A state transition diagram is a graphical representation used in system modelling to depict the various states an object or system can exist in and the transitions between those states. It consists of nodes representing different states and arrows representing transitions between states. Events (defined by use cases) or conditions trigger these transitions.The state transition diagrams for the Booking and Bill of Lading processes can be viewed at via the link below (password required: DCSA2023!).
An initial or start node is depicted by a large green circle defined by “START”.
The final node is depicted as a green or red circle with a cross inside and marks the end of a flow. A green circle indicates that the goods have arrived at the final destination. A red circle indicates that the process stops.
A decision element is depicted as a rhombus connected to a use case rectangle and is used to highlight multiple paths. The paths can be mutually exclusive (confirm/decline; approve/reject) or parallel (i.e. the processing continues on all paths).
The yellow rectangles on the left-hand side represent Shipper or Consignee use cases; the teal rectangles on the right-hand side depict Carrier use cases. Each use case includes the corresponding DCSA standard-based API (Application Programming Interface) endpoint through which it can be performed.
The state of a Booking, Shipping Instructions and Transport Document object is represented by a black round-cornered rectangle, while the grey round-cornered rectangles indicate the state of a Booking amendment or an updated copy of the Shipping Instructions.