Method of managing workflow in a computer-based system

摘要

A computer network has plural computer systems, plural printers and a server. Each computer system has an application program for generating print data for the printers. The server has a workflow management program which (1) monitors and controls the flow of jobs computer systems send the printer and (2) a computer model representing the current system state. In response to a network event occurring, e.g., a hardware failure or a new print job, the program makes plural computer model copies and makes each copy perform an alternative event management operation. The program generates a set of prediction data from each computer model copy. Each set of prediction data represents a predicted future network state in response to each event management operation. A preferred event management operation is selected by comparing each generated set of prediction data with a reference set of prediction data.