Calculation Diagram

The Calculation Diagram is a new diagram type introduced in Software Ideas Modeler 15 that lets you:

• keep raw data in spreadsheet-style tables,
• express calculations visually with function and value nodes, and
• call an AI Processor to extract insights on demand.

This article walks you step-by-step through building a complete workflow—starting with basic sums and ending with AI-powered sentiment analysis. No plug-ins or exports are required; everything happens inside one diagram.

Create a Calculation Diagram

• Ribbon › Project › Add New Diagram
• In the New Diagram dialog, select Other on the left.
• Pick Calculation Diagram on the right

Tip: Type calc in the Find box for quick access.

• Enter a descriptive diagram name (or leave it blank for the default) and click OK.

You now have an empty canvas ready for data and logic.

Build a Data Table and Formula

Add the table

• Drag Table from the toolbox onto the canvas.
• Click any cell to make a quick edit, or open the full editor:
• Select the table → context bar (below the element) → Show Table Editor.

Paste sample data

Inside the Table Editor, paste rows such as:

Product	Quantity	Revenue
A	25		2 500

nter a SUM formula

• Click the Formula Bar.
• Type =SUM(
• Drag to select cells C2:C9 (Revenue column).
• Type )
• Press Enter (or click Accept in the formula bar).

The total appears instantly. To clear it, select the formula cell and press Delete.

Separate Logic with Function & Value Nodes

• Close the Table Editor tab to return to the diagram.
• Drag these elements from the toolbox:
• Sum (Function) – performs calculations.
• Value – displays numeric output.
• Connect the elements:
• Draw a connector from Table → Sum.
• Draw another connector from Sum → Value.
• Filter the input (optional):
• Select the connector that starts at the table.
• In the Properties sidebar, locate Filter and type C:C to pass only column C (Revenue).

Your Value node now shows the revenue sum while the table remains unchanged—keeping data and logic cleanly separated.

Unlock Insights with the AI Processor

Identify the most popular product

• Drag an AI Processor element onto the canvas.
• Double-click it and enter the prompt:

• {{ALL}} injects the entire connected dataset.
• Connect Table → AI Processor → Value.
• Select the Value node and press Recalculate in its context bar.

The AI model analyzes the table and returns the answer right inside the diagram.

Analyze product reviews

• Drag a second Table element and open Show Table Editor.
• Paste review text—one review per row.
• Add another AI Processor with this prompt:

• Connect Review Table → AI Processor → Value and click Recalculate to display the top complaint.
• Duplicate AI Processor and Value elements, change its prompt to ask for the product’s strongest point, connect it the same way, and recalculate.

• Connect the duplicate the source table to the AI Processor element.
• Click the Recalculate button in the context bar.

Advantages of Calculation Diagram and Best Practices

• Single Source of Truth — Data, logic, and AI results coexist in one diagram.
• Grid-Free Logic — Function and value nodes let you create calculation flows that are independent of the table’s layout.
• Flexible AI Prompts — Use {{ALL}} for entire tables or {ConnectorName} to reference specific inputs.
• Iterate Quickly — Change a formula or prompt, hit Recalculate, and the whole model updates in seconds.