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WEBCON BPS 1
WEBCON BPS Updates for WEBCON BPS version 2019.1.3.74
WEBCON BPS 2
Table of contents
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................. 4
2. Updates and fixes to WEBCON BPS 2019 ................................................................... 5
2.1. 2019.1.3.74 (published on 2019-07-08) ....................................................................... 5
2.2. 2019.1.3.65 (published on 2019-06-19) ....................................................................... 6
2.3. 2019.1.3.42 (published on 2019-05-27) ....................................................................... 8
2.4. 2019.1.3.19 (published on 2019-05-08) ....................................................................... 9
2.5. 2019.1.2.40 (published on 2019-03-08) ..................................................................... 19
2.6. 2019.1.2.34 (published on 2019-02-20) ..................................................................... 20
2.7. 2019.1.1.58 (published on 2019-01-29) ..................................................................... 29
2.8. 2019.1.1.50 (published on 2019-01-17) ..................................................................... 29
2.9. 2019.1.1.42 (published on 2018-12-31) ..................................................................... 30
2.10. 2019.1.1.39 (published on 2018-12-21) ..................................................................... 30
3. What’s new in WEBCON BPS 2019? ........................................................................... 32
3.1. WEBCON BPS Portal .................................................................................................... 32
3.1.1. Application .............................................................................................................. 33
3.1.2. WEBCON BPS Portal main page ........................................................................... 33
3.1.3. Application website ................................................................................................ 41
3.1.4. New form .................................................................................................................. 56
3.1.5. Instance search in WEBCON BPS Portal ............................................................... 58
3.1.6. Search in navigation .............................................................................................. 60
3.1.7. Portal edit possibilities ............................................................................................. 61
3.1.8. Saving favorite Portal sites ..................................................................................... 62
3.1.9. Multilingualism ......................................................................................................... 62
3.1.10. Themes ...................................................................................................................... 62
3.1.11. Substitution configuration ...................................................................................... 63
3.1.12. Embedding portal elements.................................................................................. 63
3.1.13. Authentication ........................................................................................................ 65
3.2. Process analysis ......................................................................................................... 66
3.3. Complete Export-Import mechanism ....................................................................... 66
3.4. New REST API for SDK .................................................................................................. 67
3.5. Installation modes ...................................................................................................... 67
4. Changes to existing features .................................................................................... 69
4.1. Information.................................................................................................................. 69
4.2. Changes in architecture ............................................................................................ 69
4.3. WEBCON BPS Designer Studio – logging in ............................................................... 69
4.4. WEBCON BPS Studio – privileges at launch .............................................................. 71
4.5. Defining applications ................................................................................................. 73
4.6. Process choice tree is replaced by application choice tree ................................. 76
4.7. Changes in system privilege structures .................................................................... 76
4.8. Name changes in process privileges ....................................................................... 78
4.9. MODERN form ............................................................................................................. 81
4.10. New search engine .................................................................................................... 82
WEBCON BPS 3
4.11. AI Analysis .................................................................................................................. 84
4.12. AI analysis – service configuration ........................................................................... 85
4.13. Changes in BPS users list synchronization ................................................................ 86
4.14. Functions of generating dynamic links to workflow instances ............................... 88
4.15. Configuration of content databases supported by service ................................... 91
4.16. Changes of mail server configuration ...................................................................... 91
4.17. Changes in application for mobile devices ............................................................ 92
4.18. Changes in how WEBCON BPS Word Add-In works ................................................. 93
4.19. Changes in WEBCON BPS Outlook Add-In action ................................................... 93
4.20. Connections to SharePoint ........................................................................................ 94
4.21. SharePoint list privileges ............................................................................................ 95
4.22. Privileges to SharePoint attachment library ............................................................. 95
4.23. Increasing number of available columns of Floating point number type in Item list
form field ..................................................................................................................... 96 4.24. Changes in form field initialization with default values ........................................... 96
4.25. Changes in operations of barcode printing action ................................................. 96
4.26. New SDK ...................................................................................................................... 96
4.27. Dedicated SDK for workflow control has been removed ....................................... 96
4.28. Removal of certain variables .................................................................................... 97
4.29. System log tables’ name change ............................................................................. 97
4.30. Support for MS Project ended ................................................................................... 97
4.31. Support for the component: “WEBCON BPS for SharePoint Online” ended ........... 97
4.32. Important information regarding MODERN forms .................................................... 98
4.33. WEBCON BPS Portal limitations in standalone installation mode ............................ 99
4.34. Moved storage place of certain user configuration parameters ........................ 100
4.35. Moved storage place of certain mobile app configuration parameters ............ 100
WEBCON BPS 4
1. Introduction
WEBCON BPS 2019 introduces a multitude of brand new features centered on
the presentation layer, multiple new installation options for various environment
configurations, and a general reorganization to system privileges.
Implementing these functionalities forced a complete rebuild of certain internal
mechanisms, and heavy rearrangement to some configuration areas.
The following changelog is a comprehensive guide to all changes introduced
between versions 2017.1.3 and 2019.1.1. All new features, and changes to
existing features, have been accounted for.
This document also contains a list of all updates/fixes made to WEBCON BPS 2019
since its release on the 17th of December 2018.
Please refer to this document for a complete technical description of all new
configuration options, changes to existing configuration options, and the
reorganization of the privilege structure in WEBCON BPS 2019.
WEBCON BPS 5
2. Updates and fixes to WEBCON BPS 2019
2.1. 2019.1.3.74 (published on 2019-07-08)
Changes to existing features
[Modern form]
Modified how messages about form field value validation are displayed.
When the message is displayed, and the user enters a correct value, the
message will disappear without shrinking the area around the form field (i.e.
the area where the message was displayed will remain on the form until it is
reloaded).
Bug fixes
[General]
Improved the mechanism that verifies the .NET library during installation.
[Processes]
Fixed an error which would sometimes prevent a process definition from
being deleted in WEBCON BPS Designer Studio
[Workflow]
Fixed an issue that would occur when restoring settings inheritance on the
compact form.
[Actions]
Invoke REST Web Service actions should now correctly load enum values.
[Rules]
The "Current path" variable should now be properly handled by conditions
in business rules.
[Mobile app]
Improved form loading on mobile devices using iOS.
WEBCON BPS 6
2.2. 2019.1.3.65 (published on 2019-06-19)
Information
[General]
In the WEBCON BPS installer, the IIS application pool which hosts WEBCON
BPS Portal is now created in a different way. From now on, the app pool is
created with the parameter: Load User Profile = True. This should solve the
issue of text layers not being generated on PDF documents created with
WEBCON actions. In existing installations of WEBCON BPS, this parameter
must be set manually.
Due to security updates, the following WEBCON BPS Portal components
were upgraded: Bootstrap, isMobile, Lodash, querystringify, react-datetime,
React DnD, react-dnd-html5-backend, react-popper-tooltip, url-parse
Changes to existing features
[Modern form]
WEBCON BPS Portal should now remember whether your information panel
is expanded/collapsed in the "My Tasks" view.
[Plugins]
When modifying an instance with the ForceCheckout parameter using
SOAP API, administrator privileges will be checked first.
Bug fixes
[General]
Improved the efficiency of BPS user list synchronization with the AD.
Fixed an issue with the editing mechanism of SharePoint lists in installations
that use multiple site collections.
[Applications]
Fixed an issue with the "My subordinates" filter on the activity list.
Fixed an error that would occur when importing an application package
that contained a dashboard with an embedded report.
[Modern form]
The comment field should save correctly when using a quick path on a
form in 'view' mode (i.e. not being edited).
Improved handling of errors in the event of incorrectly configured form
rules.
WEBCON BPS 7
[Form fields]
Fixed an issue with choice fields not working correctly if they are displayed
on a sub-site of a site collection that is not the default site collection. This
error only occurred on forms in CLASSIC mode.
Fixed an issue with entering values from outside of the data source into a
choice field.
Fixed an issue with the option "Allow empty values in the data source" in the
configuration of Data table form fields.
[Workflow]
Fixed an error that would sometimes leave unfinished tasks in parent
workflows after using the "Move subworkflow" action.
[Actions]
Fixed an issue with the action for invoking a SOAP Web Service. The action
should now work correctly pass the value filter entered in the configuration.
Fixed an issue with generate a PDF file action which prevented from
generating file name according to the name set in the configuration.
[Rules]
Business rules that return 'Decimal' type values should no longer cause
exceptions.
[Web Part]
Exporting data from SWE Web Parts to Excel should now work correctly
when filters are set on the SWE Web Part
WEBCON BPS 8
2.3. 2019.1.3.42 (published on 2019-05-27)
Bug fixes
[General] The WEBCON BPS Designer Studio login window should no longer
freeze after periods of inactivity.
[General] Attachments whose name contains Cyrillic characters should now be
saved correctly.
[Applications] Reports on WEBCON BPS Portal can now filter by the "Assigned to"
column.
[Applications] Reports on WEBCON BPS Portal should now correctly search for
choice-field values shown on the report.
[Applications] Fixed an issue with saving SQL filter definitions on Portal reports.
[Modern form] Fixed an issue with the date-and-time form field that would return
an error when clearing the field on the form.
[Workflow] Improved how errors from sub-workflows are displayed when using
the 'start a sub-workflow' action.
[Actions] Fixed an issue that would cause the "Invalid column name
NULLImpersonator" error after launching an action that removed personal data.
[Actions] Actions defined "On timeout" triggers should no longer sometimes
become inactive when saving the process.
[Rules] Form rules that executed on Item lists should now correctly be executed
on all Item lists on the form, instead of just the first one.
[Data sources] REST data sources should now work correctly for choice-columns
on item lists, in situations where the URL suffix contains a variable referencing the
value of a form field.
WEBCON BPS 9
2.4. 2019.1.3.19 (published on 2019-05-08)
New features
[General] Added the ability to use {WFCONCOL} (name of the database field)
when passing parameters to the form via URL.
[Applications] Introduced a new report type "Vacation graph". This report is
available on WEBCON BPS Portal if a "Vacation" type process exists in the
application.
[Applications] Portal reports can now be viewed from the perspective of your
subordinates. To access this feature, activate "Make subordinates' tasks and
workflow instances accessible" in the process configuration. Additionally "Allow
the report to be viewed from a subordinate's perspective" in the report's "User
privileges" panel. When these two options are simultaneously active, the superior
will be able to view the report in the context of their subordinates.
[Applications] The Export-Import function can now move application definitions
from environments with "Standalone" (no SharePoint) installations to "Full"
installations (with SharePoint).
[Applications] Filters can now be passed as URL parameters in Portal reports.
[Applications] Added a new element in the configuration of dashboards on
Portal which will refresh the dashboard at set intervals.
[Applications] In the "Additional filters" configuration of Portal reports, it is now
possible to choose a wider range of filters. This is available for system fields:
Process, Form type, Workflow, Step, Business entity, Form subtype.
[Applications] It is now possible to change the order of views in the report's
context menu on Portal.
[Applications] Added the option to "Clear unused indexes" which allows you to
clear SOLR indexes at Designer Studio level for content databases that have
been removed through the installer.
[Modern form] For Item lists on the Modern form, it is now possible to use the
"Local attachments" type column.
[Modern form] You can now add comments without switching the form into edit
mode (only Modern forms).
[Modern form] In the attachment area of Modern forms, it is now possible to add
images from the clipboard with CTR+V. This feature is not available in Internet
Explorer browsers.
[Modern form] Added the ability to preview attachment content in HTML, XML,
JSON and SQL formats. This is available for Modern forms.
[Modern form] Data table and Data row form fields can now be configured to
display columns as links to new or existing instances. This feature is only available
on Modern forms.
WEBCON BPS 10
[Processes] The feature for generating process documentation has been
expanded to include data sources, connections, and SDK plugins.
[Processes] Designer Studio will now show process usages in applications and
applications with which the process is related.
[Form fields] Added a new type of form field which allows you to display an
image file on the form. The form field can also have a default value set in base64
format in its configuration. Support extensions: BMP, JPG, PNG, GIF. This 'Picture'
form field is only available on the Modern form.
[Workflow] On the Modern form, a superior can now take over a task from their
subordinate. In order to do so, the superior cannot have any active tasks on the
workflow instance they wish to take over, and the process must have the "Make
subordinates' tasks and workflow instances accessible" option activated in the
"User Privileges" tab.
[Actions] In the action for generating/updating a Word document, it is now
possible to specify the language of the generated document. The dates and
numbers will be formatted according to this language. The headers of columns
in Data tables and Item lists will also use the selected language.
[Actions] In the SQL/URL editor of "Hyperlink" actions, it is now possible to use
predefined functions OpenElement and StartElement. These function can be
used to configure links to existing or new workflow instances. They are available
in the suggestion window under "Hyperlinks".
[Rules] The form and business rules editor now has the option to preview the
content of premade rules in the tooltip (when you hover over them).
[Plugins] REST type actions and data sources can now use Microsoft Graph
authentication.
[Plugins] REST API can operate on a single attachment of the instance.
[Plugins] Added the ability to log SDK plugins. This feature is available in the SDK
plugin configuration in Designer Studio
[Add-In] Added the option to add form fields to the template by double-clicking
on them in the Add-In template editor.
[Add-In] Word and Outlook Add-Ins can be installed directly from WEBCON BPS
Portal. The option "Install Office Addins" has been added to the user menu on
Portal (click on your portrait in the top right corner).
WEBCON BPS 11
Information
[General] This update changes the SOLR search database structure. During the
update, it will be necessary to provide the SOLR database admin's password - in
order to update the database and correctly complete the update process.
[Processes] Changes introduced in this version will break the compatibility of the
Export-Import mechanism. Exported process packages created in versions
2019.1.2.x and older cannot be imported to the newest system version. In order
for an import to be possible, update the environment to the newest version and
export the processes again.
[Add-In] For the Outlook Add-In in version 2019.1.x, for some screen resolution
settings the Outlook Add-In panel may not be displayed correctly. To resolve this
issue, please update Windows 10 to version 1803, and update Outlook to version
1808. To check Windows version, press WIN+I -> System -> Information To check
Outlook version, go to File -> Office account -> Outlook information
Changes to existing features
[General] Added a feature for updating SOLR database structure to the
WEBCON BPS Installer. The SOLR database structure will be updated each time
the system is updated to a newer version which uses a changed database
structure.
[General] Updated the REACT component used by Portal.
[General] Added a confirmation window for the logout option on Portal
[General] Introduced a series of improvements to WEBCON BPS Portal AI analysis,
among others:
A message will be displayed when attempting to build a model for a very
small number of sample instances
Your defined analysis rules will sort ascendingly by numerical values, days
and months
Added information about how many rules an instance was
analyzed/compared with
Added an overall score in the anomaly report
[General] Introduced several changes to the search mechanism based on the
SOLR engine. The changes pertain to the creation and interpretation of search
queries entered by the user in the "Search everywhere" field in Portal. The
following changes were made: - Entering a string of letters starting and ending
with quotation marks (e.g. "Invoice"), the engine will ignore any special
characters found inside the quotation marks - i.e. it will treat the contents of the
quotation marks as a search phrase. - Outside of quotation marks, the engine will
take into account the following special characters: + - * ~ " - "All phrases" is
unchecked by default - The engine will not allow searching for " (single quotation
WEBCON BPS 12
marks) - If "All phrases" is marked, and the query returns no results, the engine will
automatically add the * special character (i.e. signifying any string of
characters) to all phrases in the query - If "All phrases" is unmarked, and the
query returns no results, the engine will not additionally process the query - The
query preview will show the last unprocessed version of the query that was
submitted to the SOLR engine
[General] In privilege configuration windows, it is now possible to differentiate
and select between two users if they both have the same account name.
[Applications] The process icon color on forms and on tasks in WEBCON BPS
Portal will now match the application's color settings.
[Applications] Changed the visibility conditions of the anomaly report on Portal.
The report will not be visible if:
There is no active AI analysis license
The user doesn't have at least "Portal designer" privileges set for the given
application
The given application does not have any process with "Include in AI
analysis" option enabled.
After upgrading to WEBCON BPS 2019.1.3, processes which had the "Include in AI
analysis" option enabled will now have it turned off. It will need to be switched
on manually in the process configuration.
[Applications] The panel for editing display themes in Portal now has better
names and accurate descriptions. Themes on Portal will still function identically
to previous versions.
[Form fields] Changed how floating-point numbers are formatted in the Data
table when using SQL queries. This change includes both Classic and Modern
forms. If the decimal point precision is not defined in the data source, the system
will check decimal type columns returned by the data source for the highest
possible precision. Based on this, the system will decide on a unified number
formatting for the entire column of the Data table.
[Workflow] From now on, the button which allows superiors to take control of a
task from a subordinate will only be visible if all of the following conditions are
met:
The form is in edit mode
The process has “Make subordinates’ tasks and workflow instances
accessible” enabled in User privileges
The subordinate has a task in the instance
The superior doesn’t have a task in the instance
[Actions] Changed how "On timeout" action errors are handled. All actions
executed within the context of one "On timeout" trigger are carried out in a
transaction. If there is a validation error, all action effects in the transaction are
WEBCON BPS 13
rolled back. However, even if the action effects are rolled back, the action
invocation counter will still be incremented. It is now possible to configure a path
which the workflow instance will take if a validation error occurs. When updating
to version 2019.1.3, if the "On timeout" trigger has a set path to use after all
actions on the trigger have been executed, that same path will be used in the
event of a validation error.
[Actions] The ‘Generate/Update a Word file’ action using the ‘Create new file
for item list rows’ configuration option should now work correctly. When
designing a template for this action, it is now possible to use variables that
reference item list columns.
[Data sources] In REST data source configuration, it is now possible to set the
returned data type as Bool
[Data sources] Introduced verification of data source and connection usage in
processes when attempting to delete a data source or connection.
[Plugins] Improved the efficiency of SQL transactions in SDK plugins.
[Plugins] For Custom data source (SDK) type plugins, the type specifying the
usage context of the data source has been changed. Depending on your
plugin code, changes may be necessary. (more info will be provided in the SDK
migration document)
[Plugins] REST API is now capable of validating values passed to fields.
Bug fixes
[General] Fixed an issue with WEBCON BPS installer which blocked installation of
WEBCON BPS Portal in Standalone mode if the application server language was
different than English.
[General] Improved the mechanism for caching instances. Fixed an issue that
would occur when asynchronously referring to elements of a workflow instance.
[General] Fixed a number of issues pertaining to user authentication within the
system, among others:
Fixed the saving mechanism of the Word Add-In
Logging into Designer Studio with BPSAuth and ADFS
The user login will be displayed during ADFS authentication
[General] Fixed an issue which caused the W3WP process to use too much
processing power.
[General] Fixed an issue with launching WEBCON BPS Portal in SharePoint farms
which had the Session State module active.
[General] Fixed an issue with the WEBCON BPS Designer Studio login mechanism
that would occur if the session timed out.
[General] Improved the efficiency of the SQL expression creator window
WEBCON BPS 14
[Applications] Fixed the following issues with the Export-Import mechanism:
Filters defined in BPS internal view data sources getting deleted after
process import
BPS internal view data sources returning errors after being imported
Form rule parameters being migrated incorrectly
Behaviors causing errors when importing to the target environment
[Applications] Fixed the following issues with the search function on WEBCON BPS
Portal:
Fields that had their editability restricted would not show up in the search
Filtering by day didn't work correctly
Long search phrases were cut short
Deleted instances showing up
[Applications] Fixed some display issues on Safari browsers.
[Applications] Fixed a number of issues with Portal reports, among others:
Removed the double scroll-bar that would appear on dashboards
Improved grouping options
It should now be easier to access report configuration in the event of an
error
Touched up display on Internet Explorer
No longer possible to input text into numerical search boxes
Improved column ordering
Fixed an issue with reports refreshing unintentionally
Improved by-step filtering
Improved instance aggregation on chart reports
[Applications] Introduced a number of improvements to dashboards on
WEBCON BPS Portal. Among others:
Switching applications should now dynamically load configuration
Report Tile configuration in WEBCON BPS Designer Studio
Clearing the height setting in the report configuration won't change the
report's height
Report height will update correctly after saving
Dashboards will refresh correctly after switching views on the report
Improved dashboard configuration visibility when using the Dark theme
Start tiles can be created from dashboard configuration
[Applications] Fixed an issue with BPS internal view configurations not being
Exported/Imported correctly.
WEBCON BPS 15
[Applications] Fixed an issue with the Import-Export mechanism would incorrectly
copy form rules working in JavaScript mode.
[Applications] The Export-Import feature for applications should now correctly
migrate private views of a Portal report.
[Applications] The Export-Import feature for applications should now correctly
migrate privilege settings for both the application and all its processes.
[Applications] Introduced a number of changes to the search structure on
Portal, among others:
Filters will be taken into account when moving between different
structures
Structures will be sorted by name if the WEBCON BPS system consists of
multiple content databases
Fixed a display error in the instance preview if it contained global form
fields
Fixed a display issue with structures defined as element lists
Fixed the display of structures for many applications in the main Portal
view
[Applications] Fixed some issues with the site for editing Portal themes.
[Modern form] Improved the check-out mechanism on workflow instances being
edited on the Modern form. Erroneous messages about the check-out being
removed should no longer be displayed.
[Modern form] Fixed the appearance and visibility conditions of form fields in the
instance history viewed on the Modern form.
[Modern form] Improved toolbar button display when viewing the form in scaled-
down windows.
[Modern form] Made several changes to the behavior and look of Choice fields,
Date & time pickers, and floating-point number fields on the Modern form.
[Modern form] Fixed some issues with the "Date & Time" control on Modern forms,
among others: - "Today" will take into account time zones - Improved how the
control looks in Firefox
[Modern form] Fixed and unified the look of modal windows across the Modern
form.
[Modern form] Fixed some issues with form field style configuration on Modern
forms.
[Modern form] Improved step icons displayed in the instance history.
[Modern form] Improved the design of the instance history to better handle long
form field values.
[Modern form] Improved the performance of the instance history when many
historical versions exist.
WEBCON BPS 16
[Modern form] Improved how the "Attachment panel" functions on the Modern
form if "Related attachments" option is active.
[Modern form] Improved the formatting of Multiple lines of text form fields
embedded in e-mail templates.
[Modern form] Improved Item list column formatting on the Modern form.
[Modern form] Fixed an issue with the scroll bar on Modern forms that would
occur if validation failed on a transition path. This error only occurred in Internet
Explorer and Firefox browsers.
[Modern form] Fixed a number of errors pertaining to the layout and functioning
of the Modern form:
Data row bold formatting option
Initialization of form field controls in the preview
Switching modes in instance history
Requiredness restrictions on item list columns
JavaScript error after using GetPairName/ID function on empty values
Grouping on the user actions menu
Freeze after adding an attachment without an extension
[Processes] Fixed an issue with process cloning in WEBCON BPS Designer Studio.
[Processes] Fixed an error with HotMailBoxes which would cause the service to
stop if it encountered a damaged file.
[Processes] Improved HotFolder efficiency when processing documents with a
large number of pages.
[Processes] Fixed an error with the import-export mechanism that would cause
business rules containing SQL COMMAND to be imported incorrectly to the
target environment.
[Processes] Fixed an issue with the documentation generator, which would
sometimes return an error when attempting to generate documentation for a
process using a global business rule.
[Form fields] Scenarios that involve Choice fields, whose default value is
dependent on the value set in another Choice field, should now work correctly.
[Form fields] ‘Data row’ fields using BPS internal view as their data source will now
display dates correctly.
[Form fields] Fixed the behavior of floating-point number columns on item lists if
an incorrect decimal separator is used.
[Form fields] The Data table form field will be displayed correctly even if there is
no data to display.
WEBCON BPS 17
[Form field] Fixed an issue with Auto-complete columns on Item lists not working
correctly, if they were using a SOAP Web service as their data source which was
additionally filtered by a value in a different form field.
[Form fields] Fixed an issue with floating-point number formatting for choice
columns on Item lists.
[Form fields] Fixed an error which allowed calculated columns on item list to be
edited. This error only occurred on Classic forms.
[Form fields] Item lists should now calculate their values correctly when their data
is imported from an Excel file. This error occurred only on Classic forms.
[Workflows] Fixed an issue with the task delegation mechanism, e-mails sent by
this mechanism should now be delivered correctly.
[Workflows] Fixed an issue with translations in the substitution configuration.
[Workflows] Fixed an issue with item list approval when substituting another user
and attempting to complete their task.
[Actions] Fixed an issue with the ‘Create/delete a user’ action sometimes failing
to execute.
[Actions] Fixed an issue with generating HTML template for Modern form in
embed mode.
[Actions] Fixed several issues with Barcode actions.
[Actions] The ‘Generate/Update a Word file’ should now correctly handle
templates with Item lists.
[Actions] Fixed an issue with cyclical actions not being able to use SQL
COMMAND business rules to reference instance values.
[Actions] Fixed an issue with the 'Generate/Update a Word file' not working
correctly for .doc files.
[Actions] Fixed an issue with variables in e-mail templates
[Actions] Fixed ID validation in the 'Create group' SharePoint action.
[Actions] Fixed the 'Generate an Excel file' action, it should now correctly export
data from Item lists and Data tables.
[Rules] Fixed an issue with business rules that operate on SharePoint lists.
[Rules] Business rules that determine whether an Item list column is required
should now work correctly.
[Data sources] Fixed an issue with migrating SharePoint list data sources, which
would sometimes cause the wrong business entity to be set.
[Data sources] Improved handling of REST type data sources on Classic forms if
the returned queue is empty.
[Data sources] Fixed an issue with the ordering of columns in BPS internal view
data sources.
WEBCON BPS 18
[Plugins] Fixed a number of issues with REST API.
[Web Part] Fixed the ‘Nullable object must have a value’ error in the ‘Show
Workflow Elements’ search panel.
[Web Part] Fixed an issue with the vacations Web Part when used with Azure
Application Proxy
[Web Part] Improved translations for Modern Web Parts.
[Web Part] Introduced a number of improvements and changes to WEBCON BPS
Modern Web Parts, among others:
Fixed the layout of the "suggested instances" view
Improved the look of popup windows
Improved the layout of controls for the substitutions view
Fixed issues with the configuration of chart type reports
Improved the display of attachment previews from the Modern form
Fixed issues with the scroll bar on the task counter
[Add-In] Dates/times displayed in the Outlook Add-In should now correctly take
the user’s time-zone into account.
[Add-In] Improved window width scaling for the Word Add-In template editor,
the configuration should now correctly adjust to your screen resolution.
[Add-In] Fixed the following things in Outlook Add-In:
Overwriting an 'e-mail' type attachment with another e-mail attachment
of the same name will no longer add a new attachment
The favorites list will be refreshed each time you add a new instance
The instance counter on the search structure should now work correctly
[Add-In] Fixed a number of issues with the Word Add-In: - Can now add a single
value from Data row form fields - Improved the layout of controls - Improved
how the Add-In works if multiple Word documents are open at once - Fixed an
issue with the 'Show latest changes' function
[Add-In] Added safety measures to the Outlook Add-In API. The following
loopholes have been fixed:
No longer possible to read form field values from "Compact view" preview
windows
Can't delete saved favorite instances without privileges
No longer possible to check if an instance with a given instance number
exists
No longer possible to load and check available paths
[Add-In] Improved performance of the Outlook Add-In.
[Mobile] Removed double scrollbars from the instance history view on mobile
devices.
WEBCON BPS 19
[Mobile] Improved attachment preview on mobile devices using Android and
iOS.
[Mobile] Improved visibility of data in Person or group form fields on mobile
devices.
[Mobile] Fixed some issues with the mobile app for Android and iOS:
Returning to the form from the instance history should no longer cause
issues
Using the device's back button should be possible after entering the
configuration
Workflow instances should be displayed in the correct application
language
2.5. 2019.1.2.40 (published on 2019-03-08)
Bug fixes
[General] Fixed an issue with the WEBCON BPS installer which blocked installation
of WEBCON BPS Portal in Standalone mode if the application server language
was different than English.
[Modern form] Fixed an issue with generating an HTML template for the Modern
form in embed mode.
WEBCON BPS 20
2.6. 2019.1.2.34 (published on 2019-02-20)
New features
[General] In WEBCON BPS Workflow Service, it is now possible to turn on TRACE
mode, allowing you to track usage of business rules, data sources, and action
executions.
[Applications] Made several improvements to the algorithm for detecting
anomalies and to the presentation of detected anomalies.
[Applications] You can now edit and change the order of your “Favorites” on
WEBCON BPS Portal.
[Applications] When previewing a workflow instance in a report, the instance
you are viewing will be highlighted.
[Applications] In the configuration of Portal reports, it is now possible to turn on
dynamic paging. Instead of selecting a rigid number of workflow instances to be
shown per-page, dynamic paging will adjust the number of shown workflow
instances to the size of the browser window.
[Applications] The import-export mechanism now has improved logging
capabilities, and the import summary window was changed slightly.
[Modern form] When previewing a workflow instance in WEBCON BPS Portal, it is
now possible to access to full-screen form view in a new window by clicking on
the link with the middle-mouse-button. This will also work when previewing a
workflow instance with the task list, reports, and via search results.
[Modern form] Links to workflow instances should now be displayed correctly
inside choice fields, when viewed on the Modern form in editing mode.
[Form fields] Fixed an issue with the ‘Today’ button found on the calendar picker
in a Date & Time form field. The value would sometimes fail to save on path
transition, it should now work correctly.
[Form fields] Choice fields can now use multi-language values.
[Actions] Added the option to disable the repeated execution of the ‘Add a text
layer’ action if an error occurs.
[Data sources] Added a new type of data source – BPS users – which allows you
to use data about all synchronized users in the BPS user list.
[Plugins] Global and process business rules can now be used in the configuration
of SDK plugins.
[Plugins] SDK API should now be able to access all types of form fields and all
types of Item list columns.
WEBCON BPS 21
Information
[Processes] Changes introduced in this version will break the compatibility of the
Export-Import mechanism. Exported process packages created in versions
2019.1.1.x and older cannot be imported to the newest system version. In order
for an import to be possible, update the environment to the newest version and
export the processes again.
Changes to existing features
[General] Changed the name of the default application installed on IIS for
WEBCON BPS Portal. BPSPortal was changed to WEBCONBPS.
[Applications] The return URL address has been limited to 2000 characters. When
navigating between forms multiple times, once the limit of the URL address is
exceeded, the first return address will be overwritten by the most recent one.
[Applications] The SOLR admin password is now limited to the following
characters: Letters (a-Z), numbers (0-9), and special characters (!"#$%&'()*+,-
./:;<=>@).
[Processes] The base process address is now configured in the “Process sites” tab
of the process configuration.
[Processes] The description of elements in the generated documentation can
now be longer.
[Workflows] Quick paths should now be available even in form preview mode,
and in instance preview mode on reports.
Bug fixes
[General] Fixed an issue in Designer Studio where certain widgets/controls would
scale incorrectly when switching to 125% screen resolution.
[General] Fixed an issue with the privilege migration tool. The tool should no
longer reassign tasks when migrating privileges.
[General] Fixed an error which would sometimes occur on WEBCON BPS Portal if
there were no active mobile application licenses.
[General] Fixed an issue with the Classic installation mode of WEBCON BPS Portal
if the server has a ‘Custom’ role.
[General] Fixed an issue with BPS user list synchronization that would occur if the
Active Directory record lacked a displayName attribute.
[General] License manager design and error messaging has been updated.
[Applications] Introduced a number of improvements to the appearance and
functionality of the search structure on Portal.
[Applications] When using the search bar on Portal, deleting characters from the
search phrase should no longer move the cursor to the beginning of the phrase.
WEBCON BPS 22
[Applications] The export summary of an application should now correctly
display information about exported presentation elements.
[Applications] Date filters on reports should now be more visible when using the
Dark theme.
[Applications] Fixed an issue with column grouping in the search structure.
[Applications] Fixed a bug that sometimes prevented translations for start
buttons from being imported.
[Applications] The search bar on WEBCON BPS Portal reports can now search
workflow instances based on the value of a Yes/No type choice field.
[Applications] The task list on WEBCON BPS Portal should now be displayed
correctly in Internet Explorer browsers.
[Applications] Fixed an issue with quick paths on Portal reports.
[Applications] A number of optimization changes were made to the mechanism
for exporting applications.
[Applications] A large number of pop-up messages in WEBCON BPS Portal were
updated to remove typos and inconsistencies.
[Applications] WEBCON BPS Portal reports should now be able to correctly filter
by Single line of text form fields if the value of that field is configured to be a link.
[Applications] An error caused columns placed on views/reports to always be
arranged as the last column on that report. This has now been fixed, placing a
column on the report should correctly place it wherever it was drag-and-
dropped by the configuring person.
[Applications] Fixed an issue with embedded task lists not displaying application-
specific tasks. They should now correctly display tasks for the application for
which they were configured.
[Applications] Fixed text centering in the report search bar.
[Applications] Fixed the formatting of chart-type report views embedded in
dashboards.
[Applications] Fixed some issues with ‘Searching structures’, users should no
longer be able to view information about workflow instances they don’t have
privileges for.
[Applications] The message displayed to users that don’t have access to any
applications on Portal has been updated.
[Applications] Translations for report and view names should now be imported
correctly.
[Applications] SOLR reports in Designer Studio have been updated to be easier
to navigate.
[Applications] Fixed an issue with the SQL filter area in the report configuration on
WEBCON BPS Portal.
WEBCON BPS 23
[Applications] Fixed an issue with the ‘More’ button in WEBCON BPS Portal
application descriptions.
[Applications] Fixed a display error that would occur when resizing the browser
showing WEBCON BPS Portal.
[Applications] Improved SOLR search reindexation that takes place after saving
the configuration of an application in Designer Studio.
[Applications] Fixed an issue with standard filters on WEBCON BPS Portal reports
that used the “Equal” and “Equal (ID)” operators.
[Applications] The ‘Recent activities’ section of Portal should now correctly
specify what transition path the user took.
[Applications] Fixed an issue with the data-range filter on Portal reports.
[Applications] It should now be possible to access the history of an instance even
without privileges to the application.
[Applications] Fixed an issue with the instance counter incorrectly tallying
instances on Portal reports when certain grouping and filtering options were
selected.
[Applications] Fixed an issue with filtering the task list on Portal in scenarios where
the system uses multiple content databases.
[Applications] Fixed the spacing issues of date & time columns on Portal reports.
[Applications] It should now be possible to switch to a different view on a Portal
report when viewing a lower level of a chart view.
[Applications] Fixed an issue with people filters on Portal reports.
[Applications] Fixed a few display issues with dashboards on Portal using the Dark
theme.
[Applications] Fixed display issues with reports on Internet Explorer browsers.
[Applications] Improved spacing of application descriptions on the main Portal
page.
[Applications] Improved floating-point number formatting on reports.
[Applications] Importing privileges to reports and dashboards should now work
correctly.
[Applications] Fixed an error that would sometimes generate an incorrect link to
a workflow instance in search results.
[Applications] Fixed an issue with searching for values with decimal points on
Portal.
[Modern form] Improved the handling of adding multiple attachments to a
workflow instance that already has those attachments.
[Modern form] It is no longer possible to launch new instances from the historical
view of an instance.
WEBCON BPS 24
[Modern form] Fixed text spacing issues in the information panel on the Modern
form.
[Modern form] It should now be possible to edit attachments on Modern forms in
preview mode.
[Modern form] The CC task section on Modern forms should no longer clip path
buttons when there is a very large number of buttons available.
[Modern form] In the attachments section on the Modern form, it should no
longer be possible to edit related attachments.
[Modern form] Currency codes next to numerical form fields should now be
displayed correctly on the Modern form
[Modern form] After deleting an instance in Embed view, you should be correctly
returned to the original instance list.
[Modern form] Numerical form fields on the Modern form should now correctly
validate decimal points for your chosen language.
[Modern form] Form fields on the Modern form preview should now be spaced
and formatted correctly.
[Modern form] The Modern form preview accessed from the task list should now
be able to be maximized correctly.
[Modern form] The instance history view on Modern forms should now correctly
display tooltips.
[Modern form] Improved the check-out mechanism on workflow instances being
edited on the Modern form. Erroneous messages about the check-out being
removed should no longer be displayed.
[Modern form] The pop-up window used for adding rows to item lists on Modern
forms should no longer display technical columns.
[Modern form] After signing an attachment with an action on the Modern form,
the attachments panel should now refresh correctly.
[Modern form] Fixed a bug that would sometimes break the link in the
confirmation screen that appears after traversing a path.
[Modern form] A number of improvements and adjustments were made to the
design of Modern forms. These include:
- Text spacing in the integer form fields
- Editability of the CC field in preview mode
- Correct tooltip display when hovering over a form field
- Spacing of floating-point number columns on item lists
- Design of ‘Form type’ and ‘Business entity’ picker fields
- Design of the multiple lines of text for field in edit mode
WEBCON BPS 25
[Modern form] Added tooltips to toolbar icons found in the instance history view
on Modern forms.
[Modern form] Fixed the appearance and visibility conditions of form fields in the
instance history viewed on the Modern form.
[Processes] Fixed an issue with process cloning in WEBCON BPS Designer Studio.
[Processes] Fixed an error that would occur when attempting to import a
process template.
[Form fields] Choice field values should now be validated correctly on Modern
forms.
[Form fields] Slight improvements to text formatting in Multiple lines of text form
fields viewed on the Modern form.
[Form fields] Scenarios that involve Choice fields, whose default value is
dependent on the value set in another Choice field, should now work correctly.
[Form fields] Fixed some paging issues in the Data table form field.
[Form fields] The Multiple lines of text should now work as intended when using
the Dark theme on the Modern form.
[Form fields] Links in choice fields where choosing multiple values is enabled
should now be displayed correctly on the Modern form.
[Form fields] Made several improvements to the layout and formatting of Item list
columns on the Modern form.
[Form fields] An error allowed read-only fields to be set with a URL parameter, this
has been fixed.
[Form fields] Improved how values are passed via URL parameters.
[Form fields] Improved encoding of parameter values passed via URL when
opening the form in Embed mode.
[Form fields] Fixed an error that would occur when migrating Choice fields that
had the option for displaying links disabled.
[Form fields] Added the missing “Refresh” button to Data table form fields on
Modern forms.
[Form fields] Choice field labels should no longer overlap on the Modern form.
[Form fields] The name of Multiple lines of text fields should now be displayed
more correctly.
[Form fields] Item lists with a large number of visible columns should no longer
cause them to overlap.
[Form fields] Fixed an issue with choice fields that used the option for allowing
values from outside of the data source.
[Form fields] Fixed an issue that prevented clone item list rows from saving
correctly in some scenarios.
WEBCON BPS 26
[Form fields] Editing rows on item lists with grouping enabled would sometimes
cause unintended results, this has been fixed.
[Form fields] Item list rows in approval mode on the Modern form should now be
colored correctly.
[Form fields] Fixed an issue with Data table form fields on the Modern form if the
field’s title was turned off.
[Form fields] Fixed an issue with handling empty rows on item lists for the purpose
of column totals.
[Rules] Fixed an issue with rules that limit the visibility of form fields on reports.
[Rules] Fixed an issue with parameters not working correctly in SQL COMMAND
business rules.
[Rules] Form rules that set the value of another empty field should now work
correctly.
[Rules] Fixed an issue with form rules for setting the font and background color
not working correctly on the Modern form.
[Rules] Rules for limiting the edibility of item list columns should now block the
‘Edit’ button from appearing at all.
[Rules] Fixed an issue with form rules being unable to modify the values of hidden
form fields on the Modern form.
[Rules] The rule DATA SOURCE VALUE should now be able to correctly see SOAP
and REST data sources.
[Rules] Saving parameters in global rules should now work correctly.
[Rules] The SET CONTROL STYLE form rule should now work correctly on Modern
forms.
[Rules] Fixed an issue with business rules that operate on SharePoint lists.
[Rules] You can now clone global business rules within Designer Studio
[Workflows] Fixed an error with HotMailBoxes which sometimes prevented them
from processing certain messages.
[Workflows] Made several improvements to how path transitions work when
viewing the form in the Embedded view. The confirmation message will now
take into account the path configuration and whether Wizard mode is active.
[Actions] Fixed an error that prevented actions set to trigger when an
attachment was added from a HotFolder or HotMailBox from being executed.
[Actions] Fixed timeout handling for cyclical actions that have an incorrect
configuration.
[Actions] Instance history should now more clearly denote changes made by the
‘Update related workflow instance’ action.
WEBCON BPS 27
[Actions] Fixed an issue with global constants in ‘Run PowerShell script’ actions.
[Actions] Fixed an error which would sometimes prevent a test barcode from
being printed.
[Actions] Fixed an error caused the form to save when using the ‘Hyperlink’
action, even if the automatic saving option was turned off.
[Actions] Fixed the layout of tables in PDF documents generated by the
‘Generate a PDF file’ action.
[Data sources] For Rest Web service data sources, the system will now correctly
inform the user if the server returns a 400 error.
[Plugins] Plugin packages can be downloaded and saved at Designer Studio
level.
[Web Part] The Web Part SWE should now work correctly in archive view mode.
[Web Part] Fixed the layout of the filtering window on Modern Web Parts.
[Web Part] When starting workflow instances from a Modern start button Web
Part, the path transition should now work as intended.
[Web Part] The task counter Modern Web Part should now work correctly on
SharePoint 2013.
[Web Part] Dashboard type Modern Web Parts should now work correctly on
Internet Explorer browsers.
[Web Part] Fixed an issue with the SWC Web Part which would occur when using
the “On time” filter in the configuration.
[Web Part] The “Report” Modern Web Part should no longer return incorrect error
messages in the Internet Explorer browser.
[Web Part] The SWE Web Parts search bar, when searching for an attachment,
should no longer find workflow instances that once had the attachment but no
longer have it.
[Web Part] Improved the efficiency of generated queries that return business
entities for the purpose of SWE Web Parts and Portal reports.
[Web Part] Advanced search configuration on SWE Web Parts was slightly
improved.
[Add-In] Outlook Add-In should now be able to efficiently display many forms
simultaneously, without using up large amounts of memory.
[Add-In] Improved the search function in the Outlook Add-In.
[Add-In] Dates/times displayed in the Outlook Add-In should now correctly take
the user’s time-zone into account.
[Add-In] Fixed an error which would prevent users from closing an instance
history view from inside Outlook Add-In
[Add-In] In the Outlook Add-In, switching between pages of tasks should take
you back to the top of the list.
WEBCON BPS 28
[Add-In] Fixed an error that would occur if you added an attachment without an
extension on WEBCON BPS Outlook Add-In.
[Add-In] Improved sorting of available processes in the Word Add-In.
[Add-In] Fixed an issue that would occur when attempting to preview archived
workflow instances in the Outlook Add-In.
[Mobile] Removed double scrollbars from the instance history view on mobile
devices
[Mobile] Fixed an error that would occur when entering Admin mode on the
form viewed on a mobile device.
[Mobile] Instance hyperlinks in Data table form fields should now work correctly
on mobile devices
[Mobile] It should now be possible to log into iOS mobile devices with Azure AD.
[Mobile] Fixed an error that prevented attachments from being added on
transition paths leading out of start steps on mobile devices.
[Mobile] Fixed an issue with searching by instance ID on mobile devices.
WEBCON BPS 29
2.7. 2019.1.1.58 (published on 2019-01-29)
Bug fixes
[Actions] Minor corrections to the error message returned when attempting to
use an invalid Word template for the ‘Generate w Word file’ action.
[Data sources] Fixed an error in database migration script 4585, which would
sometimes cause the database to be updated incorrectly.
[Data sources] Fixed an issue with creating queries that take into account
privilege levels, when searching the SOLR database.
[From fields] In admin mode, all rows of an item list should now be editable
regardless of validation.
[Processes] Fixed an error where saving translations would register an
unnecessarily large number of logs.
[Workflow] The attachment section of the Modern form should now be displayed
correctly in browsers on mobile devices.
2.8. 2019.1.1.50 (published on 2019-01-17)
Bug fixes
[Data sources] Fixed an issue which would sometimes cause form data to be
saved outside a transaction. The error would occur in WEBCON BPS Portal
environments with multiple content databases.
[Applications] In WEBCON BPS Portal substitution management, applications
should now be displayed alphabetically.
[Applications] Fixed an issue preventing two Modern Web Part “Start widgets”
from being configured on the same SharePoint site.
[Plugins] Improved the script for migrating from an older version, it should no
longer incorrectly modify Item list customization configuration.
[General] Fixed a few translation issues for the German version of WEBCON BPS
Portal.
[General] Fixed a typo in the message given when attempting to open an
attachment from a different environment.
[Form fields] In Item lists, it is now possible to add new rows by pressing ‘Enter’.
[Form fields] When editing a ‘Multiple lines of text’ form field on the Modern form,
the cursor should no longer jump to the start of the text.
[Form fields] On the Modern form, fixed an issue with Item lists containing
‘Multiple lines of text’ columns working incorrectly. This error would only occur if
the form had nothing but the Item list.
[Mobile] Fixed an issue preventing the mobile app from being launched on iOS
devices when using a custom culture.
WEBCON BPS 30
2.9. 2019.1.1.42 (published on 2018-12-31)
Bug fixes
[General] Changed the descriptions of some installer elements.
[General] If a user tries to view the Modern form in an unsupported version of IE,
they will see an appropriate message.
[Application] Using the ‘Return’ button on chart views with multiple aggregation
levels has been fixed.
[Add-In] Signature certificate updated for the Word and Outlook Add-Ins.
2.10. 2019.1.1.39 (published on 2018-12-21)
Bug fixes
[General] Minor typo corrections in Modern form translations.
[General] Fixed the Modern form preview display that can be seen in the Search
structure node of WEBCON BPS Portal.
[General] Improved how attachments added to the form running in MODERN
mode, when the form is available as an embedded element on a SharePoint
2013/2016 site.
[General] Improved the look of the form in MODERN mode when using the
“Dark” theme.
[General] Improved how suggested elements are displayed for users without
subordinates.
[General] Improved how modified elements in Designer Studio are marked.
[General] Removed the double scroll-bar in workflow instance history.
[General] Added an “End user’s check-out” button to the Admin panel on the
form, which allows users in Admin mode to forcefully check-in the workflow
instance.
[General] Added some missing English translations in Designer Studio.
[Applications] Fixed an issue with application cloning in WEBCON BPS Designer
Studio.
[Applications] Fixed the workflow instance counter on the grouping tree in
WEBCON BPS Portal reports.
[Applications] Reports should now be displayed correctly on the usages tree.
[Applications] On WEBCON BPS Portal reports, the search panel should no longer
cut off or overlap any other elements.
[Applications] On WEBCON BPS Portal reports, the grouping tree has been
polished up.
WEBCON BPS 31
[Applications] On WEBCON BPS Portal reports, fixed an error that would clear the
filter when navigating chart levels.
[Processes] Fixed an issue with the Export-Import mechanism, which would
sometimes cause an exception during import.
[Processes] Fixed the refresh mechanism when adding or removing substitutions.
[Processes] Updated the contents of messages displayed when importing SDK
packages to an environment.
[Form fields] Adjusted how data sources interpret bool-type form fields used in
business rules.
[Form fields] Improved how a column’s summary on an item list is copied into a
form field. This fix applies to the MODERN form.
[Form fields] For item list initialization for floating-point number columns. This fix
applies to the MODERN form.
[Form fields] Fixed the alignment of floating-point number columns in item lists
displayed on the form in MODERN mode.
[Form fields] Improved how choice fields are displayed on the form in MODERN
mode.
[Form fields] Improved the design of date-and-time and choice fields on the
form when displayed on mobile devices.
[Form fields] Date columns on the item list should no longer be editable in read-
only mode.
[Form fields] Improved how Floating-point number form fields are displayed in
read-only mode on the Modern form.
[Actions] Fixed an error with the “Sign attachment with CoSign” action that
would sometime cause errors when executing it.
[Actions] Fixed an error with the action for verifying signatures, that would
sometime cause errors when executing it.
[Web Parts] Operation of WEBCON BPS Portal elements embedded on
SharePoint 2013/2016 sites has been improved.
[Web Parts] Improved the saving of return address configuration in Web Parts
that display WEBCON BPS Portal presentation elements.
[Web Parts] Fixed the ‘Return’ and ‘Start’ buttons on WEBCON BPS charts.
[Plugins] Changed base class name from ItemsListExtension to ItemListExtension
WEBCON BPS 32
3. What’s new in WEBCON BPS 2019?
3.1. WEBCON BPS Portal
WEBCON BPS 2019 introduces a lot of new features that center on the
presentation layer of a business application. The goal is to design graphic
interfaces which enable end users to make efficient use of available business
processes. The new configuration options in WEBCON BPS Designer Studio will
allow you to organize your business processes into applications, navigate
between them, prepare and present data.
WEBCON BPS 2019 is still fully integrated with the Microsoft SharePoint platform,
which allows users to continue to work using existing forms and workflow
configurations. However, alongside this classic solution, a new parallel platform
named WEBCON BPS Portal is provided as well.
WEBCON BPS Portal is a new graphic interface for WEBCON BPS users that serves
as a coherent and uniform working platform. WEBCON BPS Portal organizes
processes into applications within which users work and carry out tasks assigned
to them. The new interface allows you to create and view public and private
reports, organizing application presentation elements on the dashboard
(personalized desktop) and starting new workflows. To complete the WEBCON
BPS Portal user experience, we provide users with new, integrated functionalities.
The end user can quickly search for workflow instances, browse most recent user
activities in the application, the brand new search engine and artificial
intelligence elements provide suggestions to the user of things that require their
attention.
WEBCON BPS Portal is a cutting-edge interface which was designed to fit
seamlessly with the full screen Office 365 application, also allowing for
integration with Microsoft’s cloud solutions.
WEBCON BPS 33
3.1.1. Application
WEBCON BPS 2019 introduces the concept of applications. An application is
series of logically interconnected business process, for which the administrator
can create a standardized presentation layer. Apart from the process definitions
themselves, which model business logic and behavior, an equally important
aspect of configuring an application, is the method for presenting information so
that it is efficient and intuitive for the end user working within the application. For
each defined application, the administrator is given an option to create reports,
views, dashboards – these can be created from both WEBCON BPS Studio and
from WEBCON BPS Portal levels.
An independent, dedicated privilege definition was created which allow to
define user groups that can view the application or modify its content. Data
access level which is synonymous to visibility of specific process elements on
reports is still independently defined for each of the processes.
3.1.2. WEBCON BPS Portal main page
The main page is a place where the user starts his work in WEBCON BPS while
using the WEBCON BPS Portal interface.
The main page is created from many standardized elements – a task counter for
the current user, a list applications created in WEBCON BPS that the current user
has access to, or various quick search tools that users can employ to find
relevant applications and preview forms for existing workflow Instances.
WEBCON BPS 34
Task counters
Task counters on main panel inform about the total number of system tasks
assigned to the current user. Counters provide information about tasks from all
applications and processes in the system in which user has tasks assigned.
Counters are grouped into three categories:
New tasks – shows number of all new tasks to complete for which the user
haven’t displayed items’ form. After displaying the appropriate form the
counter will decrease regardless if the user has taken any action.
Active tasks – shows number of all tasks assigned to the user. Counter will
decrease after completing the task.
Overdue tasks – shows number of all tasks assigned to the user for which the
completion time is exceeded. Counter will decrease after completing the
task.
On WEBCON BPS Portal main page task counters are available also for each
application for which the user has privileges to. Task counters in applications are
visible both in frequently used applications panel as well as in Available
applications panel.
WEBCON BPS 35
The toolbar has an icon with a number of new tasks in the system. This counter is
available regardless of the chosen application and informs the user about new
tasks on a regular basis.
Navigation bar displays a counter of active tasks. Its number changes
depending on chosen application. On WEBCON BPS Portal main page, the
counter presents a total number of tasks in the system which are assigned to the
user.
Task counter presents the actual number of tasks assigned to a logged-in user
independently of the source of the task creation (whether it was created in
SharePoint or in WEBCON BPS Portal).
Clicking on a specific counter will move the user to a task list narrowed down to
a chosen category.
WEBCON BPS 36
“My tasks” view
The task list available in the navigation panel as the “My tasks” page has
information about all active tasks for the current user.
At the main page level (without having any application selected), the tasks list
consists of all user tasks created in the system (in all applications). On this level,
the user has access to his tasks even if he doesn’t have application view
privileges.
At application level, the list consists only of the task from this specific application.
It is possible to narrow down the presented elements displayed on the list
depending on the tasks type by clicking on a specific filter. After expanding
additional filters (by clicking on filter icon) it is possible to narrow down the list
depending on the task flagging and application from which this task originates.
WEBCON BPS 37
The tile representing a task has basic information about the instance that it refers
to. It is possible to adjust the amount of displayed data by tweaking the
configuration of the Compact view tab in the process configuration using
WEBCON BPS Designer Studio.
Additional information such as instance number, time of last update, flagging,
and new task indicator, help to quickly identify the task. The context menu is
available directly on the tile, which allows users to quickly flag tasks and even
traverse paths, if the instance has quick paths configured on its current step.
Process acronym and instance
number
When the instance was last edited,
and the current status flag
A so called ‘Compact View’
of the process, containing
crucial information
Context menu which can be used to set a
status, postpone, or use quick paths.
The line on the left indicates
a new task
WEBCON BPS 38
The instance preview is an integral part of task list. It allows to edit the selected
task, change value or move along the path. The form of the instance
connected with this task is presented on the right side of the list.
Application list
The list of available applications defined in the system is displayed in two ways.
Available application list consists of all applications to which the user has
privileges. This view organizes applications into expandable application groups
ordered alphabetically.
Frequently used applications view displays those applications which user most
frequently uses in the system. It allows for a quick transition to application which
is commonly used.
WEBCON BPS 39
Next to the basic information, such as name, description, and application
supervisor, there is a task counter for each application on the list. It displays the
number of tasks in each application. After clicking on a specific counter, an
adequately narrowed down Task list is presented.
The context menu allows users to start a new instance without the need to open
the application’s site. Starting options which are available here can be defined
both from the level of WEBCON BPS Designer Studio as well as from the level of
application website in WEBCON BPS Portal.
Application list view is available also on the taskbar of WEBCON BPS Portal. It
allows for a quick preview of available and most commonly used applications.
However its main advantage is possibility to search for applications by providing
part of its name or a whole name. Clicking on a selected instance allows users to
move to application website and use all of its functionalities.
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“Insights” view
This view displays system instances which are processed in an unusual way. The
evaluation of how much the data is non-standard compared to other instances
is done based on artificial intelligence and neural-net mechanism (AI). This
mechanism analyzes values on the form, relations between then even those
which are not explicitly defined in the configuration. Result of the analysis is a set
of rules based on which every process element is verified. Every deviation is
presented as an anomaly which help the person who manages the process to
find them and react in an appropriate manner.
This analysis uses AI engine and it requires OCR AI license.
“Searching structures” view
The searching structures view allows to display any system instance report based
on standard grouping. They are navigated by going to lower and lower
aggregation levels, grouped by application, process, workflows, form types and
steps. It allows the user to find items in the system even when the administrator
did not prepare a specific report presenting those instances.
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3.1.3. Application website
The application website organizes several logically related processes together.
Application website composition is standard (every application has the same set
of components) and uniform. Within one website, there are tiles which allow to
start instances, browse the number of tasks, create reports as tables and charts
and compose dashboards, which help to organize the workspace.
Applications’ website layout is predefined, but its content can be configured by
a user with adequate privileges both from WEBCON BPS Portal website and
WEBCON BPS Designer Studio.
The top area of the site is a space for the application description and
information about the application supervisor – this is for the end users’
convenience only.
The application website contains task counters which work within the specific
application and allow for a direct transition to task list after clicking an
appropriate counter.
Suggested dashboards and reports
This component helps users navigate within the application. Suggested
dashboards and reports is a list WEBCON BPS Portal elements, suggested to the
user by the system as those which are most used. Clicking on a tile moves the
user to a specific report, view or a dashboard.
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Recent activities in the application
The list of recent activities in the application is a short summary of all activities
conducted by users inside the application. The list consists of ten last activities of
following types: creating a new instance, moving along the path or instance
editing. There is a possibility of browsing activities of your own, of your
subordinates or of all users working in the application.
3.1.3.1. Active tasks in the application
Active tasks view is very similar to tasks list available on the WEBCON BPS Portal
main page. It contains information about users’ all active tasks within the
application. It is possible to narrow down the list by task type and process type in
which it was assigned. Analogously as on task list available on main WEBCON
BPS Portal website, the user can preview the form connected to a specific task
and conduct an action of moving along the path, data edit, flagging or
delaying the task.
3.1.3.2. Instance starting
Each application’s website has a fixed, predefined space for tiles dedicated for
starting new workflows. These tiles are analogous to Start Workflow Web Parts.
The tiles present the user with a short name and a description which allows to
determine which type of instance will be started. To differ the looks or underline
the meaning of specific instances in relation to other ones, tiles can have
different colors.
All of those configuration elements can be defined by the user with “Application
administrator” or “Portal designer” privileges while configuring the starting tile.
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Configuration also covers additional options such as setting initial parameters,
default form field values, choice of starting process, workflow and form.
Starting button configuration is possible both in WEBCON BPS Portal edit mode
and in WEBCON BPS Studio.
Each application has a standard button for starting instances from any workflow
in the application. Choosing which processes’ and workflows’ instance has to be
started happens in the first window right after clicking on start button.
Using standard start button provides the user with complete freedom to use any
workflow which is available to him.
If the users starts to more frequently use a certain type of settings during instance
start, he can save a pre-configured start button on the application main page
by choosing the option “Publish to main site”. From now on the new start button
will be available to all users using this application.
The option to start any instance is available for users with application edit
privileges.
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3.1.3.3. Reports
Reports are available in every application defined within WEBCON BPS Portal
and are a developed version of existing Show Workflow Elements reports and
Show Workflow Charts which are available as Web Parts for the SharePoint
version.
Contrary to their SharePoint version, WEBCON BPS Portal reports merge graphic
and table presentation into one. It leaves the user with a choice of one or the
other type of view.
Application reports have a detached data structure definition, including data
pre-filtering and independent view definition, in which this structure is presented.
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Data structure available in the report can be created only by the application
administrator who has access to all processes definitions within a defined
application. The administrator can freely choose form fields displayed in views,
and narrow down data which limits access to data that should be unavailable
to the user.
Graphic report representation is created based on a defined report data
structure and this is also what the views are made of.
In short – the administrator defines the data content and basic filtering
parameters for a report, and may then create any number of specialized views
for the report, which further filter and embellish the desired data.
Public and private views
Each report can have many views defined. Each view may take on the form of
a table or graphic chart, with the latter having the option to create multiple
levels of nested chart levels.
Each view can have an independent set of columns presented in it. However,
this set is limited to columns provided by the administrator as the data structure
of the main report, for which the view was being created. In other words, views
can be supplemented with additional columns only if they were made available
by the administrator as part of the report.
View definition boils down to deciding which columns should be visible, their
order, additional filters, and data grouping. Application administrator can
create public views that are visible to each user that has access to the
application. However there is a way of creating (based on public view) a private
view, visible only to its creator. It is available to every user that has access to
application and the report.
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Filtering
Data presented in table view can be filtered by the user in many ways. Reports
provide a handful of filtering methods which allow the user to freely manage the
amount of displayed data.
Data range filter can set the data/number interval within which data will be
displayed in the view.
For data type columns a value filter is available. It allows to choose standard
data range from a predefined list.
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For number/text data columns value filter allows to choose one or more values
from the report an in this manner narrow down presented data.
Filters can be set simultaneously for multiple columns. To make identification of
currently used filters easier for the user, reports feature functionality of filter
preview available after clicking the filter icon on report toolbar.
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Filter preview displays currently set of applied filters, and also provides option to
modify them, add new, or clear existing ones.
Grouping
The table view allows the user to group by any column available in the report.
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Group view allows to display grouping options as a tree. Clicking on elements of
this sort of grouping tree, the view is automatically narrowed down to a chosen
group
Column actions
User has an absolute freedom in creating a view also when it comes to column
visibility. Columns can be moved, hidden and shown by simple dragging &
dropping.
Each of those changes can be done by the user and saved as a private view.
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Quick preview of the form
For each instance report it is possible to move to its form (for example by clicking
link in an instance number) to browse data or do specific tasks.
Reports provide a functionality of a quick instance preview thanks to which user
can browse its details, which are not present on a report, but without opening
the full form. Clicking on a specific record opens a preview window with full
access to all form fields or attachments.
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Reports search
The report table view provides the option to search for an instance by selected
criteria. Search panel is available by clicking the “magnifying glass” icon on
report toolbar.
A set of search criteria that can be entered is defined by administrator while
preparing report configuration. Depending on requirements of specific report,
search can be done based on value of specific form fields or by entering
searched phrase in “Search everywhere” field. In this case full content of all
reports’ instances will be searched.
Search is conducted with usage of previously set filters.
Search within the report utilizes MSSQL Full-Text-Search mechanism.
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Quick paths
For all instances displayed in table view of the report, it is possible to move them
along defined quick paths without the need to open the form preview. If
completion of certain tasks doesn’t require filling in the data on the form, and
the information available on the report is sufficient to decide about the action
(e.g. accepting the invoice), then selecting an appropriate path from the
context menu will move this instance to the next step.
In scenarios where many instances displayed on the report can be moved down
a path at once, the user can use collective instance transfer to the next step.
After selecting a number of workflow instances in report view, as long as those
instances are in the same step, the user has access to a context menu where
one of the options is a common transition path – allowing you to quickly
transition many workflow instances.
Both in the case of operating on a single instance, and performing mass
operations, it is possible to mark instances as postponed or flagged.
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Paging
If report table view will present a large number of instances, a comfortable
solution is to split them and display on separate pages. While defining the report,
application administrator decides how many records will be visible on the
website.
By locking the number of rows on a website to a large number, the administrator
who is configuring the report can change its behavior so that data is displayed
on a single page. Its content can then be scrolled up and down. In this case, the
header with column names is fixed to the top of the view and does not scroll
along with the content. Despite a lot of data, the user can still see the column
header at all times so identifying data type is much easier.
This option is available in Firefox and Chrome only.
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3.1.3.4. Dashboards
In each and every application WEBCON BPS Portal allows to organize workspace
in a form of a virtual desktop which is a dashboard for the applications.
Dashboards allow to divide the website into sections. The variety of sections and
multiple ways in which they can be arranged allow to freely shape working
space and its adaptation to specific needs.
Each of the sections can be used to house application presentation elements
such as starts, report views, and task counters.
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Apart from placing application presentation elements in dashboards, you can
also place any formatted text or a picture, making it more readable or just more
user-friendly.
One of the elements of expanding dashboard is using embed code from an
external system which also means integrating many tools on one view.
3.1.3.5. “Insights” view
This view display application instances which are processed in an unusual way.
The evaluation of how much the data deviates from standard set by other
instances is based on neural-net (AI).
Its functionality is identical with an analogous view on the main WEBCON BPS
Portal website, however the analysis is limited only to instances created in the
current application.
Anomalies view is available for users with application administrator or portal
designer privileges.
3.1.3.6. All instances
All instances view displays any system instances report based on standard
grouping. It is navigated by going to lower and lower instances grouped by
application, process, workflows, form types, and steps. It allows the user to find
instances in the system even when the administrator did not prepare a specific
report presenting them. In application view, base instance structure is narrowed
down to this specific application.
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3.1.4. New form
WEBCON BPS Portal introduces a new form which presents workflow instances.
The new form automatically fits to the size of the screen that it is displayed on.
Because of that it is much more readable and useful both when displaying it on
classic desktop browser and on a smaller tablet or mobile device screen.
The attachment section of the new form was enhanced with popup preview
window of the attached files. Apart from being able to preview standard
formats such as TXT, DOCX, PDF, PNG, JPG, it is also possible to quickly preview
the content of MS Excel files and mails attached as e-mail conversations.
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The refurbished form also features a new instance history, presenting all activities
done on an instance. Value changes in form fields are highlighted. In addition to
the contents of the form, it is possible to check the timeline at the top to see
what events (actions, task assignment) took place on and between steps.
The instance history also scales itself to be displayed on a small screen of mobile
devices. Because of that, all status and content changes can be browsed on a
mobile phone as well.
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3.1.5. Instance search in WEBCON BPS Portal
WEBCON BPS Portal introduces a brand new way of instance search in
database. Search is based on SOLR search engine. This solution quickly searches
for the content even if the data source is very large.
The Search everywhere function is available at any time in WEBCON BPS Portal,
in the top right section of the interface. It will work both on the main page and
after choosing specific application. The only difference is automatic narrowing
down of search result to the current application if the search was started within
the context of one.
To start searching, start typing the phrase you’re looking for in WEBCON BPS
Portal toolbar search field. With each letter/phrase the system suggests a set of
matching results.
Search results are displayed in a list with option to preview a specific instance or
its attachments.
The search results view has an option to change search parameters, make the
query more precise or narrow down the results more precisely.
The results are automatically grouped by key tags common for searched
instances and displayed as a possible filter. By clicking on one of these tags, the
user can view instances created by specific users or on a given day. When
narrowing down the results, the system suggests more groups which make it
possible to more precisely find what you are looking for.
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Apart from filtering, there is an option to sort the results by search relevancy,
creation date, or modification.
The search engine takes into account linguistic inflections, so the searched
phrase doesn’t have to be entered in the precise form. The system will
automatically guess and suggest instances which contain the searched phrase,
including its variations. At this moment, the system supports inflections for
following languages: Polish, English, German, Spanish, French, Hungarian and
Russian.
Data entered to the system by users is indexed on the fly, which means that the
information can be searched for almost instantaneously after appearing in the
system. The engine searches through the values of all the form fields and item list
columns. All text documents which appear as attachments to forms are
searched as well. Apart from pure text formats, such as TXT, RTF, XML, HTML, SQL
the engine also searches through Word documents (DOC, DOCX, DOCX, ODT),
Excel (XLSX, XLSM, XLS), PDF, and e-mail messages files (EML, EMLX, MSG, OFT,
MBOX, TNEF).
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3.1.6. Search in navigation
The search engine can also search for various Portal navigation elements:
applications, processes, start buttons, reports, dashboards etc. This search can
be conducted from the level of the aforementioned Search everywhere field. To
find Portal navigation elements matching your searched phrase, go to the “In
navigation” tab. In this view, the user can also use filters (on the left-hand side) to
narrow down the search results.
In addition to the Search everywhere field, a dedicated Search in navigation
field is also available on the level of navigation panel where the user can enter
whole phrase or a part of it. Results are displayed while typing and automatically
narrow down when the phrase becomes more precise. By clicking on a
navigation element from the result list, the user can instantaneously move to a
desired report or start a new workflow instance.
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3.1.7. Portal edit possibilities
In order to create an application, define processes, construct workflows with
steps and paths, one must use WEBCON BPS Designer Studio. Designer Studio
provides the application designer with full edit possibilities also when it comes to
WEBCON BPS Portal presentation elements. Independently of WEBCON BPS
Designer Studio, many of the WEBCON BPS Portal presentation elements can
also be modified and defined directly from the browser – allowing for a new
group of power-users, Portal Designers, to modify the front-end segment of an
application without access to Designer Studio.
The ability to modify and create new application content is available to users
with „Application administrator” or „Portal designer” privileges.
Users with such privileges can turn on the application edit mode from the
toolbar.
In application edit mode, the user can add new elements by choosing one from
the menu.
Application edit mode also allows to change starting buttons’ configuration,
composition of the dashboards, or report definitions.
After saving, changes are instantaneously visible to all users working with the
application.
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3.1.8. Saving favorite Portal sites
Every user can save any page displayed on WEBCON BPS Portal platform to their
favorites. It can be a report, view, dashboard or a specific form. Access to the list
of favorite pages is possible by clicking a star on a toolbar.
List of favorite pages allows to user to personalize and adjust platforms’ work to
his own demands. Important pages which are worth remembering or frequently
visited are available at any time while working in WEBCON BPS Portal.
3.1.9. Multilingualism
WEBCON BPS Portal allows users to display its content in one of the available
languages: Polish, English, German and French. Choosing language by the user
results in changes in WEBCON BPS Portal content and form translations to the
specified settings.
3.1.10. Themes
WEBCON BPS Portal has many themes to choose from which alter the graphical
interface of the website.
Users with administrator privileges can also define their own motives and create,
for example, a motive corresponding with the corporate color scheme.
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3.1.11. Substitution configuration
Substitution functionality known from previous WEBCON BPS versions allows to
choose a person responsible for tasks completion in case of absence. This
provides work and decision making processes continuity.
Defining substitutions is also available in WEBCON BPS Portal. Every user can
name a person who in his/her absence will be their substitute in their tasks. It is
also possible to define a substitution for the substituted person which allows the
superviser to manage substitutions for subordinates.
List of active substitutions is displayed in a simple and clear way with an option to
present a view of your own substitutions, your subordinates’ substitutions and all
active substitutions.
3.1.12. Embedding portal elements
In addition to existing Web Parts, WEBCON BPS 2019 introduces new types which
allow for embedding WEBCON BPS Portal, and its components, on SharePoint
websites. This includes applications, dashboards, reports, task view, task
counters, and the entire Portal overview. This integration exists for SharePoint
2013/2016/2019 versions as well as for Office 365.
Another way of sharing Portal elements is the usage of embed codes. This
method allows to integrate with every system which is capable of embedding
this sort of code on its website. This option is available for user with application
administrator privileges after choosing “Embed codes” from toolbar menu.
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An embed code generated for a specific WEBCON BPS Portal element can be
copied and inserted on a target website e.g. WordPress.
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3.1.13. Authentication
WEBCON BPS Portal supports a number of authentication methods in the system.
It is possible to configure one or more authentication providers:
Windows
Azure Active Directory
ADFS
WEBCON BPSAuth (AAD, ADFS , Google, LinkedIn, LiveID)
Activation and configuration of authentication provider can be done in
WEBCON BPS Designer Studio in System settings-> Authentication providers.
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3.2. Process analysis
WEBCON BPS 2019 introduces new tool for process analysis. This functionality
which is available on the workflow designer graphic creator in WEBCON BPS
Studio, allows you to monitor the number of created instances in a certain
amount of time, counts the number of step entries, and number of moves along
different paths. Results are presented in a graphic form.
3.3. Complete Export-Import mechanism
The Export-Import mechanism was expanded by a couple of new elements,
which make transferring and implementing solutions built in WEBCON BPS much
easier and faster.
One of these elements is the ability to move SDK files used by the process
together with the export package. Thanks to this, when importing, a whole
coherent package is moved even if the workflow uses non-standard form fields
or actions enabled by SDK.
Next, the manner in which exported objects are defined has been modified to
accommodate the introduction of applications. The export wizard allows to
point to a whole application with all its connections, but it’s also possible to
choose only one process or presentation element and moving it to the target
environment.
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The import wizard was enhanced with a function of choosing objects to import
to the target environment without needing to import the whole content of an
import package.
3.4. New REST API for SDK
WEBCON BPS 2019 introduces REST technology usage in creating programming
integration solutions with the system. New REST API ensures full support and
option to start new workflow instances, traversing paths, and modifying instance
content.
3.5. Installation modes
For more information regarding installation, please consult the Installation guide
included in each WEBCON BPS installation folder.
WEBCON BPS system installation is possible in the following variants:
Installation for SharePoint environments
WEBCON BPS Portal is installed as an IIS application working within SharePoint
website. This type of installation requires a working Microsoft SharePoint server.
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WEBCON BPS Portal installation variant with usage of SharePoint environment
allows to choose one of two modes.
Classic Mode (in this mode WEBCON BPS will be working if updated from an
older version) installs components for working with forms in both SharePoint
and WEBCON BPS Portal environments, allows to use local SharePoint
connections when creating data sources (option to reference to SharePoint
resources in the context of user logged in the system), allows to use
SharePoint lists to edit documents added as attachments. This mode allows
also to install components to embed WEBCON BPS Portal elements on
SharePoint and Office 365 websites.
MODERN mode installs components which allow working with WEBCON BPS
Portal forms only, using SharePoint On-premises and Online connections
while creating data sources, and use SharePoint lists to edit documents
added as attachments. This mode allows also to install components to
embed WEBCON BPS Portal elements on SharePoint and Office 365
websites.
Standalone install for Office 365
WEBCON BPS Portal is installed as an independent IIS website. This type of
installation requires infrastructure in the shape of IIS server and servers for
installation of Windows service. It is also required to have an active Office 365
subscription.
Standalone installation
WEBCON BPS Portal is installed as an independent IIS website. This type of
installation requires infrastructure in the shape of IIS server and servers for
installation of Windows service. Option to install additional components allows for
integration with SharePoint On-premises and Office 365 and gives option to
embed selected WEBCON BPS Portal elements on server websites. Standalone
installation provides WEBCON BPS Portal graphic interface.
This mode of installation allows to edit documents added as attachments to a
workflow instance by using WebDAV. However because of a lack of direct
connection with SharePoint, it doesn’t allow to use libraries and SharePoint lists as
document repositories.
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4. Changes to existing features
4.1. Information
Changes in this version will break compatibility of the Export-Import mechanism.
Exported process packages created in versions 2017.1.3.x and older cannot be
imported to the newest system version. In order for an import to be possible,
update the environment to the newest version and export the processes again.
4.2. Changes in architecture
WEBCON BPS 2019 requires installation of WEBCON BPS Portal component
available in system installer. WEBCON BPS Portal installation requires following
libraries:
.NET Core Hosting Bundle
.NET Framework 4.7
WEBCON BPS Portal requires Internet Explorer browser in version 11 or higher. This
requirement applies also to client environments using WEBCON BPS Word Add-In,
WEBCON BPS Outlook Add-In, and WEBCON BPS Designer Studio.
For installations using the CLASSIC form type, all browsers compatible with MS
SharePoint will be sufficient to work on SharePoint websites and forms.
4.3. WEBCON BPS Designer Studio – logging in
The way in which users log-in to WEBCON BPS Designer Studio has been altered.
In WEBCON BPS 2019, the log-in mechanism takes into account the
authentication provider configured for WEBCON BPS Portal (3.1.14). Because of
that, at the first launch it is needed to provide WEBCON BPS Portal address in
order to authorize and work in WEBCON BPS Studio (Please consult the
installation guide for more info).
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The default authentication provider is Windows Active Directory, and if in
WEBCON BPS Portal there are no other active configured authentication
providers, the user launching WEBCON BPS Studio will log in automatically.
If WEBCON BPS Portal has other authentication providers configured, the user
can choose their preferred log in method.
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In an environment in which there are multiple process content databases, it is
needed to specify in the context of which content database WEBCON BPS
Studio will be launched. Additionally, in case of installation for SharePoint
environments, providing the SharePoint website connected to a chosen process
content database is also required. Connection to SharePoint website by default
is done in the context of the user signing in to WEBCON BPS Designer Studio.
Default authentication method can be changed to „Windows User + Password”
allowing to provide user in whose context WEBCON BPS Studio will connect to
SharePoint website.
At WEBCON BPS Designer Studio first launch after the system update, it is
required to provide the correct address of WEBCON BPS Portal. Then provide the
database in the context of which WEBCON BPS Designer Studio will be
launched, and the SharePoint website connected to the specified database.
4.4. WEBCON BPS Studio – privileges at launch
Privileges mechanism for users working with WEBCON BPS Designer Studio has
been altered.
Depending on user’s privileges, WEBCON BPS Designer Studio can be launched
in two modes: administrator and Lite.
Administrator mode provides full access to all WEBCON BPS Designer Studio
functionalities. It is launched if the user has WEBCON BPS “System administrator”
privileges.
Lite mode limits configuration possibilities only to applications to which user has
privileges to. This mode is launched if user doesn’t have WEBCON BPS “System
administrator” privileges but is an “Application administrator” in at least one of
the existing applications.
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Access limitations to content database
During authorization, privileges to process content databases (configured in the
system) are verified as well. Based on the result of this verification, a list of
available process content databases within which the user can work is displayed
to them.
A user can choose a content database if they have WEBCON BPS “System
administrator” privileges or “Application administrator” privileges to at least one
application within the databases.
Connection to a database is done via a connection string defined in WEBCON
BPS Portal configuration. The list of available databases is limited also with
privileges being a result of this configuration – which means that user in whose
context a connection to a database is made, must have both read and saving
privileges to the configuration database, and content databases.
The user who is updating the system will be given WEBCON BPS System
administrator privileges. This user can launch WEBCON BPS Designer Studio in
administrator mode, and if it’s necessary, provide System administrator privileges
to other users.
In an emergency, there is a way to provide System administrator privileges by
using WebCon.WorkFlow.Studio.Configuration.exe tool, available in catalog
where WEBCON BPS Studio is installed.
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4.5. Defining applications
The introduction of applications caused growth of the process configuration tree
by another node for defining applications, individual processes and the
presentation layer are now nodes within the application.
A new application can only be created by a user with „System administrator”
privileges. Adding a new application to the system is possible by choosing “New
application” option from context menu of application tree, application toolbar
or “New” in the application’s search box.
The user can then choose the application’s name, color motive in which it will be
presented in WEBCON BPS Portal, presentation language, and privileges for
other users.
Application privileges
Application configuration includes a tab for defining independent privileges. The
user group which can modify the application definition can also modify all its
processes. Application privileges also define application visibility for end users.
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The Application User privileges tab has the following privilege levels:
Application administrator
These privileges give full access to application both in its visibility and in
modification possibilities. On the level of WEBCON BPS Designer Studio, a
user with this privilege level can alter all application settings, modify parent
and related processes, create and modify presentation elements. On
WEBCON BPS Portal level, a user can use edit mode, add new and modify
existing presentation elements (starts, dashboards, reports). Can download
the embed code of any presentation element. User also has access to the
anomaly view. Privileges of this level do not provide access to process
data. In order to define data visibility (i.e. on reports) set specific privileges
at process level.
Portal designer
These privileges provide full access to applications on WEBCON BPS Portal
level, both visibility and ability to modify. These privileges do not allow to
create and edit applications via WEBCON BPS Designer Studio. On the level
of WEBCON BPS Portal, the user can enter edit mode – add new and
modify already existing presentation elements (starts, dashboards, reports).
Can download the embed code of any presentation element. Privileges of
this level do not provide access to process data.
Metadata access
These privileges provide access to metadata (form field structure) of
application processes on the level of WEBCON BPS Word Add-Inn allowing,
to define document templates.
These privileges do not provide access to process data nor to the
application itself from the level of WEBCON BPS Portal
Read-only
These privileges provide access on WEBCON BPS Portal level to find
application and browse its content. However they do not provide access to
process data. In order to define data visibility (i.e. on reports) it is required to
provide specific privileges at process level.
WEBCON BPS 75
Creating new processes in the application
An application may consist of any number of process definitions. Adding a new
process requires choosing „Add a new process” option from the context menu
of the application tree or choosing „New process” from application or process
toolbar.
Creation of a new application is available to users with „System administrator”
privileges. To modify application configuration (including creating processes)
“System administrator” or “Application administrator” privileges are required.
Related processes
Related processes are those whose definition originates from another
application. Configuration of process related with the application allows to use
the same process in many applications at the same time. It also provides option
to refer to process definition while creating application presentation elements.
Relating an existing process to the application is possible by choosing “Create
relation” from context menu of the application tree.
User can add related processes only from applications to which he has at least
“Application administrator” privileges.
Related process can be edited both from the level of application of origin and
application with which it was related.
Related process cannot be deleted on the level of application with which it was
related, however it is possible to delete relation by choosing “Delete relation”
from the context menu of the application tree.
Presentations
Within the application, you can define presentation elements: start buttons,
dashboards and reports. Adding a new element requires choosing option “New
start”, “New report” or “New dashboard” from the context menu of the
application tree. Newly defined presentation element will be visible in the
WEBCON BPS Portal application right after it was saved.
The configuration of starts and reports allows you to define the process to which
the given presentation element will be linked i.e. the process for which an
instance will be launched, and the process whose data will be shown on a
report.
WEBCON BPS 76
After system update to WEBCON BPS 2019, the following changes will be made
for existing processes:
For each process already existing in the system before the migration, an
application with the same name as the original process will be created. The
process will then become a part of this application
Process groups will be converted into application groups
Application language will be set according to original process language
definition. Processes do not have an option to define independent
languages
Settings for mobile application will be set to “Show report structure based
on SharePoint Web Parts” allowing for mobile application to work
according to the pre-migration configuration
All users with „Administrator” role on a process based on which the
application was made will get „Application administrator” privileges
The Application supervisor will be given to the user who in the process on
which the application was based on was the Process supervisor
4.6. Process choice tree is replaced by application choice tree
Introducing applications changed the behavior of the navigation tree which
displays all processes created so far.
Process tree view was replaced with application structure view, with an option
to choose one of the available applications. All processes connected with the
application are displayed within it. Applications are organized in groups.
Application structure view allows to search for any process or application
defined within the database in the context of which WEBCON BPS Designer
Studio operates.
4.7. Changes in system privilege structures
New privilege levels are introduced to manage access to applications and the
system itself. This change is a result of introducing applications which requires
division of privileges allowing for separate configuration (privileges defined for
the application) from privileges for preview and data edit (privileges defined for
the process).
WEBCON BPS 77
List of new privileges:
Role in the system Description Configuration place in
WEBCON BPS Studio
System administrator
Highest privilege level, allows to
work in full mode of WEBCON BPS
Designer Studio. Has complete
modification privileges of all system
elements.
Sees and can modify all application
on the level of WEBCON BPS Portal.
Does not have data access.
System settings -> Global privileges
-> System administrators
In an emergency there is a way to
provide System administrator
privileges without launching
WEBCON BPS Studio by using
WebCon.WorkFlow.Studio.Configur
ation.exe tool, available in
catalogue where WEBCON BPS
Studio is installed.
Application administrator
Allows to work in WEBCON BPS
Designer Studio Lite mode. Has
complete modification privileges of
all application elements.
Sees and can modify his own
applications on the level of WEBCON
BPS Portal.
Does not have data access.
Applications -> Chosen application
-> User privileges -> Application
administrator
Portal designer
Sees and can modify his own
applications on the level of WEBCON
BPS Portal.
Does not have data access.
Applications -> Chosen application
-> Privileges -> Portal designer
Metadata access
Has access to application and
process metadata.
Does not see WEBCON BPS Portal
applications.
Does not have data access.
Applications -> Chosen application
-> Privileges -> Metadata access
Read-only
Sees his own applications on the
level of WEBCON BPS Portal.
Does not have data access.
Applications -> Chosen application
-> Privileges -> Read-only
Update to WEBCON BPS 2019 results in the broadening of privileges for users with
Process administrator role by adding Application administrator privileges to the
application to which this process belongs.
The user performing the update will be given System administrator privileges.
WEBCON BPS 78
4.8. Name changes in process privileges
Privilege names to process data access was altered. Behavior for specific roles
remained the same – system works according to the same rules as before.
Previous system role name Current system role name Configuration place in WEBCON
BPS Studio
Administration System administrator
System settings -> Global
privileges
Read-only Workflow data read-only access
System settings -> Global
privileges
Administration Business administrator
Applications-> Chosen
application -> Chosen process ->
User privileges
and
Chosen workflow -> Associated
form types -> Form types
privileges
Modification (can’t delete) Access and edit all workflow instances
Applications-> Chosen
application -> Chosen process ->
User privileges
and
Chosen workflow -> Associated
form types -> Form types
privileges
Starting new workflow Access all workflow instances and attachments
Applications-> Chosen
application -> Chosen process ->
User privileges
and
Chosen workflow -> Associated
form types -> Form types
privileges
Read-only Launch new workflow instances
Applications-> Chosen
application -> Chosen process ->
User privileges
And
Chosen workflow -> Associated
form types -> Form types
privileges
Read-only (can’t vew
attachments)
Access all workflow instances (excluding
attachments)
Applications-> Chosen
application -> Chosen process ->
User privileges
And
Chosen workflow -> Associated
form types -> Form types
privileges
WEBCON BPS 79
List of current permissions in WEBCON BPS:
WEBCON BPS Studio
Configuration Data access WEBCON BPS Portal
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WEBCON BPS 80
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x1 – only if user created the instance
x2 – privilege in Application from which the process has to be linked
WEBCON BPS 81
4.9. MODERN form
WEBCON BPS 2019 allows to display process instances as SharePoint forms
(CLASSIC mode) or in WEBCON BPS Portal (MODERN mode). The mode in which
forms operate can be defined for each process independently. Specific
configuration is available on the level of WEBCON BPS Designer Studio in section:
Applications -> Application -> Process -> Settings -> Miscellaneous.
Available options:
Classic on SharePoint
The form for workflow instances is displayed in classic view (CLASSIC mode)
embedded inside SharePoint. All references to workflow instances (e.g. links
in e-mails, forwards from Web Parts) open the form in SharePoint view.
Classic on BPS Portal
The form for workflow instances is displayed in classic view (CLASSIC mode)
however this form is embedded inside WEBCON BPS Portal. All references to
workflow instances open form in CLASSIC view embed in WEBCON BPS
Portal.
Modern on BPS Portal
The form for workflow instances is displayed in MODERN (1.1.1) view
embedded inside WEBCON BPS Portal. All references to workflow instances
open the form in MODERN view.
After updating to WEBCON BPS 2019, configuration of all processes will be set to
„Classic on SharePoint”.
WEBCON BPS 82
4.10. New search engine
Introducing searching based on SOLR engine caused an expansion of
configuration of the service responsible for handling SOLR index base.
Launch of SOLR indexation requires turning on „SOLR indexation” role in
service configuration (System settings -> Services configuration -> Services
-> Service -> Service roles).
Additional configuration of the number of processing threads, number of
simultaneously processed attachments and instances for SOLR indexation
allows to tune service in specific system and database installations (System
settings -> Services configuration -> Services -> Configuration -> Database
components).
This configuration is optional. For most installations default configuration
parameters are sufficient and do not require modification.
Launching SOLR indexation for existing data allows to create new search
index for instances in database. This option is useful in case of installation of
WEBCON BPS Search Server component in an already working environment
in which instances exist in the WEBCON BPS database.
For new installations, in which database doesn’t contain any instances yet,
search index is created on-the-go while adding or modifying instances.
That’s why the option of complete SOLR re-indexation isn’t needed.
In order to create SOLR indexes to search and navigate, go to the level of
SOLR indexer queue report (Reports -> Basic reports ->SOLR indexer queue)
add to the queue appropriate task types by choosing from the toolbar
using the “Add” button.
Full reindex of the database – launches task of index creation for all
instances already existing in process database. If the index was previously
created, it will be deleted and created once again. Values of all instances’
form fields, item lists and attachment’s content are indexed. Attachments
of following formats are indexed: text (TXT, SQL, XML, HTML, XHTML, MHTML,
TRF), Word (DOC, DOCX, DOCM, ODT), Excel (XLSX, XLSM, XLS), e-mail (EML,
EMLX, MSG, OFT, MBOX, TNEF) and PDF.
Indexation will be launched only for process database to which WEBCON
BPS Designer Studio is currently connected to.
Full reindex of all databases – this option is available only to environments
which have more than one process content database. It works identically
as „Full reindex of database” however the index will be created for every
content database.
WEBCON BPS 83
Reindex of BPS Portal navigation – launches a task of creating navigation
index for all navigation elements (application, reports, views, dashboards,
starts) saved in the configuration database. If the index was previously
created it will be deleted and created once again. Index will be created
for all content databases.
Reindex AutoComplete in search panel – launches a task of index creation
for suggestions displayed in the search field. Before launching a task of this
type, a correct index for instances has to already exist (created with option
“Full reindex of database” or “Full reindex of all databases”).
Clear index – launches task of deletion of instances search index and
navigation index.
Header data update – launches task of header data update (e.g. Process
name or form field name) in existing search indexer.
This task type can be used to refresh index content after configuration
changes (e.g. change of process name) without the need to rebuild the
whole index from scratch.
SOLR indexation mechanism works in an incremental way which means
that adding or modifying an instance creates a task in the queue and
automatic update of instance data in the index. This mechanism updates
search data and makes them available almost instantaneously after saving
them in the system.
In case of working installations, in which SOLR indexing mechanism was not
yet installed or launched, the database can have many instances which
need to have their SOLR index created. Because of the potential plethora
of data that needs to be processed by the indexing mechanism, there is an
option to create an index for a selected time period or for selected
processes. This configuration is available after manual launch of tasks of
“Full reindex of all databases” and “Header data update” tasks.
WEBCON BPS 84
During system update, WEBCON BPS Search Server component will be installed.
In order to create a search index for existing instances, launch these tasks in the
following order:
- Full reindex of database (for installation with one process base) or Full
reindex of all databases (for installation with many process bases)
- Reindex of navigation in Portal
- Reindex of search suggestion mechanism (if the suggestions are to
be displayed)
4.11. AI Analysis
WEBCON BPS 2019 introduces workflow instances analysis for anomalies, which
are deviations from typical process operation. Analysis uses neural nets, which
help to create rules which verify process elements. Analysis results are displayed
in “Insights” view (3.1.4.5) available on WEBCON BPS Portal level.
By default, analysis of process elements is not conducted. Turning analysis on for
a specific process requires choosing “Include in AI analysis” in process “Settings”
tab.
Within the process, it is possible to choose form fields which should be analyzed.
WEBCON BPS 85
The option which turns the analysis on for a specific form field is available in the
form field configuration tab.
Launching this functionality also requires a correct service configuration (4.12).
Important
This functionality requires active OCR AI license!
4.12. AI analysis – service configuration
Introducing anomaly search based on AI analysis, caused the service
configuration which handles it to be expanded.
Launching AI analysis requires turning on „AI Analysis” in service
configuration (System settings -> Services configuration -> Services ->
Service -> Service roles).
Additional configuration of the number of threads carrying out AI analysis
allows to tweak service in specific system and database installations
(System settings -> Services configuration -> Services -> Configuration -
>Database components).
This configuration is optional. For most of the installations default
configuration parameters are correct and do not require changes.
Launching the analysis for existing data allows to create data validation
business rules as well as analyze data for deviations from these rules.
In order to prepare analysis on the level of AI analysis (Reports -> Basic
reports -> AI analysis) add to the queue the appropriate task types by
choosing “Add” from the toolbar.
Clean AI analysis – launches task of deletion of existing AI analyses.
WEBCON BPS 86
Build AI model – launches a task of preparing a model of business rules
based on which data analysis will be performed. In order to build a correct
model, at least 100 workflow instances are required based on which
analysis business rules will be created.
Perform AI analysis – launches task of counting analyses based on
prepared rules. While launching this task it is possible to set processes and
date range in which workflow instances will be analyzed for anomalies.
4.13. Changes in BPS users list synchronization
New synchronization sources for BPS users list were introduced. Now, the users list
can be synchronized with following sources:
Active Directory
SharePoint
Azure Active Directory
LDAP
Choosing the synchronization source is possible during system installation.
Change of synchronization source can cause deletion of users synchronized so
far, that’s why this option is available only via WEBCON BPS installer in System
management tools. Changing the synchronization source should be done with
caution.
WEBCON BPS 87
An option to turn off BPS user list synchronization with SharePoint was added to
the program. It is available in synchronization with local Active Directory mode in
synchronization configuration (System settings -> BPS users list -> Synchronization
configuration).
System update does not change defined synchronization configuration.
WEBCON BPS 88
4.14. Functions of generating dynamic links to workflow instances
The form in the MODERN configuration mode now has a function of dynamic link
creation to both an existing instance and to start a new instance.
OpenElement( WFD_ID, “NAME”, “PARAMS” )
Generates link to an instance of WFD_ID identifier. Form of the given instance will
be opened in the same browser window.
Optional parameters:
NAME – name by which the link on the form is visible. If not provided, „Element
WFD_ID” will be displayed
PARAMS – additional parameters included in the link (eg. form field values of the
opened form)
Usage variants:
OpenElement(12377)
OpenElement(12377,”Related instance”)
OpenElement(12377,”Related instance”, “ATTTEXT1=Tom”)
OpenElementInNewWindow( WFD_ID, “NAME”, “PARAMS” )
Generates link to instance with WFD_ID identifier. Form of the given instance will
be opened in a new browser window.
Optional parameters:
NAME – name by which yhe link on the form is visible. If not provided, „Element
WFD_ID” will be displayed
PARAMS – additional parameters included in the link (eg. form field values of the
opened form)
Usage variants:
OpenElementInNewWindow (12377)
OpenElementInNewWindow (12377,”Related instance”)
OpenElementInNewWindow (12377,”Related instance”, “ATTTEXT1=Tom”)
WEBCON BPS 89
StartElement( WF_ID, DT_ID, “NAME”, “PARAMS”)
Generates link to a new instance in workflow with WF_ID identifier, with form type
of DT_ID identifier. Form will be opened in the same browser window.
Optional parameters:
NAME – name by which link on the form is visible. If not provided, „Start
WF_ID/DT_ID” will be displayed
PARAMS – additional parameters included in the link (eg. form field values of the
opened form)
Usage variants:
StartElement( WF_ID, DT_ID )
StartElement( WF_ID, DT_ID, “New instance” )
StartElement( WF_ID, DT_ID, “New instance”, “COM_ID=1” )
StartElementInNewWindow(WF_ID, DT_ID, “NAME”, “PARAMS”)
Generates link to a new instance in workflow with WF_ID identifier, with form type
of DT_ID identifier. Form will be opened in a new browser window.
Optional parameters:
NAME – name by which link on the form is visible. If not provided, „Start
WF_ID/DT_ID” will be displayed
PARAMS – additional parameters included in the link (eg. form field values of the
opened form)
Usage variants:
StartElementInNewWindow ( WF_ID, DT_ID )
StartElementInNewWindow ( WF_ID, DT_ID, “New instance” )
StartElementInNewWindow ( WF_ID, DT_ID, “New instance”, “COM_ID=1” )
Important
If the NAME variable has to have quotation marks (“), it should be replaced with
a sign of double quotation (“”).
WEBCON BPS 90
The aforementioned functions can be used in following places in the system:
Data table form field (in the SQL query text edit area for the data source of
the form field)
Data row form field (in the SQL query text edit area for the data source of
the form field)
Single line of text form field (form field value in “Hyperlink type field”)
Hyperlink item list column (default value and value based on SQL query)
Calculated column on modern SWE reports
Hyperlink action (URL value)
Apart from newly added functions generating links to any system instance, there
is still option to create any hyperlink by using following construction
link:http://www.webcon.com;displayname:WEBCON.
Opening method (opening in current or new browser window) of the links
available on the form is determined according to these rules:
Links referring to addresses from outside of WEBCON BPS system (eg.
https://www.facebook.com/) are opened in a new browser window
Links opened in the form which is in edit mode (both links to system
instances and addresses from outside the system) are opened in a new
browser window
Links opened on the level of form in read-only mode open accordingly with
form field in which link was defined. If in the form field configuration option
“Open in new window” is set, then links always open in a new browser
window. If it isn’t or the form field doesn’t have this configuration, then the
behavior depends on the function type (OpenElement, StartElement open
instance in the same window, OpenElementInNewWindow,
StartElementInNewWindow open instance in a new window)
In hyperlink action (Single line of text field in hyperlink mode), the way the
hyperlink opens depends on “Open in new window” setting available in
action configuration. If it is checked then links always open in a new
browser window. If it isn’t, links always open in the same browser window.
Form in CLASSIC mode still has support for syntax of
link:WFDynamic.aspx?WFD_ID=55432;displayname:Element type which allows to
create hyperlinks to already existing, as well as new instances. Forms of this type
cannot use open and start instance functions.
Form in MODERN mode should use function generating hyperlinks both for
already existing and new instances.
WEBCON BPS 91
To ensure backward compatibility after manual change of the form from
CLASSIC to MODERN mode, syntax of:
link:WFDynamic.aspx?WFD_ID=55432;displayname:Element type is also
supported.
4.15. Configuration of content databases supported by service
Configuration of content bases supported by WEBCON WorkFlow Service is
altered (System settings -> Services configuration -> Services).
In WEBCON BPS 2019, process content database supported by service should be
chosen from list of available ones.
SharePoint website address which is connected to the content database will be
replaced by the database name during system update. During the update, the
authentication method configuration will be skipped. Service will refer to
database in the context of the user on whom the service is active.
4.16. Changes of mail server configuration
Mail server configuration method for e-mail notification sent by WEBCON BPS
was altered. It is no longer possible to use SharePoint to send e-mail notifications.
Only option to use an external mail server.
Configuration is available on WEBCON BPS Studio level in section: System settings
-> Global parameters -> E-mail notifications -> Configuration of sending e-mails.
If in the e-mail notification configuration option „Default mail server (SharePoint)”
was not chosen, during update to 2019 version it will be replaced with the
configuration downloaded from outgoing mail settings on SharePoint server.
WEBCON BPS 92
4.17. Changes in application for mobile devices
For 2019.1.x.x version it is required to install new mobile application „WEBCON BPS
2019”.
Previous application version for mobile devices is not compatible with WEBCON
BPS 2019.
„WEBCON BPS 2019” is not available for mobile devices with Windows Phone
operating system.
Introducing „WEBCON BPS 2019” – application for mobile devices – caused
following changes in the way the system operates:
It is no longer possible to choose option „Profile must be secured with a
password” in securing mobile application as an administrator (WEBCON BPS
Studio: System settings -> Global parameters)
It is no longer possible to mark process as invisible in application for mobile
users (WEBCON BPS Studio: Applications -> Process -> User Privileges ->
Additional Privileges)
The method of defining presentation of report structure in mobile
application navigation remains in the same place, but has been renamed,
and is now used for additional areas where a short, concise listing of the
most important information about a processes is needed. (WEBCON BPS
Studio: Applications -> Processes -> Compact view)
It is no longer possible to choose method of mobile application profile
authentication. “WEBCON BPS 2019” application uses authentication
defined for WEBCON BPS Portal
During migration to WEBCON BPS 2019, processes marked in previous system
versions as invisible for mobile application will be available on it.
If „Profile must be secured with a password” was the required security level of
mobile application, then during migration it will be set to “User defined”.
After system update, it is required to install new version of „WEBCON BPS 2019”
mobile application on mobile devices.
WEBCON BPS 93
4.18. Changes in how WEBCON BPS Word Add-In works
In WEBCON BPS 2019, in the configuration of the WEBCON BPS Word Add-In, it is
required to provide address of WEBCON BPS Portal. SharePoint website address
was deleted from configuration and will no longer be supported.
WEBCON BPS Word Add-In uses sign-in compatible with configuration set for
WEBCON BPS Portal (Error! Reference source not found.).
List of available applications for which the user can create document templates
is limited to applications in which the user has at least one of the following
privileges: Application administrator, Portal designer or Metadata access. User
who is an Administrator has access to all applications.
For the Add-In to work correctly, Internet Explorer browser version 11 or higher is
required.
After update of WEBCON BPS Word Add-In, it is required to manually configure
the correct address to WEBCON BPS Portal.
4.19. Changes in WEBCON BPS Outlook Add-In action
WEBCON BPS 2019 introduces changes in profile configuration of WEBCON BPS
Outlook Add-In – from now on it is required to provide WEBCON BPS Portal
address. SharePoint website address was removed from the configuration and
will no longer be supported.
WEBCON BPS Outlook Add-In uses sign-in compatible with configuration set for
WEBCON BPS Portal (Error! Reference source not found.).
For the Add-In to work correctly, Internet Explorer browser version 11 or higher is
required.
After the update of WEBCON BPS Outlook Add-In it is required to manually
configure the correct address to WEBCON BPS Portal.
If Add-In was updated with usage of VSTO solution, it is required to verify entries
in following system registers:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet
Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_BROWSER_EMULATION
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet
Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_BROWSER_EMULATION
Value of „OUTLOOK.EXE” key should be 0x2af9 (11001)
WEBCON BPS 94
4.20. Connections to SharePoint
WEBCON BPS 2019 allows to use three types of connections while referring to
SharePoint in WEBCON BPS – SharePoint integration scenarios:
Local – connection refers to SharePoint server installed locally on the same server
as WEBCON BPS system.
SharePoint On-Premises – connection refers to SharePoint server installed on any
server. Using of this sort of connection requires SharePoint Client Components
SDK installation in version compatible with SharePoint server version to which the
connection refers.
SharePoint Online – Connection refers to SharePoint Online server.
There are differences in the work of specific WEBCON BPS components,
depending on the type of connection and WEBCON BPS installation mode.
Those differences can be found specifically in actions found in the „SharePoint –
content” group, and data sources of the “SharePoint list” type. Below is a
detailed list of differences in how specific modes work:
Use Local connection type with „Current user” authentication method only
for working in the context of form in CLASSIC mode.
For form in MODERN mode and application for mobile devices,
authentication method “Current user” is not supported. In this case
connection needs to be configured with “Service account” authentication
method”.
„Create list” action
When using connection of the SharePoint On-Premises type, the list is
created without columns and without values defined in the template.
In Local and SharePoint Online connections list is created accordingly with
template definition.
“Create site” action
„Activate WEBCON configuration feature” option can be used only in
connections of Local type and invoking action in the context of the form in
CLASSIC mode. In other cases, despite selecting this option, the feature will
not be activated on the website.
WEBCON BPS 95
Interpretation of a number type column in SharePoint List data sources.
In sources using Local connection type to a SharePoint list, with a number
type column, this column is interpreted as an integer or a floating point
number. This interpretation depends on the configuration of number of
decimal places defined for the number column on the SharePoint list.
For sources using connections of SharePoint On-Premises and SharePoint
Online type, number column is always interpreted as a floating point
number.
SharePoint-group actions using connections with „Service account”
authentication method are launched in the context of the user on whom
the application pool works.
4.21. SharePoint list privileges
For user on whom WEBCON BPS Portal pool is working, it is required to give
permissions to edit SharePoint lists used as data sources of “SharePoint list” type.
Privilege change is required, if in the connection that data source is using,
“Service account” authentication method was used and source is used on forms
operating in MODERN mode – both on form available for mobile devices, or on
forms available in Outlook Add-In.
4.22. Privileges to SharePoint attachment library
Attachments edited by the SharePoint list functionality require providing
privileges to edit the attachment library to the user on whom the WEBCON BPS
Portal pool works.
The address of a document library used by the edit functionality of SharePoint list
is available from the level of WEBCON BPS Designer Studio in the section:
System settings -> Global parameters -> SharePoint configuration -> Attachment
library site and Attachment library name.
Privilege change is required to launch the functionality on forms in MODERN
mode, and forms available in applications for mobile devices and Outlook Add-
In.
WEBCON BPS 96
4.23. Increasing number of available columns of Floating point number type in Item list
form field
The number of Floating-point-number type columns that may be used in an Item
list has been increased. It is now possible to use up to 30 columns of this type.
4.24. Changes in form field initialization with default values
The method of form field initialization with a Default value has been changed for
forms viewed in preview mode. Form fields, that have a default value
configured, will not be filled with it if the form is opened in preview mode. Filling
form fields with default values will happen when a user begins to edit the form.
4.25. Changes in operations of barcode printing action
Option to configure a default barcode label at sub-workflow launch action and
at new document registration was deleted. Configuration is no longer available
in action: Start a subworkflow and Start a subworkflow (SQL) (option “Print
barcode”), in the form type configuration (option “Print barcode label active
action”), and on the form.
Manual workflow modification required. In places where action of printing
barcode label was launched previously, create action for printing barcodes
which has an execution condition controlled by an adequate business rule.
4.26. New SDK
There are changes in the method of storing and managing SDK plugin versions.
From now on, plugin files are stored in WEBCON BPS database as complete
packages. At launch, an SDK component is uploaded to the memory in which it
stays until application pool restarts.
Introducing a new mechanism to manage SDK plugins required file versioning at
the level of their creation.
Plugins created for WEBCON BPS versions lower than 2019 are not compatible
with the current version.
4.27. Dedicated SDK for workflow control has been removed
It is no longer possible to create SDK plugins dedicated for use in the Flow control
step. If you still need to use SDK to define the logic for this type of step, create a
business rule which uses a SQL EXECUTION function.
WEBCON BPS 97
4.28. Removal of certain variables
In WEBCON BPS 2019, it is no longer possible to use the variable: {MOSS:name}.
Variables: {R:name}, {AD:name}, {WSS:name} can no longer be used on
MODERN forms, mobile forms, Outlook Add-In forms, and in Workflow Service
operations.
4.29. System log tables’ name change
The names of tables in the database that store system logs have been changes.
Please consult the following table to compare previous and current table
names:
Previous table name Current table name
WebServiceAPILogs AdminAPILogs
ServiceLogs AdminServiceLogs
FolderLogs AdminFileProcessingLogs
WFEventLogs AdminWfEventlogs
DataBaseMigrationLogs AdminDBMigrationLogs
HotMailBoxProcessingInfos AdminHotMailboxLogs
WFDebug AdminDebugLogs
WFLogs WFActionExecutions
AdminWfEventlogs AdminWFEventLogs
CacheSynchronizationEvents -Table removed-
CacheUpdateLogs -Table removed-
SyncLogs -Table removed-
4.30. Support for MS Project ended
WEBCON BPS 2019 no longer supports the MS Project Add-In. It is no longer
possible to synchronize project files from WEBCON BPS.
4.31. Support for the component: “WEBCON BPS for SharePoint Online” ended
Support for component: “WEBCON BPS for SharePoint Online”, available in the
system until version 2017.1.3.x, has been ended.
In WEBCON BPS 2019, it has been replaced by “WEBCON BPS Modern Web Parts
for Office 365”, which adds additional features.
WEBCON BPS 98
4.32. Important information regarding MODERN forms
Manually migrating the form from CLASSIC mode to MODERN (configuration
described in chapter 2.8), one must take into account the following differences
and limitations of the MODERN form:
Form fields
- No attachments column (local or related) in Item lists.
- No Item list controls SDK
- No custom controls SDK
- Limitations to Field customizations SDK (no longer has an effect on
the look, only effects logic)
- Limitations to Item list customizations SDK (no longer has an effect on
the look, only effects logic)
- No Gantt chart form field
- No vacation chart form field
- No vacation summary form field
Attachments section of the form
- No longer possible to paste attachments from the clipboard directly
to the form
Unavailable actions
- Teach OCR AI
- Authorize user
- Copy to another instance
- Move to another instance
- Change form type
- Start workflow manually
- Sign attachment (in User signing mode)
- Sign attachment with Cosign (in User signing mode)
- Project actions
Hyperlink action
- Can no longer use JavaScript
No OCR verification view
No rules of the type: “Form rule to be executed on page load and
postback”.
MODERN mode no longer has rules of this type.
When migrating manually from CLASSIC to MODERN, the recommended
approach is to move the desired form rules to the “Form rules to be
executed on page load” section, and also to the “Form rules to be
executed on value change” section of form fields which invoke a
postback.
Appearance global parameter
- ‘Read-only fields’ color scheme will not take effect on Modern forms.
WEBCON BPS 99
4.33. WEBCON BPS Portal limitations in standalone installation mode
Standalone installation mode has certain limitations when compared to
SharePoint installations, they include:
No OCR verification view
Multiple users cannot edit an attachment simultaneously
Limited substitution functionality
Reports
- No archive view
- No subordinates view
- No mass actions
Limitations derived from the lack of access to a SharePoint server:
- Cannot use SharePoint lists as a document template repository (for
document generating actions).
- Cannot connect to SharePoint using the “Local” configuration
option, which makes it impossible to reference SharePoint lists in the
context of the current user.
- Cannot synchronize the BPS user list with SharePoint – no SharePoint
groups.
WEBCON BPS 100
4.34. Moved storage place of certain user configuration parameters
The place where the following configuration parameters are stored has been
changed:
BPS user list synchronization configuration
User’s default language configuration
Up to and including version 2017.1.3, these parameters were stored individually
for each content database (in version 2017.1 they were called process
databases).
Starting with version 2019.1.1, these parameters are stored in the configuration
database and are shared between all content databases.
For installations that have only one content database, the change of
configuration storage will have no effect on how the system works.
For installations that have more than one content database, when updating to
WEBCON BPS 2019, configuration values from the default content database will
be moved to the configuration database. The default content database is the
database containing the most workflow instances (i.e. most records in the
WFElements table).
4.35. Moved storage place of certain mobile app configuration parameters
The place where the following configuration parameters are stored has been
changed:
List of registered mobile devices
List of favorite reports on the mobile app
Up to and including version 2017.1.3, these parameters were stored individually
for each content database (in version 2017.1 they were called process
databases).
Starting with version 2019.1.1, these parameters are stored in the configuration
database and are shared between all content databases.
When updating to WEBCON BPS 2019, the list of registered mobile devices will be
loaded from each content databases and moved entirely to the configuration
database.
The list of favorite reports in the mobile app will not be moved, and the historical
list will not be available in the newest mobile app.
