Next-Generation Data Flow

Next-Generation Data Flow diagram allows you to add and explore applications and their interfaces to better understand how data flows within your environment. It will eventually replace the old Data Flow editor.

However, at the moment, the Next-Generation Data Flow editor is only available as an early access feature. Some of the features found in the old Data Flow editor are yet to be fully integrated into the new tool yet. These features are listed in the last section of this document.

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Note

This is an early access feature and not a complete replacement for the existing Data Flow editor.

Working with the Next-Generation Data Flow diagram editor

Creating a new diagram

To start working with a Next-Generation Data Flow diagram editor, click on the New Diagram button and select the Next-Generation Data Flow tile. This will open a blank canvas for you to begin adding applications.

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Important

To prevent potential data loss, please press Save immediately after creating a new diagram to create a working copy.

Adding applications

There are two ways to add applications in the Next Generation Data Flow editor: using the plus button on the toolbar or by right-clicking on the canvas. In both cases, a menu appears with the entry Insert Fact Sheet. Clicking on this item opens a modal where you can select the applications you want to add to the canvas.

Expanding interfaces

You can expand the interfaces of adjacent applications by clicking the arrow icon associated with an application on the canvas. This adds applications to the canvas and creates connections between the existing application and the newly added applications.

Change layout

You can choose from three different layouts for your diagram - vertical, horizontal, and manual. To select a layout, click the layout drop-down menu on the toolbar and select the layout you want to apply.

Apply Views

You can apply different views to your diagram to show specific states of applications. To apply a view, click the Select a view menu on the toolbar and select the view you want to apply.

Show drill-downs for applications

You can view a drill-down on a specific application by right-clicking on it and hovering over the Drill-down menu item. This will open a submenu showing all available relations for that application. To view the drill-down, click on a relation.

Keep the data displayed in the diagram up to date

The diagram data is kept up to date with the inventory, so any changes made to the inventory are automatically reflected in the diagram.

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Automatic update

Fact Sheets and relations will only be removed from the canvas if you manually apply these updates. Labels and views are updated automatically. This can be turned off in the diagram settings or in the Update modal.

If auto-update is applied after the diagram is opened, there is no need for the customer to save. He can click Exit and Discard changes and the diagram will be in the same state as before the auto-update.

Status of Features in the Next-Generation Data Flow Diagram

It is important to note that this is an early release and not a full replacement for the existing Data Flow editor. The missing features are listed in the table below and will be partially implemented in the near future. Please note that not all current features will be available in the Next-Generation Data Flow editor, and those features are listed in the table below.

FeatureOutlook
Labels on interfacesComing soon to Next-Generation Data Flow diagram editor.

The labels on interfaces feature allow users to add and display different labels on interface connections between applications.
Apply a filter on a diagramComing soon to Next-Generation Data Flow diagram editor.

The ability to filter the Next-Generation Data Flow diagram allows users to reuse larger diagrams by focusing on specific contexts.
Drill-down by filterComing soon to Next-Generation Data Flow diagram editor.

The editor will provide a drill-down feature that allows users to filter out unwanted Fact Sheets related to an application. By applying a filter, users can drill down and include only the related Fact Sheets that are relevant to their needs.
Export of diagramsComing soon to Next-Generation Data Flow diagram editor.

The editor provides a menu that allows users to quickly and easily export their diagrams in a variety of formats. Users can export their diagrams as image files, such as PNG or SVG, or as PDF documents. They can also select to export the diagram data as a diagrams.net XML file or HTML Embed Code.
Built-in view: Technology RiskThe Next-Generation Data Flow diagram editor will not re-implement the Built-in view: Technology Risk.

This feature is deprecated and will be replaced in the new editor by Obsolescence views. Obsolescence views provide a more comprehensive and up-to-date approach to technology risk management, allowing users to identify and manage the risks associated with obsolete technology components. The decision not to reimplement the Built-in view: Technology Risk reflects our commitment to providing users with the most effective and efficient features and tools.
Different relations in drill-downsThe Next-Generation Data Flow diagram editor will not re-implement the Different relations in drill-downs.

Unlike the old editor, the new editor lets you add Fact Sheets multiple times, which serves as a workaround and should reduce some complications when creating Fact Sheets and relations from the canvas. The decision not to reimplement this feature reflects our commitment to providing users with the most effective and efficient features and tools. We may revisit this functionality at a later date.
Aggregate interfacesThe Next-Generation Data Flow diagram editor will not re-implement the beta feature Aggregate Interfaces.

This feature was a beta implementation in the old version of the editor and was never fully released. While the feature may have been useful in some scenarios, it did not meet our standards, and the decision was made not to include it in the new editor.
Custom styles for Fact SheetsThe Next-Generation Data Flow diagram editor will not re-implement the beta feature Custom styles for Fact Sheets.

This feature was a beta implementation in the old version of the editor and was never fully released. While the feature may have been useful in some scenarios, it did not meet our standards, and the decision was made not to include it in the new editor.