Workflow Configuration Interface for Cascading Compound Recipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workflow automation tools are inadequate for handling complex recipes, as they cannot evaluate compound conditions, execute multiple actions, or cascade recipes within a single workflow process.
Innovation Solution
An interactive user interface is developed to prompt administrators to configure complex workflow processes, allowing for multiple compound conditions and actions, and to apply these processes to an existing relational database structure, enabling cascaded compound recipes within a single workflow process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing workflow automation tools are used, then simple if/then statements can be implemented, but compound conditions, multiple actions, and cascaded recipes cannot be evaluated
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow system is segmented into distinct components: multiple independent conditions can be evaluated separately, multiple actions can be defined independently, and cascaded recipes can be structured as separate executable units. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex workflows by breaking them down into manageable, composable elements that can be configured and executed independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the traditional single-dimension if/then workflow into multiple dimensions by allowing: (1) multiple conditions per recipe, (2) multiple actions per recipe, and (3) cascaded recipes that execute sequentially. This dimensional expansion transforms the workflow from a simple linear structure to a multi-layered complex structure capable of handling sophisticated business logic.
2Extent of automation
If complex workflow processes with multiple conditions and actions are implemented, then automation capabilities are improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service capabilities through an interactive configuration interface that guides administrators through the workflow setup process. The interface automatically presents relevant configuration options based on the current state, allowing administrators to configure complex workflows without requiring deep technical knowledge or manual intervention for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration interface performs preliminary actions by automatically generating and presenting relevant configuration parameters in a structured sequence. Before the administrator needs to configure complex relationships, the system has already prepared and organized the configuration options, making the complex setup process more manageable and intuitive.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conditions and actions are configured in a single workflow process, then sophisticated automation is achieved, but the number of configuration parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow configuration system is designed as a universal platform that can handle multiple conditions, multiple actions, and cascaded recipes through a single unified interface. Rather than requiring separate configuration mechanisms for each type of workflow element, the system provides multi-functional capabilities that accommodate diverse workflow scenarios using consistent configuration approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for cascading multiple recipes in a single work flow process. The method includes: providing a database comprising a plurality of object types; providing a graphical user interface (GUI) for display on a computer monitor; prompting the user, using the GUI, to select one of the object types; in response to selecting an object type, prompting the user to define: i) a first recipe comprising first criteria and a first action associated with the first criteria; and ii) a second recipe comprising a second criteria and a second action associated with the second criteria; and automatically executing the work flow process on the selected object type in the database.