An online configurable instant-activated general process management system and method

Abstract

The application provides an online configurable and instant effective general process management system and method, comprising a process management tool, a process engine unit and a front-end engine unit; the process management tool is used for defining node information of a business process, and online configuring the node information; and defining data source information of associated nodes of each node, and online configuring the data source information of the associated nodes; the process engine unit is used for acquiring and analyzing the node information configured by the process management tool, automatically acquiring data source configuration information of the associated nodes based on the node information, and generating the data source; the front-end engine unit is used for generating a front-end operation interface according to the generated data source, and controlling the permissions of the generated operations and buttons; and the process engine unit is used for receiving front-end data, judging state changes of the nodes through a built-in process state machine model, and driving the operation of the business process based on the state changes of the nodes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a process management method, specifically, to a general process management system and method that is configurable online and takes effect immediately. Background Technology

[0002] Railway electrical engineering processes are complex and diverse, with highly variable workflows. Furthermore, there are no unified and fixed standards for workflows across different bureaus and sections. As a result, electrical engineering processes are subject to frequent changes. Additionally, the workflow functions of the same system need to support different organizations, and the processes also need to support the diversity of node processing, allowing individuals, multiple people, departments, and roles to handle the processes.

[0003] Currently available process management tools only target back-end business processing, while front-end processing remains manual. Once a process changes, not only back-end business processes need to be modified, but front-end business processes also need to be modified, and the system needs to be updated for the changes to take effect. In addition, process nodes are only for a specific and unique person, making it impossible for multiple people or multiple departments to handle the same node. Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose a general process management method that can be configured online and take effect immediately to adapt to the complex and variable processes of telecommunications.

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, people have been seeking an ideal technological solution. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies. Referring to the workflow model and five interface standards proposed by the Workflow Management Consortium (WfMC), and based on SOA architecture, it integrates the application experience of nearly 20,000 process practice cases to provide a general process management method that is configurable online and takes effect immediately. This achieves standardization, stability, and autonomy in process customization, thereby enabling online configuration, immediate change, and immediate effect of railway engineering workflows without requiring modifications to business processes or system updates. It facilitates the convenient and rapid construction of various processes that conform to railway rules, supporting the standardized management of railway units.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: an online configurable and instantly effective general process management system, including a process management tool, a process engine unit, and a front-end engine unit; The process management tool is used to define the node information of the business process and configure the node information online; and to define the data source information of the associated nodes of each node and configure the data source information of the associated nodes online. The process engine unit is used to acquire and parse the node information configured by the process management tool, automatically acquire the data source configuration information of the associated nodes based on the node information, and generate a data source. The front-end engine unit is used to generate a front-end operation interface based on the generated data source, and to control the permissions of the generated operations and buttons; The process engine unit is used to receive front-end data, determine the state changes of nodes through the built-in process state machine model, and drive the operation of business processes based on the state changes of nodes.

[0007] This invention also provides a general process management method that is configurable online and takes effect immediately, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Define the node information of the business process and configure the operation information of the nodes online. The node information includes process number, process name, node number, node name, node sequence number, node enable / disable, node end status, node rollback permission, and custom configuration of node permissions. Define the data source information of the associated nodes for each node, and configure the data source information of the associated nodes online. The data source information includes the number of associated nodes, data structure permissions, organization ID, role number, multi-select attributes, personnel attributes, default values, next node number and name, required attributes, and opinion template. Step 2: Obtain and parse the node information configured in the process management tool, automatically obtain the data source configuration information of the associated nodes based on the node information, and generate a data source; Step 3: Generate the front-end operation interface based on the data source, and control the permissions of the generated operations and buttons; Step 4: Receive front-end data, determine the state changes of nodes based on the built-in process state machine model, and drive the operation of business processes based on the state changes of nodes.

[0008] This invention has outstanding substantive features and significant progress compared to the prior art. Specifically, Based on extensive railway workflow analysis, this invention designs a workflow management model comprising a workflow management tool, a workflow engine unit, and a front-end engine unit. When workflow nodes change, online maintenance can be performed within the workflow management tool; when node information changes, there is no need to update code or workflow files. The workflow engine unit and the front-end engine unit make corresponding adjustments based on the configuration information of the workflow management tool, generating the workflow and enabling online processing and immediate effect of workflow changes. This feature addresses the problem of highly variable and easily changeable workflows in railway units, making workflow changes, control, and maintenance simple, clear, and cost-effective.

[0009] This invention solves the three major problems of high difficulty in customizing existing process technologies, high maintenance costs, and high control difficulties. It can perfectly fit various railway processes, helping railway units quickly build their own process management platform, centralizing and digitizing process work, making process traceability convenient and fast, truly achieving one-click traceability with verifiable evidence, greatly reducing the time, personnel, and material costs of process work, improving work efficiency, and realizing the centralization, digitization, visualization, automation, and intelligence of railway work, thus contributing to the orderly and rapid development of railways. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the configuration interface for a process management tool.

[0012] Figure 3 This is the configuration interface for node information and data source information of associated nodes.

[0013] Figure 4 It is the front-end operation interface generated by the front-end engine unit. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments.

[0015] This invention provides a general-purpose, online, configurable, and instantly effective process management system, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes process management tools, a process engine unit, and a front-end engine unit; The process management tool is used to define the node information of the business process and configure the node information online; and to define the data source information of the associated nodes of each node and configure the data source information of the associated nodes online. The process engine unit is used to acquire and parse the node information configured by the process management tool, automatically acquire the data source configuration information of the associated nodes based on the node information, and generate a data source. The front-end engine unit is used to generate a front-end operation interface based on the generated data source, and to control the permissions of the generated operations and buttons; The process engine unit is used to receive front-end data, determine the state changes of nodes through the built-in process state machine model, and drive the operation of business processes based on the state changes of nodes.

[0016] In practical implementation, the process management tool includes a node information definition unit and a data source information definition unit. The node information definition unit is used to define the process number, process name, node number, node name, node sequence number, node enable / disable, node termination, node rollback permission, custom configuration of node permissions, and remarks information for various business processes; the specific structure is shown in Table 1.

[0017] Table 1 The data source information definition unit is used to define the data source information of the associated nodes of each node. The data source information includes the number of associated nodes, data structure permissions, organization ID, role number, multi-select attributes, personnel attributes, default values, next node number and name, required attributes, and opinion template; the specific structure is shown in Table 2.

[0018] Table 2 like Figure 2 The diagram shown is a configuration interface of the process management tool, including add, modify, and delete buttons.

[0019] Click Figure 2 In the middle, click the "Modify" button to enter... Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a configuration interface for the node information and data source information of the associated nodes in the document receiving management process.

[0020] The process engine unit, after acquiring and parsing the node information configured by the process management tool, automatically obtains the data source configuration information of the associated nodes; the data source configuration information is transmitted to the front-end engine unit, which uses this information to automatically match page layout, format, permissions, etc., such as... Figure 4 As shown, this information can be used to generate dropdown data sources (multiple selection / single selection, personnel / organization) or pop-up information (multiple selection / single selection, personnel / organization); that is to say, the front-end page does not require manual secondary maintenance, the process can be used directly, and the front-end engine can automatically match and display node operation information.

[0021] For example, when reviewing, it is necessary to select the section chief or supervisor. You only need to configure the corresponding information in the management interface, such as role, organization, multi-select mark, personnel and organization mark, required mark, default value, default opinion template, etc. The process engine unit generates data based on these constraints. In the review interface, the front-end engine unit generates drop-down data (single selection) and pop-up data layer (multi-select) based on the data.

[0022] It's understandable that both state machines and workflow engines are commonly used technologies in managing business processes. The main difference between them lies in their focus. In a workflow engine, the process transitions to the next step upon completion of the previous operation, while a state machine requires an external event to branch to the next activity. In other words, state machines are event-driven, while workflow engines are not. It's also understandable that workflow engines support a sequential pattern when tasks are executed one by one. The next step in the workflow will not begin until it is completed. For example, a document will not be signed by the boss until the lawyer signs it. Therefore, workflow engines appear inherently rigid and deterministic. Conversely, state machines operate asynchronously. Since steps in a machine are triggered by certain events / actions, they should not be strictly enforced. From this perspective, state machines are more flexible.

[0023] Therefore, this embodiment uses a state machine to manage the business process. In existing technologies, the process is divided into states and actions; generally, each state corresponds to an action. States and actions are placed within states, and state transitions and transition events are placed within state transitions, ultimately driven by the state machine. Thus, a state machine model emerges: states, state transitions, and the state machine. The relationship between these three is: the state machine manages and drives the states, and the states and their transitions are managed by the states themselves.

[0024] In practical implementation, based on the built-in process state machine model, the specific steps for determining the state changes of nodes and driving the operation of the business process based on the state changes of nodes are as follows: A process state machine model is established based on the finite state automata algorithm; The process state machine model obtains a fixed set of process states based on the process management tool and receives the state parameters attached to the process engine unit to determine the state of each state, thereby determining the current state of the process and enabling the process to proceed to the next node.

[0025] For example, during the review process, this node is configured with multiple operations, such as **workshop director** and **department head**. The reviewer selects the workshop director or department head, and after submitting to the backend, the process state machine model obtains a fixed set of process states based on the process management tool and receives the state parameters attached to the process engine unit to determine the respective states, thereby determining the current process state and enabling the process to proceed to the next node. The next node may be one or more, depending on the configuration information.

[0026] Furthermore, the front-end operation interface includes a process rollback button, a process retraction button, and a process invalidation button.

[0027] Based on extensive railway workflow analysis, this invention designs a workflow management model comprising a workflow management tool, a workflow engine unit, and a front-end engine unit. When workflow nodes change—whether through addition, deletion, or operational changes—online maintenance can be performed within the workflow management tool. Adding or deleting node information or modifying node data sources requires no code or workflow file updates. The workflow engine unit and front-end engine unit adjust accordingly based on the workflow management tool's configuration information to generate the workflow, enabling online processing and immediate effect of workflow changes. This feature addresses the issue of highly variable and easily changeable workflows in railway units, simplifying workflow changes, control, and maintenance, making them simpler, clearer, and more cost-effective.

[0028] This invention also provides a general process management method that is configurable online and takes effect immediately, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Define the node information of the business process and configure the operation information of the nodes online. The node information includes process number, process name, node number, node name, node sequence number, node enable / disable, node end status, node rollback permission, and custom configuration of node permissions. Define the data source information of the associated nodes for each node, and configure the data source information of the associated nodes online. The data source information includes the number of associated nodes, data structure permissions, organization ID, role number, multi-select attributes, personnel attributes, default values, next node number and name, required attributes, and opinion template. Step 2: Obtain and parse the node information configured in the process management tool, automatically obtain the data source configuration information of the associated nodes based on the node information, and generate a data source; Step 3: Generate the front-end operation interface based on the data source, and control the permissions of the generated operations and buttons; Step 4: Receive front-end data, determine the state changes of nodes based on the built-in process state machine model, and drive the operation of business processes based on the state changes of nodes.

[0029] Specifically, in step 3, the data source configuration information of the associated nodes is obtained, and a drop-down data source or pop-up information is generated using this information to enable multi-select / single selection and selection of personnel / organizations. During this process, when the data source information is passed to the front-end framework, the front-end framework automatically matches the page layout, format, permissions, etc. with this information. In other words, the front-end page does not require manual secondary maintenance, the process can be used directly, and the front-end engine can automatically match and display node operation information.

[0030] In practical implementation, based on the built-in process state machine model, the specific steps for determining the state changes of nodes and driving the operation of the business process based on the state changes of nodes are as follows: A process state machine model is established based on the finite state automata algorithm; The process state machine model obtains a fixed set of process states based on the process management tool and receives the state parameters attached to the process engine unit to determine the state of each state, thereby determining the current state of the process and enabling the process to proceed to the next node.

[0031] This method possesses the common functions of traditional processes such as recall, rollback, invalidation, and deletion, but it also features further upgrades. For example, the rollback function allows users to roll back to a specified node. Traditional rollback only supports rolling back to the previous step or the starting point, but we can specify to roll back to any node that has already been processed. Specifically, the steps to roll back to any node that has already been processed are as follows: The front-end engine unit determines whether the current node has rollback permission based on the node configuration information, thereby showing or hiding the rollback button. When the rollback button is clicked, the front-end engine unit generates rollback-available nodes based on the current process information, and the operator can choose the node to roll back to independently.

[0032] The steps for reclaiming a node are as follows: The front-end engine unit determines whether the current node has reclaiming permission based on the node configuration information, and then displays or hides the reclaim button. When the reclaim button is clicked, the front-end engine unit generates reclaimable nodes based on the current process information, and the operator can choose to reclaim the node independently.

[0033] The steps for deregistering a node are as follows: The front-end engine unit determines whether the current node has deregulation permission based on the node configuration information, thereby showing or hiding the deregulation button. When the deregulation button is clicked, the front-end engine unit generates nodes that can be deregistered based on the current process information, and the operator can choose to deregister the nodes independently.

[0034] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the specific implementation of the present invention or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the spirit of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the technical solutions claimed in the present invention.

Claims

1. A general-purpose online configurable and instantly effective workflow management system, applied to railway electrical work processes, characterized in that: This includes process management tools, a process engine unit, and a front-end engine unit; The process management tool is used to define the node information of a business process and configure the node information online. It also defines the data source information of the associated nodes for each node and configures the data source information of the associated nodes online; The process engine unit is used to acquire and parse the node information configured by the process management tool, automatically acquire the data source configuration information of the associated nodes based on the node information, and generate a data source. The front-end engine unit is used to generate a front-end operation interface based on the generated data source, and to control the permissions of the generated operations and buttons; The process engine unit is used to receive front-end data, determine the state changes of nodes through the built-in process state machine model, and drive the operation of business processes based on the state changes of nodes. When adding or deleting node information or modifying node data sources, there is no need to update the code or process files; the process engine unit and the front-end engine unit will make corresponding adjustments based on the configuration information of the process management tool to generate the process, thereby enabling online processing of process changes and immediate effect. The specific steps for determining node state changes and driving the business process based on these changes, using the built-in process state machine model, are as follows: A process state machine model is established based on the finite state automata algorithm; The process state machine model obtains a fixed set of process states based on the process management tool and receives the state parameters attached to the process engine unit to determine the state of each state, thereby determining the current state of the process and enabling the process to proceed to the next node.

2. The online configurable and instantly effective general process management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process management tool includes a node information definition unit and a data source information definition unit. The node information definition unit is used to define the process number, process name, node number, node name, node sequence number, node enable / disable, node end status, node rollback permission, custom configuration of node permissions, and remarks information for various business processes. The data source information definition unit is used to define the data source information of the associated nodes of each node. The data source information includes the number of associated nodes, data structure permissions, organization ID, role number, multi-select attributes, personnel attributes, default values, next node number and name, required attributes, and opinion template.

3. The online configurable and instantly effective general process management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front-end operation interface includes a process rollback button, a process revocation button, and a process invalidation button.

4. A general process management method with online configurability and immediate effect, based on the general process management system with online configurability and immediate effect as described in any one of claims 1-3, applied to railway electrical work processes, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Define the node information of the business process and configure the operation information of the nodes online. The node information includes process number, process name, node number, node name, node sequence number, node enable / disable, node end status, node rollback permission, and custom configuration of node permissions. Define the data source information of the associated nodes for each node, and configure the data source information of the associated nodes online. The data source information includes the number of associated nodes, data structure permissions, organization ID, role number, multiple-select attributes, personnel attributes, default values, next node number and name, required attributes, and opinion template. Step 2: Obtain and parse the node information configured in the process management tool, automatically obtain the data source configuration information of the associated nodes based on the node information, and generate a data source; Step 3: Generate the front-end operation interface based on the data source, and control the permissions of the generated operations and buttons; Step 4: Receive front-end data, determine the state changes of nodes based on the built-in process state machine model, and drive the operation of the business process based on the state changes of nodes. When adding or deleting node information or modifying node data sources, there is no need to update the code or process files. Based on the configuration information of the process management tool, the corresponding adjustments are made and the process is generated, thereby enabling online processing of process changes and immediate effect. Based on the built-in process state machine model, the specific steps for determining node state changes and driving the business process based on these changes are as follows: A process state machine model is established based on the finite state automata algorithm; The process state machine model obtains a fixed set of process states based on the process management tool and receives the state parameters attached to the process engine unit to determine the state of each state, thereby determining the current state of the process and enabling the process to proceed to the next node.

5. The online configurable and instantly effective general process management method according to claim 4, characterized in that, In step 3, drop-down data sources or pop-up information are generated based on the data source configuration information of the associated nodes to allow for multi-select / single-selection and selection of personnel / organizations.

6. The online configurable and instantly effective general process management method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The front-end engine unit determines whether the current node has rollback permission based on the node configuration information, and then shows or hides the rollback button. When the rollback button is clicked, the front-end engine unit generates rollback-enabled nodes based on the current process information, and the operator can choose the node to rollback.

7. The online configurable and instantly effective general process management method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The front-end engine unit determines whether the current node has the permission to reclaim based on the node configuration information, and then shows or hides the reclaim button. When the reclaim button is clicked, the front-end engine unit generates reclaimable nodes based on the current process information, and the operator can choose to reclaim the node independently.

8. The online configurable and instantly effective general process management method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The front-end engine unit determines whether the current node has invalidation permission based on the node configuration information, and then displays or hides the invalidation button. When the invalidation button is clicked, the front-end engine unit generates nodes that can be invalidated based on the current process information, and the operator can choose to invalidate the nodes independently.

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