Activity-Based Process Management for Non-Linear Workflows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional business process management (BPM) software tools are inadequate for managing non-linear processes, as they rely on linear flowchart models, which fail to accurately represent processes with multiple activities that have dependencies but not a specific sequential order.
Innovation Solution
An activity-based business process management system that defines workflows through a series of activities and sub-activities within a project management interface, allowing for the prediction of start and completion dates, and provides real-time monitoring and reporting using a tree structure and Gantt chart visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional flowchart-based BPM tools are used to model processes, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but the system cannot accurately represent non-linear processes with multiple activities having dependencies without specific sequential order
Solution Approach 1:
The process is divided into discrete activities with explicit dependencies, allowing non-linear relationships to be represented through activity segmentation rather than requiring complex flowchart navigation. Each activity can be independently defined with its own preconditions and effects, enabling flexible non-linear process representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to process modeling by explicitly defining when activities can occur based on dependencies and triggers. This transforms the traditional spatial flowchart representation into a temporal activity-based model, enabling non-linear processes to be represented through time-dependent activity relationships rather than sequential flow.
2Measurement precision
If flowchart-based workflow models are used, then the process flow is clearly defined, but start and completion dates of future activities cannot be predicted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of activity dates by analyzing dependencies and triggers before the process executes. By pre-computing when activities must occur based on defined relationships and current process state, the system can predict start and completion dates accurately without requiring complex runtime calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual activity completion times and uses this feedback to refine predictions for future activities. By comparing predicted dates with actual completion dates and adjusting the model accordingly, the system improves prediction accuracy over time while maintaining a relatively simple process definition structure.
3Productivity
If activities are executed sequentially in traditional BPM tools, then the process control is simple, but process time is increased due to inability to parallelize dependent activities
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines the execution order of activities based on their dependencies and triggers rather than following a fixed sequential plan. Activities can be executed in parallel when their preconditions are met, and the system automatically adjusts the execution schedule in response to actual activity completion times, optimizing overall process speed without requiring complex manual coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous monitoring and evaluation of activity readiness, allowing activities to start as soon as their dependencies are satisfied rather than waiting for a predetermined sequence to complete. This continuous readiness check and execution approach maximizes parallelization opportunities and minimizes idle time while keeping the coordination mechanism relatively simple through automated dependency management.
Data Source
AI summary
A business process or project management system provides for creation of a project or process definition which includes all activities required to complete the process as well as any dependencies, conditions, and deadlines for each activity, and participants designated to carry out the activities. Once the process is started, activities are carried out in turn when the dependencies and conditions are met, and the system updates when any activities are complete so that any activities dependent on completed activities can be started. A reporting module creates status reports for each activity which are displayed to a user such as an administrator on a user interface. Stored information on previous instances of an activity are used to predict when an activity is likely to be late and to provide alerts to users prior to starting the activity.