Configure Workflow Variables

As a workflow gets more complicated and the need for implementing complex business rules and logic arises, you will find workflow variables to be useful.

Some examples of when workflow variables are useful:

• The workflow requires a value for conditional actions which is a combination of values that exist already in the system. An example would be “Build Dynamic String”.
• To avoid using hard coded values that makes the workflow inflexible. Workflow variables can be used to load values from other lists via lookups, e.g. a variable to be used in a Nintex action can be sourced at runtime from a configuration list using the “Set Variable” action. 

It is not always appropriate or possible to store some of these values as metadata of the item attached to the workflow. To provide the means and flexibility to handle these kinds of scenarios Nintex provides workflow variables.

1. Select Variables from the Settings menu.
2. Select New from the ribbon.
3. On the Create Workflow Variable window:
   • Enter a name for the variable in the Name textbox.
   • Select the type of data by clicking on its radio button.
   • Optionally, enter a Default value if one is to be assigned.
   • Click on the checkbox for Show on start form if applicable.
   • Click on the Save icon on the ribbon.
4. On the Workflow Variables window select either New to create another variable or click on “Close” to complete.