Process Variables Visualization

Description

The process variables visualization feature allows users to view the variables associated with a running or completed process instance and their corresponding values. This is essential for debugging process execution, verifying data flow between tasks, and understanding the current state of a process.

Access

To view process variables:

  1. Navigate to Application Builder > BPM components > Technical Monitoring > Process Instances

  2. Select a process instance from the list

  3. Open the Variables tab

Variable Table

The variables tab displays a table with the following columns:

Column Description

Name (1)

The technical name of the process variable. This corresponds to the variable names used in scripts, expressions, and action configurations throughout the process.

Value (2)

The current value of the variable, displayed as a string representation. For complex objects, this shows the serialized form.

Variable Types

Process variables can hold different types of data depending on how they were set during process execution:

  • String values: Text data set by scripts or user input

  • Numeric values: Integer or decimal values from calculations or field mappings

  • Boolean values: True/false flags used in conditions and gateways

  • Object references: References to Axelor records (displayed as serialized representations)

  • JSON data: Structured data from custom model (MetaJsonModel) records

  • Collections: Lists of values used in multi-instance activities or loop iterations

Common Use Cases

Debugging Process Execution

When a process is stuck or behaving unexpectedly, check the variables tab to verify:

  • Whether expected variables have been set correctly

  • Whether condition variables have the expected true/false values

  • Whether data passed between tasks is complete and accurate

Verifying Script Output

After a script task or action executes, verify the output by checking the variables tab. The variables set by $response.setValue() or execution.setVariable() calls are visible here.

Monitoring Data Flow

Track how data flows through the process by comparing variable values at different stages. This helps identify where data transformation or loss occurs.

Variable visualization is read-only. To modify process variables at runtime, use the Process Instance Modification feature or execute a script through a service task.

Technical Details

Process variables are visualized using the transient WkfInstanceVariable entity:

Field Type Description

name

String

Variable name

value

Large String

Variable value (serialized)

This entity is non-persistent (transient) — it exists only for display purposes. The actual variable data is stored in the Camunda process engine’s runtime and history tables.