Start node

Overview

The Start node defines the entry point of a workflow process. Every process definition must have exactly one Start node, which marks where the workflow execution begins. When a workflow is initiated, the Start node creates and initializes the process instance, setting up the initial context variables that will be available throughout the workflow execution.

Node Properties

The Start node configuration is minimal, containing only the essential properties needed to define the workflow’s starting point:

Property	Type	Description
Source position	Dropdown	Defines the position from which the transition arrow exits the node. Available options are: - Top - Transition exits from the top of the node - Bottom - Transition exits from the bottom of the node - Left - Transition exits from the left side of the node - Right - Transition exits from the right side of the node This is a visual property that helps organize the workflow diagram layout.
Id	Number	Unique identifier assigned to the node. This value is automatically generated by the system and uniquely identifies the node within the process definition.

Note

The Start node only allows one outgoing transition (source). It cannot have any incoming transitions.

Context Variables

When the Start node executes, it initializes several variables in the workflow execution context. These variables are accessible throughout the workflow’s lifecycle:

Variable Name	Type	Description
processInstance	ProcessInstance	Contains the ProcessInstance object representing the running instance of the workflow. This object provides access to the current state and data of the workflow execution.
initiator	Actor	Contains the Actor object representing the user who initiated the workflow. This variable identifies who started the process and can be used for authorization or notification purposes.
processDefinition	ProcessDefinition	Contains the ProcessDefinition object that defines the workflow structure, nodes, and transitions. This represents the workflow template being executed.
uuid	String	Contains the UUID of the OpenKM node associated with the workflow instance. This variable is only present when the workflow is started in the context of a specific OpenKM node (document, folder, mail, or record).
node	Document / Folder / Mail / Record	Contains the OpenKM object (Document, Folder, Mail, or Record) associated with the workflow instance. This variable is only present when the workflow is started with an OpenKM node, and its presence is directly related to the uuid variable. The specific object type depends on what type of OpenKM node was used to initiate the workflow.

Caution

The uuid and node variables are only available when the workflow is initiated from an OpenKM node. If the workflow is started manually or programmatically without an associated node, these variables will not be present in the context.