Flowchart Block Types
In order to provide the flexibility required to create event analysis flowcharts that model scenarios as realistically as possible, there are several different types of blocks. For the different types of blocks, the appearance and options available in the Block Properties window will vary. This section is intended to help you identify the basic types of blocks found in flowcharts.
Note: The shapes, colors and locations shown here represent the default settings. For information on modifying appearance settings, see Diagram Skins and Appearance Settings.
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A flowchart standard block evaluates a mathematical expression, and then passes the result (output value) of the expression to the next block(s) in the flowchart. |
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A result storage block stores numerical values passed to it during simulations, and then computes or holds a result. |
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Conditional Block |
A conditional block functions as an "if" statement. It checks the incoming value against a conditional expression, with possible outcomes of true and false. |
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A binary node takes an incoming value and multiplies it by a specified value. The resulting value is passed down the "true" path. The value passed down the "false" path is the incoming value multiplied by (1 minus the specified value). Binary nodes are primarily intended to facilitate building decision trees. |
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Logic Gate |
A logic gate checks multiple incoming values against a conditional expression, with possible outcomes of true and false. It determines the overall block outcome based on the gate type, which specifies how many of the incoming values must meet the condition in order for the outcome to be true. |
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Branch Gate |
A branch gate functions as a "switch" statement. It checks the incoming value against a number of cases, and passes different outputs depending on which case or branch evaluates to true. |
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Summing Gate |
A summing gate performs a simple mathematical operation on all incoming values (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, averaging incoming values or finding the maximum or minimum of the incoming values), and returns a single value to all outgoing paths. |
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Flag Marker and Go-to-Flag Blocks |
Flag markers and go-to-flags are used to build subroutines and loops that repeat steps in a flowchart until a certain condition is reached. The flag marker marks a spot in the path of the flowchart, and the go-to-flag transfers the flow of execution to that spot. |
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Stop Flag |
A stop flag halts the simulation process when it is encountered. No further simulations, runs or analyses will be performed until you next simulate the flowchart. |
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Counter Block |
A counter block records the number of times the simulation has passed through it, and then passes the recorded value to the next block in the flowchart. |
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Reset Block |
A reset block forces the software to generate new values for all static functions in the flowchart while simulation is in progress. |
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UI Block |
A UI block pauses flowchart simulation until the user provides some form of input. |
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Subchart Block |
Subchart blocks represent other flowcharts within the project. Subchart blocks are generally used to break down a larger flowchart into simpler steps to reduce complexity and improve traceability. |
