Ad-hoc Coordination Framework for Business Process Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Business process models typically do not support ad-hoc coordination actions, which are essential for informal work group-oriented processes and are not trackable within the context of existing business applications, relying on generic communication tools like email or phone.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for implementing an ad-hoc coordination action framework that enables ad-hoc actions as generic callable services within a work context, modeling state transitions between roles and persisting these actions as conversation threads, allowing for real-time tracking and instantiation within a business application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ad-hoc coordination actions are implemented outside the business application using generic communication tools, then flexibility and ease of operation are improved, but trackability and integration with the business process framework deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ad-hoc coordination framework with the business process framework by integrating state transition models into the work context. This allows ad-hoc actions to be performed using familiar communication tools while simultaneously being tracked and recorded within the business application's context, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and trackability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer consisting of state transition models that mediate between generic communication tools and the business process framework. This intermediary captures ad-hoc coordination actions and translates them into trackable state transitions, preserving both the ease of using generic tools and the ability to track actions within the business context.
2Reliability
If a formal business process framework is used, then structure and reliability are improved, but adaptability to ad-hoc constraints and informal work procedures deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the business process framework adaptable through state transition models that can be instantiated at runtime. These models allow the formal framework to dynamically adjust to ad-hoc constraints and informal work procedures while maintaining its structured nature, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the ad-hoc coordination framework within the formal business process framework. The state transition models are embedded as an additional layer that operates within the existing business process structure, allowing informal procedures to be accommodated within the formal framework without compromising either structure or adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If ad-hoc actions are tracked in real-time within the business application, then measurement precision and trackability are improved, but device complexity and system integration requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the business application framework universal by designing it to handle both formal business processes and informal ad-hoc coordination through the same state transition model mechanism. This multi-functionality allows real-time tracking of ad-hoc actions without requiring separate specialized systems, thus improving measurement precision while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for ad hoc coordination actions in business processes. A computer-implemented method for implementing an ad-hoc coordination action framework, extending on a business process framework, includes enabling ad-hoc coordination actions as generic callable services in a work context, implementing the ad-hoc actions as templates defining state transitions between roles participating at the work context, and enabling the work context to track state transitions as a conversation thread.