Working with Data and Resource CRUD Matrices

A CRUD matrix is a table that allows you to observe, at a global level, the actions (Create, Read, Update, or Delete) your processes perform on data or resources, and modify or add any missing actions on them. You can open the Resource CRUD Matrix or Data CRUD Matrix using the commands available in the Tools menu.

You must have created at least one process and one resource or data object in order to have access to the commands. A CRUD matrix can be created in a choreography diagram with any of the following target languages:
  • Analysis languages (except BPMN)

  • Collaborative languages

To modify the CRUD values for a process, select the appropriate cell and select or deselect the CRUD check boxes in the Current Cell Value groupbox at the bottom of the matrix window. Changes made in the matrix are reflected in the diagram and property sheets of the affected objects. You cannot select and edit multiple cells.

Note:

A process must already be associate with data or resources in order for it to be included in the matrix. You cannot view and modify the CRUD values for objects that are not already related in some way.

In the following example, the Process Order process reads and updates the Client data, and reads the Credit Card data, and the Confirm Order Shipment process reads the Credit Card data:



In the following example, the Check Stock process reads data stored in the Inventory resource and the Ship FedEx Overnight process reads and updates data stored in the Work Team resource:



You can reorder the rows in the matrix by using the arrows at the bottom of the process column. The following tools are available above the matrix:

Tool

Description

Properties – Opens the property sheet of a:
  • Process, if you select a row header.

  • Resource or data, if you select a column header.

  • Resource flow or data, if you select a cell.

If parallel resource flows exist between a process and a resource, you will be prompted to choose the resource flow whose properties you want to consult.

Copy – Copies a CRUD matrix in order to paste it into another application such as:
  • Excel (as CSV).

  • Word (as text).

Find Symbol in Diagram – Finds in the diagram the symbol of a:
  • Process, if you select a row header.

  • Resource, if you select a column header.

  • Resource flow or process that contains the CRUD values, if you select a cell.

If parallel resource flows exist between a process and a resource, you will be prompted to choose the resource flow, whose symbol you want to find in the diagram.

Select Rows/Columns – Opens a selection box listing all the available objects, which allows you to add or remove rows and columns.

Display Only Non-Empty Rows/Columns – Displays only objects sharing a relationship or shows all available objects.

Vertical Column Header

Vertical/Horizontal Column Header - Toggles between vertical and horizontal orientation of column headers.

Shrink to Fit

Shrink to Fit - Shrinks row and column headers to fit their contents.

Export to Excel

Export to Excel - Exports the matrix as an MS Excel file. If the specified file already exists, you will be given the option to overwrite it or append a new worksheet in the file.

Print - Extended

Print - Prints the matrix. Click the arrow to the right of the button to view a print preview or to access the Page Setup dialog.