IBM BPM, V8.0.1, All platforms > Authoring services in Integration Designer > Get started with IBM Integration Designer > SCA > Service implementation types
State machines
A state machine is an alternative way of creating a business process. A state machine is suited for processes related to changing states rather than a flow of control. A state defines what an artifact can do at a point in time.
State machines are a common way of showing a set of interrelated states in a process. A familiar state machine is a drink dispenser.
You put some coins into the machine, and along with your drink, you get your exact change. The state machine mechanically calculates the value of the coins that you inserted and the coins that must be returned to you. In the following diagram, a typical state machine is shown as created by the state machine editor. In the state machine, an item is purchased and shipped to a customer.
A state machine cannot be used in a mediation module.
Related concepts:
Java objects
BPEL process
Business rules
Selectors
Human tasks
Mediation flows
Stand-alone references