Schedule-Aware Workflow Management Systems

Abstract. Contemporary workflow management systems offer workitems to users through specific work-lists. Users select the work-items they will perform without having a specific schedule in mind. However, in many environments work needs to be scheduled and performed at particular times. For example, in hospitals many work-items are linked to appointments, e.g., a doctor cannot perform surgery without reserving an operating theater and making sure that the patient is present. One of the problems when applying workflow technology in such domains is the lack of calendar-based scheduling support. In this paper, we present an approach that supports the seamless integration of unscheduled (flow) and scheduled (schedule) tasks. Using CPN Tools we have developed a specification and simulation model. Based on this a system has been realized that uses YAWL, Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Outlook, and a dedicated scheduling service. The approach is illustrated using a real-life case study at the ...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2010
• Where: TOPNOC
• Authors: Ronny Mans, Nick C. Russell, Wil M. P. van der Aalst, Arnold J. Moleman, Piet J. M. Bakker
• Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Calendar-based Scheduling Support, Exchange Server 2007, Real-life Case Study, TOPNOC 2010