Push and Pull Distribution Models
Work can either be "pulled" by users or "pushed" to them.
The usual model is pulled distribution. In this model, when a work item is generated it is added to a user’s work list. When the user is ready to work on the work item, they open - or pull - it from their work list. A user needs to login to Workspace or Openspace to access their work list.
TIBCO ActiveMatrix BPM also supports pushed distribution. In this model, when a work item is generated it is sent to a user as an email. The email contains the URL of the work item, which the user can click to open and process the work item. The user does not need to login to Workspace or Openspace to access a pushed work item, though they are required to authenticate themselves before they can open the work item.
The ability to receive pushed work items can be enabled for specific organizational entities and/or users.
Pushed distribution is useful for occasional TIBCO ActiveMatrix BPM users - for example, managers who only need to become involved in a process when some form of higher level approval is required. These users will typically not be logged into Workspace or Openspace all the time and so could otherwise miss the arrival of high priority work items.