Hopex Aquila EN

Describing Conversation Message Flows

The message flows exchanged in a conversation are described in the service operation associated to the conversation.

A message translator is a communication step that translates a message from a format to another. It can be used for trans-codification, data type conversion.

A service operation is described by message flows and their content which are exchanged between the two roles representing the stakeholders in the conversation.

The content designates the content of a message or an event, independent of its structure. This structure is represented by an XML schema linked to the content. A content may be used by several messages, since it is not associated with a sender and a destination. There can be only one content per message or event, but the same content can be used by several messages or events.

To describe message flows exchanged in a conversation:

1. Open the Characteristics property page of the Conversation that interests you.

2. From the service operation field, you can access the service operation and its contextual menu.

3. Open the Message Flow property page of the service operation.

4. Click the New button.

The Creation of Message Flow - Content dialog box opens.

5. From the Content drop-down list, select the content you wish to associate with the message flow.

The message flow with its content is displayed in the list of conversation contents.

You can associate several contents with the message flow.

6. Specify the direction of each message flow.

7. Click OK.

Creating a Service Operation Diagram (BPMN)

The sequence of flows exchanged during a service operation can be described by a service operation diagram.

"Customer Identification Service" Service Operation Diagram

The customer identification service protocol begins by sending information enabling identification of the customer. An error message appears if the customer is not found, otherwise customer information is sent (customer identification, status of orders, etc.).

To create an service operation diagram:

1. Open the Characteristics property page of the Conversation that interests you.

2. From the Service operation field, you can access the service operation and its properties.

3. From the Diagram page of the service operation, click Create a diagram.

4. Select Structured diagram.

The diagram opens. The frame of the service operation is positioned and the two roles (sender and recipient) are created. The message flows associated with the service operation are also positioned in the diagram.