Technical information

viflow and Active Directory (AD)

Applies to: viflow (Abo | 9 |8) | Article: 3637965 | Updated on 23.12.2025

General information about Active Directory

Active Directory (AD) is a directory service from Microsoft (Windows Server). Such a directory is a mapping list – like a phone book, for example – in which phone numbers are assigned to their respective owners. This function is used to manage viflow users. to synchronize with the existing Active Directory and thus simplify data maintenance.

Changes to data in Active Directory are automatically synchronized with the user's viflow properties. When creating a new user, the system checks if a user with that name already exists in Active Directory. If so, all user information is automatically added and displayed in the viflow object properties.

For which functions does viflow require Active Directory?

In viflow and the WebModel, Active Directory is primarily used for user identification and the personalized functions it enables.

When you start the viflow program and you are connected to your company network's Active Directory (and have logged in), viflow automatically recognizes you and, for example, enters your name as the creator when you model a new process diagram.

In this case, you will find your name with the properties (right-click – Properties ) stored in Active Directory in the Users window (menu View – Users).

Delete

Import and manage users and areas

Users are often confused with areas, and many users are unclear about the difference.

An area typically represents an organizational unit or department and, alongside processes and information, is one of the three main objects in viflow. As the name suggests, users are those who work with viflow – for example, creating process diagrams, entering data, and generating or viewing the WebModel.

The "Import Users" function allows you to import user records from an existing Active Directory, including all stored information (e.g., email addresses, phone numbers, addresses), into viflow.

For further information on importing users and groups, please refer to the viflow help under ››› "Developer" tab – Active Directory.

Delete

Registration and personalized WebModel

When you open the WebModel, you are automatically recognized through the Active Directory connection and can individually configure the layout and displayed content in the cockpit. Various widgets for functions such as my processes, my actions, or recent changes can be selected and positioned as desired.

Furthermore, the cockpit allows users to write and view comments on processes and to save processes as favorites.

A detailed description of these functions can be found in the article ››› Customizing the WebModel cockpit.

Delete

Using permissions in viflow and WebModel

Often, it is desirable that not all users have access to all content of the process model or web model. In this case, you can assign separate permissions for viflow and the web model.

You can also specify which user group is granted permission to administer the WebModel.

You can find everything about these topics in the following articles:

››› Administer WebModel – Set up permissions

››› The WebModel Menu Bar – Administrative settings

››› "Permissions" tab

››› Permissions in viflow

Delete