Declarative Process Modeling for Flexible Automation Workflows
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional business process automation systems are rigid and do not provide comprehensive coverage for all aspects of automation, leaving many capabilities to be implemented as system features rather than part of the process declaration, and primarily address no-touch end-to-end automation.
Innovation Solution
A processor-implemented method and system for declarative modeling of processes, which involves receiving a request for automation, extracting features, generating automation code, validating the declarative model, provisioning roles, executing the process automation package, and dynamically monitoring states to trigger actions, using meta-data, control information, parameters, data entities, security information, and user-interaction points to create a flexible and extensible automation framework.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional imperative automation approaches are used to provide comprehensive system features, then automation coverage is improved, but system rigidity increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the automation system to adapt its behavior based on process definitions. The system transitions from static, pre-programmed automation to dynamic, configurable automation where process definitions can be modified without changing the underlying system code. This allows the system to be flexible and adaptable to different business processes while maintaining a unified automation platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by introducing process definitions as configurable parameters that control automation behavior. Instead of hardcoding automation logic, the system uses parameters (process definitions) that can be adjusted to accommodate different processes. This resolves the contradiction by allowing comprehensive automation coverage through parameter configuration rather than system complexity.
2Reliability
If pre-defined system level capabilities are implemented to cover all automation aspects, then automation completeness is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the automation system into modular components: process definitions, automation logic, and execution engine. This segmentation allows the system to maintain completeness through standardized components while improving ease of operation by allowing users to configure specific process definitions without affecting the entire system. Each segment can be independently modified.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a unified automation platform that can handle multiple types of processes through a common framework. The process definition mechanism serves as a universal interface that accommodates various automation scenarios (end-to-end automation, manual steps, workflows) without requiring separate system features, thus maintaining completeness while improving flexibility.
3Productivity
If traditional no-touch end-to-end automation is implemented, then automation efficiency is improved, but adaptability to processes requiring manual steps decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling process definitions to specify different levels and types of automation involvement. Process definitions can dynamically determine whether a step requires automated execution, manual intervention, or a combination thereof. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for efficiency in automated steps while maintaining adaptability for processes requiring manual steps.
4Manufacturing precision
If imperative automation constructs are used to provide detailed control flow, then automation precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces process definitions as an intermediary layer between the user and the automation execution engine. This intermediary allows users to specify high-level process requirements without directly programming control flow logic. The execution engine then translates these process definitions into precise control flow instructions, thus maintaining automation precision while improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
In the field of process automation there exists one or more custom solutions which are not scalable and missing essential needs to automate a process. This disclosure addresses the problem of codifying a process to automate by a declarative approach. A method for declarative modeling of process for automation is provided. The method includes receiving, request for automating the process; extracting, at least one feature associated with the process to obtain a declarative model; validating, the declarative model of the process with a process automation code to obtain a process automation package; provisioning, the declarative model to access and obtain specific roles associated with the process; executing, the process automation package in a process automation platform based on the specific roles to obtain a plurality of states; and monitoring, the plurality of states and triggers at least one action associated with the plurality of states in the process automation platform.