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Available Output Option

An available output is used with an event-based gateway in a BPMN diagram, but can also be used in a process diagram. This option causes the process to identify possible receiving activities and determine the first one that can accept a transaction based on whether input constraints are met. The input constraint is a condition that must be satisfied or an event that must occur, such as the receipt of a message, before the following activity can receive a transaction. For more information, see Input Collections. 

For example, if you are waiting to hear back from potential vendors before making a purchase and you have decided to give your business to the first vendor who calls, you may use the available output option to choose the first vendor who returns your call, or, if no vendors return your call within a set time period, proceed with a different course of action.

Activities receiving the transaction must meet one of the following conditions explained in Available. All input constraints are evaluated and executed at once. If no input is available, transactions are queued at the decision shape based on the Queuing Rule specified for the shape on the Properties dialog box - Inputs page.

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