JP3487751B2 - Workflow system - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a workflow system, and more particularly to a workflow system in which at least one or more input / output devices are connected by a network to process works to be processed in order for each business unit. Regarding the workflow system to manage.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a workflow is a process in which at least one input / output device is connected to a network, and works to be processed by the input / output device are processed in order for each business unit. An information system that manages the workflow is called a workflow system. The workflow system is composed of an input / output activity, which is a business unit for inputting / outputting, defined in advance by the system administrator, and a control activity for branching or combining workflows, and processes the input / output activity and the control activity. Execution is controlled according to the workflow definition indicating the order relation of.

Conventionally, this type of workflow system has been
It is used to automate routine work that is repeated daily, improve white collar productivity, and enforce work standards. For example, a system in which a computer is used to execute a series of operations for issuing an electronic slip, confirming the electronic slip, and approving the electronic slip can be given as an example.

An example of a conventional workflow system is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 8-202764 and 9-81637.
It is described in Japanese Patent Publication No.

A typical example of a conventional workflow system will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a typical workflow system in the present invention and a conventional example. Network
The workflow 1 includes a plurality of workflow data input / output devices 2
A definition device 3 that performs workflow definition and a workflow engine control device 4 that connects a workflow data storage database 5 and a workflow engine control database 6 are connected.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a typical workflow system according to the present invention and the conventional example. The work flow data input / output device 2 includes a work flow data input / output control unit 21 for controlling a work flow data input / output instruction performed by a performer.
Has a definition input / output control means 31 for controlling the input / output instructions of the workflow definition given by the system administrator, and transmits various instructions to the workflow engine control means 41 in the workflow engine control device 4. The workflow data input / output control means 21 includes a workflow data input / output application (not shown). The workflow engine control device 4 follows the above-mentioned various instructions, and the workflow operation data control means 5 of the database 5 for storing the workflow data.
1 and the workflow data control means 53, and the workflow definition information control means 61 and the workflow performer information control means 63 of the workflow engine control database 6 are passed. Then, each searches or registers data with respect to the workflow operation data table 52 and the workflow data table 54, and the workflow definition information table 62 and the workflow performer information table 64.

In the workflow operation data table 52, the name of the activity and the number of works held by the activity are described. The workflow data table 54 describes the name of the activity, the workflow data held by the activity, the processing status of the activity, and the like. The workflow definition information table 62 describes the workflow definition defined by the system administrator using the definition input / output control unit 31. In the workflow executor information table 64, the name of the activity and the condition of the executor who processes the activity are defined and described.

An example of the operation of the workflow system is shown in FIG.
With reference to the example of the conventional workflow definition of 0 and the example of the flowchart of the conventional workflow data input / output application of FIG. 11, description will be given according to the example of the conventional transition states of FIGS. 12 and 13.

First, the person who executes the control activity "start" 71 makes the workflow data input / output control means 21.
When the "start" 71 which is a control activity for starting the work from is executed, the identification number is "001" in the workflow data table 54, the next input / output activity "application", item A "(blank)", item B A record of “(blank)” is registered, and the input / output activity “application” 7 is stored in the workflow operation data table 52.
The number of works of 2 is registered as “1” (FIG. 12A).
However, the workflow data input / output application is not started in this activity.

Next, the input / output activity "application"
When the executor of 72 executes the input / output activity “application” 72 for the work with the identification number “001”,
The workflow data input / output control means 2 is referred to by referring to the data in the workflow data storage database 5 and the workflow engine control database 6.
The first workflow data input / output application is activated and control is started (processing step 101 in FIG. 11).
When recognizing that the current input / output activity is “application” 72 (processing step 103 in FIG. 11), the input of workflow data is accepted (processing step 105 in FIG. 11), and the performer receives the workflow data input / output device 2 Is used to input workflow data “item A” and “item B” into the workflow data input / output application. The workflow data input / output application checks the input data each time the performer inputs data, or when the performer completes data input and instructs data registration (processing step 109 in FIG. 11), the workflow data input / output application is unsuitable. To revise correct input data. When the data registration is instructed, the record of the identification number "001" in the workflow data table 54 is the next input / output activity "process A", item A from the input data.
The number of work of the input / output activity “application” 72 of the workflow operation data table 52 is “0”, and the number of work of the input / output activity “process A” 74 is “1”. Is updated and registered (FIG. 12B), and the workflow data input / output application ends (processing step 111 in FIG. 11).

After that, when the same processing is repeated 6 times, records of identification numbers "001" to "007" are registered in the workflow data table 54, and the input / output activity "processing" of the workflow operation data table 52 is registered. The number of works for "A" 74 is "7" (Fig. 13).
(C)).

Next, the input / output activity "process A" 7
When the executor of No. 4 executes the input / output activity “Process A” 74 of the work having the identification number “001”, the workflow data input / output application is started and the workflow is started, as in the case of the input / output activity “Apply” 72. Data input / output control is started (processing step 101 in FIG. 11). When it is recognized that the current input / output activity is “Processing A” 74 (processing step 103 in FIG. 11), the workflow data of the work with the identification number “001” is searched (processing step 119 in FIG. 11), The search result is displayed on the workflow data input / output device 2 (processing step 120 in FIG. 11). When the performer inputs the workflow data into the workflow data input / output application using the workflow data input / output device 2 (processing step 121 in FIG. 11) and completes the processing and instructs update registration (processing step in FIG. 11). 122), the next input / output activity of the record with the identification number “001” in the workflow data table 54 is updated and registered as “process B”, and the input / output activity “process A” 7 in the workflow operation data table 52 is registered.
The number of works of 4 is “6”, the number of works of the input / output activity “process B” 75 is “1” (FIG. 13D),
The workflow data input / output application ends (processing step 111 in FIG. 11).

Another example of the conventional workflow system is described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-95877.
The workflow system described in this publication has substantially the same system configuration as that of the workflow system in the conventional example shown in FIG. However, as shown in another conventional workflow definition example in FIG. 14, a control activity “start” 71 and an input / output activity “request”
There are a plurality of 72, and a plurality of created works are queued and joined by the subsequent control activity "AND-join" 78, and the subsequent input / output activity "Process A" 74
In the following, it will be processed as one work. In addition to this, this publication describes an example of a workflow definition including control activities such as “AND-separation” and “parallel routing”.

[0015]

However, in the example of the conventional typical workflow system described above, the number of performers who execute the "start" 71 which is a control activity and the "application" 72 which is an input / output activity is small. Many,
In addition, when the number of performers who execute the input / output activity “Processing A” 74 is small, as shown in the continuation of the example of the conventional transition state of FIG. Activity "Processing A" 74
It will be piled up in a lot. In such a case, the executor who executes the input / output activity “Process A” 74 must process the accumulated works one by one, and therefore spends a long time on the work or becomes a bottleneck of the work flow. There is a problem that it causes retention, and the improvement of white collar productivity, which is one of the purposes of the workflow system, cannot be achieved.

In another example of the conventional workflow system described above, the control activity "AND-join" is used.
At 78, the work is not transferred to the input / output activity “process A” 74 until all the works defined in the other conventional workflow definition example of FIG. "7
The tasks of 4 are executed after being grouped together, but there remains a problem that it causes the retention of work.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to reduce the work of input / output activity which becomes a bottleneck of a workflow, and achieve the improvement of white collar productivity.

[0018]

The first workflow system according to the present invention has the following input / output activity where the workflow data to be registered in the current input / output activity and the predetermined item are the same. Based on the search means for investigating the number of workflow data already in process, and the search result by the search means, the workflow data currently to be registered is registered as the processing target data of the next input / output activity, and the work ends. Characterized by having a workflow definition having a control activity for deciding whether to execute or transfer to the next input / output activity, and a workflow data input / output control means for collectively processing the workflow data in which predetermined items are the same. And

If the search result by the search means is 0, the workflow data currently to be registered is registered as the processing target data of the next input / output activity, and the next work is completed without terminating the work. It is transferred to the input / output activity and the search result by the search means is 0
If not, the workflow data to be registered at present is registered as the processing target data of the next input / output activity, and the control activity for terminating the work is provided.

Further, as a control activity for deciding whether to terminate the above-mentioned work or transfer it to the next input / output activity, a control activity for separating the workflow.
It is characterized by having a parity OR-separation .

The determination of the separation direction in the control activity OR-separation is performed by turning on / off a new registration flag.
It is characterized by performing by FF.

The second workflow system of the present invention is
In the first workflow system, the number of workflow data that has already been set for the next input / output activity, where the predetermined items are the same as the workflow data to be registered in the current input / output activity, is investigated. Even if the search result of the search means is not 0, if all workflow data in which the predetermined items are the same in the next input / output activity are being processed. Is characterized by having a workflow definition that does not terminate the work.

The third workflow system of the present invention is
In the second workflow system, check the number of workflow data that has already been processed for the next input / output activity, where the items specified in advance and the workflow data to be registered in the current input / output activity are the same. Even if the search result by the search means is not 0, the number of workflow data in which the predetermined item is the same in the next input / output activity and the current input / output activity When the sum of the number of workflow data processed in step S1 exceeds the number that can be collectively processed by the workflow data input / output control means, it has a workflow definition that does not terminate the work.

[0024]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

A block diagram of a workflow system to which the present invention is applied is shown in FIG. 1, but there is no particular difference from the block diagram of a conventional workflow system.

A functional block diagram of the workflow system to which the present invention is applied is shown in FIG. 2, but there is no particular difference from the functional block diagram of the conventional workflow system.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a workflow definition to which the present invention is applied. The difference from the example of the conventional workflow definition of FIG. 10 is that the control activity “OR-separation” 73 arranged in the middle of the workflow definition and the control activity “OR-” arranged immediately before the control activity “end” 77. Combined "76. Control activity "OR
“Separation” is for separating workflows by a signature that the workflow engine control unit 41 can recognize, such as “new registration flag”. One side of the separated workflow is connected to an input / output activity, such as an input / output activity "Process A" 74,
The signature recognizable by the workflow engine control means 41 is selected when it indicates that the workflow data of the work is not collectively processed in the next input / output activity. The other side is connected to the control activity "OR-join" 76, and is selected when the signature recognizable by the workflow engine control means 41 indicates that the workflow data of the work is collectively processed by the next input / output activity. It

An example of a flow chart of the first workflow data input / output application to which the present invention is applied is shown in FIG.
Shown in. The difference from the example of the flowchart of the conventional workflow data input / output application in FIG. 11 is the processing step of initializing a sign that the workflow engine control means 41 can recognize, such as the processing step 102 of “OFF the new registration flag”. , "Set new registration flag to O
A signature that can be recognized by the workflow engine control unit 41, such as a processing step for canceling the setting of the signature that the workflow engine control unit 41 can recognize, such as processing step 110 for "FF", and a processing step 113 for turning on the new registration flag. "Set search conditions" of the workflow data that performs batch processing
The processing step 117 is to perform, and the processing step 130 to “execute batch processing” for all the retrieved workflow data items.

The above-mentioned workflow engine control means 41
The processing step for initializing the signature that can be recognized by is arranged immediately after the processing step 101 in which the workflow data input / output application is started and the input / output control of the workflow data is started. The processing step for canceling the setting of the signature recognizable by the workflow engine control means 41 is arranged after it is recognized that the workflow data of the work is collectively processed by the next input / output activity, while the workflow engine described above is arranged. The processing steps for setting a signature that the control means 41 can recognize are:
It is placed after it is recognized that the workflow data of the work is not batch processed by the next input / output activity.

The above-mentioned "recognition that the workflow data of the work is collectively processed by the next input / output activity" means that the current input / output activity is "application", for example.
When the control activity "OR-separation" is arranged between the next input / output activity as in the case of 72 (for example, "Yes" in the processing step 103), the registration processing will be performed with the current input / output activity. If the number of workflow data that has already been set for the next input / output activity, where the predetermined items are the same as the predetermined workflow data, is not 0 (“No” in processing step 106 and processing step 107). ]) Is done. On the other hand, the above-mentioned "recognition that the workflow data of the work is not collectively processed by the next input / output activity" means that the control activity "OR-separation" is arranged between the next input / output activity and It is done when the number of workflow data already in process for the next input / output activity is 0, where the items determined in advance are the same as the workflow data to be registered in the current input / output activity. . However, in FIG. 4, even when the control activity “OR-separation” is not placed before the next input / output activity (“No” in processing step 103), a signature that the workflow engine control means 41 can recognize is given. Although it is set to ON, this is a result of redundant design, and it is not always necessary to set the sign.

Processing step 1 for setting the search conditions
17, for example, the current input / output activity is "application"
When the control activity “OR-separation” is not arranged between the next input / output activity as in the case of 72 (for example, “No” in the processing step 103),
This is a processing step for setting a predetermined item of workflow data to be processed by the current input / output activity as a search condition.

In FIG. 4, step 121 of "execute processing" in the flowchart of the conventional workflow data input / output application shown in FIG. 11 is "execute batch processing" for all retrieved workflow data items.
The difference is that the step is changed to step 130.

Next, regarding the operation of the embodiment of the present invention,
Description will be given according to an example of a transition state.

First, as a first example, a transition state when the example of the flowchart of the first workflow data input / output application of FIG. 4 is applied to the example of the workflow definition of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. . However, here
A preset item that is searched for whether the data of the items are the same in order to perform the batch processing is referred to as “item A”.

First, the input / output activity "application" 72
When the workflow data having the identification number “001” is applied in, the workflow data input / output application determines that the current input / output activity is “application” 72.
(“Yes” in processing step 103 in FIG. 4), and the current input / output activity “application” 7
Recognize that the number of workflow data that has already been processed in the next input / output activity “process A” 74 where “item A” is the same as the workflow data to be registered in 2 (process of FIG. 4) Step 10
6 and processing step 107 is “Yes”), the new registration flag is set to ON. When the workflow data input / output application finishes the workflow data input / output control (processing step 111 in FIG. 4), the work is transferred to the next control activity “OR-separation” 73,
Since the new registration flag is ON, it is further transferred to the next input / output activity “process A” 74. And FIG.
As shown in (a), the input / output activity “process A” 7
In No. 4, “1” work is in progress.

Next, the input / output activity "application" 72
In the case where the workflow data with the identification number “002” is applied in, the workflow data input / output application determines that the current input / output activity is “application” 72.
Is recognized (“Yes” in processing step 103 in FIG. 4), and the workflow data to be registered in the current input / output activity is the same as the item A in the next input / output activity. Since the number of workflow data already in process is recognized as 1 instead of 0 (“No” in processing step 106 and processing step 107 of FIG. 4), the new registration flag is OF.
Set to F. When the workflow data input / output application finishes the workflow data input / output control (processing step 111 in FIG. 4), the work is transferred to the next control activity “OR-separation” 73, and the new registration flag is OFF, so control is performed. It is transferred to the control activity “end” 77 via the activity “OR-join”. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, there is no change in the input / output activity “process A” 74, and “1” work is in progress.

Next, when the performer executes the input / output activity “process A” 74 by designating the work whose “item A” in the workflow data table 54 is “step A”, the workflow data input / output application Recognizes that the current input / output activity is not “application” 72 (“No” in processing step 103 in FIG. 4) and sets search conditions (processing step 117 in FIG. 4). In this case, the condition of the workflow data searched from the workflow data table 54 is set to "the current input / output activity is" process A "and the" item A "is" step A """. The workflow data is searched according to this search condition (processing step 11 in FIG. 4).
9) is displayed on the workflow data input / output device 2 (processing step 120 in FIG. 4). The executor collectively processes all the retrieved workflow data (processing step 130 in FIG. 4) and updates and registers the processing result in the workflow data table 54 (processing step 12 in FIG. 4).
2) When the workflow data input / output application finishes the workflow data input / output control (processing step 111 in FIG. 4), the work is transferred to the next input / output activity “process B” 75. Then, as shown in FIG. 5C, a state in which "1" works have been completed for the input / output activity "process B".

Next, as a second example, refer to FIGS. 7 and 8 for transition states when the example of the flowchart of the second workflow data input / output application of FIG. 6 is applied to the example of the workflow definition of FIG. And explain. The difference from the first example is shown in the example of the flowchart of the second workflow data input / output application in FIG.
Process step 1 for investigating whether "additional registration is possible?"
08 and processing step 118 of "processing status in process". The processing step 108 for investigating whether or not “additional registration is possible” is the next input / output when the workflow data to be registered in the input / output activity “application” 72 has the same predetermined item. When the sum of the number of workflow data already processed in the activity and the number of workflow data processed in the input / output activity “request” 72 exceeds the number that the workflow data input / output control means can collectively process. Or, if the workflow data to be registered in the input / output activity “application” 72 and the predetermined items are the same, all the workflow data already set in the next input / output activity “processing A” 74 Select "No" if the process is in progress. Further, the processing step 118 of “processing the processing status” is a workflow that matches the search condition set in the processing step 117 when processing is performed by the input / output activity “processing A” 74 or “processing B” 75. This is a processing step for updating and registering the item “processing status” of the record of the data table from “unprocessed” to “processing in progress”.

In the following description, the preset item for searching for the same item data for batch processing is "item A", and a workflow that can be batch processed by the workflow data input / output application. The number of data items should be "5" or less.

First, the input / output activity "application" 72
In the case where seven workflow data items with identification numbers “001” to “007” are applied, the input / output activity “Processing A” 74 as shown in FIG. 7A is performed in the same manner as the first example. "2" works have been completed.

Next, when the executor is executing the input / output activity "process A" 74 by designating the work whose item A in the workflow data table 54 is "step A",
The workflow data input / output application sets search conditions in the same manner as in the case of the first example described above (processing step 117 in FIG. 6). In this case, the condition of the workflow data searched from the workflow data table 54 is that "the current input / output activity is" process A ".
And "the item A" is "A"". According to this search condition, the item “processing status” of the corresponding record is updated and registered as “processing in progress” (FIG. 7B).

At this time, 1 of the identification number "008" in which the "item A" of the workflow data is "step A"
When the workflow data of the item is applied, the workflow data input / output application recognizes that the current input / output activity is “application” 72 (“Yes” in processing step 103 in FIG. 6), and the current input / output activity is Recognize that the number of workflow data that has already been processed for the next input / output activity, where "item A" is the same as the workflow data to be registered in the output activity, is two (see Fig. 6). "No" in the processing step 106 and the processing step 107). However, the workflow data to be registered in the input / output activity “application” 72 and the next input / output activity “process A” 74 whose “item A” is “step A” 74
Recognize that all two workflow data already in process are being processed (processing step 1 in FIG. 6).
Since “08” is “No”), the new registration flag is set to ON. When the workflow data input / output application ends the workflow data input / output control (processing step 111 in FIG. 6), the work is transferred to the next control activity “OR-separation” 73, and the new registration flag is ON.
Therefore, the next input / output activity "Process A"
74. Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, the input / output activity “process A” 74 is in a state in which “3” works have been completed.

Further, at this time, when one item of workflow data having the identification number “009” whose “item A” of the workflow data is “Otsu” is applied, the workflow data input / output application is executed as in the above case. Is
Recognize that the current input / output activity is "application" 72 ("Yes" in processing step 103 of FIG. 6), and
Recognize that the number of workflow data that has already been processed in the next input / output activity where the workflow data to be registered in the current input / output activity is the same as the “item A” (see FIG. 6). "No" in process step 106 and process step 107). However, the number of workflow data in which the workflow data to be registered in the input / output activity “application” 72 and the “item A” in the same “B” is “5”, and the input / output activity “application” 7
Since the number of workflow data processed in 2 is "1", the sum of them is "6", and the number of workflow data that can be collectively processed by the workflow data input / output application is "5". Recognize that it is exceeded (“No” in processing step 108 of FIG. 6). Therefore, the new registration flag is set to ON. When the workflow data input / output application ends the workflow data input / output control (processing step 111 in FIG. 6), the work is moved to the next control activity “O”.
R-separation ”73 and the new registration flag is ON, so the next input / output activity“ process A ”74
Transferred to. Then, as shown in FIG. 8D, the input / output activity “process A” 74 is in a state in which “4” works have been completed. After that, when additional application is made for workflow data in which the “item A” of the workflow data is “B”, if the number of batch processes that can be processed by the workflow data input / output application is within “5”, Similar to the above, four pieces of work are still in the “process A” 74. However, "end"
The number of activity work increases by the number of applications.

Next, as a third example, a case where the example of the flow chart of the third workflow data input / output application of FIG. 9 is applied to the example of the workflow definition of FIG. 3 will be described. The difference from the second example is the processing step 104 that causes the performer to select whether or not “application processing?” Shown in the example of the flowchart of the third workflow data input / output application in FIG. Designation "
Processing step 114, processing step 115 for "workflow data search", and processing step 116 for "display workflow data". When the performer searches for workflow data that has already been applied, when the input / output activity “request” 72 is executed, the workflow data input / output application recognizes that the current input / output activity is “request” 72 (Fig. (Yes in processing step 103 of 9). After that, the workflow data input / output device 2 displays a selection screen as to whether to “apply” or “search”, and the performer performs “search”.
Is selected, the “application processing?” Processing step 104 recognizes “no”, and the search condition designation screen is displayed. When the performer specifies the condition of the workflow data to be searched (processing step 114 in FIG. 9), the workflow data input / output application searches the specified record from the workflow data table 54 (processing step 115 in FIG. 9), The processing status of is displayed (processing step 116 in FIG. 9). When the executor instructs completion, the new registration flag is set to OFF (process step 1 in FIG. 9).
10). When the workflow data input / output application finishes the workflow data input / output control (processing step 111 in FIG. 9), the work is transferred to the next control activity “OR-separation” 73, and the new registration flag is OF.
Since it is F, it is transferred to the control activity “end” 77. In the third example, when the input / output activity is “request”, the performer searches the execution state of the current workflow data as in the case of other input / output activities “process A” and “process B”. This function is provided so that you can know it.

[0045]

The effect of the present invention is that it is possible to reduce the work of the input / output activity which becomes the bottleneck of the workflow. As a result, the number of man-hours for the person who performs the input / output activity is reduced, and the workflow is not retained.

The reason is that the number of tasks performed by the performer is reduced by collectively processing a plurality of workflow data in the input / output activity which becomes a bottleneck of the workflow.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a workflow system.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a workflow system.

FIG. 3 is an example of a workflow definition of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an example of a flowchart of a first workflow data input / output application.

FIG. 5 is an example of a first transition state.

FIG. 6 is an example of a flowchart of a second workflow data input / output application.

FIG. 7 is an example of a second transition state.

FIG. 8 is a continuation of the example second transition state.

FIG. 9 is an example of a flow chart of a third workflow data input / output application.

FIG. 10 is an example of a conventional workflow definition.

FIG. 11 is an example of a flow chart of a conventional workflow data input / output application.

FIG. 12 is an example of a conventional transition state.

FIG. 13 is a continuation of the example of the conventional transition state.

FIG. 14 is an example of another conventional workflow definition.

[Explanation of Codes] 1 Network 2 Workflow data input / output device 21 Workflow data input / output control unit 3 Definition device 31 Definition input / output control unit 4 Workflow engine control device 41 Workflow engine control unit 5 Workflow data storage database 51 Workflow Operation data control means 52 Workflow operation data table 53 Workflow data control means 54 Workflow data table 6 Workflow engine control database 61 Workflow definition information control means 62 Workflow definition information table 63 Workflow executor information control means 64 Workflow executor information Table 71 "Start" Activity 72 "Apply" Activity 73 "OR-Separate" Activity 74 "Process A" Activity 75 "Process B" Processing steps of the activity 76 "OR- binding 'activity 77' End 'activity 78" AND- coupled' activity 101 to 130 work flow data input and output applications

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 19/00 G06F 17/60

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A workflow system for managing at least one input / output device via a network to manage a work to be processed for each work unit, and a registration process with a current input / output activity. The workflow data to be tried is the same as the predetermined item, and the search means for investigating the number of workflow data that has already been processed for the next input / output activity and the search result by the search means are currently registered. A workflow definition that has a control activity that registers the workflow data you are trying to process as data to be processed by the next input / output activity, and determines whether to end the work or transfer it to the next input / output activity, and a predetermined item Are the same A workflow system having workflow data input / output control means for collectively processing all workflow data. 2. If the search result by the search means is 0, the workflow data currently to be registered is registered as the processing target data of the next input / output activity, and the next work is completed without terminating the work. When it is transferred to the input / output activity and the search result by the search means is not 0,
Register the workflow data you are currently registering as the data to be processed for the next I / O activity,
The workflow system according to claim 1, further comprising a control activity for terminating the work. 3. The control activity OR-separation for separating workflow as a control activity for deciding whether to terminate the work or transfer to the next input / output activity, according to claim 1. Workflow system. 4. The decision of the separation direction in the control activity OR-separation is performed by turning on / off a new registration flag.
The workflow system according to claim 3 , wherein the workflow system is performed by. 5. The number of pieces of workflow data that have already been set for the next input / output activity, where the workflow data to be registered in the current input / output activity and the predetermined item are the same, are investigated. Even if the search result of the search means is not 0, if all the workflow data in which the predetermined items are the same in the next input / output activity are being processed, The workflow system according to claim 1, further comprising a workflow definition that does not terminate the work. 6. The number of pieces of workflow data that have already been set for the next input / output activity, where the workflow data to be registered in the current input / output activity and the predetermined item are the same, are investigated. Even if the search result of the search means is not 0, the number of workflow data in which the above-mentioned predetermined items are the same in the next input / output activity and the current input / output activity are processed. 6. The workflow definition, wherein when the sum of the number of workflow data items that are being processed exceeds the number that can be collectively processed by the workflow data input / output control means, the workflow definition does not terminate the work. Workflow system. 7. Before registering the workflow data which is going to be registered in the current input / output activity,
It has a selection means to select whether to search the workflow data that has already been processed. If you select the search of the workflow data that has already been processed, the workflow data that has already been processed is searched and displayed. The workflow system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: