Active Link Guides

In BMC Remedy, Active Link Guides are workflow objects that enable you to execute a series of Active Links in a predefined sequence. These guides are client-side objects and are typically used to manage workflows that involve user interactions, such as form validation, data entry assistance, or navigation.

Key Characteristics of Active Link Guides

1. Execution Scope:

   • Active Link Guides operate on the client side and are triggered by user actions, such as button clicks, menu selections, or field changes.

2. Sequential Execution:

   • Active Links within a guide execute in the exact order they are listed.

3. Conditional Execution:

   • Each Active Link in the guide checks its associated conditions. Only those with satisfied conditions will execute.

4. Looping Support:

   • Active Link Guides support loops, allowing you to repeat a series of Active Links for a defined number of iterations or until a specific condition is met.

5. Context Dependency:

   • Active Link Guides are usually associated with a specific form, but they can also be used across multiple forms when needed.

6. Interactive Workflows:

   • They are ideal for workflows that require user interaction, such as dynamic field updates or guided data entry.

Common Uses of Active Link Guides

1. Wizard-like Interfaces:

   • Creating step-by-step workflows for users, such as data wizards or guided form entry.

2. Field Validation:

   • Validating multiple fields sequentially before submitting a form.

3. Dynamic Field Updates:

   • Auto-populating or updating fields based on user input in real time.

4. Menu Navigation:

   • Automating navigation between tabs or sections of a form.

5. Reusability:

   • Standardizing workflows across multiple forms by reusing the same guide.

Example Workflow Using Active Link Guides

1. A user clicks a Next button on a multi-step form.
2. The Active Link Guide starts and executes Active Links to:
   • Validate the current step's data.
   • Save the step's data temporarily.
   • Display the next step of the form.
3. If any validation fails, the guide stops and displays an error message.
4. The process continues until the user completes all steps.

Benefits of Active Link Guides

• Simplified Workflow Management: Centralizes multiple Active Links into a single guide for better organization.
• Reusability: Reduces redundancy by allowing the same guide to be reused across multiple workflows or forms.
• Improved User Experience: Enables the creation of interactive and dynamic workflows.

Comparison with Filter Guides Feature Active Link Guides Filter Guides Execution Context Client-side (user interaction) Server-side (data operations) Triggered By User actions (clicks, menu selections) Database events (submit, modify, delete) Looping Support Yes No

Would you like help creating or designing an Active Link Guide for a specific use case?