Workflows on the IS-EPOS Platform
User guide (early version)
Note: this guide requires some basic knowledge of running applications on the IS-EPOS Platform.
1. What is a Workflow?
2. Creating a workflow
2.1. Example workflow merging
2.2. Deleting / Expanding workflow
3. Editing workflow
4. Copying and sharing
4.1. Copying workflows
4.2. Sharing workflows

This guide is also available as a video:

1. What is a Workflow?

A Workflow is a sequence of tasks that processes a set of data. On the IS-EPOS Platform, any set of applications present in your workspace can become a workflow.
Let's take a look at the example set of applications for estimating ground motion prediction equation (GMPE):

GMParametersBuilder - Ground Motion Parameters Catalog builder
CatalogFilter - Catalog filter
GMPEEqsCalc - Ground Motion Prediction Equations: GMPE calculation

This sequence consists of three applications. Running, adjusting forms and analysing results requires you to open each of the applications separately. It gets more complicated as more and more applications are used. This can be simplified by using a MERGE WORKFLOW feature which enables you to merge directory with a set of applications into a single Workflow application.
After creating a workflow workspace structure can be simplified:

The workflow view combines all application forms inside the merged directory. You can create a customized workflow view which shows you:

Inputs and form applications inside workflow (you can customize which forms are visible)

Running controls and combined status, which gives you the ability to execute all applications inside the workflow using a single RUN button - the system will execute all applications in the correct order. You can also monitor individual application statuses, save their forms or enable autorun for the entire workflow.

Outputs form applications and visualizations inside the workflow. You can customize which outputs are visible to hide irrelevant intermediate results.

2. Creating a workflow

To create a workflow

make sure that the given directory contains all applications that should be included inside a workflow;
check if all applications have defined inputs and forms, try to execute them;
if applications can be executed you can use MERGE WORKFLOW action for the directory which should be merged into the workflow.

Merging workflow does not change the logical structure of applications inside. You can easily undo this operation by clicking EXPAND WORKFLOW action.

2.1. Example workflow merging

Let's take a look at the example set of applications for estimating ground motion prediction equation (GMPE):

GMParametersBuilder - Ground Motion Parameters Catalog builder
CatalogFilter - Catalog filter
GMPEEqsCalc - Ground Motion Prediction Equations: GMPE calculation

All applications are inside GMParametersBuilder directory with the inputs defined as follows:

Note that some inputs (LGCD_catalog.mat and LGCD_GMCatalog 343kb.mat) are outside the GMParametersBuilder directory. The inputs that are outside the merged directory will become workflow inputs.
To merge GMParametersBuilder directory to the workflow:

Use 3 dots menu near GMParametersBuilder directory, click MERGE WORKFLOW action:
Accept dialog box message:

Now the workspace structure looks like this. GMParametersBuilder workflow contains all outputs from the applications that were inside the GMParametersBuilder directory.

Workflow view shows you:

Inputs and forms
1. Note that only inputs that were outside the merged directory are editable. In this case LGCD_catalog.mat and LGCD_GMCatalog 343kb.mat files were outside the GMParametersBuilder directory. Other inputs are hidden and blocked, you can modify them only after expanding workflow back to directory.
2. Currently, GMParametersBuilder workflow does not have any forms but you can choose which forms are visible in the workflow edit view using the EDIT/ DEBUG WORKFLOW button. More on that in the Editing workflows section.
Controls for running a workflow RUN button will execute all applications inside the workflow in the correct order. You can save workflow forms using a SAVE button.
Status Status shows the overall workflow status and individual application statuses.
Outputs By default all application outputs are visible. you can choose which outputs are visible in the workflow edit view using the EDIT/ DEBUG WORKFLOW button. More on that in the Editing workflows section.

2.2. Deleting / Expanding workflow

You can easily delete/expand workflow using EXPAND WORKFLOW action. It will restore the underlying directory so that the workspace structure is the same as before merging a workflow.

If you want to change the workflow structure e.g. add/delete applications or change their inputs you can expand it, modify the content of the directory and merge the directory into workflow again.

3. Editing workflow

You can customize which forms and outputs are visible in the workflow view by clicking EDIT / DEBUG WORKFLOW button:

In the edit view you can customize:

Workflow description and application names:
Which forms are visible. You can show/hide the form using + or - buttons:
Which outputs are visible. You can show/hide the form using + or - buttons:

To save changes click SAVE WORKFLOW TEMPLATE button:

4. Copying and sharing

Workflow can be easily copied and shared with other IS-EPOS Platform users using COPY and SHARE actions.

4.1. Copying workflows

Use COPY action and select the target directory:

The workflow will be copied with all internal applications. Workflow template is also copied (visible forms, visible outputs, workflow description and application names).

4.2. Sharing workflows

Use SHARE action and provide the email address of the user you want to share the workflow with:

The user will receive an email with the link to your workflow.

They can add your workflow to their workspace using ADD TO WORKSPACE button. The workflow will be copied with all internal applications. Again workflow template is also copied (visible forms, visible outputs, workflow description and application names).

Creating and Managing Workflows