URL Triggering for Resuming Long-Running RPA Workflows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long running workflows in robotic process automation environments face inefficiencies in interaction with external systems, as existing technologies lack effective methods for seamless resumption of suspended automated processes across multiple systems.
Innovation Solution
A computer system generates a universal resource locator (URL) associated with resuming automated processes, which is provided to an external system to trigger the resumption of suspended workflows by headless robots, enabling efficient interaction and orchestration of long running workflows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If fragmented automated processes are stitched together to achieve long running workflow behavior, then the workflow can perform desired software functions over extended periods, but the interaction efficiency between workflows and external systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (URL-based trigger system) that mediates between external systems and the robotic process automation workflow. The URL acts as a standardized interface that external systems can call to trigger or resume workflow processes, eliminating the need for complex direct integrations with multiple fragmented processes. This intermediary layer improves interaction efficiency while supporting long-running workflows.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple automated processes are coordinated across distributed systems, then the workflow can achieve complex software functions, but the complexity of coordination and monitoring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal URL-based trigger mechanism that can serve multiple functions: initiating workflows, resuming suspended processes, and coordinating between external systems and internal processes. This single universal interface replaces the need for multiple specialized integration points, reducing coordination complexity while maintaining the ability to execute complex multi-step workflows across distributed systems.
3Extent of automation
If automated processes are suspended and resumed across external systems, then the workflow can respond to external trigger events, but the reliability of process resumption deteriorates without a standardized mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-registering URL triggers with the workflow management system before the actual workflow execution or suspension. When external systems need to resume workflows, they simply call the pre-configured URLs, which the system can reliably match to the appropriate suspended processes. This preliminary setup ensures that resumption operations are reliable and deterministic, eliminating the need for complex runtime discovery or matching mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system that generates a universal resource locator (URL). The URL is associated with resuming at least one automated process of a running workflow process that includes a plurality of automated processes. The URL is provided to an external system/application. An input of the URL is received from the external system/application, in response to a trigger event at the external system/application. Based on the input of the URL, the at least one automated process is resumed by at least one headless robot.