Input Panel

Input Panel

Overview

The Input–Processing–Output (IPO) model is a simple way to explain how any automation works — whether it’s a computer program, business process, or integration flow. Input is the data or information provided to an automation.

Input Section

  1. The Input section provides the details on the inbound message, and the following tabs are provided in the section:
    1. Data section:
      1. Displays the inbound message and variables for the selected unit.
      2. Additionally, it also displays the list of the processed units.
    2. Working Area: 
      1. The section displays the list of variables and the details of the selected message. 
      2. As you select, the message gets displayed in this area, where you can work on the selected message or variables. 
      3. The header displays the selected message name.
      4. If you select a message, it will be displayed in tree view mode by default. However, the section provides the following options:
        1. Tree View
        2. Code View
      5. You can switch between code view and tree view by toggling the icon. 


Data Section

  1. The section provides the list of inbound messages and variables for the selected unit.
  2. Additionally, it also displays the list of the processed units.

  1. A Search option is also provided to find the unit name in the list.
  2. As you start typing the name, the result is displayed instantly.

Sorting

  1. You can also arrange the units in ascending (A to Z) or descending (Z to A) order using the icon next to the search icon.
  2. By default, the units are arranged in ascending order.
  3. Click the icon to switch to descending order.
  4. Click again to return to the default ascending order.

Collapse/Expand Section

  1. A collapse icon lets you minimize the data section, freeing up more space to review the message or variables.
  2. Click on the Collapse icon to collapse the Data section.

  1. Click again to expand the section.

View Message in Tree View

  1. Click on any of the messages to view its details.

  1. By default, the message will be displayed in Tree View.
  2. The tree view provides the following icons in the toolbar:
    1. Find: This option allows you to find any parameter in the inbound message.
    2. Font: You can set the message font for clearer viewing. The available font size range is from 8 to 24. Select the desired value from the drop-down.
    3. Legend: You can view the legend's details used in the message.
Notes
Please note that the message will be displayed in read-only mode. You cannot make any modifications to the message.


Adjust Font

  1. A toolbar provides font adjustments for the message, helping you enhance your view.
  2. Click the Font icon box.

  1. A font slider will appear. You can adjust the message font using the slider to increase or decrease it.
  2. As you slide, the message will instantly reflect the font. 


Find Node

  1. A Search function is also provided in the toolbar. It will help you to find the desired node of the message for debugging.
  2. Click the Find icon.

  1. When you click the Find icon, the field expands, allowing you to enter the keyword.
  2. As you start typing the keyword, the result is displayed instantly.
  3. The result is highlighted in orange. If more than one result is found, a navigation counter displays the number, and you can navigate between the results.

View Legend

  1. The message may be displayed in different colors based on its status. Using the legend, you can see what each color represents in the message.
  2. Click the Legend icon.

  1. When you click the Legend icon, a list of the legends gets displayed.
  2. The following legends are supported:
  3. Available: 
    1. The field exists in the input message structure and is available for use, but it may not yet be connected or assigned.
    2. It’s simply an option you can use when configuring the mapping.
  4. Mapped:
    1. The field is already connected to a target field or used in the mapping logic.
    2. As a result, data from this input field will be processed or transferred during execution.
  5. Not Mapped:
    1. The field appears in the input message but is not mapped to any target field.
    2. As a result, the system will ignore this field during processing unless a mapping is added later.

Switch Between Code and Tree View

  1. By Default, the message gets displayed in the tree view.
  2. Click on the Switch to Code View icon.

  1. The inbound message gets switched to code view.
  2. Click the icon again to switch back to tree view mode.


View Message in Code View

  1. If you have switched to code view mode, the inbound data will be shown in code.
  2. The code view displays the message and includes a toolbar to enhance your view.
  3. If you click on any of the parameters in the inbound message, the corresponding parameter in the outbound message will be highlighted (if the flow is executed and output is displayed).
Notes
Please note that the message will be displayed in read-only mode. You cannot make any modifications to the message.



Toolbar

  1. The toolbar provides the following icons:
    1. Cut: 
      1. Function: Removes the selected text or object from its current location and places it on the clipboard.
      2. Use Case: Moving content from one place to another.
    2. Copy:
      1. Function: Copies the selected text or object to the clipboard without removing it from its original location.
      2. Use Case: Duplicating content.
    3. Paste:
      1. Function: Inserts the clipboard content into the current location.
      2. Use Case: Adding previously cut or copied content.
    4. Find:
      1. Function: Searches for specific text or patterns within the document or code.
      2. Use Case: Quickly locating words, phrases, or code snippets.
    5. Replace:
      1. Function: Finds specific text and replaces it with new text.
      2. Use Case: Updating repeated terms or correcting errors throughout a document.
    6. Beautify:
      1. Function: Formats code or text to make it more readable and properly indented.
      2. Use Case: Cleaning up messy code for better readability.
    7. Word Wrap:
      1. Function: Ensures that long lines of text automatically wrap to fit within the visible window without horizontal scrolling.
      2. Use Case: Easier reading and editing of long lines.
    8. Maximize: 
      1. Function: Expands the editor or window to full screen for better focus and visibility.
      2. Use Case: Working without distractions or seeing more content at once.

View Variables

  1. The section will display the defined variables. You can create global or local variables in this section.
  2. To open the Variable section, click the Variable menu.

  1. A list of variables is displayed. The list includes both global and local variables.
  2. Each variable has a distinct icon for identification. By looking at the variable, you can easily identify whether it is a global or a local variable.

Global Variables 

  1. A global variable is one declared at a higher level and accessible from any part of the flow.
  2. Key Characteristics: 
    1. Accessible throughout the entire flow
    2. Can be used by multiple units
    3. Retains its value during the flow execution
  3. When to Use:
    1. Shared configuration values
    2. Data that must be reused across multiple units
    3. Environment-level settings

Local Variables

  1. A local variable is declared inside a specific unit or block and can only be accessed within that scope.
  2. Key Characteristics: 
    1. Limited visibility
    2. Exists only within the unit
    3. Not accessible outside the specific unit
  3. When to Use:
    1. Unit-specific logic
    2. Temporary calculations
    3. Intermediate processing values

Add Variables

  1. To add variables, click on the (+) icon as shown on the screen.

  1. An Add Variable pop-up will appear, displaying the following fields. All fields are mandatory.
  2. Variable Name:
    1. It is a text field; you can enter the variable name in this field.
    2. You are free to use any name of your choice.
  3. Scope:
    1. You need to select the variable scope from the drop-down.
    2. The following scopes are provided in the drop-down:
      1. Local: A local variable is declared within a specific unit and can be accessed only by that unit. 
      2. Global: A global variable is one declared at a higher level and accessible to all units throughout the flow.
  4. Variable Type:
    1. Once you have selected the scope, select the variable type from the drop-down.
    2. The following variable types are available:
      1. Fixed: 
        1. A fixed variable has a constant value that you manually define, and it does not change during execution. 
        2. Use Fixed Value when the data is always the same.
        3.  For example, Environment (variable) = Production (value), RetryCount (variable) = 3 (value), Currency = INR, etc.
      2. User: 
        1. A user variable gets its value from user input.
        2. For example, CustomerID - "C1001", Amount - "4500"
      3. Expression: 
        1. An expression variable is calculated using logic or formulas.
        2. The value can also be derived from other variables, or you can write your own.
  5. Once you have filled all the fields, click on the Add button.
  6. Click Cancel to close the pop-up.

  1. Once you click the Add button, a pop-up will appear prompting you to fill in the values of your variable.
  2. The pop-up will vary based on the variable types.

Adding Value for Fixed Variable

  1. This pop-up will appear if you have selected the Fixed Value in the Variable Type field.
  2. You need to define the fixed value for your variables. For example, Environment (variable) = Production (value).
  3. The supported values are a-z and 0-9.
  4. After entering the value, click on the Save button.


Adding Value for User-Defined Variable

  1. This pop-up will appear if you have selected the User in the Variable Type field.
  2. You need to fill in the values of the user-defined variables. The pop-up provides the following fields:
    1. Label:
      1. This field allows you to set the variable's label.
      2. The label helps you to identify the variable's purpose when it appears in the interface.
    2. Default Value:
      1. Set the default value for the selected variable. 
      2. This optional value pre-populates the variable field when the screen loads. If no value is entered, the field remains empty until you provide input at runtime.
    3. Value Mandatory:
      1. Make the variable mandatory or non-mandatory using the toggle switch. 
      2. A toggle switch that controls whether the user must provide a value for this variable before proceeding.
      3. When enabled, the variable becomes a required input. 
    4. Data Type:
      1. This field lets you set the data type of the selected variable. 
      2. A dropdown that specifies the expected data format for this variable. For example, string, boolean, etc.
      3. Choose a value from the drop-down to set the data type. 
    5. Description:
      1. This field allows you to write the description for your variable.
  3. After entering the value, click on the Save button.


Adding Value for the Expression Variable

  1. This pop-up will appear if you have selected the Expression in the Variable Type field.
  2. You need to define the expression for your variable.
  3. You can use the following types of expression:
    1. String concatenation: Example, FullName = FirstName + " " + LastName
    2. Conditional expression: Example, Status = IF(Amount > 5000, "Approved", "Pending")
    3. Date calculation: Example, NextDate = CurrentDate + 7
  4. After entering the value, click on the Save button.

  1. The newly added variable gets added to the list.
  2. If needed, you can edit the variable again.


Edit Variables

  1. To edit any variable, hover over the variable band and click on the Edit icon.
  2. Based on the variable type, the edit screen will open.

    Edit Fixed Variable Type

    1. Clicking the edit icon opens the Fixed Variable pop-up.
    2. You can modify the value in the Value field.
    3. Once the modification is complete, click the Save button.
    4. Click on the Cancel button to close the pop-up. 


    Edit User Defined Variable Type

    1. Clicking the edit icon opens the User Variable pop-up. The existing details will open, and you can modify the following fields:
      1. Label: This field allows you to change the label of the variable.
      2. Description: This field allows you to change the existing description.
      3. Mandatory: Make the variable mandatory or non-mandatory using the toggle switch. 
      4. Data Type: This field lets you set the data type of the selected variable. 
      5. Default Value: Set the default value for the selected variable. 
    2. Once the modification is complete, click the Save button.
    3. Click on the Cancel button to close the pop-up. 

    Edit Expression Variable Type

    1. Clicking the edit icon opens the Expression Variable pop-up. The existing expression will open.
    2. You can modify the existing expression of the variable. You can define the expression in the expression field. If you need any variable in your expression, you can drag and drop it from the list.
      Please note that you cannot use (drag & drop) the selected variable (the variable you are working on) in your expression. 
    3. Once the modification is complete, click the Save button.
    4. Click on the Cancel button to close the pop-up.

    Delete Variables

    1. To delete any variable, hover over the variable band and click on the Delete icon.

    1. A Delete Variable pop-up will appear.
    2. Click on the Yes button to delete the chosen variable.
    3. Click on the No button to close the pop-up.


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