UWL/XML - A beginner's perspective, part 1

[keohanster]

After years, quite literally, of wishing we had Universal Worklist (UWL) at last my dream came true.  We are implementing SRM7 and the Universal Worklist (UWL).   I've been to many presentations - some given by jocelyn.dartWait, WHAT?  I had been combing through OSS notes since January (when I got my sandbox environment).  I know there were no notes related to buttons.  But timing is everything.  This note was published in May.  So it never existed in January, and it took George's fresh eyes to help me.

<Property name="showButtonInPreviewArea" value="yes"/>

This is where I enhanced the delivered XML to get the Approve Button.   I saved this file (carefully, never overwriting the original) with a file name that identified it as my own, and uploaded it to UWL, re-registered, and cleared the cache (I'll save all this for another blog).

You see, the task refers to one or more actions.  The actions are defined (at least once, but perhaps multiple times) in other XML files.  The trick is to match your task and the actions it performs with the action definitions. When we decided we needed the 'Forward' and the 'Assign to Me' actions as buttons too, the Property under each of those actions was added - to show the button in the preview area.

Now I could go on for quite a while about XML itself.  It's picky.  It doesn't like me.  It is impossible to understand.  But with a little help from my friends, I've overcome some of those hurdles. 

There's a lot more to do, and a lot more to blog about.  If I have to close this blog with some tips, they are:

1) identify the tools you need (XML editor) and get them

2) set up your file management system

3) have a cup of tea

4) do not underestimate the value of friends, or a pair of fresh eyes

5) check SAP Notes early AND often

6) Thank people when they've been helpful (that's to you, ginger.gatling thomas.kosog jocelyn.dart james.ibbotson and george.credland)

Stick around for Part 2, in which I will rant about something else.

What about you?  Did you struggle with XML at first?  What were your biggest hurdles?  How did you overcome them?

<Action name="Closing" value="Cheers"/>