A Spin-off task is represented by a shape on the Diagram
tab of a flow rule, causes a second flow to start. The second
flow executes asynchronously and independently from the current
flow execution. The initial flow does not pause or wait for
results from the second flow. The second flow may operate on
the same or a different work object from the first flow.
When two flows operate on a single
work object or on related work objects, design and plan locking
relationships carefully to avoid deadlocks.
Spin-off tasks support multitasking or parallel operation of work processing at the workflow level. One department or business unit can, at its own pace and following its own flows, perform its functions for the work object while another department also works on the same work object.
Increased parallelism can improve end-to-end resolution times, resulting in greater overall utilization of staff and improved customer service.
Don't confuse business
process parallel processing with computational
parallel processing. The original and spun-off flows execute
asynchronously and independently, but within the same Java
thread on the same node. Two flows that contain only utility
tasks do not execute in parallel when examined at the
computational level of microseconds.
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flow, task, Split-ForEach task, Split-Join task |
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Flow form — Editing in Visio — Spin-off tasks |