Effective Representation and Intelligent Execution of Workflows (T-0658) (MFN 2219)

Abstract

The main objective of the research is to design an effective workflow representation and defining a model for intelligent and robust execution of workflows. An effective and powerful representation of workflows is formalized by comparing and analyzing different workflow representational techniques. The aim is to identify the pros and cons associated with them and hence modify the existing techniques appropriately to rectify the associated problems to acquire the workflow representation in much more detail and expressive way. The comparison and analysis of Petri-Nets and UML activity diagram directs us to use both of them hand in hand under the concept of CIMOSA- Workflow (C-Wf) model to represent the workflow through workflow activity diagram. C-Wf model and workflow activity diagram are then appropriately modified to rectify the identified problems and to provide more expressive, effective and powerful representation of workflows. The research also aims to provide an intelligent solution and algorithm for the execution of a workflow process by ensuring the data consistency, correctness, completeness among various tasks involved. The proposed solution provides a synchronized execution of a workflow activity, free of failure among various tasks involved in a workflow process. A synchronizing agent is bound at a very low level, i.e. with the workflow activity to assure the execution of task robustly. An algorithm is also provided to show the complete execution of workflow process. The research enhances the capabilities of workflow management systems by improving the expressiveness of workflows and by providing robust execution of workflows.