Workflow Extension via Dependency-Ordered Instructions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing and updating complex workflows in large cloud-deployed computer systems is challenging due to the difficulty in identifying and modifying hundreds or thousands of microservices and processes, leading to inefficiencies in workflow maintenance and adaptation to evolving business needs.
Innovation Solution
A method that loads a workflow into memory, translates it into a programming data structure, builds a model structure, collects and orders extension instructions based on dependencies, and applies these instructions to generate an extended workflow, facilitating efficient modification and extension of workflows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If workflows are made customizable to accommodate different customer requirements, then adaptability improves, but workflow complexity increases making management difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow is segmented into modular components including workflow rules, criteria, actions, and extension instructions. Each component can be independently defined, modified, and managed. The workflow is divided into upstream and downstream sections relative to modification points, allowing targeted changes without affecting the entire workflow structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically identifying upstream and downstream workflows before modifications are applied. Extension instructions are collected and ordered based on dependencies before actual workflow changes are made, ensuring proper sequencing and reducing complexity of manual coordination.
2Productivity
If manual identification and modification of microservices in large workflows is performed, then workflow updates can be made, but time and effort required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automated feedback by identifying upstream and downstream workflows based on modification points, and by ordering extension instructions according to their dependencies. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual traceability analysis and ensures correct modification sequencing automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The workflow modification system performs self-service by automatically collecting extension instructions, determining their execution order based on dependencies, and applying modifications without requiring manual coordination of upstream and downstream changes. The system manages its own complexity reduction.
3Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive tracking of upstream and downstream workflow changes is implemented, then modification accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and separates the complexity of tracking upstream and downstream relationships from the manual modification process. By automatically identifying and managing these dependencies, the system removes the burden of comprehensive tracking from users while maintaining high modification accuracy through automated dependency management.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented system and method of extending a workflow. The system translates the workflow into a programming data structure, builds a model structure based on the programming data structure, collects extension instructions related to changing the workflow and orders the extension instructions according to dependencies among the extension instructions, and generates an extended workflow based on applying the extension instructions to the original workflow. In this manner, the system reduces the amount of manual effort in extending the workflow.