Using Swimlanes
Introduction
The swimlane is a tool that enables graphical presentation of certain diagram types.
The table below shows examples of objects that can be placed in a swimlane (according to diagram type).
|
Diagram type
|
Objects that can be placed in swimlane
|
|
Flowchart
|
org-unit, role
|
|
Business Process Diagram
|
org-unit, role
|
|
Operating mode
|
org-unit, role
|
|
Workflow Diagram
|
org-unit, role, application
|
|
objective and requirement diagram
|
perspective
|
|
Activity Diagram (UML)
|
partition
|
Operating principle
If you insert several org-units of different dimensions in a diagram, by inserting them in a swimlane they automatically take identical dimensions and are automatically aligned.
The objects concerned can be arranged automatically in vertical or horizontal swimlanes.
Creating swimlanes
To create a swimlane:
1. In the toolbar of a diagram, for example a flowchart, click on one of the two buttons in the toolbar for swimlane creation.
• 
enables creation of a vertical swimlane.
• 
enables creation of a horizontal swimlane.
2. Click on the diagram.
The swimlane is placed in the diagram.
To place an org-unit in the swimlane:
Click on the org-unit and holding the mouse button down, move the org-unit into the swimlane.
The swimlane adapts to the size of the org-unit.
If other objects are linked to the org-unit (operations, organizational processes, etc.), these will remain attached to the org-unit during its movement.
Modifying the order of objects in a pool
A zone comprising several swimlanes is called a "pool".
To change the order of objects:
Using the mouse, move the object to the required position.
An arrow indicates the direction of movement and the new position of the object.
To remove an object from a pool:
Using the mouse, drag it outside the zone.
Creating a new object in a swimlane
When creating a new org-unit in a diagram containing a swimlane, the org-unit can be added inside or outside the swimlane.
To create a new object inside the swimlane:
1. In the insert toolbar, click the icon corresponding to the object you want to create.
2. Then click inside the swimlane.
The object creation dialog box appears.
3. Enter the name of the object and click OK.
Display mode of objects in a swimlane
Objects that can be placed in a swimlane have an additional characteristic enabling determination of object display mode (in lines or columns).
This function is available with
MEGA Windows Front-End only.
To view this characteristic:
1. Right-click the object and select Shapes and Details.
2. In the dialog box that opens, select Orientation, which allows selection of object display mode:
• Default
• Column (vertical)
• Line (horizontal)
If you originally created a vertical swimlane, objects placed in the swimlane will have column display mode.
Globally modifying size of objects in a pool
You can modify the size of all objects placed in a pool in a single operation.
To globally modify size of objects in a pool:
1. Select the pool and position the cursor on a handle on the desired outside edge, changing the shape of the cursor to a small arrow.
2. Holding the mouse button down, move the cursor to modify size of the selection.
The size of all objects in the pool is modified in identical proportion.
Modifying size of a single object in a pool
You can modify the size of just one object in a pool.
To do this:
1. Select the object you wish to modify.
A dotted line frame appears around the object.
2. Position the cursor on the dotted line frame.
The cursor changes shape to an arrow.
3. Holding the mouse button down, change the size of your selection.
Only the selected object is modified.
