Flow Configuration

Flow Configuration is the core basic function of the LMES system, used to define and manage business flow templates in the production process. Through visual flow design tools, you can build standardized and reusable flow templates to achieve collaborative control between production equipment, operating systems, and management systems.

• Component Identifier: FlowManagement
• Component Name: Flow Management
• Component Category: run (Plugin)

Core Functions

Flow Engine

• Provides a rich library of flow node types, supporting multiple nodes such as equipment interaction, data processing, condition judgment, etc.
• Supports the orchestration of complex flow logic such as serial, parallel, and branching.
• Implements standardized interaction interfaces with PLC, special equipment, and third-party systems.

Flow Template

• Can be referenced by processes, stations, or other business objects to automatically create flow instances.
• Supports parameterized configuration, adapting the same template to different production scenarios.
• Provides batch configuration function to quickly complete flow deployment for multiple stations.

Design Principles

• Follows the design principle of "Whoever owns the signal is responsible for handshake delivery".
• Ensures the maintainability and extensibility of flow templates.
• Supports flow version management and change traceability.

1. Function Overview

1.1 Flow Management Main Interface

The Flow Management main interface displays all flow templates created in the system. In this interface, you can:

• View the list of all flow templates
• Quickly find specific flow templates through the search box
• Create new flow templates
• Edit, copy, or delete existing flow templates

1.2 Flow Template Design Interface

The Flow Template Design Interface is the core workspace for creating and editing flows, containing the following main parts:

• Left: Flow Node Type Library, providing various available node types
• Middle: Flow Design Canvas, used for dragging and connecting nodes
• Right: Node Property Configuration Panel, used for setting detailed parameters of the selected node

1.3 Flow Node Types

The system provides multiple flow node types, including but not limited to:

• Basic Nodes: Start, End, Conditional Branch, etc.
• Equipment Interaction Nodes: PLC Communication, Equipment Control, etc.
• Data Processing Nodes: Data Collection, Calculation, Verification, etc.
• System Integration Nodes: Interfaces for interaction with third-party systems

1.4 Node Property Configuration

Each node has its specific property configuration options. Through the right property panel, you can set:

• Node Basic Information: Name, Description, ID, etc.
• Execution Conditions: Trigger Condition, Precondition, etc.
• Data Mapping: Input/Output Parameter Configuration
• Timeout Settings: Execution timeout time and handling strategy

1.5 Flow Connection and Logic Control

Flow design supports complex logic control:

• Serial Execution: Nodes execute sequentially
• Parallel Execution: Multiple nodes execute simultaneously
• Conditional Branch: Choose different execution paths based on conditions
• Loop Execution: Repeat execution of certain nodes under specific conditions

1.6 Flow Parameter Settings

Through the "Parameter Settings" function by right-clicking the flow, you can configure functions and fields for the flow:

• Function Configuration: Define functional parameters and attributes required by the flow
• Field Configuration: Set data fields and variables used in the flow
• Variable Mapping: After the process is associated with the flow, specific variables can be associated with these fields in the station
• Parameter Inheritance: Support inheriting parameter settings from templates to improve configuration efficiency

1.7 Batch Configuration

The batch configuration function is mainly used to facilitate users to batch modify the variable signal configuration of process stations associated with the flow, significantly improving configuration efficiency and convenience:

• Function Purpose: Simplify the variable configuration process for the same flow in multiple stations
• Applicable Scenario: Batch signal configuration when the same flow is referenced by multiple process stations

Specific Configuration Steps:

1. Select the flow, click Batch Configuration, and the system presents the batch configuration popup.
2. The station list will automatically filter out all stations associated with this flow.
3. Select the stations to be configured and click the "Flow Function Configuration" tab.
4. Batch define field variable rules to complete signal mapping configuration.

Operation Tip: The batch configuration popup supports multi-selecting variables and filling down in order, further improving configuration efficiency.

2. Operation Guide

2.1 Create Flow Template

1. In the Flow Management main interface, click the "New" button.
2. Enter the flow template name and description.
3. In the design interface, drag the required nodes from the left node library to the canvas.
4. Configure property parameters for each node.
5. Connect nodes to establish execution order and logical relationships.
6. Click the "Save" button to save the flow template.

2.2 Edit Flow Template

1. In the Flow Management main interface, find the flow template to be edited.
2. Click the "Edit" button to enter the design interface.
3. Modify node configuration, connection relationships, or add/delete nodes.
4. Click the "Save" button after completing modifications.

2.3 Reference Flow Template

1. In the process or station configuration interface, select the "Associate Flow" option.
2. Select the template to be referenced from the flow template list.
3. Configure initial parameters for the flow instance.
4. Confirm and save the configuration.

2.4 Monitor Flow Instance

Monitoring of flow instances is performed through the [Station Control Panel](../../Production Operation Management/Production Management/Station Control Panel/README.md):

1. Enter the Station Control Panel interface.
2. Select the station to be viewed and its associated flow instance.
3. View the real-time execution status and node information of the flow instance.
4. Perform necessary manual intervention operations through the Station Control Panel.
5. Monitor changes in various parameters and statuses during flow execution.

3. Common Questions

3.1 What to do if flow execution is stuck at a node?

Check if the node configuration is correct, especially execution conditions and timeout settings. If it is a node interacting with external equipment, confirm that the equipment connection status and communication are normal.

3.2 How to handle exceptions during flow execution?

The system provides an exception handling mechanism. You can configure exception handling strategies for key nodes during flow design, such as retry, skip, or terminate flow. You can also manually intervene to handle exceptions in the monitoring interface.

3.3 Can a flow template be referenced by multiple processes or stations simultaneously?

Yes, a flow template can be referenced by multiple processes or stations. Each reference creates an independent flow instance without affecting each other.

3.4 How to optimize the execution efficiency of complex flows?

• Reasonably design node granularity to avoid overly complex single nodes.
• Make full use of parallel execution functions to improve processing efficiency.
• Regularly check and optimize data interaction logic to reduce unnecessary data transmission.
• Set reasonable timeout times for key nodes to avoid long-term blocking.