Create an action in a template

All transitions can include an Action if an additional step needs to be done before the next Activity. For example, you can add an action for a process that is completed outside of Inspire, such as Hire a copy editor. You can also use an action to specify something a user should do after the activity is completed, such as Take a snapshot. Inspire does not populate the Action Management screen with any default Actions.

Tips and tricks

  • Inspire does not provide any default Actions that are manually completed by a user.
  • You can create an Action first and then select it when creating a Transition.
  • You can create a Transition without an Action and add it later.
  • A Transition can only include one Action.
  • An Action is unique to the template it's included in.
  • If you want to use the new or updated Action in a different template, you have to re-create it in that specific template
  • You can also use an Action to tell Inspire to perform an automated task.

    Currently there is only one option available for an automated Action:

    • The Action is called InspireCreateReview.

      • By default, the Transition from the Developing topics Activity to the Reviewing content Activity is completed manually by the user in the Writer Workgroup.

      • To automate the process, you can add an Action to have Inspire open a new Create Review screen automatically and populate any known details so the workflow user can quickly create the review and advance the workflow to the next stage (Reviewing).

    • This Action is only available in the Topic Workflow template.

    • You must configure it exactly as described in Add a Create Review Action to a topic workflow template. Otherwise, Inspire won't understand the Action as an automated process.
  • You also can manage actions in the following ways:

To create a new action:

  1. Click Components.
  2. In the Folders pane, select Workflows.

    If you have moved the template to another folder, go that location instead.

  3. In the Components pane, select a workflow.

    To open the template, do one of the following:

    • Double-click the file
    • Right-click the file, and then select Edit...
    • Click the Options menu, and then select Edit...
    Results: You see the workflow activities and transitions in the editor.
  4. In the toolbar at the top of the editor, click Actions.

    Results: The Action Management screen opens.

  5. On the Action Management screen, click Create.

    Results: The Create Action screen opens.

  6. In Name, enter a unique title that describes a manual step that occurs during a transition.
  7. Optionally, in Description, you can enter more details about what the user should do to complete this action.
  8. To save your changes to the Action, click Create.
    Results:
    • You can see your new action listed on the Action Management screen.
    • You can select your new action when creating or updating a Transition.
  9. To save your changes to the template, do one of the following:
    • If you are done updating the workflow, to close the workflow editor, click Save and Submit.
    • If you want to keep working but save your changes locally, click Save Progress.