Abstract: A system may include reception of an instruction to execute a business process from a client application, execution of the business process in a first software work process, and storage, during execution of the business process, of progress information associated with the business process within a memory. A system may further include reception, at a second software work process, of a request from the client application for progress information, retrieval, in the second software work process, of the progress information from the shared memory, reception, at the second software work process, of the progress information from the memory, and provision of the progress information to the client application from the second software work process.

Abstract: A computer may function as a broker that brokers execution of portions of a workflow. The broker computer may have a processor and memory configured to receive the workflow via a network. The workflow may have a corresponding SLA document that has rules governing how the workflow is to be executed. The broker computer may identify discretely executable sub-workflows of the workflow. The broker computer may also obtain information describing computing characteristics of each of a plurality of service providers (e.g., computation clusters, cloud services, etc.) connected with the broker computer via the network. The broker computer may select a set of the service providers by determining whether their respective computing characteristics satisfy the SLA. The broker computer may pass the discretely executable sub-workflows to the selected set of service providers. The workflow is thus executed, in distributed federated fashion, transparently to the user submitting the workflow.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for tracking, monitoring, projecting and reporting billing information. One embodiment is related to a computer readable storage medium including a set of instructions that are executable by a processor, the set of instructions being operable to receive billing data from at least one billing process, analyze changes in the at least one billing process, monitor the at least one billing process for an occurrence of time-based events, reconcile unique identifiers within the billing data to verify data integrity, generate a billing report based on the changes, the time-based events and data integrity, and audit the billing report for format errors.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for scheduling and assigning worker profiles to units of work. For example, in one embodiment, a scheduling system ensures that (a) workers are appropriately qualified to complete or perform units of work, (b) scheduling conflicts on a workers' schedule are avoided, and (c) customizable rules and guidelines are followed with respect to assigning the units of work.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and system configured to analyze a plurality of parts, each of the parts having at least one part characteristic. The method includes the steps of establishing at least one repository of the part characteristics, establishing a relationship between at least a portion of the parts and a cost characteristic; and, analyzing the portion of the parts in response to the relationship.

Abstract: A system and method for cost effectively distributing electronic content is provided. The system for cost effectively distributing electronic content may comprise an inquiry module that may query one or more broadcast communication networks for network specific information. The system may further comprise an analysis module that may determine a cost of distributing the electronic content to one or more electronic reader devices over one or more broadcast communication networks using at least the network specific information. The system may also comprise a selection module that may select the one or more broadcast communication networks for distributing the electronic content based on the cost. The system may additionally comprise a distribution module that may broadcast the electronic content for distribution to the one or more electronic reader devices over one or more selected broadcast communication networks.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, generally, methods and systems for implementing a purchase order approval workflow engine and approval framework. The method includes receiving, at an approval engine of an application server from a purchaser, a purchase order, wherein the purchase order includes a plurality of line items, applying, by the approval engine, one or more rules associated with the purchase order, and transmitting the purchase order to one or more approvers. The method further includes receiving, from the one or more approvers, approval for each of the plurality of line items. The approval of each line item is completed independent from any other line item. Further, the method includes receiving, at the approval engine, an indication that each of the plurality of line items are approved, and transmitting, to a supplier, the purchase order.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing application services through business object views. In one aspect, a definition of at least one business object (BO) is included in a metadata of an application platform. The definition includes descriptions of entities of the BO, and an identification of a service provider of the BO. The service provider instantiates the business object in response to an application service request. In a further aspect, a definition of a business object view (BOV) is included in the metadata of the application platform. The definition includes description of entities of the BOV, and an identification of the BO. The BO is a data source of the BOV. In one other aspect, a transformation describes a mapping of BOV entities to data source BO entities. A service corresponding to a core service of a BOV entity is called at the BO service provider based on the mapping.

Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.

Abstract: A project analysis tool receives a set of activities of a project, receives user input that specifies an activity attribute, groups the activities into groups according to different attribute values, and displays each group's activities within a line located by their start times. Alternatively, the tool receives user input that specifies a start entity and an end entity, determines paths of the activities of the project between the start entity and the end entity using received predecessor/successor relationships, and displays each path's activities within a line located by their start times. Alternatively, the tool creates time phases, populates them with activities based on start/end times, performs metric analysis on each time phase, and displays each time phase's analysis information. The tool also divides groups/paths into time phases across groups/paths, identifies segments that are the intersection of a time phase and a group/path, analyzes each segment and displays its analysis information.

Abstract: A method, system and program product for optimally managing fulfillment of orders that are channeled through a diversified manufacturing environment that utilizes different process models, product nomenclatures and communication methods. The method includes sending by a contemporary fulfillment application to a legacy application a scheduling request for an order that includes a code recommending that the order is deemed eligible for fulfillment by a specific manufacturing site. The method further includes returning by the legacy application a scheduling response providing scheduling information for the order and confirming that the order is to be fulfilled by the specific manufacturing site.

Abstract: A method and system for workflow management in a business process environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes determining respective attributes of a plurality of business documents received via an input device of the computing device, and receiving a set of business rules associated with the plurality of business documents. The set of business rules are based on the attributes of the plurality of business documents. The method also includes forming a plurality of queue filters for segregating a set of transactions associated with the plurality of business documents based on the set of business rules, and forming a plurality of queues based on the plurality of queue filters and at least one activity associated with the set of transactions. Further, the method includes generating on a display of the computing device, a list of agents assigned for each of the plurality of queues.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for predicting work force requirements. Work order information is retrieved describing work orders, and weather information is retrieved describing a weather event. The work order information and the weather information are combined to determine an impact on the work orders due to the weather event. The work force requirements are then predicted to resolve the work orders.

Abstract: Methods, computer readable media, and apparatuses for policy development and management are presented. One or more policy needs may be identified, and a criticality rating and a complexity rating may be determined for each policy need. The criticality rating and the complexity rating may be based on one or more weighted criticality and complexity factors. The criticality rating may affect prioritization of policy development, and the complexity rating may affect an estimate of time required for policy development. Subsequently, a report may be generated.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for project management. A method embodiment for project management includes accepting a designation of disparate enterprise data from disparate sources in an enterprise system as plan data for a project. The disparate enterprise data is governed by business rules in the enterprise system. The method also includes dynamically aggregating the plan data from the disparate data sources; presenting the aggregated plan data in a project management interface; accepting a manipulation of a portion of the aggregated plan data; enforcing business rules on the aggregated plan data in the project management interface; and committing the manipulated aggregated plan data back to the datasources.

Abstract: Systems and computer-implemented methods include a validation phase in which validation projects are submitted to an online crowdsourcing system. The validation projects each have different combinations of the two validation control parameters, payment per human intelligence task (“HIT”) and number of solutions per HIT. By analyzing the solutions for the validation projects, final control parameters can be selected from the validation project having the best combination of high quality, low cost, and short time to completion. The final control parameters can be submitted along with a final project to the online crowdsourcing system. In addition, a novel outlier detection algorithm enables the system to detect outlier workers based on the distribution of non-experts' agreement probabilities, reject outlier workers' results, and thus save labeling cost.

Abstract: Centralized process context and information context are provided for a computer system having an enterprise service architecture platform. The process context is a centrally accessible object storing and providing status data generated during performance of a process flow. The process context permits firm personnel to review performance of the process flow, for example, to determine its status and to identify any business exceptions that may have occurred therein. The information context caches information generated during performance of the process flow. It provides data on which to assess firm performance parameters, for example, time elapsed during performance of each process step and it provides a detailed set of information describing the process business activity. The process context and information context support higher-level monitoring functions.

Abstract: Data capture and workflow management devices, systems, and methods are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a data processing system having a processor and a storage device. The storage device may include application instructions encoded therein, and the application instructions may include a workflow engine to facilitate healthcare delivery to a patient. The system may further a data capture device to communicate data to the data processing system over a network. The data capture device may be provided in the form of a magnet board including a plurality of magnetic sensors to detect user-placement of a magnet within a region associated with a magnetic sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for establishing inter-Cloud resource sharing agreements and policies such that dynamic expansion/contraction of Cloud resource requests can be seamlessly addressed without requiring physical build-out of the primary Cloud infrastructure and advertising the need for additional resources or the offer to provide additional resources can be brokered through an established marketplace. The financial transaction will support a symbiotic bi-lateral fair-share method that better aligns with an alternating supplier/consumer business model. Using this system and method will decrease the amount of time needed to respond to a given Cloud service request while advantaging a resource sharing model amongst established Cloud providers.

Abstract: An item migration system generates a workflow process comprising logical nodes and physical nodes. Candidate physical nodes are associated with the logical nodes. An item generated at an initial logical node within the workflow process is inserted into the workflow and logically migrated to a subsequent logical node. The system determines whether the item requires physical migration based on properties of the item, characteristics of the subsequent logical node, characteristics of candidate physical nodes, and weighting factors applied to the properties and characteristics. If the item requires physical migration, the system selects an optimum target physical node from the candidate physical nodes. The present system migrates the item to the physical location corresponding to the selected physical node. Otherwise, the present system performs logical migration to the logical node without physical migration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method or system for automating consolidation of data for reporting purposes, decreasing manual user intervention, and automating the generation of earned value management documentation using a custom designed matrix that is role-based having four (4) fundamental workflow processes: post-award, work authorization, change request, and variance analysis reporting. One method may have the steps of consolidating control accounts between an integrated master schedule and an earned value management system, automatically generating work authorizations and corresponding workflow, integrating baseline change requests and follow-on work authorization, generating and organizing, in a hierarchical manner, variance analysis reports, and organizing, in a streamlined manner, finalized earned value management documentation.

Abstract: A method and system for discovering dependencies in project plans of a distributed system. Project plans are located by a project plan path. A project plan contains dependency information of a task to be performed, a resource necessary to perform the task, and a prerequisite task to perform the task. The method generates a master project plan containing all dependency information in all project plans in the distributed system, which dictates an order of tasks or task-resource maps in all project plans pursuant to the dependency information in project plans. The method utilizes project plan files in diverse formats in generating the master project plan for the distributed system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are defined that provide for managing a technical project. In particular, embodiments provide for an end-to-end project delivery tool that includes planning, defining the requirements, designing, building, approving and providing communication/reporting of the technical project. The technical project management delivery tool herein described automates the capture of data and other functionality, such as identification of technical requirements, design infrastructure, build workflows and the like, to add increased efficiency as it relates to the design and build phases of a technical project.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are defined that provide for managing a technical project and in particular the infrastructure design phase of the technical project. Specifically, embodiments provide for an end-to-end project delivery tool that includes defining the infrastructure design requirements of the technical project. The technical project management delivery tool herein described automates the capture of data and other functionality, such as identification of design infrastructure and the like, to add increased efficiency as it relates to the design and build phases of a technical project.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are defined that provide for managing a technical project. In particular, embodiments provide for an end-to-end project delivery tool that includes planning, defining the requirements, designing, building, approving and providing communication/reporting of the technical project. The technical project management delivery tool herein described automates the capture of data and other functionality, such as identification of technical requirements, design infrastructure, build workflows and the like, to add increased efficiency as it relates to the design and build phases of a technical project.

Abstract: A collaborate workspace offers a set of integrated components. Within a project, users may view avatars representing other team members, view the current schedule, add or change meetings, update documents, complete deliverables, and interact with team members around the world. Other projects are shown in the background, enabling users to easily and quickly switch between projects and be informed about actions occurring in the background tasks.

Abstract: Electronic messages with system-generated network addresses are transmitted to recipients to enable access to specific locations in the workflow system. The network addresses may be used only once, are generated using secure identifications and/or can be generated randomly. These secure identifications can be created by encoding a large number into the network address. The recipient of this network address may be required to himself to the workflow system, for example, as a means for minimizing security risks to the workflow system. The network addresses generated to specific locations within a workflow system are intended for specific recipients but may be shared by the recipients as circumstances require. Electronic mail can be transmitted with specific electronic mail addresses encoded in the electronic mail message. The specific email address can be encoded into a “Reply-to” function. Alternatively, specific email addresses can be embedded into the message portion of the email message.

Abstract: Techniques for generating one or more artifacts for service delivery are provided. The techniques include receiving one or more service design inputs, using the one or more service design inputs to generate an internal representation of the service design, using the internal representation of the service to generate one or more artifacts of the service, and incorporating the one or more artifacts into the service design and outputting the service.

Abstract: Cost aware service aggregation is described; for example, two or more web services may be connected to form an aggregate service in a way which minimizes computational costs and/or costs of network resources between the services. In an embodiment a service has a two or more contracts expressed using process-algebra which capture data representations and protocols of the web service. In an embodiment, a static analysis engine identifies combinations of contracts which are compatible according to the process-algebra. In an example, the identified combinations of contracts are ranked by cost to select an optimal combination. In other examples, network environment conditions are taken into account and dynamic adjustments made to the aggregation. In more examples, mappings of the data representations to other data representations are considered and appropriate proxy services are automatically used to implement these mappings if required.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system for determining an aggregate delay associated with a task attribute value. During operation, the system can receive a set of projects, which include completed projects and currently executing projects. Next, the system can determine buffer consumption amounts associated with task chains in each project. A task chain can be a sequence of tasks in the project's task dependency network which ends in the project buffer. The buffer consumption amount associated with a task chain can be the amount of the project buffer that would have been consumed if the tasks in the task chain were the only tasks in the project. Next, the system can select a set of task chains based at least on the buffer consumption amounts. The system can then aggregate task delays for tasks in the set of task chains that are associated with the task attribute value.

Abstract: A system and method for managing implementations comprising real-time implementation decisions based on configuration rules and real-time events. The method ensures organizational-level control over implementation configuration. The method further facilitates prioritization of implementations based on organizational criteria. In real-time decision is based on configured rules, and provides a flexible yet consistent approach to implementation. The method facilitates communication throughout the implementation by allowing multiple concurrent modes of communication among implementation users, and between users and the system. Continuous improvement is facilitated by incorporating management of lessons learned, and by including recommendations for current implementation based statistics from prior decisions and from lessons learned.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium storing a set of instructions executable by a processor, the instructions being operable to receive data about a plurality of employees, the data including an employee time commitment for each of the employees, the data further including an employee qualification for each of the employees; classify the received data as a function of a project to which each of the employees is assigned, wherein the data is further classified as a function of a supervisor of each of the employees; receive a query from a user, the query being directed to a time usage of one of the employees, the query specifying an attribute of the user; and provide a result of the query to the user, the result relating to the attribute, the result including one of a discipline of the user, an area of expertise of the user, an employee status of the user, a project involvement of the user, a job title of the user, and a work expended of the user.

Abstract: An accompanying document for a printing substrate, which is to be printed in a printing press, is configured as an electronic data set that is stored in a memory of an RFID tag. Data relating to a production-preparatory generation of an adhesive surface, on the printing substrate to be fed to the printing press, is written into the data set. Data relating to the manufacturer of the printing substrate of to its supplier, and data relating to the manufacture of the printing substrate are also written into the data set. In the case of a commercial unit having a printing substrate that has been only partially printed during a production run of the printing press, the data set can be supplemented with data which, at least, characterizes an event. The event could relate to a break in the printing substrate or to changes to the commercial unit which occurred during the production process that was implemented in the printing press using the printing substrate of the commercial unit.

Abstract: A method, system, and data structure for implementing a workflow. The workflow divides a general work task of an enterprise into activities and associated relationships with respect to participating roles in the workflow. A checklist file is generated for each participating role. Each checklist file is stored in a first database. Each checklist file specifies activities of each participating role and at least one relationship element for each activity of each participating role. The at least one relationship element of a first activity in the checklist file of a first participating role of the participating roles includes a dependency relationship. A plurality of checklist instances is generated. Each checklist instance being stored in a second database. Each checklist instance corresponds to an associated checklist file and records a status of each activity and of each relationship element in the associated checklist.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for implementing enterprise application-based micro-blogging. The method includes receiving a micro-blog registration for an enterprise application for at least one user, verifying the role and access level of the user, and based on the registration, the role, and access level, receiving setting information from the at least one user to configure following of at least one object associated with the enterprise application. The method further includes recording an event to the micro-blog for the at least one object, determining that the at least one user is configured to follow the at least one object, and in response to following the at least one object, receiving a notification that at least one update to the at least one object has occurred. Further, the method includes displaying, in real-time, within the enterprise application-based micro-blog the at least one update to the at least one object to the at least one user.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium are presented, for providing incident notifications. The systems and processes disclosed here automatically generate and send notifications relating to an incident in accordance with an enterprise's business rules and provide real time reporting of all communications relating to the incident.

Abstract: Upon reception of a retrieval request containing a retrieval key word from a client, a business flow registration information table is searched based on the retrieval key word to acquire a flow ID and a node ID of a business flow containing the retrieval key word. The flow ID and the node ID acquired are stored in a retrieval result table. With reference to a business flow operation history table, the node use count of the acquired node ID is divided by the flow use count of the acquired flow ID to calculate a node pass ratio. The calculated node pass ratio is stored in a node pass ratio table. With the node pass ratio as a score, the node pass ratio information is sorted in the descending order of the score. The retrieval request display data is generated in the order of sorting, and sent to the client.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for modeling, predicting, forecasting, and analyzing organizational spend/procurement, such as travel spend. In various embodiments, a method for modeling, predicting, budgeting, and optimizing business spend and procurement is provided comprising obtaining benchmark data, obtaining opportunity assessment data, obtaining organizational cost data, modeling the opportunity assessment data in comparison to the benchmark data, and determining a potential cost result based on the modeling. The method may further comprise adjusting the opportunity assessment data to achieve a desired cost result.

Abstract: A system and method of analysis, including, but not limited to: receiving raw data related to at least one project; receiving user preferences in at least one workflow, wherein each step in the a workflow constitutes a single instance of a component of a workflow such that the state of a unique component is always the same if the same component is comprised in other workflows; determining metrics related to the at least one project; analyzing the data & metrics to identify patterns; drawing conclusions from the data, metrics and patterns; and generating at least one report that presents the metrics, patterns and conclusions.

Abstract: A method includes creating a macro plan for a test project, creating a micro plan for the test project, wherein the micro plan and the macro plan are based on at least one common parameter, and reconciling the macro plan and the micro plan by identifying deviations between the macro plan and the micro plan based on the at least one common parameter.

Abstract: A method is implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions. The programming instructions are operable to receive data including defect analysis defect analysis starter (DAS)/defect reduction method (DRM) defect analysis data of a software development project and process the data. Additionally, the programming instructions are operable to determine one or more business metrics based on the data and generate at least one report based on the one or more business metrics.

Abstract: A method includes generating a test model based on at least one of test group dependencies and test group constraints and generating a resource base. The method includes generating a cost model and generating a resource allocation plan based on the test model, the resource base, and the cost model.

Abstract: A method is implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions. The programming instructions are operable to receive data including code inspection services defect analysis data of a software development project and process the data. Additionally, the programming instructions are operable to determine one or more business metrics based on the data and generate at least one report based on the one or more business metrics.

Abstract: A method for organizing grassroots (individuals or collective groups of people) operations to a user's preference utilizing a comprehensive grassroots operational structure, producing operational success through greater efficiency in grassroots operations, recruitment, training, and retention within the organization. The creation and subsequent management of this structure will allow the user to recruit and place grassroots volunteers in a quick, effective, and efficient manner. The method breaks down the organized area into smaller Operational Areas, categorizes and codes those Operational Areas, sets minimal staffing levels for the structure, and fills the structure with positions which contain: 1. How does this position fit into the organization's purpose; 2. What training is needed for this position; 3. Which other position does this position report to; 4. If applicable, the other positions that report to this position; and 5. The Position's Title.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for aligning projects with an objective of an organization is disclosed. The method may include storing in a computer system a representation of an objective of an organization. The method may further include storing in the computer system a plurality of sustainability projects of the organization. Additionally, the method may include establishing a computer-based logical link between the objective of the organization and at least some of the plurality of sustainability projects of the organization. In certain embodiments, the method may include receiving from the computer system data representing one or more respective metrics for each of the at least some of the plurality of sustainability projects of the organization. The method may further include generating one or more key performance indicators for each of the at least some of the plurality of sustainability projects of the organization.

Abstract: A method and system for efficient code review performed during the software development. The method and system include storing information about a plurality of authors and reviewers; detecting code to be reviewed by analyzing a code repository with respect to recent code modifications; creating a code review invitation according to the stored information about a plurality of authors and reviewers; distributing the code review invitation to a respective reviewer; recording comments for review code from the respective reviewer; measuring coverage of the reviewed code; applying metrics to the code review invitations and the comments; measuring code review characteristics based on the applied metrics.

Abstract: A computer readable medium storing a program causing a computer to execute a process for determining execution states of plural works which are performed in order, the process includes: inputting written information of a paper document, the written information being written by an operator of at least one of the plural works, and indicating contents of the at least one of the plural works; determining execution states of the at least one of the plural works indicated in the written information, based on the input written information and the order of the plural works; and updating work state information indicating execution states of the plural works based on the determination.

Abstract: A critical parameter/requirements management process model for managing a development program for a product and an associated product structure-driven critical parameter/requirements management tool and environment is provided. In one embodiment, the process includes a product structure classification scheme, a parameter/requirements classification scheme, a parameter/requirements process and maturity model, and in-process and requirements conformance views. In one embodiment, the tool includes a user interface layer, a business layer, a data layer, and a database. The user interface layer may include a product structure feature group, an add/edit/link feature group, a manage maturity feature group, and a manage conformance feature group. The tool may be implemented as a web server accessible to user workstations operating as thin clients.

Abstract: A system for executing services in a distributed way, the execution of each service involving the processing of a plurality of tasks of predetermined types, each task type to be processed being represented by a corresponding type of tuples of data relating to the task type, wherein: the system includes a plurality of peer entities; each peer entity being adapted to store and execute a plurality of worker modules, each worker module being adapted to process at least one task type; each peer entity including tuple handling modules that, for a tuple of a type T, are adapted: a) to check if at least one of the plurality of the worker modules in the peer entity is adapted to process the task represented by the tuple, b) in the positive case of a), to take charge of the processing of the task represented by the tuple, and c) in the negative case of a), to execute a forwarding procedure for forwarding the tuple to another peer entity of the plurality of peer entities of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing one or more processes includes a reference relation information managing unit configured to manage information about reference relations between the one or more processes, one or more activities constituting the one or more processes, and one or more documents relating to at least one of the one or more processes and the one or more activities, or about reference relations between the one or more processes, the one or more activities, and one or more participants relating to at least one of the one or more processes and the one or more activities.