Creating and Arranging Nodes

Creating Nodes

Process nodes are created by left dragging processes from the browser onto the graphics area. Note that the name of the node is displayed on both the browser and graphics windows. A process may be used more than once but any changes made in the browser will apply to all instances of its use.

If variants of a process are required a new one with a different name must be created.

All other nodes are created from the context menu (right-hand mouse click) in the graphics area.

Nodes may be copied and pasted in the browser window.

Arranging Nodes

Once defined, nodes may be left dragged to any position on the graphics area. Strategy Manager does not attach any particular significance to that position as the flow through the strategy is controlled by links and decision nodes. Users will generally find it convenient to space nodes generously and to arrange them so that flow is downwards from start to end.

Note that loops, where the flow could run in a never ending circle, are not permitted.

Creating Links

Once positioned, the nodes can be joined with links to indicate the flow. The processing route enters nodes via entry link and leaves by an exit link. Create a link by right pressing on the node at the beginning of the link and dragging to the node at the end of the link. Note that nodes snap to positions such that neat straight links can easily be created.

Start nodes have no entry links and one exit link
Decision nodes have any number of entries and two exits. Note that the two links leaving a decision node must be designated yes/no.
Data nodes have any number of entries and one exit
Process nodes have any number of entries and one exit
End nodes have any number of entries and no exits

You can also use Group nodes to collect together other nodes and links to make the display more understandable.

Selecting Nodes

In the graphics area, nodes may be selected by left clicking on them, or by holding down the left-hand mouse key and dragging a window over several of them.