Groupware Extensions for Enterprise Workflow Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional workflow management systems require users to switch between multiple applications, leading to inefficiencies and security issues, as they are not designed for enterprise access control, and do not allow for real-time modification or management of business processes from a single desktop interface.
Innovation Solution
Extensions to a groupware client enable access and modification of business process functions within the client, allowing users to interact with enterprise backend services through a familiar interface, with metadata communication between the client and server for updating business processes and generating reports or alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional workflow management systems use multiple independent desktop applications, then users can access enterprise systems and collaborative software, but the workflow process becomes time-consuming and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges enterprise workflow management functionality with collaborative groupware applications by implementing an extension mechanism that allows workflow tasks, alerts, and reports to be accessed and managed directly within the groupware client interface, eliminating the need to switch between separate desktop applications
Solution Approach 2:
The groupware client is enhanced with multi-functionality through extensions that enable it to perform both collaborative communication tasks and enterprise workflow management tasks within a single unified interface, allowing users to handle emails, tasks, and business process workflows without leaving the application
2Reliability
If traditional workflow systems use multiple independent applications, then various functions can be accessed, but security and access control issues arise as applications are inadequately designed for enterprise access control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple independent applications into a single integrated system where enterprise workflow management functions are embedded within the groupware client through extensions, reducing the number of separate applications and centralizing access control security management
Solution Approach 2:
The extension mechanism acts as an intermediary layer between the groupware client and enterprise backend services, providing a secure interface that maintains enterprise access control policies while enabling enhanced functionality within the unified groupware environment
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional workflow systems use separate desktop applications, then enterprise backend functions can be accessed, but users cannot modify or manage enterprise backend functions from within a single desktop application
Solution Approach 1:
The extended groupware client provides universal access to enterprise backend functions, allowing users to not only view but also modify and manage business process workflows, alerts, and reports directly within the single groupware application interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges read-only access with modification capabilities by integrating enterprise backend management functions into the groupware client extensions, enabling users to create, modify, and manage business process functions from within the unified interface
Data Source
AI summary
A backend enterprise server includes an application that sends metadata to a groupware client. The metadata enables an enterprise user to modify a function of the backend application from within the context of the groupware client. The groupware client sends metadata describing the modification back to the backend application where the modification is applied.