Node types
Every node in a Process Map belongs to one of four types.
Start
The entry point for work items. A Start node generates arrivals according to an arrival frequency distribution (how often items arrive) and an optional arrival severity distribution (a quantity associated with each arrival).
Every scenario must have exactly one Start node.
Fields:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Label | Name displayed on the canvas |
| Arrival frequency distribution | How often work items arrive (e.g. exponential(rate=2) means on average 2 arrivals per time unit) |
| Arrival severity distribution | Optional quantity per arrival |
Task
A processing step. Work items enter, spend time being processed (sampled from the service time distribution), and then move to the next node.
Fields:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Label | Name displayed on the canvas |
| Distribution | Service time distribution |
| Resources | Optional resource assignments (limits concurrency) |
Queue
A waiting room. Work items accumulate here until capacity is available downstream. Useful for modeling buffers and backlogs.
Fields:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Label | Name displayed on the canvas |
| Capacity | Maximum items that can wait simultaneously (null = unlimited) |
Queues do not consume service time — items pass through instantly once capacity is available.
End
The exit point for work items. Every scenario must have at least one End node.
Node indicators
Each node on the canvas shows visual indicators:
| Indicator | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Distribution badge | Shows the configured distribution type |
| Resource dots | Colored dots for each assigned resource |
| Sim icon | Opens the simulation config panel for this node |
| Info icon | Opens the node info panel |