What is the primary purpose of process variables?

The primary purpose of process variables is to capture data throughout a process and carry it from node to node. This functionality is crucial in managing the flow of information in process design, as process variables act as containers that hold data needed for the entire lifecycle of the process. By doing so, they enable different nodes within the process to share information seamlessly, facilitating decision-making and actions based on the captured data.

Process variables play a key role in ensuring consistency and accessibility of data, allowing various components of the process to interact effectively. Each time a process moves from one node to another, these variables retain their values and ensure that data needed by subsequent nodes is available, supporting the overall workflow.

While there are other options related to data storage and usage, they do not encompass the full scope of what process variables achieve. For example, while some options focus on interfaces or the data relevant to individual nodes, they do not capture the overarching function of process variables in linking nodes throughout the entire process flow.