State Machine System for Workflow Lifecycle Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data processing systems face challenges in efficiently managing and automating the creation and lifecycle of case data objects across diverse workflows, requiring innovative solutions for configuration and management within networked systems.
Innovation Solution
A case management system is developed, enabling users to configure state machines with defined workflow states, operations, and transitions, allowing for the generation and management of case data objects, including user roles, access control, and lifecycle tracking, through a networked architecture that integrates with third-party servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a data processing system manages diverse data objects with unique workflow requirements, then the system's adaptability and versatility improve, but the device complexity and difficulty of management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal state machine framework that can handle diverse data objects (cases, documents, tasks) through a single standardized interface. The state machine engine provides multi-functional workflow management by interpreting state definitions and transitions that apply across different object types, eliminating the need for separate management systems for each data object category.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by parameterizing workflow behavior through configurable state definitions, transition rules, and event handlers. Instead of hardcoding different management logic for each data object type, the system changes parameters (state configurations) to adapt to different workflow requirements, making the core engine simple while maintaining high adaptability.
2Productivity
If automated document creation processes are implemented through configured workflow processes, then productivity improves, but the initial configuration complexity and time investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining state machines with common workflow patterns, state transitions, and event handlers that can be reused across multiple document creation processes. Administrators can configure generic state machines that cover typical workflows, which then serve as templates for specific automated document creation processes, reducing both configuration time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables copying and reusing state machine configurations across different workflows and data objects. Once a state machine is configured for a particular workflow pattern, it can be copied and adapted for similar processes, eliminating redundant configuration work and accelerating the setup of automated document creation processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A case management system is configured to provide one or more case generation and management functions. As configured, the case management system enables a user to define a workflow, the workflow including one or more states, one or more operations which may be performed at the one or more states, and one or more transitions corresponding to the operations and defining a sequence of the states; to generate and configure a state machine; to receive a workflow identifier to assign to the state machine; and through a command received from a client device, to open and manage a case based on the configuration of the state machine.