Scenario-Based Process Modeling for Business Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing business process modeling tools do not allow end-user-driven process composition, requiring process designers to have specific technical expertise, making it difficult for business users to participate in process design and automation projects.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for scenario-based process modeling that enables business users to define processes without formal process modeling knowledge, using a Collaborative Task Manager (CTM) tool to create and adapt business process models through user-friendly interfaces and workflow engines, allowing for end-user-driven business process composition and automation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing process modeling tools are used, then process modeling capability is provided, but end-user participation is prevented due to required technical expertise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend-user participationVSAvoidtechnical expertise requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a natural language processing intermediary that mediates between end-users and the process modeling system. Users can describe processes in natural language without technical expertise, and the NLP component translates these descriptions into formal process models, eliminating the need for users to learn specialized modeling notations or tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables end-users to independently create and modify process models using intuitive, user-friendly interfaces that require no specialized training. Users can directly interact with the system to define business processes, tasks, and workflows in their own language, making the system self-serviceable without requiring process experts or technical staff.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If process designers explicitly enter process models, then modeling precision is achieved, but implementation time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation speedVSAvoidlifecycle duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating process models from natural language descriptions before formal modeling is needed. The NLP component pre-processes user input and creates initial process structures, which can then be quickly refined or deployed without requiring time-consuming manual modeling activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates copies of process models through automated generation from templates and natural language descriptions. Instead of manually creating each process model from scratch, the system generates copies based on predefined patterns and user specifications, dramatically reducing the time and effort required for process modeling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If formal process modeling notation is required, then modeling accuracy is maintained, but user accessibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoidmodeling accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of formal notation-based modeling with an NLP-based linguistic system. Instead of requiring users to manipulate visual symbols and follow strict modeling rules, the system accepts natural language input and automatically translates it into accurate process models, making the process accessible to users without technical training while maintaining modeling precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8898442B2Scenario-based process modeling for business processes including exception flow to handle an error in a task of the series of tasks

Publication Date: 2014.11.25 SAP SE

AI summary

Methods and systems for scenario-based process modeling are described. In one example embodiment, a system for scenario-based process modeling can include a scenario module, a deviations module, a parallel tasks module, and a workflow generation engine. The scenario module is to receive a series of tasks to define a standard process flow. The deviations module is to receive a deviation from the standard process flow. The parallel tasks module is to enable identification of one or more parallel tasks. The workflow generation engine is to generate a workflow model based on the standard process flow, deviation, and one or more parallel tasks.