# Operations / Areas

Data Stream supports operations, and areas. This parent child relationship combined with a sequence order creates the foundation for routing.

{% hint style="info" %}
Operations are defined as a group of process steps. 
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
Areas are defined as the physical area these process steps are performed at.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
At least one operation and one area are required for routing.
{% endhint %}

## Examples

### Operation & Area

<div align="left"><img src="https://490106859-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LTSxUDgh5E8mrrG8_9m%2F-LTiQm_pzBwUSyPD4kY6%2F-LTiYLPwh5DtGErPpdP9%2FConfigurationOperationSingle.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3c943cd1-a42f-4123-badf-41cc168aed79" alt=""></div>

### Operation & Parallel Area

<div align="left"><img src="https://490106859-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LTSxUDgh5E8mrrG8_9m%2F-LTiQm_pzBwUSyPD4kY6%2F-LTiYLPxiLnS5rEPV4R1%2FConfigurationOperationParallel.png?alt=media&#x26;token=2c940259-eb85-4cd8-9903-51fece161952" alt=""></div>