One of the reasons the SPSS Modeler visual interface is so easy to learn is that each node has a clearly defined function. However, for complex processing, a long sequence of nodes may be necessary. Eventually, this may clutter your flow canvas and make it difficult to follow flow diagrams.

There are two ways to avoid the clutter of a long and complex flow:

• You can split a processing sequence into several flows. The first flow, for example, creates a data file that the second uses as input. The second creates a file that the third uses as input, and so on. However, this requires you to manage multiple flows.
• You can create a SuperNode as a more streamlined alternative when working with complex flow processes. SuperNodes group multiple nodes into a single node by encapsulating sections of flow. This provides benefits to the data miner:
  • Grouping nodes results in a neater and more manageable flow.
  • Nodes can be combined into a business-specific SuperNode.

The nodes are grouped into a single SuperNode with a special star icon.