# Calling Other Processes

## Overview

In Kognitos, one process can call and run another process. The called process is referred to as a **subprocess**. There are many advantages of using subprocesses:

* **Modularity:** Decomposing automations into smaller processes enhances structure and organization.
* **Readability:** Well-organized automations are easier to read and understand.
* **Scalability:** Automations can be scaled to handle multiple tasks.
* **Maintainability:** Isolated processes simplify debugging and updating individual components.

## Mechanisms

There are several ways to call another process in Kognitos:

1. [**Run a Subprocess**](/legacy/legacy-experience/writing-automations/calling-other-processes/run-a-subprocess.md): This method is ideal for single-run scenarios where you need to capture the result and status of a subprocess.
2. [**Invoke a Subprocess**](/legacy/legacy-experience/writing-automations/calling-other-processes/invoke-a-subprocess.md): This method is useful for scenarios where the parent process can continue executing without waiting for the subprocess's status or completion.
3. [**Start Parallel Runs**](/legacy/legacy-experience/writing-automations/calling-other-processes/start-parallel-runs.md): This method provides control over parallel execution when handling multiple subprocesses simultaneously.

### Comparison

<table data-full-width="true"><thead><tr><th width="128.859375">Aspect</th><th>Running a Subprocess</th><th>Invoking a Subprocess</th><th>Starting Parallel Runs</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Syntax</strong></td><td><pre><code>run &#x3C;procedure name>
</code></pre></td><td><pre><code>invoke &#x3C;procedure name>
</code></pre></td><td><pre><code>start a run where
    the procedure is &#x3C;procedure name>
</code></pre></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Execution Style</strong></td><td>Sequential Processing</td><td>Sequential Processing</td><td>Parallel Processing</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Performance</strong></td><td>Slower overall (each subprocess runs separately)</td><td>Slower overall (each subprocess runs separately)</td><td>Faster for many items (since runs happen in parallel)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>General Usage</strong></td><td>When tasks or items are independent and you want the result / status of a run</td><td>When tasks or items are independent and you don't need the result / status or a run</td><td>When tasks or items are dependent or rely on one another</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Document Processing</strong></td><td>Use when each document is independent and can be processed in isolation</td><td>Use when each document is independent and can be processed in isolation</td><td><p><br><br>Use when documents are dependent on one another, or the final outputs need to be aggregated</p><p><br></p></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Example</strong></td><td><pre><code>run "to process the sales order"
    the attachment
</code></pre></td><td><pre><code>invoke "to process the sales order" with
    the file is the document
</code></pre></td><td><pre><code>get the attachments
process each attachment as follows
  start a run where
    the procedure is "to process the sales order"
    the attachment
wait for the runs
get the runs's results as the sales orders
</code></pre></td></tr></tbody></table>

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gpzjeK0W9Y>" %}


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