Transitioning records between workflow states is another major feature of VERA. State transitions are used to move a record through its defined workflow. Examples of workflow transitions include:
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As with most VERA actions, workflow transitions can be executed against a single record, or as a batch operation against multiple records. To begin a transition, first select a record or a folder containing multiple records in the QC/ALM interface.
Next, select the appropriate transition button from the VERA Action Menu. Each available transition will have its own button in the Action Menu. Reference Sections 2 through 8 for a description of the specific transitions associated with each action button.
The following are examples of transition buttons for a defect record:
Figure 29: Defect transition actions in the VERA Action Menu
After selecting the intended transition action from the VERA Action Menu, the user will be presented with the standard multi-selection dialog described in Section 1.3.3. Select the specific record(s) to transition and press OK to complete the action.
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Some transitions are configured to require a transition reason. For these transitions, VERA will require the user to provide a reason or justification for executing the transition. This configuration is typically reserved for transitions that happen post-approval (after the record has been electronically signed).
If a transition reason is required, then a second dialog box will display, prompting for the transition. The user must enter a transition reason. If the user cancels this dialog, then the entire transition will be cancelled.
Figure 30: A transition reason prompt. This example is from a transition from Approved to Obsolete.
Transitioned Records
Upon completion of the transition, the record will enter the new workflow state:
- The Status field will update to display the record's new workflow state.
- The record's data fields will either become locked or unlocked, as appropriate:
- If the record transitioned from an editable state to a non-editable state (example: Draft to Cancelled), then the record will have become locked.
- If the record transitioned from a non-editable state to an editable state (example: Approved to Draft), then record will have become unlocked.
- If a transition reason was required (reference Section 1.5.2), then the Revision Reason field will update with the new information. (example below)
- If an approved record was moved back to an editable state, then the Revision Number field is incremented.
Figure 31: Revision Reason field after a transition