Dynamic Workflow Runtime Modification via Segmented Task Blocks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing workflow systems are static and do not allow end users or managers to modify workflows while they are ongoing, requiring developers to make changes at design time and restart the workflow system.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic workflow solution that enables users to customize workflows by adding steps or tasks during runtime through a low-code application development platform, using dynamic workflow building blocks and task configuration tools, allowing for real-time modification and updating of workflows without requiring developer intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If workflows are made static and predefined by developers, then workflow execution reliability is improved, but workflow adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow execution reliabilityVSAvoidworkflow adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic workflows that allow modification during runtime. Users can add, remove, or modify tasks and steps in an ongoing workflow without restarting the entire system. The workflow engine dynamically loads and executes workflow definitions from a database, enabling real-time adjustments while maintaining execution reliability through controlled validation and versioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The workflow system is segmented into independent tasks and steps that can be individually modified. Each task is a discrete unit that can be added or removed from the workflow without affecting the entire system. This segmentation allows granular adaptability where specific portions of the workflow can be customized by users while the overall workflow structure maintains its reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If workflow changes are made at design time by developers, then workflow integrity is improved, but operational flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow integrityVSAvoidoperational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables end-users to perform workflow modifications themselves without requiring developer intervention. Users can directly add, remove, or configure tasks through the user interface, and the system automatically validates and applies these changes. This self-service capability provides operational flexibility while maintaining workflow integrity through built-in validation rules and version control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The workflow engine acts as an intermediary between users and the workflow execution system. It provides a controlled interface that allows users to propose workflow changes, validates these changes against integrity constraints, and applies approved modifications. This intermediary mechanism balances operational flexibility with workflow integrity by filtering and managing user-initiated changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If developers must restart the workflow system to activate changes, then system stability is improved, but response time deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary validation and preparation of workflow changes before they take effect. Users can configure and validate workflow modifications in advance, and the system prepares the updated workflow definitions in the database before activation. This preliminary action ensures stability while reducing the time needed for actual deployment, as no system restart is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The workflow system maintains continuous operation without interruptions. Workflow changes are applied dynamically while the system continues to execute existing workflows. The workflow engine loads updated definitions from the database and applies them to subsequent workflow instances without requiring a system shutdown or restart, ensuring both stability and rapid response time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20250103987A1Systems and methods for dynamic workflow

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 OPEN TEXT CORPORATION

AI summary

This disclosure provides a dynamic workflow feature that allows an end user to dynamically configure a workflow at runtime. At design time, a dynamic workflow building block is added to an entity in a modeling project in an entity-based application. Adding the dynamic workflow building block adds a task type building block and a task configuration building block. The task type building block is used for defining task type(s), each of which is mapped to a task action using the task configuration building block. Additionally, a dynamic workflow progress panel and layout panels are created. A “Start Workflow” page is configured for creating or modifying a workflow template and for instantiating an instance of the workflow template. A “Workflow Summary” page is configured for summarizing the instance once started and for dynamically adding a task or a step to the instance at runtime of the instance.