WO2017002249A1 - Workflow management program, workflow management method, and workflow management device - Google Patents

Abstract

In the present invention, when a workflow to be managed is in a first process, a workflow management device (100) displays, to each of a plurality of users, display content of the first process corresponding to each user of the plurality of users, varying the display content according to the processing situation of the users with respect to the first process. When the first process has been carried out by a first user included among the plurality of users, the workflow management device (100) updates at least the display content of the first process of the first user if the processing situations and the processing results of the plurality of users do not satisfy a condition for advancing the workflow, and causes the workflow to advance from the first process if the processing situations and the processing results of the plurality of users satisfy the condition for advancing the workflow.

Description

Workflow management program, workflow management method, and workflow management apparatus

The present invention relates to a workflow management program, a workflow management method, and a workflow management apparatus.

Conventionally, there is a workflow system for managing the flow of business procedures (application, approval, etc.) related to application forms such as leave application and order application in a company, so that the business procedures can be performed electronically. In addition, there is a function of assigning an activity to a user set in the role by assigning the activity included in the workflow to the role.

JP 2002-109165 A JP 2002-175393 A JP 2004-110307 A

However, in the conventional technology, it is difficult to perform processing in which the workflow proceeds according to the processing status and processing results of a plurality of users in the workflow.

For example, when performing approval processing by majority decision of multiple approvers, if the workflow is branched by the number of approvers and parallel approval is possible, even if the result of the majority decision (pass or fail) is decided, all the answers Subsequent processes cannot be performed until they are complete, and the approval process takes time. In addition, when a role is used, all approvers set in the role can perform the approval process, but the approval process activity remains in the role until the result of majority vote is determined, so one approver Will be able to approve multiple times.

In one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide a workflow management program, a workflow management method, and a workflow management apparatus that can perform a process in which a workflow proceeds according to the processing statuses and processing results of a plurality of users.

According to an aspect of the present invention, when a workflow to be managed is in a first process that advances the workflow according to a processing status and a processing result of a plurality of users, The display contents of the corresponding first process are displayed to the plurality of users in accordance with the processing status of the user for the first process, and the first process is displayed to the plurality of users. When processing is performed by the first user included, if the processing statuses and processing results of the plurality of users do not satisfy the conditions for proceeding with the workflow, at least the first processing of the first user When the display status of the plurality of users and the processing statuses and processing results of the plurality of users satisfy the conditions for proceeding with the workflow, the processing before the first processing is performed. Workflow management program to advance the workflow, workflow management method, and workflow management system is proposed.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that a process in which a workflow progresses can be performed according to the processing statuses and processing results of a plurality of users.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the workflow management method according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a system configuration example of the workflow system 200. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the workflow management apparatus 100. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the client device 201. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the preparation workflow. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the management table 220. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the workflow management apparatus 100. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a transition example of the stored contents of the management table 220. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the reminder notification. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a screen example of a case list screen. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of a screen example of a case list screen. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a screen example of the approval screen. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of a screen example of the approval screen. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the actual processing workflow. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific processing procedure of the approval suppression process. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific processing procedure of the approval process.

Embodiments of a workflow management program, a workflow management method, and a workflow management apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(One example of workflow management method)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the workflow management method according to the embodiment. In FIG. 1, a workflow management apparatus 100 is a computer that manages a workflow system. The workflow system is a system for facilitating operations by incorporating a scheme represented by a workflow into a computer and automating it. A workflow defines a series of processing procedures of a business using a flowchart or the like.

The management target workflow includes, for example, a first process that advances the workflow according to the processing status and processing results of a plurality of users. Each user of the plurality of users is, for example, a user set in a role to which the first process is assigned. A role is a grouping of roles. By defining a role and setting a user, a process assigned to the role can be assigned to the user set to the role.

The first process is one step included in the workflow, and is called, for example, an activity or a task. As the first process, for example, there is an approval process in which a result (for example, pass or fail) is determined by a majority vote or the like for a predetermined application. In this case, the plurality of users are a plurality of approvers to which the approval process is assigned. Examples of the predetermined application include an in-house leave application and an order application.

In the present embodiment, a workflow management method for appropriately performing the first process of progressing the workflow in accordance with the processing statuses and processing results of a plurality of users such as majority vote in the workflow will be described. Hereinafter, a processing example of the workflow management apparatus 100 will be described.

(1) When the management target workflow is in the first process, the workflow management apparatus 100 displays the display content of the first process corresponding to each user of the plurality of users with respect to the first process of the user. Displayed to a plurality of users with different processing conditions. Here, the plurality of users are users set to the role R. In addition, the first process is a process assigned to the role R, and is a process for proceeding the workflow according to the processing statuses and process results of a plurality of users set to the role R.

In the example of FIG. 1, “workflow 110” will be described as an example of a management target workflow. The workflow 110 defines a series of processing procedures for approval work for a certain application. The workflow 110 includes an approval request S1, an approval suppression process S2, an approval process S3, an update process S4, and an approval state determination S5. However, in FIG. 1, a part of the workflow 110 is extracted and displayed.

The approval request S1 is a step of accepting an approval request for a predetermined application. The approval suppression process S2 is a step of determining display contents of the approval process corresponding to each of a plurality of users set to the role R. The approval process S3 is a step in which each of the plurality of users set to the role R performs the approval process, and corresponds to the first process described above.

The update process S4 is a step of accumulating, in the control information, the processing status and the processing result for the approval process of each of the plurality of users set to the role R. The approval state determination S <b> 5 is a step of determining whether or not the processing statuses and processing results of a plurality of users set to the role R satisfy the conditions for proceeding with the workflow 110.

For example, in the approval suppression process S2, the workflow management apparatus 100 displays the display contents of the approval process S3 corresponding to the user based on the processing status of each of the plurality of users set to the role R with respect to the approval process S3. decide. The processing status for the user approval process S3 is specified from the control information updated in the update process S4. However, in the initial state, the processing status of all users is “unprocessed”.

Specifically, for example, the workflow management apparatus 100 has enabled a button for selecting whether to approve or reject the display contents of the approval process S3 corresponding to the user who has not yet processed the approval process S3. The approval screen 120 is determined. In addition, the workflow management apparatus 100, for example, displays an approval screen 130 in which a button for selecting whether to approve or deny the display content of the approval process S3 corresponding to the user who has processed the approval process S3. To decide.

In the approval process S3, the workflow management apparatus 100 displays the display contents of the approval process S3 corresponding to each of the determined users in the plurality of users. Thereby, the approval screen 120 which can select either approval or disapproval for the application can be displayed for a user who has not yet processed the approval process S3.

Also, for the user who has processed the approval process S3, an approval screen 130 in which neither approval nor rejection can be selected for the application can be displayed. For this reason, it becomes impossible for one user to approve a plurality of times, and duplicate approval by a user who has already processed the approval process S3 can be prevented.

(2) For the first process, the workflow management apparatus 100 satisfies the condition that the process status and the process result of the plurality of users advance the workflow when the process is performed by the first user included in the plurality of users. It is determined whether or not. The conditions for progressing the workflow can be arbitrarily set.

For example, in the case of the approval process S3, as a condition for progressing the workflow 110, a condition that the workflow 110 is advanced when the number of users approved (or denied) in the approval process S3 reaches a predetermined number (for example, a majority). Is set. In this case, in the approval state determination S5, the workflow management apparatus 100 determines whether the number of users approved (or denied) in the approval process S3 has reached a predetermined number.

(3) The workflow management apparatus 100 updates at least the display contents of the first process of the first user when the processing statuses and processing results of a plurality of users do not satisfy the conditions for progressing the workflow. On the other hand, when the processing statuses and processing results of a plurality of users satisfy the conditions for progressing the workflow, the workflow management apparatus 100 advances the workflow from the first processing.

Here, it is assumed that, as a result of the processing performed by the first user in the approval process S3, the condition for proceeding the workflow 110 is not satisfied in the approval state determination S5 (approval state determination S5: No). In this case, for example, the workflow management apparatus 100 returns to the approval suppression process S <b> 2 and updates the display content of the first user approval process S <b> 3 from the approval screen 120 to the approval screen 130.

As a result, even if the activity of the approval process S3 remains in the role R, the first user cannot approve a plurality of times, and the duplicate approval by the first user who has already performed the approval process S3 is prevented. be able to.

Next, it is assumed that, as a result of processing performed by the first user in the approval process S3, the condition for proceeding the workflow 110 is satisfied in the approval state determination S5 (approval state determination S5: Yes). In this case, the workflow management apparatus 100 advances the workflow 110 from the approval process S3.

As a result, when the conditions for proceeding with the workflow 110 are satisfied, for example, when a result of majority vote (pass or fail) is determined, the workflow 110 can be shifted to the subsequent processing without waiting for the responses of all approvers. It is possible to improve the efficiency of approval work.

As described above, according to the workflow management apparatus 100, the display contents of the first process corresponding to each user of the plurality of users are made different according to the processing status of the user for the first process. Can be displayed respectively. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent duplicate approval by preventing a single user from making multiple approvals in an approval process or the like in which a workflow progresses under conditions such as majority decision by a plurality of approvers.

Further, according to the workflow management apparatus 100, when the first process is performed by the first user, when the processing statuses and processing results of a plurality of users satisfy the conditions for progressing the workflow, the first process The workflow can be advanced by one process. This allows the workflow to proceed without waiting for the responses of all approvers when the result of the majority decision (pass or fail) is determined in an approval process where the workflow proceeds under the condition of majority vote by multiple approvers. Can improve the efficiency of approval work.

(System configuration example of the workflow system 200)
Next, a system configuration example of the workflow system 200 according to the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration example of the workflow system 200. In FIG. 2, the workflow system 200 includes a workflow management device 100 and a plurality of client devices 201. In the workflow system 200, the workflow management apparatus 100 and the plurality of client apparatuses 201 are connected via a wired or wireless network 210. The network 210 is, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the like.

The workflow management apparatus 100 is a computer that manages the workflow system 200, and controls the execution of the workflow to be managed. In addition, the workflow management apparatus 100 has a management table 220. The contents stored in the management table 220 will be described later with reference to FIG. The workflow management apparatus 100 is a server, for example.

The client device 201 is a computer used by the user of the workflow system 200. The client device 201 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like.

In the following explanation, a workflow that defines a series of processing procedures for approval work for a predetermined application will be described as an example of a management target workflow. The predetermined application is, for example, an in-house leave application or an order application. Further, as the first process, an approval process for proceeding a workflow according to the process status and process result of a plurality of users will be described as an example.

(Example of hardware configuration of workflow management apparatus 100)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the workflow management apparatus 100. In FIG. 3, the workflow management apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a memory 302, an I / F (Interface) 303, a disk drive 304, and a disk 305. Each component is connected by a bus 300.

Here, the CPU 301 governs overall control of the workflow management apparatus 100. The memory 302 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash ROM, and the like. Specifically, for example, a flash ROM or ROM stores various programs, and a RAM is used as a work area for the CPU 301. The program stored in the memory 302 is loaded into the CPU 301 to cause the CPU 301 to execute the coded process.

The I / F 303 is connected to the network 210 through a communication line, and is connected to an external computer (for example, the client device 201 shown in FIG. 2) through the network 210. The I / F 303 controls an internal interface with the network 210 and controls data input / output from an external computer. For example, a modem or a LAN adapter may be employed as the I / F 303.

The disk drive 304 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the disk 305 according to the control of the CPU 301. The disk 305 stores data written under the control of the disk drive 304. Examples of the disk 305 include a magnetic disk and an optical disk.

Note that the workflow management apparatus 100 may include, for example, an SSD (Solid State Drive), a keyboard, a mouse, and a display in addition to the above-described components.

(Example of hardware configuration of client apparatus 201)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the client device 201. In FIG. 4, the client device 201 includes a CPU 401, a memory 402, a disk drive 403, a disk 404, an I / F 405, a display 406, and an input device 407. Each component is connected by a bus 400.

Here, the CPU 401 governs overall control of the client device 201. The memory 402 includes, for example, a ROM, a RAM, a flash ROM, and the like. Specifically, for example, a flash ROM or ROM stores various programs, and the RAM is used as a work area of the CPU 401. The program stored in the memory 402 is loaded on the CPU 401 to cause the CPU 401 to execute the coded process.

The disk drive 403 controls data read / write with respect to the disk 404 according to the control of the CPU 401. The disk 404 stores data written under the control of the disk drive 403. Examples of the disk 404 include a magnetic disk and an optical disk.

The I / F 405 is connected to the network 210 via a communication line, and is connected to an external computer (for example, the workflow management apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 2) via the network 210. The I / F 405 controls an internal interface with the network 210 and controls data input / output from an external computer.

The display 406 displays data such as a document, an image, and function information as well as a cursor, an icon, or a tool box. As the display 406, for example, a liquid crystal display, CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or the like can be adopted.

The input device 407 has keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc., and inputs data. The input device 407 may be a keyboard or a mouse, or may be a touch panel type input pad or a numeric keypad.

Note that the client device 201 may not include, for example, the disk drive 403 and the disk 404 among the above-described components.

(Preparation workflow)
Next, a specific example of a workflow executed in the workflow system 200 as a preparation for approval work for a predetermined application will be described.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the preparation workflow. In FIG. 5, a workflow 500 defines an example of a series of processing procedures relating to preparations performed before executing a workflow 1400 shown in FIG.

In the workflow 500, first, the workflow management apparatus 100 executes approver list creation processing (step S501). The approver list creation process is a step in which a user (approver) is set in the role R and first and second determination criteria relating to an approval operation for a predetermined application are defined.

The first determination criterion is a determination criterion for pass / fail in the approval process, and can be set arbitrarily. As a first determination criterion, for example, when the number of users who have approved an application (the number of approvals) reaches a predetermined number (for example, a majority), the decision is “passed”, and the number of users who reject the application (the number of rejections) is predetermined. A determination criterion such as “decision” is set when the number is reached.

The second criterion is a criterion for returning the approval process, and can be arbitrarily set. As the second determination criterion, for example, a determination criterion such as returning when a predetermined number of users who rejected the application continue, or a determination criterion such as returning when the number of users who rejected the application (denial number) reaches a majority. Is set.

Note that the approver list creation process is executed by, for example, an operation input by a user (for example, an administrator of the workflow system 200) using the input device 407 of the client device 201 illustrated in FIG.

Next, the workflow management apparatus 100 executes a table creation process (step S502), and ends a series of processes by the workflow 500. The table creation process is a step of defining a management table 220 as shown in FIG. 6 to be described later and setting a user (approver) set in the role R in the management table 220.

(Storage contents of management table 220)
Next, the contents stored in the management table 220 of the workflow management apparatus 100 will be described. The management table 220 is realized by a storage device such as the memory 302 and the disk 305 shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the management table 220. In FIG. 6, the management table 220 has fields of a case name, an applicant name, an application time, an approver name, a processing time, and an approval status. By setting information in each field, control information (for example, control Information 600-1) is stored as a record.

Here, the case name indicates the name of the application case for which approval is requested. The applicant name indicates the name of the applicant who requested approval. The application time indicates the date and time when the approval is requested. The approver name indicates the name of the approver. The processing time indicates the date and time when the approval process is performed by the approver. The approval status indicates the processing status and approval result of the approval process by the approver. In the approval status field, when the approval process by the approver is unprocessed, "Unapproved" is set, and when it is processed and approved, "Approved" is set, processed, and rejected Is set to “denied”.

6 shows the initial state of the management table 220, in which information is set only in the approver name field, and “-(Null)” is set in the other fields. Here, it is assumed that “user x”, “user y”, and “user z” are set to the role R in step S501 of the workflow 500 illustrated in FIG. In this case, the names of “user x”, “user y”, and “user z” set for the role R are set in the approver name field of the control information 600-1.

Although illustration is omitted, the control information 600-1 may include, for example, information for specifying the application content and the approval deadline. However, the information specifying the application content may be managed in a database or the like different from the management table 220, and the approval deadline may not be provided.

(Functional configuration example of the workflow management apparatus 100)
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the workflow management apparatus 100. In FIG. 7, the workflow management apparatus 100 includes a reception unit 701, a determination unit 702, a creation unit 703, a display control unit 704, a storage unit 705, a determination unit 706, and an execution control unit 707. It is. The receiving unit 701 to the execution control unit 707 are functions as control units. Specifically, for example, by causing the CPU 301 to execute a program stored in a storage device such as the memory 302 and the disk 305 illustrated in FIG. Alternatively, the function is realized by the I / F 303. The processing result of each functional unit is stored in a storage device such as the memory 302 and the disk 305, for example.

The accepting unit 701 accepts an approval request for a predetermined application. The predetermined application is, for example, an in-house leave application or an order application. Specifically, for example, the accepting unit 701 accepts an approval request for a predetermined application from the applicant's client device 201 (see FIG. 2).

Note that when receiving an approval request for a predetermined application, the receiving unit 701 records, for example, the case name, the applicant name, and the application time in the management table 220 shown in FIG. Information specifying the project name and the applicant name is included in the approval request, for example. The application time is, for example, the time when an approval request is received.

Here, a transition example of the storage contents of the management table 220 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a transition example of the stored contents of the management table 220. As shown in (8-1) of FIG. 8, when an approval request for a predetermined application is received, the case name, the applicant name, and the application time are set in the corresponding fields of the control information 600-1. The Further, “unapproved” is set in the approval status field corresponding to each user x, y, z in the control information 600-1.

In addition, when an approval request for a new application is received, new control information is sequentially stored in the management table 220 as a record.

Returning to the description of FIG. 7, the determination unit 702 determines the display contents of the approval process corresponding to each of the plurality of users according to the processing status of the user for the approval process. Here, each of the plurality of users is a user set to the role R. The approval process is an activity assigned to the role R included in the management target workflow, and is an approval process for a predetermined application for which the reception unit 701 has received an approval request.

Specifically, for example, the determination unit 702 refers to the control information 600-1 of the management table 220 and identifies the processing status of each user x, y, z. Then, the determination unit 702 determines the display content of the approval screen corresponding to each user x, y, z according to the processing status of each identified user x, y, z.

In the example of (8-1) in FIG. 8, the approval status of the user x is “unapproved”, so “unprocessed” is specified as the processing status of the user x. In this case, for example, the determination unit 702 determines the display content of the approval process corresponding to the user x as an approval screen in which a button for selecting either approval or denial of the application is enabled. The approval screen includes, for example, a case name, an applicant name, an application time, an application content, an approval deadline, and the like.

Further, the determination unit 702 may determine the display content of the approval process corresponding to the user x as an approval screen further including the process status and the process result of each of the users x, y, and z. The same applies to the users y and z. A screen example of the approval screen will be described later with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

The creation unit 703 creates a list of application cases requested for approval. Specifically, for example, the creation unit 703 refers to the management table 220 and creates a case list screen showing a case name, an applicant name, an application time, a processing status of a plurality of users, and the like for each application case. You may decide to do it.

Further, the creation unit 703 refers to the management table 220 as a case list screen corresponding to each of a plurality of users, and generates a case list screen that further indicates the processing status of the user for each application case. May be. A screen example of the case list screen will be described later with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

The display control unit 704 is a control for displaying the display contents of the approval process corresponding to each of the plurality of users determined by the determination unit 702 for each of the plurality of users when the management target workflow is in the approval process. I do.

Specifically, for example, first, the display control unit 704 displays a case list screen 1000 as shown in FIG. 10 on the display 406 of the client device 201 of the approver (for example, the users x, y, and z). I do. For example, the display control unit 704 performs control for displaying the approval screen for the application item selected on the item list screen 1000 on the display 406 of the client device 201.

More specifically, for example, the display control unit 704 is a button for selecting either approval or denial of the application determined by the determination unit 702 for a user whose approval processing status is “unprocessed”. Display the approval screen with activated. A screen example of an approval screen in which a button for selecting either approval or rejection for an application is activated will be described later with reference to FIG.

In addition, the display control unit 704 disables, for example, a button that is selected by the determination unit 702 to select either approval or denial of the application for a user whose approval processing status is “processed”. Display the approval screen. A screen example of an approval screen in which a button for selecting either approval or rejection for an application is invalidated will be described later with reference to FIG.

The accumulating unit 705 accumulates the processing status and processing result of each of a plurality of users for the approval process in the control information. Specifically, for example, when the approval process is performed by any of the users x, y, and z, the accumulating unit 705 records the process status and process result of the user in the management table 220. .

For example, when the approval process is performed by the user x, as shown in (8-2) of FIG. 8, the process time field and the approval status field of the user x in the control information 600-1 Each approval result is set.

Thereafter, when the approval process is further performed by the user y, as shown in (8-3) of FIG. 8, the process time field and the approval status field of the user y of the control information 600-1 indicate the process of the user y. Time and approval result are set respectively.

When the approval process is performed by users included in a plurality of users, the determination unit 706 determines whether or not the processing statuses and processing results of the plurality of users satisfy the condition for progressing the management target workflow. To do.

Specifically, for example, the determination unit 706 refers to the management table 220 and determines whether or not the processing status and processing result of the users x, y, and z satisfy the first determination criterion. The first determination criterion is, for example, a determination criterion for approval / disapproval in the approval process set in step S501 of the workflow 500 illustrated in FIG.

For example, it is assumed that, as the first determination criterion, a determination criterion is set such that “approval” is set when the approval number reaches a majority, and “decision” is set when the rejection number reaches a majority. In this case, for example, as shown in (8-3) of FIG. 8, the determination unit 706 determines “approved” when the number of approvals becomes 2 or more. On the other hand, when the number of rejections is 2 or more, the determination unit 706 determines “No” at that time.

The execution control unit 707 advances the workflow by the approval process when the determination unit 706 determines that the processing statuses and processing results of a plurality of users satisfy the conditions for progressing the workflow. Specifically, for example, when it is determined that the first determination criterion is satisfied, the execution control unit 707 advances the workflow by the approval process and performs subsequent processing.

More specifically, for example, when the approval process is determined to be “approved”, the execution control unit 707 performs a process of notifying the applicant of the approval result indicating “passed” and writing it to the external storage device. The external storage device is, for example, a database table or a spreadsheet. On the other hand, when it is determined that the approval process is “denied”, the execution control unit 707 performs a process of notifying the applicant of the approval result indicating “denied” and writing it to the external storage device.

In addition, when the determination unit 706 determines that the processing statuses and processing results of a plurality of users do not satisfy the conditions for progressing the workflow, the determination unit 702 displays at least the approval process display content corresponding to the user who performed the approval process Update.

For example, it is assumed that the approval process is performed by the user x among the users x, y, and z. In this case, for example, the determination unit 702 updates the approval screen corresponding to the user x to an approval screen in which a button for selecting either approval or denial of the application is invalidated. Further, when the approval screen includes the processing statuses and processing results of the users x, y, and z, the determination unit 702 updates the approval screen corresponding to each of the users x, y, and z.

Further, the determination unit 706 determines whether the approval process is performed by the users included in the plurality of users, and the processing statuses and the processing results of the plurality of users satisfy the conditions for returning the approval process. You may decide to do it. Here, the return of the approval process is to correct the application content of the application requested for approval and restart the approval process.

Specifically, for example, the determination unit 706 refers to the management table 220 and determines whether or not the processing status and processing result of the users x, y, and z satisfy the second determination criterion. The second criterion is, for example, a criterion for returning the approval process set in step S501 of the workflow 500.

For example, it is assumed that, as the second determination criterion, a determination criterion to be returned when two users who rejected the application are consecutive is set. In this case, for example, the determination unit 706 refers to the processing time of the control information 600-1 and determines that the second determination criterion is satisfied when two users who have rejected the application are consecutive in time series.

Also, the execution control unit 707 sends back the approval process when the determination unit 706 determines that the processing statuses and processing results of a plurality of users satisfy the conditions for sending back the approval process. Specifically, for example, when the execution control unit 707 determines that the second determination criterion is satisfied, the execution control unit 707 notifies the applicant to correct the application content and redo the approval request. It may be.

The execution control unit 707 may notify the user who has not yet processed the approval process of information that prompts the execution of the approval process when a predetermined time has elapsed from the processing request time of the approval process. Specifically, for example, the execution control unit 707 refers to the control information 600-1 of the management table 220 and specifies the application time. The application time corresponds to the processing request time of the approval process.

Next, the execution control unit 707 determines whether or not a predetermined time T1 has elapsed from the specified application time. The predetermined time T1 can be arbitrarily set, and is set to about several hours to several days, for example. Then, when the predetermined time T1 has elapsed from the application time, the execution control unit 707 refers to the control information 600-1 and identifies a user whose approval status is “unapproved”.

In the example of (8-3) in FIG. 8, the user z whose approval status is “unapproved” is specified. Then, the execution control unit 707 transmits a reminder notification prompting the execution of the approval process to the identified user client device 201.

In addition, when the remaining time until the approval deadline is equal to or less than the predetermined time T2, the execution control unit 707 refers to the control information 600-1 and identifies a user whose approval status is “unapproved”. A reminder notification may be transmitted to the client device 201 of the user who has made the request. The predetermined time T2 can be arbitrarily set, and is set to about 1 hour, for example. The approval deadline is specified from the control information 600-1.

Here, a specific example of the reminder notification will be described with reference to FIG. Here, among the users x, y, and z, the approval process for the application item “XXX” will be described as an example of a reminder notification for an unprocessed user z.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the reminder notification. In FIG. 9, a reminder notice 900 is information that prompts the execution of the approval process. The reminder notice 900 includes a case name, an applicant name, an application time, and an approval deadline of the application case.

According to the reminder notice 900, the user z is notified that the approval process for the application item “XXX” has not yet been processed and the approval deadline is approaching, and the user z executes the approval process. Can be encouraged. It should be noted that the reminder notification 900 may include the processing status and processing results of other users (approver) for the application item “XXXXX”.

(Example of Item list screen)
Next, a screen example of a case list screen displayed on the display 406 of the client apparatus 201 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. Here, a case list screen corresponding to the user z among the users x, y, and z will be described as an example. In addition, it is assumed that a determination criterion (so-called majority decision) is set to be “passed” when the approval number reaches a majority as the first determination criterion.

10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams showing screen examples of the case list screen. 10 and 11, the item list screen 1000 displays item information (for example, item information 1000-1 to 1000-1) for each application item requested for approval corresponding to each of a plurality of users set to the role R. 1000-5) is an operation screen showing a list.

Project information is No. , Project name, applicant name, application time, processing time, majority decision status and confidence approval status. No. Is a number for identifying an application item. The case name is the name of the application case. The applicant name is the name of the applicant. The application time is the date and time when approval is requested. The processing time is the date and time when the approval process is performed by the approver. The majority decision status indicates the ratio of the current number of approvals to the number of approvers (the number of users set to the role R). The self-confidence approval status indicates the processing status and the approval result of the approval processing by the approver.

According to the case list screen 1000, the user z can know how many approval process activities are assigned to the user z and when and who is the application request for approval. Further, the user z can grasp an unprocessed application item by confirming his / her approval status. Furthermore, the user z can grasp | ascertain how many users have approved with respect to each application matter by confirming the majority decision situation.

Also, in the case list screen 1000, when any case name is selected by a user operation input using the input device 407, an application case for which an approval process is to be performed can be selected. For example, in the case list screen 1000 shown in FIG. 10, the approval screen (for example, described later) corresponding to the case name “XXX” is selected in which the item name “XXX” in the item information 1000-1 is selected. 12 is displayed on the display 406. The approval screen 1200 shown in FIG.

Further, for example, when the approval process of the user z is performed for the application item “XXXXXX”, as shown in FIG. 11, the processing time, majority decision status, and confidence approval status of the item information 1000-1 are updated. Thus, the case information 1000-1 is displayed in a different display format from the unapproved case information.

This makes it easier for the user z to identify processed application matters. It should be noted that the approval result indicating “Approved” or “Negative” may be displayed on the item list screen 1000 for the application item determined by majority vote.

(Screen example of approval screen)
Next, a screen example of the approval screen displayed on the display 406 of the client apparatus 201 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. First, a screen example of an approval screen displayed when the item name “XXXXXX” of the item information 1000-1 is selected on the item list screen 1000 shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an example of the approval screen. In FIG. 12, an approval screen 1200 is an operation screen that is displayed to an unprocessed user z for an approval process corresponding to the case information 1000-1 shown in FIG. The approval screen 1200 includes a No. , Project name, applicant name / application time, approval person / approval status (approval date / time), application contents, approval deadline, and elapsed time / time remaining.

No. Is a number for identifying an application item. The case name is the name of the application case. The applicant name / application time indicates the name of the applicant and the date and time when the approval is requested. The person in charge of approval / approval status (approval date / time) indicates the user (approver) to whom the approval process is assigned and the approval status of the user. The approval date and time is the date and time when the user (approver) performs the approval process. The application content is the content of the application requested for approval. The approval deadline is a period during which the approval process can be performed. The elapsed time / remaining time until the deadline indicates the elapsed time from the application time and the remaining time until the approval deadline.

According to the approval screen 1200, the user z can confirm the application content of the application item “XXXXXX”. Further, the user z can confirm the approval status of the other users x and y for the application item “XXXXXX”. Furthermore, the user z can grasp the approval time limit and the remaining time until the approval time limit.

In addition, on the approval screen 1200, buttons B1 and B2 for selecting either approval or denial of the application are displayed in an activated state. On the approval screen 1200, either approval or denial of the application can be selected by selecting one of the buttons B1 and B2 by a user operation input using the input device 407.

For example, when the button B1 is selected, an approval result indicating “approval” for the application case is transmitted from the client device 201 to the workflow management device 100. On the other hand, when the button B <b> 2 is selected, an approval result indicating “deny” is transmitted from the client apparatus 201 to the workflow management apparatus 100 for the application case.

Next, a screen example of an approval screen that is displayed when the item name “XXX” is selected in the item information 1000-1 on the item list screen 1000 shown in FIG. 11 will be described.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of a screen example of the approval screen. In FIG. 13, an approval screen 1300 is an operation screen displayed to the user z who has processed the approval processing corresponding to the case information 1000-1 shown in FIG.

In the approval screen 1300, as in the approval screen 1200 shown in FIG. , Project name, applicant name / application time, approval person / approval status (approval date / time), application contents, approval deadline, and elapsed time / time remaining. However, since the approval process by the user z is performed, the approval status of the user z is updated.

Also, on the approval screen 1300, buttons B1 and B2 for selecting either approval or denial of the application are displayed in an invalid state. That is, in the approval screen 1300, neither button B1 nor B2 can be selected. As a result, the user z cannot approve a plurality of times for the same application item, and duplicate approval by one user can be prevented.

(Actual processing workflow)
Next, a specific example of an actual processing workflow executed in the workflow system 200 will be described.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an actual processing workflow. In FIG. 14, a workflow 1400 defines an example of a series of processing procedures for approval work for a predetermined application.

In the workflow 1400, the workflow management apparatus 100 first executes an approval request process (step S1401). The approval request process is a step of accepting an approval request for a predetermined application from the client device 201 of the applicant and recording the case name, the applicant name, and the application time in the management table 220.

Next, the workflow management apparatus 100 executes an approval suppression process (step S1402). The approval suppression process is a step of determining the display contents of the approval process corresponding to each of a plurality of users set to the role R. A specific processing procedure of the approval suppression process will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, the workflow management apparatus 100 executes a case list creation process (step S1403). The case list creation process is a step of creating a list of applications that have received an approval request in step S1401.

Next, the workflow management apparatus 100 executes an approval process (step S1404). The approval process is a step in which the user set to the role R performs the approval process. A specific processing procedure of the approval processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, the workflow management apparatus 100 executes a table update process (step S1405). This is a step of accumulating in the management table 220 the processing status and processing result for the user approval processing set in the role R.

Next, the workflow management apparatus 100 refers to the management table 220 to determine whether the processing statuses and processing results of a plurality of users set to the role R satisfy the first determination criterion (step S1406). ).

Here, when the first determination criterion is satisfied (step S1406: Yes), the workflow management apparatus 100 executes an approval history writing process (step S1407), and ends a series of processes by the workflow 1400. The approval history writing process is a step of notifying the applicant of the approval result (approval or rejection) of the approval process and writing it to the external storage device.

On the other hand, when the first determination criterion is not satisfied (step S1406: No), the workflow management apparatus 100 refers to the management table 220 and the processing statuses and processing results of the plurality of users set to the role R are the first. It is determined whether or not the determination criterion 2 is satisfied (step S1408).

Here, when the second determination criterion is not satisfied (step S1408: No), the workflow management apparatus 100 returns to step S1402.

On the other hand, when the second determination criterion is satisfied (step S1408: Yes), the workflow management apparatus 100 executes an application content correction process (step S1409) and returns to step S1401. The application content correction process is a step of returning the approval process, and notifies the applicant to correct the application content and to redo the approval request. At this time, the workflow management apparatus 100 may notify each of a plurality of users set to the role R that the approval process has been returned.

Note that the processing in steps S1405 to S1409 described above is performed on the approval case for which the approval processing has been performed in step S1404, for example.

Next, a specific processing procedure of the approval suppression process in step S1402 shown in FIG. 14 will be described.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure of the approval suppression process. In the flowchart of FIG. 15, first, the workflow management apparatus 100 acquires control information from the management table 220 (step S1501). The control information to be acquired is control information corresponding to the application item for which the approval request has been accepted in step S1401 illustrated in FIG. 14 or control information corresponding to the application item for which the approval process has been performed in step S1404.

Next, the workflow management apparatus 100 selects an unselected user (approver) among a plurality of users set to the role R (step S1502). Then, the workflow management apparatus 100 refers to the acquired control information and identifies the approval status of the selected user (approver) (step S1503).

Next, the workflow management apparatus 100 determines whether or not the specified approval status is “unapproved” (step S1504).

If the approval status is “unapproved” (step S1504: YES), the workflow management apparatus 100 approves or rejects the display content of the approval process corresponding to the selected user (approver). The approval screen in which the button for selecting either one is validated is determined (step S1505), and the process proceeds to step S1507.

On the other hand, if the approval status is not “unapproved” (step S1504: No), the workflow management apparatus 100 approves or rejects the display contents of the approval process corresponding to the selected user (approver). The button for selecting one of them is determined as an invalidated approval screen (step S1506).

Then, the workflow management apparatus 100 determines whether or not there is an unselected user that is not selected among the plurality of users set to the role R (step S1507). If there is an unselected user (step S1507: YES), the workflow management apparatus 100 returns to step S1502.

On the other hand, when there is no unselected user (step S1507: No), the workflow management apparatus 100 returns to the step that called the approval suppression process.

Thereby, the display contents of the approval process corresponding to each of the plurality of users can be determined according to the processing status of the user for the approval process. Note that the processing in steps S1501 to S1507 described above may be defined in, for example, a program for executing the workflow 1400, or may be defined in another program called from the program.

Next, a specific processing procedure of the approval processing in step S1404 shown in FIG. 14 will be described.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure of the approval process. In the flowchart of FIG. 16, first, the workflow management apparatus 100 determines whether or not a case list screen display request has been received from the client apparatus 201 of the approver (step S1601).

Here, the workflow management apparatus 100 waits to receive a display request for a case list screen (step S1601: No). When the workflow management apparatus 100 receives a display request for the case list screen (step S1601: Yes), the workflow management apparatus 100 displays the case list screen created in the case list creation process in step S1403 shown in FIG. Control is performed (step S1602).

Next, the workflow management apparatus 100 determines whether or not an application case has been selected on the case list screen (step S1603). Here, the workflow management apparatus 100 waits for an application item to be selected (step S1603: No).

Then, when the application case is selected (step S1603: Yes), the workflow management apparatus 100 controls the client device 201 to display the approval screen determined in step S1402 illustrated in FIG. 14 for the selected application case. Is performed (step S1604).

Next, the workflow management apparatus 100 determines whether an approval result has been received from the client apparatus 201 (step S1605). Here, the workflow management apparatus 100 waits to receive an approval result from the client apparatus 201 (step S1605: No).

And the workflow management apparatus 100 returns to the step which called the approval process, when the approval result is received from the client apparatus 201 (step S1605: Yes).

This prevents one user from approving multiple times for the same application item, and prevents duplicate approval by one user. Note that the processing of steps S1601 to S1605 described above may be defined in, for example, a program for executing the workflow 1400, or may be defined in another program called from the program.

As described above, according to the workflow management apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, the processing statuses and processing results of each of a plurality of users for the approval process included in the managed workflow can be stored in the control information. it can. In addition, according to the workflow management apparatus 100, the display content of the approval process corresponding to each of a plurality of users is determined according to the processing status of the user for the approval process with reference to the accumulated control information. Can do.

Thereby, the display contents of the approval process corresponding to the user (approver) can be displayed differently depending on the processing status of the user for the approval process.

In addition, according to the workflow management apparatus 100, a button for referring to the stored control information and selecting whether to approve or deny the display contents of the approval process corresponding to the user who has not yet processed the approval process. Can be determined on the approval screen that has been activated.

This makes it possible to display an approval screen that allows the user who has not yet processed the approval process to select either approval or denial of the application requested for approval.

Further, according to the workflow management apparatus 100, the display content of the approval process corresponding to the user who has processed the approval process is determined to be an approval screen in which the button for selecting either approval or denial of the application is invalidated. be able to.

This makes it possible to display an approval screen in which neither approval nor denial can be selected for an application for which approval has been requested for a user who has already processed the approval process. For this reason, it becomes impossible for one user to approve a plurality of times, and duplicate approval by one user can be prevented.

Further, according to the workflow management apparatus 100, when the approval process is performed by any of the users included in the plurality of users, the processing statuses and the processing results of the plurality of users are set as conditions for proceeding the workflow. It can be determined whether or not it is satisfied. Then, according to the workflow management apparatus 100, when the condition for progressing the workflow is satisfied, the workflow can be advanced by the approval process.

As a result, when the conditions for advancing the workflow are met, the workflow can be transitioned to the subsequent processing without waiting for the responses of all approvers, and the time required for the approval process can be shortened to improve the efficiency of the approval process. Can be planned.

In addition, according to the workflow management apparatus 100, when the approval process is performed by any of the users included in the plurality of users, if the conditions for proceeding the workflow are not satisfied, at least the approval process for the user is performed. The display content of can be updated.

Thereby, even if the activity of the approval process remains in the role R, one user cannot perform the approval more than once, and the duplicate approval by one user can be prevented.

Also, according to the workflow management apparatus 100, when the number of specific processing results by a plurality of users reaches a predetermined number, it can be determined that the condition for progressing the workflow is satisfied. Thereby, in the workflow, an activity that progresses according to a condition such as majority decision can be appropriately processed.

Further, according to the workflow management apparatus 100, when the approval process is performed by any of the users included in the plurality of users, the processing statuses and the processing results of the plurality of users are set as conditions for returning the approval process. It can be determined whether or not it is satisfied. For example, the workflow management apparatus 100 can determine that a condition for returning the approval process is satisfied when a predetermined number of specific processing results (for example, denial) continue in time series. Then, according to the workflow management device 100, when the condition for returning the approval process is satisfied, the approval process can be returned.

This allows the approval process to be returned when the conditions for returning the approval process are satisfied. For this reason, for example, if the denial of a decision becomes rich, the applicant can be instructed to correct the application and redo the approval request before making a decision by majority vote, etc. Efficiency can be improved.

Further, according to the workflow management apparatus 100, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the application time of the approval process, information that refers to the stored control information and prompts a user who has not yet processed the approval process to execute the approval process Can be notified. As a result, when the approval deadline is approaching, the user who has not yet processed the approval process can be prompted.

Further, according to the workflow management apparatus 100, the display status of the approval process corresponding to each of the plurality of users can include the processing status and the processing result of the plurality of users. Thereby, when each user performs an approval process, the process status and process result of another user can be confirmed.

In the above description, the first process has been described by taking an example of an approval process that progresses a workflow according to the process status and process results of a plurality of users. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it can be applied to a questionnaire or popularity vote for a plurality of users.

More specifically, for example, the first process is a process in which a department such as a development department is set to role R and a product to be developed in the future is selected from a plurality of products currently being developed. Assume that the role R is assigned. In this case, according to the workflow management apparatus 100, it is possible to prevent duplicate selection by preventing one user from making multiple selections. In addition, when a predetermined number of answers are collected, for example, it is possible to shift to a subsequent process such as performing an additional question for a user who has selected the product with the largest number of selections. Can be performed efficiently.

The workflow management method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. The workflow management program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The workflow management program may be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Workflow management apparatus 110,500,1400 Workflow 120,130,1200,1300 Approval screen 200 Workflow system 201 Client apparatus 220 Management table 600-1 Control information 701 Reception part 702 Determination part 703 Creation part 704 Display control part 705 Accumulation part 706 Judgment unit 707 Execution control unit 1000 Item list screen

Claims (11)

1. On the computer,
   Display of the first process corresponding to each user of the plurality of users when the management target workflow is in the first process that advances the workflow according to the processing status and processing result of the plurality of users The contents are displayed to each of the plurality of users in a different manner depending on the processing status of the user for the first processing,
   When processing is performed by a first user included in the plurality of users with respect to the first processing, when the processing statuses and processing results of the plurality of users do not satisfy the conditions for proceeding with the workflow, When at least the display content of the first process of the first user is updated, and the processing statuses and processing results of the plurality of users satisfy the conditions for progressing the workflow, the workflow from the first process Progress,
   A workflow management program characterized by causing processing to be executed.
2. In the computer,
   Storing the processing status and processing result of each of the plurality of users for the first processing in control information;
   In accordance with the accumulated control information, a display content of the first process corresponding to each of the plurality of users is determined, and a process is executed.
   The processing to display is
   The workflow management program according to claim 1, wherein display contents of the first process corresponding to each of the determined users are displayed to the plurality of users.
3. The update process is as follows:
   With reference to the control information, when the number of specific processing results by the plurality of users does not reach a predetermined number, at least the display content of the first processing of the first user is updated,
   The process of advancing the workflow is as follows:
   The workflow management program according to claim 2, wherein the workflow is advanced when the number of the specific processing results reaches the predetermined number with reference to the control information.
4. In the computer,
   When processing is performed by a first user included in the plurality of users with respect to the first processing, the processing statuses and processing results of the plurality of users satisfy a condition for returning the first processing. 4. The workflow management program according to claim 3, wherein the first process is sent back and a process is executed. 5.
5. The control information includes a processing time of each user of the plurality of users for the first processing,
   The process of performing the return is as follows:
   5. The workflow management program according to claim 4, wherein the first process is sent back when a predetermined number of specific process results continue in time series with reference to the control information.
6. In the computer,
   When a predetermined time has elapsed from the processing request time of the first process, the control information is referred to and information that prompts the user who has not performed the first process to execute the first process is displayed. The workflow management program according to claim 5, wherein the workflow is notified and the process is executed.
7. The first process is an approval process for a predetermined application,
   The determination process is as follows:
   The display content of the first process corresponding to a user who has not processed the first process is determined as an approval screen in which a button for selecting either approval or denial of the application is enabled,
   The display content of the first process corresponding to the user who has processed the first process is determined to be an approval screen in which a button for selecting either approval or denial of the application is invalidated. The workflow management program according to claim 6, wherein:
8. The workflow management program according to claim 7, wherein the approval screen includes processing statuses and processing results of the plurality of users.
9. The workflow management program according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the plurality of users is a user set to a role to which the first process is assigned.
10. Computer
    Display of the first process corresponding to each user of the plurality of users when the management target workflow is in the first process that advances the workflow according to the processing status and processing result of the plurality of users The contents are displayed to each of the plurality of users in a different manner depending on the processing status of the user for the first processing,
    When processing is performed by a first user included in the plurality of users with respect to the first processing, when the processing statuses and processing results of the plurality of users do not satisfy the conditions for proceeding with the workflow, When at least the display content of the first process of the first user is updated, and the processing statuses and processing results of the plurality of users satisfy the conditions for progressing the workflow, the workflow from the first process Progress,
    A workflow management method characterized by executing processing.
11. Display of the first process corresponding to each user of the plurality of users when the management target workflow is in the first process that advances the workflow according to the processing status and processing result of the plurality of users The contents are displayed to each of the plurality of users in a different manner depending on the processing status of the user for the first processing,
    When processing is performed by a first user included in the plurality of users with respect to the first processing, when the processing statuses and processing results of the plurality of users do not satisfy the conditions for proceeding with the workflow, When at least the display content of the first process of the first user is updated, and the processing statuses and processing results of the plurality of users satisfy the conditions for progressing the workflow, the workflow from the first process Progress,
    A workflow management apparatus comprising a control unit.

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