How do you avoid common workflow anti-patterns in OpenERP, such as spaghetti, deadlock, or livelock?
OpenERP, also known as Odoo, is a popular open source enterprise resource planning (ERP) software that allows you to design and automate business processes using workflows. Workflows are sequences of activities that define how tasks are performed, assigned, and tracked. However, not all workflows are created equal. Some workflows may suffer from common anti-patterns, such as spaghetti, deadlock, or livelock, that can make them inefficient, confusing, or even unworkable. In this article, you will learn what these anti-patterns are, how to spot them, and how to avoid them in OpenERP.
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### Break down workflows:Simplify complex sequences by creating smaller, reusable sub-processes. This helps prevent the "spaghetti" effect, where too many conditions cause confusion and errors. By dividing tasks into clearer, manageable parts, you can maintain a smooth operation.Set clear criteria:To avoid "livelocks" where tasks cycle without progress, establish definite criteria for workflow states. Introduce limits on revisions and use alerts to keep everyone updated. This clarity fosters efficiency and prevents unnecessary back-and-forth.