Workflow Task Decomposition with Restricted Data Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional workflow management systems lack the ability to support scenarios where a single task requires information from other users, leading to the use of ad-hoc actions like emails and phone calls, and do not effectively manage sensitive information, as they do not allow for controlled data visibility and editing during task delegation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves decomposing a task into subtasks, allowing the original task owner to restrict data visibility and editing permissions for invitees, enabling them to obtain necessary information while maintaining control over the task outcome and data sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single task is assigned to a user in traditional workflow management systems, then task ownership is clear, but the user cannot efficiently obtain information from other users without using ad-hoc actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a single task into multiple subtasks that can be distributed to different users. When a user needs information from others to complete a task, the system automatically creates subtasks and assigns them to relevant users, transforming a monolithic task into a structured hierarchy of subtasks that can be completed collaboratively
Solution Approach 2:
The workflow management system acts as an intermediary that coordinates information gathering between users. Instead of users communicating directly through ad-hoc actions, the system mediates by creating subtasks, tracking progress, and aggregating results, thereby formalizing and managing the information gathering process
2Ease of operation
If ad-hoc actions like emails and phone calls are used to gather information, then information can be obtained from other users, but the process becomes unmanaged and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing users to automatically request and receive information through structured subtasks. Users can initiate information gathering by creating subtasks that are automatically assigned to relevant users, who then complete them through the workflow interface, eliminating the need for manual ad-hoc communication while maintaining ease of access to information
3Adaptability or versatility
If task information is shared with multiple users, then collaboration is enabled, but sensitive information security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different visibility and permission settings for different portions of task data. Each subtask can have customized access controls that grant specific users access only to the information relevant to their subtask, thereby enabling collaboration while protecting sensitive information through granular, location-specific access rights
4Reliability
If a workflow system manages all task interactions, then process control is improved, but flexibility for external applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow management system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both internal workflow tasks and external application integrations. It can manage structured subtasks for internal collaboration while also providing interfaces and APIs for external applications to participate in workflow processes, thereby maintaining process control while accommodating diverse integration scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for task decomposition of a task of a workflow. In one aspect there is provided a method. The method may include selecting, for decomposition, a task from a workflow including a plurality of tasks; indicating whether one or more portions of information associated with the decomposed task are restricted; and providing, to another user interface, the decomposed task including the one or more restricted portions. The received command is executed at the database. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.