What is required for an attended node to function correctly?

An attended node functions correctly when it is assigned to a user group because this assignment defines who has the necessary permissions to execute the node. In Appian, attended nodes are designed to require user input or review, typically to ensure that human judgment is employed during certain phases of a process. Assigning these nodes to a specific user group allows members of that group to interact with the node, complete tasks, and provide the input required for the process to continue.

User group assignments also help facilitate task management within the application, ensuring that the right individuals with the appropriate access are working on assigned tasks. This is crucial for maintaining workflow, accountability, and leveraging human resources effectively within the Appian platform.

For additional context, the other options do not hold the same necessity for the operation of attended nodes. While linking to a process variable might be relevant for passing data, it is not a requirement for the node's functional operation. Having a subprocess attached can be useful in some scenarios but does not directly impact the ability to execute an attended node. Lastly, an attended node cannot operate independently without assignments, as it fundamentally relies on user involvement to function as intended.