Sequential Workflow Orchestration to Eliminate Inter-Processor Wait Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Business process management is hindered by latency issues due to processors waiting for outcomes from other processors and accessing metadata databases, leading to increased delays and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system and method for managing and executing activities with reduced wait times by using a single auto processor to handle activities sequentially, eliminating the need for context switching and improving network bandwidth utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple processors are used to perform business process steps, then task parallelism is achieved, but latency increases due to processors waiting for outcomes from other processors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple processors into a single auto processor that handles all business process activities sequentially. This eliminates the need for processors to wait for outcomes from other processors, as there is only one processor managing the entire workflow. The single auto processor maintains state information and processes activities in sequence, removing inter-processor dependency delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The auto processor performs preliminary actions by pre-loading process definitions and maintaining state information about ongoing activities. This allows the processor to be immediately ready to continue processing without waiting for external outcomes, as it has already prepared the necessary context and state information for subsequent activities.
2Reliability
If each computing device accesses metadata databases to receive business process information, then data accuracy is ensured, but latency increases due to repeated database access
Solution Approach 1:
The single auto processor serves multiple functions: it acts as the database client, the process engine, and the state manager all in one. By consolidating these functions, the system eliminates repeated database access latency while maintaining data accuracy, as the processor maintains local state information and only accesses the database when necessary for persistent storage or retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The auto processor creates and maintains a local copy of process definitions and state information in memory, rather than repeatedly accessing the metadata database. This local copy allows the processor to operate with high speed while ensuring data accuracy by syncing with the database only when definitions are created or updated.
3Adaptability or versatility
If processors are distributed across remote computing devices, then system scalability is improved, but network latency increases due to remote interface access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple distributed processors into a single auto processor located within the enterprise network. This consolidation eliminates network interface latency by having all processing occur locally without needing to remotely access external applications or devices, while still maintaining scalability through the ability to handle multiple activities sequentially.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented system and method for managing and executing activities for uninterrupted processing. At least one process definition representing a plurality of activities to be executed by computing devices located outside of at least one firewall associated with a data communications network is accessed. Respective ones of the plurality of activities are identified and, for each: input representing details associated with the respective one of the plurality of activities is accessed and at least one computing device is determined to execute steps associated with the respective one of the plurality of activities. Information associated with the respective one of the plurality of activities is transmitted to the computing device(s). A response representing output from the executed steps associated with the respective one of the plurality of activities is received and stored.