Storing data in the model

Model initialization

The application data model is created when the application instance starts (see Launching the application) . After the model is created, it can provide values for fields according to the definition of data sources. And accept values for locally stored fields.

Data storage location

Data stored in the model can be divided into two types - based on where they are stored and who manages them.

Data retrieved from services

If the application uses data stored and managed by the organization's or external systems, it is retrieved through services. The low-code application does not own this data, cannot modify it, and does not control changes to its values.

Values are retrieved from the service and are always up to date, subject to cache (see Data model editing).

Examples

• current customer address

  • the customer submits an application to purchase insurance
  • after submitting the application, and before generating the sales contract, the customer changes the address data stored in the bank (usually through a dedicated process)
  • on the insurance sales contract we have the updated address - it will be retrieved in the process according to the data definition in the model
• account balance

  • when accepting the instruction, the application verifies whether the account indicated by the customer has sufficient funds to cover the service fees
  • before actually withdrawing the funds, the application may verify the funds again to properly handle the account debit

Data stored in the model

When data is created and managed by the application, it is stored in the data model. The low-code application owns it, can modify it, and controls changes to its values.

Examples

• requested credit card limit

  • when applying for a credit card, the customer provides the desired limit value
  • the application may change this value during process handling (e.g. reduce it)
  • on the generated contract (and presumably in communication to the customer), we have the current limit value
• customer's mailing address for process handling

  • when submitting a loan application, the customer provides a mailing address
  • by default, the application displays the address stored in the bank’s systems (retrieved from the service)
  • however, the customer may change this address and request that correspondence regarding this process be sent to another address
  • the application preserves the values entered by the customer

Data outside the model

The low-code application does not have to store all data in the model. Some data is temporary and serves only to determine a target value or make a decision, e.g.:

• list of the customer's accounts

  • generates an account selection domain from the List value selection field component
  • allows the customer to easily select a specific account
  • in the data model, we want to have only the account selected by the customer; we do not need the whole list
• customer's age

  • allows deciding whether the product can be purchased (e.g. Card <26)
  • is calculated from the PESEL number

Temporary, operational data can be stored in session variables on forms, process variables, or script variables.