Research On Aov-net Based Workflow Model And System Implementation

The thesis focuses on model and implementation of workflow system, being commissioned by an international automation enterprise to develop a custom project management system (PMS). Aiming a system for project management which has a workflow engine as its core, workflow models are discussed and analyzed, and a management information system which has comprehensive management functionality is designed and implemented.Major standards, typical models and methods of workflow management are covered, as well as the history and the current advance of workflow technology. Analyses of those models and theories are given, and their respective scopes of application are discussed. An AOV-net based workflow model is presented, including: a formal definition of the AOV-net based workflow model, the temporal order of vertices. Restrictions on the design of branch structures and cycles are given, based on the analysis of the workflow execution process. Critical methods to implement the model is presented, including: traversal method of the workflow graph, methods to verify branch structures and cycles, synchronization method of joints, the mapping between graph vertices and records in the relational database, as well as restrictions on workflow dynamic changes and recommended techniques to make dynamic changes. Proofs on some theory and methods are given.According the model presented, a hierarchy of the workflow management system is designed and presented, and a detailed architecture is given. A workflow system is implemented according to the architecture, which combines the XPDL standard and the relational database to support visualized designing, execution, monitoring and dynamic configurations of the business process.The workflow management system is already in use. Application results show that the system stably and efficiently performs project management functionality. The AOV-net based workflow model could serve as a common model for similar application. Further research could also be carried out based on the model. The architecture and critical methods in the workflow management system could serve as a reference for similar system design. The workflow engine could also be used as a component, which could be integrated into other management information system with minor modification.