Workflow Design Tool for Multi-Process Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digitizing and automating complex multi-process workflows is challenging due to the need for programming knowledge and the complexity of coordinating tasks across different departments and divisions, limiting accessibility to non-technical users.
Innovation Solution
A workflow design tool that allows users to create and visualize multi-process workflows without programming knowledge, using a visual interface to configure processes, activities, and execution conditions, enabling the creation of digital and automated workflows that can be hosted as a software-as-a-service application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If workflow digitization is performed by programmers or users with intimate knowledge of digital tools, then the workflow automation can be achieved with high precision and reliability, but the accessibility and ease of operation are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a workflow design tool as an intermediary between non-technical users and the underlying digital automation system. This tool provides a visual interface with drag-and-drop functionality, allowing users to create automated workflows without needing programming knowledge. The tool translates user-friendly visual designs into functional digital workflows, thereby maintaining reliability while improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of coding workflows manually with a visual design system. Instead of requiring users to write code or configure complex technical parameters, the system uses visual elements, icons, and drag-and-drop operations to represent and connect workflow steps, substituting technical manipulation with intuitive visual interaction.
2Productivity
If complex multi-process workflows are digitized, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments complex workflows into smaller, manageable units called workflow items or building blocks. Each building block represents a discrete task or process step that can be independently designed, configured, and reused. This segmentation allows users to construct complex multi-process workflows by assembling simpler components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where workflow items can contain sub-workflows or nested building blocks. This allows complex processes to be organized in hierarchical layers, with high-level workflow containers holding detailed sub-tasks. Users can work at different levels of abstraction, designing overall process flows at the top level while nesting detailed operational steps within individual workflow items, thus managing complexity effectively.
3Ease of operation
If visual interface is used for workflow design, then ease of operation is improved for non-technical users, but the manufacturing precision and control over complex processes may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow design tool acts as an intelligent intermediary that translates imprecise visual drag-and-drop operations into precise workflow configurations. When users drag and drop visual elements to create workflows, the system automatically generates the corresponding technical specifications, parameter settings, and execution logic, ensuring manufacturing precision is maintained despite the simplified visual interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes to bridge the visual interface and precise control. The system dynamically adjusts parameters based on user actions in the visual interface, automatically configuring technical parameters, execution conditions, and process variables when users arrange visual workflow elements. This allows non-technical users to achieve precise workflow configuration through intuitive visual manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A first workflow item grouping container and a second workflow item grouping container are a part of a collection of workflow item grouping containers organizing an end-to-end multi-process workflow solution. An identification and execution condition of the first workflow item grouping container and an identification and execution condition of the second workflow item grouping container are received. A specification of one or more workflow items belonging to the first workflow item grouping container and a specification of one or more workflow items belonging to the second workflow item grouping container are received. Each of the one or more workflow items belonging to the first and second workflow item grouping containers has an individually configurable execution condition and corresponds to a different individual activity of the end-to-end multi-process workflow solution.