A framework for dynamic routing and operational integrity controls in a workflow management system

摘要

The paper describes a general framework for implementing dynamic routing and operational integrity control mechanisms in a workflow management system (WMS). The framework consists of three techniques: workflow control matrices, sequence constraints, and event-based constraints. These techniques are described and illustrated by means of example applications. We show how these techniques can exploit parallelism, and lead to more efficient processes and better workflow systems. Another unique aspect of this framework is that it can handle various kinds of exception situations that arise in workflow applications. The application of the three techniques are discussed in the context of the case of a consumer loan management application. Finally, the unique features of our framework are compared with other approaches based on static routing.