Hudson Robotics SoftLinx 5.0 - Manual (Page 32)

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Parallel process
Parallel processes can run multiple sets of steps, either simultaneously or in a predefined order.
Each branch holds its own set of steps. When this process begins, it will begin execution of each branch,
either simultaneously or in a specified order. This process will not complete until all branches have been
executed, and all child steps have been completed.
Users may add branches by dragging steps onto the silver lines shown between steps. Only one silver line
is shown if no steps exist within the parallel step. Users may then add steps to branches by placing items
on the arrows.
Users can define the way this step will execute its branches through the following window:
By default, all branches will run simultaneously, and only one time.
When selecting "Run in the following order", the user can type in a series of characters that denote an
order in which to run branches or to run multiple branches multiple times. For example, if a user selects
this option and the input string is 123, the parallel process will run branch 1, then branch 2, then branch 3,
sequentially. Alternatively, if the user enters the string 321, the parallel process will run branch 3, then
branch 2, then branch 1, sequentially. To run branches simultaneously, use (). If a user enters the string
(12), then the parallel process will run branches 1 and 2 simultaneously, and not run branch 3 at all. This
can lead to more complicated strings and execution of branches. Advanced Example: If a user enters the
string (12)3(12)11(123), then the parallel process will run branches 1 and 2 simultaneously. Once the set is
done, it will run branch 3 by itself. Then, it will run branches 1 and 2 simultaneously. Then, it will run
branch 1 by itself, twice, in sequence. Finally, it will run all 3 branches simultaneously before it is
completed.