JSON to BPMN Conversion System for Workflow Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Businesses face inefficiencies and errors in managing complex workflows due to the need for compliance with internal and external guidelines, which are often not easily trackable in paper forms or spreadsheets, and require extensive training and consulting to convert processes into the rigorous Business Process Management Notation 2.0 (BPMN) specification for automation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically converting workflow data from JSON format to BPMN 2.0 format using a correspondence table to replace elements and fill in default values, allowing for efficient conversion and integration with BPMN-only automation systems, with the option for blue-green deployment and dynamic configuration file ingestion for rapid development and code reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If workflows are tracked on paper forms or spreadsheets, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to human error and omitted steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual paper form and spreadsheet-based workflow tracking with an automated digital system that uses machine-readable formats (JSON input converted to BPMN). This substitution eliminates human error in tracking workflow status while maintaining ease of operation through automated notifications and status updates to actors.
2Reliability
If workflows are converted to BPMN specification for automation, then reliability is improved through accurate machine-readable tracking, but device complexity increases due to rigorous specification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated conversion system that acts as an intermediary between simple JSON format (easy to create) and rigorous BPMN specification (required for automation). This intermediary automatically translates JSON workflow definitions into BPMN-compliant formats, eliminating the need for users to directly engage with complex BPMN syntax while ensuring automation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy or representation of the workflow in JSON format that can be easily created and modified, then automatically converts this copy into the formal BPMN specification. This allows users to work with a simplified representation while still achieving the reliability of formal specification through automated translation.
3Manufacturing precision
If extensive training and consulting are used to convert processes to BPMN, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time and loss of substance increase due to consulting costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service conversion by providing an automated system that translates JSON workflows to BPMN without requiring external consulting specialists. The system automatically performs the conversion, fills in default values, and generates executable BPMN files, eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming manual consulting services while maintaining high conversion accuracy.
4Productivity
If automated conversion from JSON to BPMN is implemented, then productivity is improved through quick conversion, but device complexity increases due to conversion system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal conversion system that can handle multiple workflow scenarios and formats through a single platform. The system provides multi-functional capabilities including JSON to BPMN conversion, automatic default value filling, template selection, and support for various deployment options (blue-green deployment), consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate tools into one unified system.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for converting a data file in a first format for data serialization into a second format for workflow specification is disclosed. The system comprises one or more processors and non-transitory memory storing instructions. When executed by the one or more processors, the instructions cause the one or more processors to receive a data file in the first format representing a workflow; automatically generate a functionally equivalent workflow specified according to the second format, via consultation with a correspondence table and replacing a set of elements from the first format with a corresponding set of elements from the second format; automatically fill in any default values required in the second format and not specified within the first format; and output the functionally equivalent workflow in the second format. In a preferred embodiment, the first format is JSON and the second format is BPMN 2.0.