Petri-net-based Workflow Model

Workflow model is computerized express of business process. One of the key issues in the workflow management system is how to setup a workflow process model that has powerful present capacity, is easy to use, to exchange and to formalize. A good workflow process model is the key foundation to build a high flexible, reliable, useful, expanded and cooperative workflow management system.At present, workflow technology has drawn continuing interests from the research and commercial communities, and the study of workflow technology is more and more attractive, however, the study of workflow model is little nowadays. All of the models are lack of system, and rather in confused state. Among different manufacturers and workflow managements, there exist much difference. On the other hand, there still lack of a formal and mathematical model which is able to support the definition of process, process evolvement, process analysis. It will hamper the study and usage of workflow system. To solve the above problems and aim to find out the essential thing from models and provide the essential-Set of workflow model, we will identify major categories of workflow models on some criteria. It is provide the theory foundation to complete the process definition, to improve the process, to promote the business efficiency and to reduce the production costs. This work mainly include:Firstly, The definition and System Structure of workflow is introduced, which include concept, workflow reference model, the research actuality and research content, and so on.Secondly, some typical workflow model and workflow patters is introduced. Then we compare xin-pai driver workflow with WPDL and WIDE, etc.Thirdly, on the ground of comparison, essential-set is put forward.Fourthly, Through the transform from the control part of workflow model to Petri net, research into the problems such as lock, and reachablity.Fifthly, a process model analysis tool is developed, which can easily and conveniently establish the business process by extended Xinpai-driven model, and can translate the business process definition to a Petri net and verify and analysis the process definition. This tool is developed by Object-Oriented analysis and design. By the design pattern idea, it has a well architecture and friendly user interface.