Defining the dataslot format

You can use the Default Format section of the Dataslots tab to set properties such as the presentation format and the label of the dataslot in Business Process Portal, validation (if required). You can also specify whether the dataslot is editable and required.

Table 44. Default Format for Dataslots
Element	Description	Supported Dataslot Types
Type	Determines how the dataslot should be presented in the interface. This is available for CHARACTER, LONGCHAR and DATETIMETZ dataslots only.	As a text box, text area, or combo box for a CHARACTER or LONGCHAR dataslot. Additionally, as a radio button, checkbox and label for CHARACTER or LONGCHAR dataslot in case of web applications. “Date and Time” or “Date Only” for DATETIMETZ dataslot.
Label	Defines the label of the dataslot in the interface.	For all dataslots.
Editable	Specifies whether the dataslot is editable or read-only in the interface. The Editable checkbox is selected, by default.	For all dataslots.
Required	Specifies whether the dataslot is mandatory or not.	Not available for LOGICAL dataslot.
Validation	Configures validation settings.	Available only for CHARACTER, LONGCHAR, INTEGER, INT64, and DATETIMETZ dataslots. For more information, see Specifying validation at the dataslot level.

Note: For a CHARACTER or LONGCHAR dataslot with default format "Combo box," any choices that you define are only applicable when you use the dataslot in a workstep with auto-generated HTML presentation. If you use this dataslot in a Form workstep, the defined choices are ignored.

You can modify the format of a dataslot at the workstep level, allowing each workstep in a process to have a different format. For example, you can set the format of a dataslot as a combo box with the label “Enter a choice” in one workstep; and as a text box with the label “You selected:” in the next workstep. To modify the format of a dataslot at the workstep level, see the Dataslot Properties section for the workstep type; for instance, for an Activity workstep, see Defining properties of Activity worksteps