After you create a workflow, you must define the global variables, input parameters, and output parameters of the workflow.

Workflow variables store data that workflows process internally. Unlike input and output parameters, variables values can be preset. Variables were previously known as attributes. Workflow input parameters are data provided by an outside source, such as a user or another workflow. Workflow output parameters are data that the workflow delivers when it finishes running.

When you create new variables and input parameters, you select a parameter type. If the parameter type is an object that exists in Automation Orchestrator, such as a configuration element, for example, then you can search for this object in the Value text box.

Create Workflow Parameters

You can use input and output parameters to pass data into and out of the workflow.

You can create the parameters of a workflow in the workflow editor. The input parameters are the initial data that the workflow requires to run. Users provide the values for the input parameters when they run the workflow. The output parameters are the data the workflow returns when it finishes running.

Procedure

  1. Log in to the Automation Orchestrator Client.
  2. Navigate to Library > Workflows, and select your workflow.
  3. Select the Inputs/Outputs tab.
  4. To add a parameter, click New.
  5. Create a workflow parameter.
    1. Select if you want to create an input or output parameter.
    2. Enter a name.
      Note: The parameter name must be a single word that can only contain letters, numbers, and the dollar ("$") and underscore ("_") symbols.
    3. (Optional) Enter a description.
    4. Set the parameter type.
      Note: To create a composite type parameter, that includes multiple different parameter types, select New Composite Type from the Type text box.
    5. (Optional) To create an array, click the Array check box.
    6. To finish creating your parameter, click Create.
  6. (Optional) Set a default value for your input parameters.
    1. Select the Input Form tab.
    2. Select your input parameter and click the Values tab.
    3. Select the value source for your input parameter, by expanding the Default value text box.
      Value Source Description
      Constant The default value source. Enter a constant default value for your input parameter.
      Conditional value Add one or more conditional expressions that define your input parameter value.
      External source Import an external action that configures the value of your input parameter. The filtering of available actions is done by parameter type.
      Bind field Bind the value of the select input parameter to another input parameter or variable.
      Computed value Configure the input parameter value by using operators. The type of available operators depends on the input parameter type. For example, for number type input parameters, you can select the arithmetic operators Add, Subtract, Multiply.
      Note: Compute value is not available for SDK type input parameters, such as AD:UserGroup, SSH:Host, and so on.
  7. (Optional) Configure output parameter exception handling.
    1. Select the Schema tab, and add a workflow element to the schema diagram.
    2. Add your output parameters to the workflow element.
    3. Expand the Exception handling menu item.
    4. Select a variable that you want to use to handle output parameter exceptions.

Results

You have created an input or output parameter for the workflow.

Create Workflow Variables

Workflow variables are the data that workflows process.

Procedure

  1. Log in to the Automation Orchestrator Client.
  2. Navigate to Library > Workflows, and select your workflow.
  3. Select the Variables tab.
  4. To add a variable, click New.
  5. Create a workflow variable.
    1. Enter a name.
      Note: The variable name must be a single word that can only contain letters, numbers, and the dollar ("$") and underscore ("_") symbols.
    2. (Optional) Enter a description.
    3. Set the parameter type.
      Note: To create a composite type variable, that includes multiple different parameter types, select New Composite Type from the Type text box.
    4. (Optional) To create an array, click the Array check box.
    5. Add a value for your workflow variable.
    6. To finish creating your variable, click Create.

Results

You created a variable for the workflow.