Abstract: A computer system and computer-implemented method for message or “chaser” management in a distributed legal workflow environment is provided. Embodiments provide central administration of legal workflow conducted by a plurality of distributed participants. A plurality of workflow chasers associated with a plurality of workflow records are created and defined based on a plurality of attributes (e.g. associated record identification, action identification, target user, display date, etc.). New and existing chasers are compared to one another to identify any redundancies (e.g. duplicate chasers, unnecessary chasers, etc.). Redundant chasers are deleted or otherwise de-activated. Remaining chasers are implemented within the distributed legal workflow environment, as appropriate (i.e. displayed to their target user on the associated target display date. Chasers may be created automatically as required for conformance to workflow policies, procedures or applicable laws.

Abstract: A business process analysis system provides a platform for process modeling and simulation in a collaborative environment. The system includes a series of client stations connected to servers over a network. The platform is suitable for operating on an internal, local enterprise network or a group of systems across multiple locations, or in a cloud-based or other environment. The servers maintain business process models being created or edited at one or more clients. The servers also run simulations of the models. A collaboration server controls changes to the business process model. A history of revisions is maintained in a content management system. An interactive work site provides relevant information regarding the business process models, such as a listing of the latest changes to the model, user-submitted commentary, discussions, and additional files relating to the model.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for developing a set of business process definitions sharing the common business intent as a business process family using model-driven techniques. The present invention minimizes on development time and resources thus leading to a cost effective system and method for developing business process families. The invention enables to create a business process family which can be easily configured to behave as a specific business process thus meeting the needs of a set of apriori known situations. The invention supports configuration process at different stages (i.e. design time, and run time) of the business process application and also support extension of the configuration structure at different stages (i.e. design time, and run time). The invention enables to create a business process family which can be easily extended to meet the needs of an as yet unseen situation.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to algorithmic and/or programmatic approaches to identifying service candidates from among business process functions. In certain example embodiments, a method of analyzing functions of a business process model for possible exposure as service capabilities in a service-oriented business process system (SO-BPS) is provided. A business process model defined by a plurality of objects is received, with each said object having metadata attributes associated therewith. Business process analysis intelligence is obtained at design time for each said object. Process performance intelligence at run time is obtained for each said object. Indicators corresponding to the design time and run time gathered intelligence are stored together with the metadata attributes for the corresponding object.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a business process meta-model is defined that represents a business process. The business process meta-model includes control flow elements pertaining to a control flow of the business process, and annotation elements providing details for the control flow elements.

Abstract: A workflow system is provided in which one person in charge efficiently processes each activity assigned to successive nodes. When a client request management program execution unit 330 of a workflow server 30 receives a request to terminate processing for a node from a user's computer terminal for operation 20, a definition for the node is referred to by a project management program execution unit 310. If processing of a process management program execution unit 320 is completed within a consecutive processing standby time t1 defined for the node, and it is determined that a next node can be processed by the user, a client request management program execution unit 330 requests a computer terminal for operation 20 to start processing of a next node.

Abstract: Activations of a plurality of incoming branches may be detected at a synchronization point having a plurality of outgoing branches. A first synchronization may be executed after a first number of activations is detected, and at least one of a plurality of outgoing branches from the synchronization point may be activated, based on the first synchronization. A second synchronization may be executed after a second number of activations is detected, and at least a second one of the plurality of outgoing branches from the synchronization point may be activated, based on the second synchronization.

Abstract: Computer systems and methods are disclosed for improving professional services delivery, such as services in a data management environment. In certain examples, computer systems comprise portals for transmitting and receiving information from parties involved in the performance and receipt of professional services. For instance, a first portal can receive data (e.g., from sales personnel) descriptive of a customer's product environment. A manager module populates a record with the data, and a second portal provides the customer with access to the record for review, correction and/or validation prior to the generation of a Statement of Work or other like project description. The second portal can also request additional information from the customer regarding the product environment. The manager module compares the data received through the first portal with the customer-entered information to identify and/or address discrepancies between the sets of data and customize the generation of the Statement of Work.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for modeling costs when editing a workflow process model. A request may be received to assign a cost factor to a workflow process step of the workflow process model. Responsive to the request, the cost factor may be assigned to the workflow process step, such that a traversal of the workflow process step by a transaction invoking the workflow process model results in the cost factor being included in a total cost to be charged for executing the transaction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to optimize workflow execution by making intelligent decisions regarding service requests to perform workflow processes on one or more servers are provided. For some embodiments, a workflow controller may analyze a workflow definition specifying a set of tasks to be performed in order to determine if multiple tasks may be performed locally, on a common server. If so, the controller may generate a remote service to perform the multiple tasks on the common server, without requiring intermediate transfer of data between a local server on which the controller is running and the common remote server.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for process discovery. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to defining a trace using process data, the trace comprising a collection of events, analyzing the trace to detect nodes and arcs between the nodes using relationships between the collection of events, and detecting interleaving in the arcs by analyzing relationships between the collection of events and the detected nodes and arcs.

Abstract: A computer system is described which facilitates the collaboration of participants involved in regulation/policy compliance. The system comprises two systems: a central regulation compliance system; and a collaboration forum. The central regulation compliance system is integrated with the collaboration forum to facilitate the assessment/survey process in order to attend to issues relating to actual or potential occurrences of non-compliance with regulatory/policy requirements.

Abstract: An approach is provided for online trouble ticket servicing. As part of a workflow, one or more activities, which are associated with a trouble ticket corresponding to a service, are monitored, wherein the one or more activities are tracked by a workflow engine. Status information is repeatedly acquired for the one or more activities until a predetermined milestone is reached according to the workflow. The status information is stored for presentation to a subscriber of the service.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for substantially automatically generating a device capabilities file for a device in a printing environment. Features and aspects hereof provide for providing an XML schema (XMLS) file representing the available features of the device and then substantially automatically generating a device capabilities file from the XMLS file. The XMLS file may be substantially automatically generated by appropriate computing tools based on provided JDF job tickets for the device or may be generated by any other means and provided for generation of the device capabilities file. The device capabilities file may be generated by parsing the hierarchical tree structured XMLS file to identify attributes and elements therein. Each attribute is then translated to a corresponding device capabilities entry representing the available features of the device and setting values for each feature to generate the device capabilities file.

Abstract: A system may include a thread monitor that is arranged and configured to monitor progress of multiple threads of a workflow process at a synchronization point with each of the threads having a state, and configured to generate at least one inspection trigger for inspection of the threads. A thread inspector may inspect the threads at the synchronization point for a change in the state in any of the threads in response to the inspection trigger. A firing rules engine may determine whether or not the synchronization point should fire based at least in part on the change in the state of at least one of the threads.

Abstract: A method includes providing a baseline workflow as an electronic representation of an actual workflow, the baseline workflow including baseline tasks, data items, and baseline data scopes, and providing a fragment workflow as an electronic representation of an actual fragment workflow, the fragment workflow including at least one fragment task, and at least one fragment data scope. A baseline data scope is identified as an affected data scope based on a structural change operation, the baseline workflow and the fragment workflow, and the affected data scope is compared to the at least one fragment data scope to identify at least one change operation. The fragment and baseline workflows are integrated based on the structural change operation to provide an integrated workflow, and the at least one data scope change operation is executed to provide at least one integrated data scope in the integrated workflow.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a project-management method includes implementing, on a server computer having a processor and memory, a universal framework for engaging projects within an enterprise. The project-management method further includes optimizing, via the server computer, at least one project via an integration of a standardized set of process-related project-management assets, a standardized set of project-management assets related to at least one of selecting, assigning, developing, certifying, and managing human resources involved in project management, and a standardized set of project-management assets comprising a plurality of technological tools.

Abstract: A method and tool is provided to obtain an optimistic estimate or exact optimal value of an operational parameter for a realistic system model under investigation. The model includes components and paths arranged to process continuous or discrete commodities. The system could be a model of a manufacturing system with different machines processing multiple job types, with different sequences of operations at different stages. Constraints are applied to the abstracted network flow model, and a plurality of steady state network flows are performed. and combined to captures the transformation of the commodities from a first state to a final output state. The optimistic estimate of the realistic system model under investigation is then returned through use of a general purpose or custom solver. The method can be used to perform tradeoff studies between machine allocations, job mixes, operating costs, reliability and throughput, or to speed up scheduling and machine control.

Abstract: A new technique to analyze the control-flow, i.e., the workflow graph of a business process model, which is called symbolic execution, is provided. Acyclic workflow graphs that may contain inclusive OR-gateways are considered; a symbolic execution for them is defined, which runs in quadratic time. In particular, this symbolic execution essentially comprises labeling edges of nodes of the graph such that a label assigned to a first edge comprises a set of one or more edge identifiers, each identifying a second edge that is an outgoing edge of an XOR-split or an IOR-split node in the graph, whereby executing the second edge ensures that the first edge will be executed. Such a scheme may permit a decision for any pair of control-flow edges or tasks of the workflow graph whether they are sometimes, never, or always reached concurrently. This has different applications in finding control- and data-flow errors.

Abstract: In a method for operation of a medical diagnosis apparatus as well as medical diagnosis-apparatus, with which medical questions are to be answered, the medical questions to be answered is established for each question at least one examination step is determined that is necessary for clarification of the respective medical question, and supplementary information is associated with each examination step, and, using the supplementary information, the examination workflow is determined with the necessary examination steps that are needed to answer all medical questions.

Abstract: Aggregation of life cycle impact assessment data and generation of life cycle impact assessment and scoring for goods and/or services or for components of goods and/or services are provided. Life cycle inventory data for components of goods and/or services are validated and audited to determine their available use in the generation of life cycle impact assessments for the goods and/or services. Life cycle impact assessments (LCIA) and LCIA scores are generated for each component or phase of production, use or disposal of a given good and/or service. LCIAs and LCIA scores for each component or phase are aggregated together and composite LCIAs and LCIA scores are generated for the good and/or service. The generated LCIAs and LCIA scores may be exposed to consumers, and the LCIAs and LCIA scores may be updated periodically as required to account for changes in LCI data for the scored good and/or service.

Abstract: An Enterprise-wide Value chain management (EVCM) system for real-time monitoring and control of enterprise-wide value generation and consumption is disclosed. The EVCM system comprising, an interface unit to interact with pluralities of entities in an organization to track and collect event records, compute value generation or consumption, measure the value and aggregate it at various levels of enterprise, make it available though dashboard to provide cockpit view of the enterprise value, provide control system, both internal and external, for influencing the value dynamics across the enterprise.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for implementing a software architecture design for a software application implementing service procurement. The application is structured as multiple process components interacting with each other through service interfaces, and multiple service interface operations, each being implemented for a respective process component. The process components include a Project Processing process component; a Purchase Request Processing process component; a Purchase Order Processing process component; a Purchasing Contract process component; a Goods and Service Acknowledgement process component; a Supplier Invoice Processing process component; an RFQ Processing process component that; and a Time and Labor Management process component.

Abstract: A method for displaying values specified in a number of offers for a number of offer variables with respect to price includes receiving data for multiple offers that reflects values specified in the offers for multiple offer variables and generating a display of the received data. The display includes multiple offer variable windows that are each associated with an offer variable. Each offer variable window includes an offer price axis representing a range of offer prices and an offer variable axis substantially perpendicular to the offer price axis that represents a range of values for the offer variable associated with the offer variable window. Each offer variable window includes multiple bars. Each bar represents a value specified in offer for the offer variable associated with the offer variable window and is positioned with respect to the offer price axis according to an offer price specified in the offers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for defining and documenting processes, procedures, standards and policies that are succinct and usable, and that are scalable to the complexity of the process and to abilities of the individual user. Steps of a particular process and a relationship of one or more of the steps are identified. Graphical representations of the steps and the relationship as a lean process are provided, wherein the lean process enhances and increases communication and minimizes documentation for providing the graphical representations, and wherein the representations comprise key process elements for the particular process, wherein the key process elements consist of one or more inputs, outputs, activities, process context, entry criteria, exit criteria, purposes, process flow, and roles, and wherein the representation is on a single page if a receiver of the non-verbal communication is an expert audience.

Abstract: According to the one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for knowledge and process based estimation model for product development activities of engineering services comprises: accepting a plurality of input details of a product. A component of the product is chosen for the purpose of estimation. The method of the present embodiment also comprises choosing the complexity of the component. A stream for estimation is selected and a process depending on the stream is also selected. Furthermore, the method comprises, choosing the complexity of the process to estimate. Based on all the selected parameters, the pre-defined data is estimated. A report can also be generated based on the estimated data. The method further defines the process of mapping effort estimates for engineering activities in a product development lifecycle phases to a unique work sizing metric called Engineering Functions Units of Work (EFUoW).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods, systems, and computer program products for generic process modeling. One method includes identifying a business process for execution, the business process defined by one or more process steps, identifying a process routing table associated with the identified business process, at least a portion of the process routing table including one or more entries defining a set of business process rules for the identified business process, identifying a particular entry in the process routing table associated with a current state of the identified business process; and performing at least one action defined by the identified particular entry in the process routing table. In some instances, at least one entry in the process routing table is associated with one of a plurality of process patterns, with each process pattern comprising a reusable, predefined operation.

Abstract: An exception handling system and method are provided for dynamically recovering from a workflow exception occurring in a mobile network communication system. The system has multiple workflows and at least one mission critical item. An attack tree modeling analyses is performed to identify the mission critical item. Another operation includes writing a plurality of forward recovery rules to protect the mission critical item using a transaction datalog fragment of transaction logic. The recovery rules are enabled through an engine in communication with the mobile network communication system. The multiple workflows are monitored for indication of a system attack on any one of the multiple workflows. A new workflow is automatically generated upon detection of the system attack. The exception handling system is overlayed on the mobile network.

Abstract: A customized process template is generated for an organization by customizing an abstract process template of a process for the organization. A discovered process model is generated based on enactment traces of the process. A suggestion for refining the process is generated based at least in part on the discovered process model.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a system including an interface for receiving a request from a rider, wherein the request includes a start location of the rider and an end location of the rider. A vehicle identification module connected to the interface identifies at least one vehicle located within a threshold distance from the start location. A communications module connected to the vehicle identification module sends the request to a driver of the vehicle. A validation module connected to the interface verifies that the rider and the driver and/or the vehicle were each located at the start location at the same time, and verifies that the rider and the driver and/or the vehicle were each located at the end location at the same time.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and media for providing a supply chain link performance change indicator. The apparatus may include, and the methods and media may involve a processor module, a receiver module and an output device. The processor module may provide to a user a vector selection control. The receiver module may receive financial data corresponding to the supply chain link. The financial data may include a plurality of vectors. The receiver may receive via the vector selection control a first vector identifier corresponding to a first vector in the plurality of vectors and a second vector identifier corresponding to a second vector in the plurality of vectors. The output device may provide to the user a first supply chain link performance change indicator corresponding to the first vector and a second supply chain link performance change indicator corresponding to the second vector.

Abstract: A system and method for triggering a process in an enterprise system. The present invention includes a computer-implemented method, in which an application triggers the execution of a process in response to an external signal indicating a status change. An alternate method includes executing a process in response to an external signal and providing a user interface to each user associated with the process so the user can manage the user's process data. Examples of implementations of the present invention include a credit card system, an RFID tag system, an electronic tollgate system, an automated callback system, and an inventory transport system.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods, systems, and software for processing a coherent multi-dimensional business process model. The software includes computer-readable instructions embodied on media to identify a coherent multi-dimensional business process model based on at least a portion of a first model for a business process and at least a portion of a second model for the business process. The software then parses the multi-dimensional business process model to identify at least one extension point, each extension point operable to interface a disparate business tool with the business process. The software is further operable to present an extension wizard to a client for a particular one of the identified extension points. It can create entities and extensions in various modeling environments and development environments.

Abstract: Advanced statistical detection of emerging trends in a process is disclosed, based on a Repeated Weighted Geometric Cumulative Sum analysis, which may be combined with time window-based estimation of proportions and related thresholds. Threshold derivation and significance computation is based on parallel simulation runs with power-exponential tail approximations. A battery of tests using the statistical theory of sequential analysis and change-point theory in combination with targets is used to evaluate non-conforming conditions in a process. Trends in fall-out rates are detected based on non-time-to-failure data that corresponds to counts of failures in consecutive time periods, with possibility of delayed input.

Abstract: An asymmetric approach is used for evaluating process control data, whereby one approach is used for determining entry into the emerging life cycle phase (i.e., presence of a new defect) and a different approach is used for detecting entry into the other life cycle phases such as cresting and recovering. An evidence curve is created from observed instance data for a particular defect, and the slope of this evidence curve is analyzed programmatically by applying one or more tests, in combination with sequential time-reversed estimation, to determine return-to-normal conditions with a desired level of confidence.

Abstract: It is determined whether a workflow includes a process to be executed by an information processing apparatus. Upon determining that the workflow includes a process to be executed by the information processing apparatus, it is determined whether the workflow includes a process to be executed by an external apparatus in accordance with an instruction of the information processing apparatus. Upon determining that such process is not included, display is controlled to display a parameter for only the process to be executed by the information processing apparatus. Upon determining that such process is included, the function information of the external apparatus is acquired. After the function information has been acquired, display is controlled to display the parameters while reflecting the function information on the parameters of the processes of the workflow.

Abstract: A computer implemented route determination system comprises a route generator, a cost scenario generator, and a report generator. The route generator is configured to define a plurality of routes on which move a material between a construction site and a destination site of a plurality of possible destination sites. The cost scenario generator is configured to determine cost scenarios associated with the plurality of routes. The report generator is configured to generate a report which identifies the routes and the cost scenarios for the destination site.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a custom revenue cycle model with automated lead movement are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprises receiving user input, wherein the user input comprises at least one of data related to a stage, data related to a success path definition, and data related to transition rules for lead movement, wherein the stage is a revenue stage or a detour stage; generating a custom revenue cycle model based on the user input; storing the custom revenue cycle model; providing for automated lead movements based on the transition rules; and providing for automated tracking of lead movements in the custom revenue cycle model.

Abstract: An construction workflow tracking system is presented where the tracking system is capable of tracking component-level information associated with achieving closure for an Inspection, Tests, Analyses, and Acceptance Criteria (ITAAC) under 10 CFR Part 52 for licensing of new nuclear power reactors. Disclosed systems include an estimation engine configured to analyze workflow data points to estimate one or more compliance metrics, especially compliance dates (e.g., inspection dates, test dates, acceptance dates, etc.). A reporting engine can present estimated compliance dates with a confidence level or recommendations on improving confidence or reducing risk. Compliance dates can also include compromise dates indicating when a closed ITAAC is likely to be compromised.

Abstract: Processes are programmatically categorized into a plurality of categories, which are prioritized. Serialization is used to control execution of the processes of the various categories. The serialization ensures that processes of higher priority categories are given priority in execution. This includes temporarily preventing processes of lower priority categories from being executed.

Abstract: Computerized methods and systems for creating and documenting protocol orders in a molecular diagnostic laboratory environment are provided. Utilizing the methods and systems described herein, protocol statements may require values to be entered in association therewith prior to permitting access to subsequent protocol orders. Accordingly, more accurate test runs and, consequently, more accurate test results, may be achieved. Additionally, as values associated with protocol statements are electronically captured, in accordance with embodiments hereof, such values may be searched to evaluate trends or identify protocol orders and/or results that may be affected by a later discovered error or the like.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present inventions, a work flow process may be generated by decomposing functions of a clinical information system into discrete tasks including an individual task associated with a first pre-configured executable procedure for implementing the individual task and associating a user selectable image element with the pre-configured first executable procedure used in implementing the individual task. In a currently envisioned embodiment, integratable work flow processes according to the present invention may be provided to a vertical application system. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to algorithmic and/or programmatic approaches to identifying service candidates from among business process functions. In certain example embodiments, a method of analyzing functions of a business process model for possible exposure as service capabilities in a service-oriented business process system (SO-BPS) is provided. A business process model defined by a plurality of objects is received, with each said object having metadata attributes associated therewith. Business process analysis intelligence is obtained at design time for each said object. Process performance intelligence at run time is obtained for each said object. Indicators corresponding to the design time and run time gathered intelligence are stored together with the metadata attributes for the corresponding object.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to analyzing and visualizing flows in a supply chain context for the purpose of inventory optimization. Embodiments disclosed include a method of analyzing a process flow in a supply chain context, the method comprising: inputting (3402) a first set of data to an application residing on a processor, relating to products, locations and supply routes connecting the different locations in the supply chain; the application generating (3403) from the first set of data an input data array; inputting (3404) a second set of data relating to measured and forecast flows of products through the supply chain over a defined time period; the application calculating (3405) from the data a series of measures of operation of the supply chain; and, based on one or more of the measures being outside a predefined range, the application generating (3406) an output indicating recommendations for adjusting operation of the supply chain.

Abstract: Enterprise Intelligence (‘EI’) assembly analysis in an EI framework, including: determining, by an EI assembly analysis engine, the present execution state of one or more EI assemblies; determining, by the EI assembly analysis engine, the ideal execution state for the one or more EI assemblies; and identifying, by the EI assembly analysis engine, differences between the present execution state of the one or more EI assemblies and the ideal execution state for the one or more EI assemblies.

Abstract: Dynamically allocating business workflows, including: receiving, by a workflow orchestrator, a request for a business transaction that includes one or more desired result parameters; determining, by the workflow orchestrator, a desired result for the business transaction in dependence upon the request; and iteratively, until a selected workflow produces interim results that conform to the desired result parameters or until no other workflow is available: selecting, by the workflow orchestrator, a workflow from a set of available workflows in dependence upon the request and the desired result; and executing, by the workflow orchestrator, the selected workflow, thereby producing interim results.

Abstract: A design module for automatically optimizing business processes in an organization. Each business process to be optimized is characterized by one or more performance indicators. One or more process characteristics are identified corresponding to each of the performance indicators. For each of the process characteristics, at least one transformation pattern is identified. Thereafter, one or more transformation patterns are selected from the identified transformation patterns, for optimizing the process characteristics, and thereby optimizing the business processes. The design module generates workflow patterns based on the identified transformation patterns and converts them into BPEL constructs for visually displaying the workflow patterns on a user interface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a workflow specification of a business process. The method includes receiving a process flow model of the business process at a computing device, receiving documents corresponding to the business process at a computing device, generating a set of logical formulae representing the control of the process flow model using a computing device, and applying a set of rules representing execution dependencies of activities in the business process to generate a workflow specification of the business process using a computing device.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiment relates to a method for optimizing end-to-end response times distribution across a plurality of components in a performance engineering process. The method preferably comprises determining first, second, and third end-to-end response times for a plurality of components in the process, and determining an optimal end-to-end response time for the components in the process, wherein the optimal end-to-end response time distribution is based on an average of the first end-to-end response time, the second end-to-end response time, and the third end-to-end response time for each component. The disclosed embodiment also relates to a system and computer-readable code that can be used to implement the exemplary methods.

Abstract: Computer systems and methods are disclosed for improving professional services delivery, such as services in a data management environment. In certain examples, computer systems comprise portals for transmitting and receiving information from parties involved in the performance and receipt of professional services. For instance, a first portal can receive data (e.g., from sales personnel) descriptive of a customer's product environment. A manager module populates a record with the data, and a second portal provides the customer with access to the record for review, correction and/or validation prior to the generation of a Statement of Work or other like project description. The second portal can also request additional information from the customer regarding the product environment. The manager module compares the data received through the first portal with the customer-entered information to identify and/or address discrepancies between the sets of data and customize the generation of the Statement of Work.