What happens if a process model is archived?

When a process model is archived, it becomes inaccessible for edits, meaning it cannot be modified or have new instances started from it, which aligns with the understanding that archiving preserves the status of the model at that point in time. This ensures that all past instances remain stable and unaltered.

However, archiving a process model does not negatively impact the existing instances of that process. Those instances will continue to function independently and retain their state and data despite the model being archived. Archiving is a best practice for maintaining historical records, but it does not affect the operation of active or completed instances. Thus, the correct interpretation is that the archived model does not change or influence the instances that were created prior to archiving. This confirms that while the process cannot be edited or initiated anew, the existing instances are independent and continue to operate without disruption.

The other given options suggest implications that do not occur when a process model is archived: while it cannot be edited, it does not delete or restrict viewing of existing instances, and it remains possible to view the metadata of the archived model without affecting other instances.