvals. Was the request approved? Or was the payment received?  The answer is a yes/no answer. Where yes continues on the process and no ends with message.  

Or has the customer paid? Yes or No. The outcome is different if the payment has or has not been received. 

Gateways can be parallel activities, either or scenarios, or a multiple-choice situation depending on circumstances.  

In this example the purchase can only follow one of the gateway paths. Regardless of the cost of the purchased item, the process continues. In this example, there are three options that all go the activity 7. 

Decisions are yes/no scenarios. If there is more to the process than a yes/no outcome. Would this situation work with a gateway? 

The Decisions function is a powerful tool. It forks the process into two outcomes. 

Based on what has been learned, each situation is different. If the user can follow the process, then the decision for gateway or decision is correct. I personally like the gateway flexibility in ProcessPro. 

Here are two examples of the same process. Which to you prefer?

Both examples take us to the same place, both are correct. However, you prefer one process. 

 

Did I choose the wrong ProcessPro function?

The best way to test a function is to have someone test the process. 

Is the "tester" able to follow the process?

• If yes, keep the process as is. 
• If no, review the challenges with the "tester" and consider making a change to the process.

 

 

This article was written by Shannon Menu.
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