WORKFLOW SYSTEM AND METHOD

摘要

A workflow system (10) that automates work processes. The workflow system uses an open architecture to support multiple platforms and includes Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) enabling applications to communicate with a workflow engine (12). The workflow system supports Relational DataBase Management System (RDBMS) databases (34) and allows routing of any kind of work (forms, images, executables). In addition, its flexible architecture is designed to facilitate changes to a workflow dynamically and to support integration with an existing infrastructure. The workflow system links software components to enable participants to work on shared data and ensures that business processes follow predetermined rules. Each task in the process is regulated such that the appropriate people have access to the appropriate data and are instructed to perform the task at the appropriate time.