JP4504258B2 - Approval workflow system and settlement workflow control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an approval workflow system and a settlement workflow control method.

  Various decision-making procedures within an organization such as a company are increasingly digitized from the viewpoint of efficiency, and are often constructed as a workflow system (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of examination / approval processing in a conventional approval workflow system. In FIG. 1, the applicant drafts an application document (step S1) and selects an application route (step S2). Here, the applicant selects an application route in consideration of whether or not a regular examiner / approver is absent and examination / approval is not possible. If a regular examiner / approver is in a state where it cannot be examined / approved, a substitute examiner / substitute approver is designated. Then, after selecting the application route, an application is made (step S3).

When an application is made, if a regular examiner is specified in the application route, the process proceeds with notification to the examiner (step S4), examination by the examiner (step S5), and designated by the substitute examiner. In the case where it is, notification to the proxy examiner (step S6), examination by the proxy examiner (step S7) and processing flow. When the examiner or proxy examiner permits (OK) the examination (step S8), when a regular approver is designated in the application route, a notification is sent to the approver (step S9), and the approver Approval (step S10) and processing flow. When a proxy approver is designated, notification to the proxy approver (step S11) and approval by the proxy approver (step S12) and processing flow. Then, the approval result is registered by the approval (OK) of the approver or proxy approver (step S13).
JP 2002-279335 A JP 2002-83102 A

  The conventional approval workflow system is processed as described above, and it can cope to some extent with the absence of a regular examiner / approver and cannot be reviewed / approved. Was pointed out.

  First, the applicant must confirm the presence / absence of the examiner / approver and select whether the regular examiner / approver is the application route or the proxy examiner / substitute approver is the application route. However, it was complicated to check the situation before applying.

  In addition, due to changes in the situation after the application, the reviewer / approver or proxy reviewer / representative approver as the application route is absent, there is a person who can be represented, or a regular reviewer / approver Even if they returned, these persons could not conduct examination / approval by themselves, and the examination / approval was stopped, making it impossible to make a quick decision.

  Furthermore, in such a case, a change from a regular examiner / approver to a substitute examiner / representative approver, or from a substitute examiner / representative approver to a regular examiner / approver or another person will be made. However, the procedure is complicated because it is an exceptional process.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 2 confirms the operating state of the terminal by sending a ping command to the IP address of the terminal of the approver, etc., thereby determining the presence / absence of the approver and the like. A technique for allowing a proxy approver to approve when the proxy approver is present is disclosed. However, the operating state of the terminal and the presence / absence of the approver are not necessarily linked, and the presence / absence of the actual approver cannot be confirmed.

  The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an approval workflow system and a settlement workflow control method that can flexibly cope with the presence / absence of an examiner / approver, etc. There is to do.

In order to solve the above problems, according to the present invention, as described in claim 1, a workflow system in which a decision is made after a review and approval task, wherein the regular review is performed for the review task. 's and set proxy proxy reviewer has means for holding the data of the root frame above approval tasks per regular approvers and on behalf of the proxy approver is set, the normal according to the review of the task of reviewers Make sure to show the state that can not be reviewed to get the data of the schedule, and if it is confirmed that you are away from the PC to get the data of the examination's location, reviewers can review the tasks of the examination and means for proxy examiner from the state to change the control data to a possible examination state, like that can not be approved to get the data of the schedule of the approver of the regular applied to the approval of the task Make sure to show, and when it was confirmed that away from the PC to get the data of the approver of the location, proxy examiner the task of the above-mentioned approval from the approver can approve a state that can be approved The gist of the approval workflow system is provided with means for changing control data to a state .

Further, as described in claim 2, the radio communication equipment management system for managing the whereabouts Place by wireless communication with the wireless communication device carried by the examiner and approver to acquire data of the location can do.

Further, as described in claim 3 , the schedule data can be obtained by a schedule management system that manages the action schedules of the examiner and the approver.

Further, as described in claim 4 , it can be configured as a Web system.

Further, as described in claim 5 , it can be configured as a settlement workflow control method.

  The approval workflow system and settlement workflow control method of the present invention can flexibly cope with the presence / absence of the examiner / approver.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

<Root frame>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a route frame in the present invention. In FIG. 2, the application route “applicant → examiner 1 → approver” as shown in the conventional example 1 and the application route “applicant → examiner 1 → examiner 2 → approver” as shown in Example 2 are used. On the other hand, in the present invention, the application route “applicant → examiner 1 / substitute examiner 1 → approver / proxy approver” as shown in Example 1 and the application route “applicant → examiner 1 / The proxy examiner 1 → examiner 2 / proxy examiner 2 → approver / proxy approver ”is set as the root frame. That is, a predetermined shape is created as a root frame, and not only the examiner / approver but also each agent is selected and the application is made. This route frame is held in the workflow engine 22 (FIG. 3) of the workflow system 2 described later.

<System configuration>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the approval workflow system. Here, the case where it is configured as a Web system is shown. In FIG. 3, the approval workflow system is on a client 1 such as a personal computer operated by an applicant, examiner, proxy examiner, approver, proxy approver, etc., and on the Web accessed through the browser 11 of the client 1. The constructed workflow system 2, the database 3 for referring to and updating the workflow system 2, the user authentication system 4 for providing functions such as user authentication, the directory service system 5 for managing user information, etc., the examiner and the proxy Location by radio communication between the schedule management system 6 for managing the action schedule of the examiner, approver, proxy approver, etc. and the wireless communication device 8 possessed by the examiner, proxy examiner, approver, proxy approver, etc. And a wireless communication device management system 7 that manages the above.

  The workflow system 2 includes a UI application 21 that controls a user interface for access from the browser 11 of the client 1, a workflow engine 22 that performs main control of the workflow, a task scheduler 23 that manages time of tasks constituting the workflow, It has an examination / approval flow automatic change system 24 for changing the workflow.

<Manual proxy review / transition to proxy approval>
FIG. 4 is a state transition diagram of an application document when it is possible to manually shift to proxy examination / proxy approval. In FIG. 4, an application document in the “in preparation” state is applied (step S101), and becomes a “waiting for examination” state in which only an authorized examiner can examine. In this state, when the proxy examiner displays an examination that can be processed on behalf of the proxy (step S102), the examination examiner and the substitute examiner enter a “waiting examination” state in which the examination can be conducted.

  Next, when the review is performed by the reviewer (step S103), or when the review by the reviewer or the proxy reviewer is performed (step S104), the state is in the “waiting for approval” state where only a regular approver can approve. . In this state, if the proxy approver displays approvals that can be processed on behalf (step S105), the approver and proxy approver are both in the “waiting for approval” state in which approval is possible. Then, when the approval by the approver is performed (step S106), or when the approval by the approver or the proxy approver is performed (step S107), the state is “approved → registered”.

  FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a process of performing a transition to manual proxy examination / proxy approval. In FIG. 5, it is assumed that only a regular examiner / approver can perform examination / approval, and in this state, the substitute examiner / proxy approver displays the examination / approval list on the browser 11 of the client 1. When it is performed (step S111), the browser 11 requests the workflow engine 22 of the workflow system 2 to obtain the examination / approval list (step S112), and obtains the examination / approval list as a response (step S113). Displayed to the person / proxy approver (step S114). In this state, only application documents in which the proxy examiner / substitute approver who operates the client 1 is a regular examiner / approver are displayed.

  Next, when the proxy examiner / substitute approver causes the browser 11 to display the review / approval list including the proxy (step S115), the browser 11 causes the workflow engine 22 to acquire the review / approval list including the proxy. The request is made (step S116), the examination / approval list including the proxy is acquired as a response (step S117), and the browser 11 displays it to the proxy examiner / substitute approver (step S118). In this state, in addition to the application document in which the proxy examiner / substitute approver operating the client 1 is a regular examiner / approver, it is designated as a proxy examiner / substitute approver in the root frame. The application document is displayed.

  FIG. 6 is a screen flow diagram in the case of performing transition to manual proxy examination / proxy approval. In FIG. 6, the entrance of the approval workflow system is an “initial menu screen”. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the initial menu screen, and buttons for enabling selection of “new application” and “examination / approval list” are displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 6, when an examination / approval list is selected from the “initial menu screen” (step S121), the process proceeds to an “examination / approval list screen” that does not include a proxy. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the examination / approval list screen. If the operator is “Mr. H”, this “Mr. H” is listed as “regular examiner / authorizer” in “person in charge”. Only existing application documents are displayed. In addition, a “representation display” button for switching to display of the examination / approval list including the surrogate is displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 6, when the proxy display is selected from the “examination / approval list screen” (step S122), the process proceeds to the “examination / approval list screen” including the proxy. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an examination / approval list screen. If the operator is “Mr. H”, this “Mr. H” is listed as “regular examiner / authorizer” as “Person in charge”. In addition to the existing application documents, application documents in which “Mr. H” is designated as a proxy examiner / substitute approver are displayed. In addition, a “Hide proxy” button for switching to display of the examination / approval list not including the proxy is displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 6, when proxy non-display is selected from the “examination / approval list screen” including the proxy (step S123), the screen returns to the “examination / approval list screen” that does not include the proxy.

  On the other hand, a document to be examined / approved is selected from the “examination / approval list screen” that does not include the proxy (step S124), or a document to be subjected to the proxy examination / proxy approval is selected from the “examination / approval list screen” that includes the proxy. Then (step S125), the process proceeds to the “examination / approval processing screen”. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an examination / approval processing screen. Buttons for selecting “Approve”, “Cancel”, “Reject”, etc. are displayed for the selected application document, and the contents and progress of the application document are displayed. ing.

  Returning to FIG. 6, when an instruction to return to the initial menu from the “examination / approval processing screen” is given (step S126), the screen shifts to the “initial menu screen”.

  In this way, the proxy reviewer / proxy approver can freely switch between displaying and hiding the application documents that he / she can act on his / her behalf, and the proxy reviewer / proxy approver can perform proxy audit / proxy approval at his / her own discretion. It can be carried out.

<Transfer to proxy examination / approval approval after a certain period of time>
FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram of the application document when it is possible to shift to proxy examination / proxy approval after a certain period of time. In FIG. 11, an application document in the “in preparation” state is applied (step S <b> 201), and becomes a “waiting for examination” state in which only an authorized examiner can examine. In this state, when a predetermined period of time elapses (step S202), it becomes a “waiting for examination” state where both the examiner and the substitute examiner can examine.

  Next, when the review is performed by the reviewer (step S203), or when the review by the reviewer or the proxy reviewer is performed (step S204), a state of “waiting for approval” that only an authorized approver can approve is set. . In this state, when a predetermined time elapses (step S205), both the approver and the proxy approver are in a “waiting for approval” state in which approval is possible. Then, when the approval by the approver is performed (step S206), or when the approval by the approver or the proxy approver is performed (step S207), the state is “approved → registered”.

  FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing a process for performing the transition to the proxy examination / proxy approval after a certain period of time. In FIG. 12, when the applicant makes an application to the browser 11 of the client 1 (step S211), the browser 11 registers the application document to the workflow engine 22 of the workflow system 2 (step S212). The engine 22 performs task registration with the task scheduler 23 (step S213). The applicant is notified as a response that the series of processes has been normally performed (steps S214 to S216).

  Thereafter, when the proxy examiner causes the browser 11 to display the examination / approval list (step S217), the browser 11 requests the workflow engine 22 to obtain the examination / approval list (step S218), and as a response An examination / approval list is acquired (step S219) and displayed to the proxy examiner (step S220). In this state, only application documents for which the proxy examiner is a regular examiner are displayed.

  On the other hand, if the registered task is not processed for a certain period of time, the task scheduler 23 notifies the workflow engine 22 (step S221), and the workflow engine 22 moves the task to the proxy examiner (step S222).

  Thereafter, when the proxy examiner causes the browser 11 to display the examination / approval list (step S223), the browser 11 requests the workflow engine 22 to obtain the examination / approval list (step S224). An examination / approval list is acquired (step S225) and displayed to the proxy examiner (step S226). In this state, in addition to the application document for which the substitute examiner is a regular examiner, the application document designated as the substitute examiner in the root frame and having the task moved is displayed.

  The above operation is performed when the application document is in the review stage, but the same applies when the application document is in the approval stage. If the application document is in a state where only a regular approver can approve it, Both the approver and proxy approver can be approved.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of data communication between the workflow engine 22 and the task scheduler 23, and shows an example of data by XML (eXtensible Markup Language) in which task registration from the workflow engine 22 to the task scheduler 23 is performed. FIG. 14 shows an example of data by XML instructing the task scheduler 23 to move the task that is not processed for a certain period of time to the workflow engine 22.

  FIG. 15 is a screen flow diagram when transitioning to proxy examination / proxy approval after a certain period of time. In FIG. 15, when an examination / approval list is selected from the “initial menu screen” (step S231), the screen shifts to an “examination / approval list screen” that does not include a proxy. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an examination / approval list screen. In the screen of the operator “Mr. H”, an application document in which “Mr. H” is listed as “authorized person” as a regular examiner / authorizer. In the screen of the operator “Mr. G”, only application documents in which “Mr. G” is listed as “Person in charge” as a regular examiner / approver are displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 15, when the screen display is updated or redisplayed after a lapse of a certain period of time after the application document has entered examination / approval (step S 232), the screen shifts to an “examination / approval list screen” including proxy. . FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an examination / approval list screen. In the screen of the operator “Mr. H”, an application document in which “Mr. H” is listed as a regular examiner / authorizer as “Person in charge”. In addition, an application document in which “Mr. H” is designated as a proxy examiner / proxy approver is displayed. On the screen of the operator “Mr. G”, if there is an application document in which “Mr. G” is designated as a proxy examiner / substitute approver, it will be added and displayed. no change.

  Returning to FIG. 15, when a document to be subjected to proxy examination / proxy approval is selected from the “screen for examination / approval list” including proxy (step S233), the screen shifts to “screen for examination / approval processing”. When an instruction to return to the initial menu is issued from the “examination / approval processing screen” (step S234), the screen shifts to the “initial menu screen”.

  In this way, after a certain period of time, the proxy examiner / substitute approver can perform the proxy review / substitute approval, and automatically responds to the absence of a regular examiner / approver. can do.

<Transfer to proxy review / approval approval based on examiner / approver leaving information>
FIG. 18 is a state transition diagram of an application document when it is possible to shift to proxy examination / substitute approval based on examiner / approver away information. In FIG. 18, an application document in the “in preparation” state is applied (step S301), and is in a “waiting for examination” state in which only an authorized examiner can examine. In this state, when the examiner's absence information is extracted from the wireless communication device management system 7 (step S302), a state of “waiting for examination” is possible in which only the substitute examiner can examine.

  Next, when an examination by an examiner is performed (step S303) or an examination by a proxy examiner (step S304), a state of “waiting for approval” that only an authorized approver can approve is set. In this state, when the away information of the approver is extracted from the wireless communication device management system 7 (step S305), a state of “waiting for approval” in which only the proxy approver can approve it. When approval by the approver is performed (step S306) or approval by the proxy approver is performed (step S307), the state of “approved → registered” is entered.

  FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing a process for performing the transition to the proxy examination / substitution approval based on the examiner / approver away information. In FIG. 19, it is assumed that only a regular examiner / approver can perform examination / approval, and in this state, the substitute examiner / proxy approver displays the examination / approval list on the browser 11 of the client 1. When it is performed (step S311), the browser 11 requests the workflow engine 22 of the workflow system 2 to obtain the examination / approval list (step S312), and obtains the examination / approval list as a response (step S313). Is displayed to the person / proxy approver (step S314). In this state, only application documents in which the proxy examiner / substitute approver is a regular examiner / approver are displayed.

  On the other hand, the wireless communication device management system 7 monitors whether a regular examiner / approver has moved or moved out of the conference room (step S315), and the wireless communication device management system 7 is a screening / approval flow automatic change system. The current position of the examiner / approver is notified to 24 (step S316). The examination / approval flow automatic change system 24 inquires position information to the wireless communication device management system 7 after a predetermined time from the notification of going out, etc. (steps S317 and S318), and determines whether or not to transfer the task to the agent. If a predetermined time or more has elapsed since going out (step S319), the workflow engine 22 is instructed to move the task (step S320). The workflow engine 22 moves the task so that only the proxy examiner / substitute approver can be examined.

  Thereafter, when the proxy examiner / proxy approver causes the browser 11 to display the review / approval list (step S321), the browser 11 requests the workflow engine 22 to acquire the review / approval list (step S322). As a response, an examination / approval list including a proxy is acquired (step S323) and displayed to the proxy examiner / proxy approver (step S324). In this state, in addition to the application document for which the proxy examiner / substitute approver is a regular examiner / approver, the application document is designated as a proxy examiner / substitute approver in the root frame, and the task What has moved is displayed.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a process example of automatic examiner switching in the examination / approval flow automatic change system 24. In FIG. 20, when the examiner's movement is notified, it is determined whether or not the proxy screening is possible (step S331), and if possible, the determination of whether or not to go out (step S332), Judgment whether or not to move to a conference room (step S333), determination whether or not to move to another floor (step S334), etc. In either case, it continues for 15 minutes or more, for example It is determined whether to continue (step S335), and when continuing, the task is moved to the proxy examiner (step S336). Conditions such as going out, moving to a conference room, moving to another floor, etc. can be added or deleted as appropriate, and can be adapted to the actual situation of the organization. Further, the switching of the examiner has been described, but the same applies to the approver.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of data communication between the wireless communication device management system 7 and the examination / approval flow automatic change system 24, and the name notified from the wireless communication device management system 7 to the examination / approval flow automatic change system 24. Data D1 having contents such as the location and the time from which it is present, inquiry data D2 from the examination / approval flow automatic change system 24 to the wireless communication device management system 7 after a certain time, and wireless communication device management for the inquiry An example of XML data is shown with respect to data D3 having content such as from when to the examination / approval flow automatic change system 24 from the system 7.

  FIG. 22 is a screen flow diagram in the case of shifting to proxy examination / substitution approval based on examiner / approver away information. In FIG. 22, when an examination / approval list is selected from the “initial menu screen” (step S341), the screen shifts to an “examination / approval list screen” that does not include a proxy. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of an examination / approval list screen. In the screen of the operator “Mr. H”, an application document in which “Mr. H” is listed as a regular examiner / authorizer as “Person in charge”. In the screen of the operator “Mr. B”, only application documents in which “Mr. B” is listed as “Person in charge” as a regular examiner / approver are displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 22, when the screen display is updated or redisplayed after the examiner / approver has gone out for a certain period of time (step S342), the screen shifts to an “examination / approval list screen” including proxy. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of an examination / approval list screen. In the screen of the operator “Mr. H”, an application document in which “Mr. H” is listed as “authorized person” as a regular examiner / authorizer. In addition, an application document in which “Mr. H” is designated as a proxy examiner / proxy approver is displayed. Further, there is no document displayed on the screen of the operator “Mr. B” due to the movement of the task to “Mr. H”.

  Returning to FIG. 22, when a document to be subjected to proxy examination / proxy approval is selected from the “screen for examination / approval list” including proxy (step S343), the screen shifts to “screen for examination / approval processing”. When an instruction to return to the initial menu is issued from the “examination / approval processing screen” (step S344), the screen shifts to the “initial menu screen”.

  In this way, with the absence of the examiner / approver, the proxy examiner / substitute approver can perform the proxy examination / substitute approval, even in the absence of a regular examiner / approver. It can respond automatically.

  FIG. 25 is a state transition diagram of the application document when the agent examiner / agent approver leaving information is further considered. Compared to FIG. 18, the examination is performed when the proxy examiner's absence information is extracted or the examiner's seating information is extracted after entering the “waiting examination” state where only the proxy examiner can examine. The process of shifting to the “waiting for examination” state where only the person can be examined (step S353) and the “waiting for examination” state where only the proxy approver can be examined, and then the absence information of the proxy approver is extracted. In this case or when the seating information of the approver is extracted, a process (step S357) for shifting to a “waiting for examination” state where only the approver can examine is added.

<Transfer to proxy review / approval approval according to reviewer / approver schedule>
FIG. 26 is a state transition diagram of the application document when it is possible to shift to proxy screening / proxy approval based on the schedule of the reviewer / approver. In FIG. 26, an application document that is in the “in preparation” state is applied (step S401), and is in a “waiting for examination” state in which only an authorized examiner can examine. In this state, when schedule information about going out of the examiner and the like is extracted from the schedule management system 6 (step S402), a state of “waiting for examination” that allows the examiner to examine is entered.

  Next, when an examination by an examiner is performed (step S403) or an examination by a proxy examiner (step S404), a state of “waiting for approval” that only an authorized approver can approve is set. In this state, when the schedule information about the approver's going out is extracted from the schedule management system 6 (step S405), the state becomes “waiting for approval” that can be approved by the proxy approver. When approval by the approver is performed (step S406) or when approval by the proxy approver is performed (step S407), the state is “approved → registered”.

  FIG. 27 is a sequence diagram showing a process for shifting to proxy examination / substitute approval according to the examiner / approver schedule. In FIG. 27, it is assumed that only a regular examiner / approver can perform examination / approval, and in this state, the substitute examiner / proxy approver displays the examination / approval list on the browser 11 of the client 1. When it is performed (step S411), the browser 11 requests the workflow engine 22 of the workflow system 2 to obtain the examination / approval list (step S412), and obtains the examination / approval list as a response (step S413). Is displayed to the person / substitute approver (step S414). In this state, only application documents in which the proxy examiner / substitute approver is a regular examiner / approver are displayed.

  On the other hand, the schedule of the regular examiner / approver going out is managed by the schedule management system 6. When the time of the examiner / approver going out is reached, the schedule management system 6 automatically changes the examination / approval flow change system 24. To that effect (step S415). The examination / approval flow automatic change system 24 determines whether or not to move the task to the agent (step S416), and instructs the workflow engine 22 to move the task (step S417). The workflow engine 22 moves the task so that the proxy examiner / substitute approver can examine it.

  Thereafter, when the proxy examiner / proxy approver causes the browser 11 to display the review / approval list (step S418), the browser 11 requests the workflow engine 22 to acquire the review / approval list (step S419). As a response, an examination / approval list including the proxy is acquired (step S420) and displayed to the proxy examiner / proxy approver (step S421). In this state, in addition to the application document for which the proxy examiner / substitute approver is a regular examiner / approver, the application document is designated as a proxy examiner / substitute approver in the root frame, and the task What has moved is displayed.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a process example of automatic examiner switching in the examination / approval flow automatic change system 24. In FIG. 28, when the examiner's schedule is notified, it is determined whether or not the proxy examination is possible (step S431), and if it is possible, the judgment of whether or not it is a meeting (step S432), Judgment is made whether or not it is a training (step S433), etc. In any case, it is judged whether or not it is scheduled for a certain period of time (step S434). The task is moved to (Step S435). Conditions such as meetings and training can be added or deleted as appropriate, and can be adapted to the actual conditions of the organization. Further, the switching of the examiner has been described, but the same applies to the approver.

  FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of data communication between the schedule management system 6 and the examination / approval flow automatic change system 24. The name, location, start / start notified from the schedule management system 6 to the examination / approval flow automatic change system 24 An XML example of data having contents such as end time is shown.

  FIG. 30 is a screen flow diagram in the case of shifting to proxy examination / substitution approval according to the schedule of the examiner / approver. In FIG. 30, when an examination / approval list is selected from the “initial menu screen” (step S441), the screen shifts to an “examination / approval list screen” that does not include a proxy. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of an examination / approval list screen. In the screen of the operator “Mr. H”, an application document in which “Mr. H” is listed as a regular examiner / authorizer as “Person in charge”. Only is displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 30, when the screen display is updated or redisplayed after the examiner / approver has started to go out over a certain time (step S442), the “examination / approval list screen” including proxy is displayed. Transition. FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of an examination / approval list screen. In the screen of the operator “Mr. H”, an application document in which “Mr. H” is listed as a regular examiner / authorizer as “Person in charge”. In addition, an application document in which “Mr. H” is designated as a proxy examiner / proxy approver is displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 30, when a document to be subjected to proxy review / proxy approval is selected from the “screen for review / approval list” including proxy (step S443), the screen shifts to the “screen for review / approval process”. When an instruction to return to the initial menu is issued from the “examination / approval processing screen” (step S444), the screen shifts to the “initial menu screen”.

  In this way, according to the reviewer / approver schedule, the proxy reviewer / substitute approver can perform the proxy review / substitute approval, and automatically responds to the absence of a regular examiner / approver. Can respond.

<Transfer to proxy review / approval approval based on reviewer / approver schedule and absence information>
FIG. 33 is a state transition diagram of an application document when it is possible to shift to proxy screening / proxy approval based on the reviewer / approver schedule and absence information. In FIG. 33, an application document in the “in preparation” state is applied (step S501), and becomes a “waiting for examination” state in which only an authorized examiner can examine. In this state, when the schedule information about the examiner's going out is extracted from the schedule management system 6 and the away information of the examiner is extracted from the wireless communication device management system 7 (step S502), only the proxy examiner It will be in the “Waiting for review” state where it can be reviewed.

  Next, when an examination by an examiner is performed (step S503) or an examination by a proxy examiner is performed (step S504), a state of “waiting for approval” that only an authorized approver can approve is set. In this state, when the schedule information about the approver's going out is extracted from the schedule management system 6 and the away information of the approver is extracted from the wireless communication device management system 7 (step S505), only the proxy approver Approval is possible and "waiting for approval". When approval by the approver is performed (step S506) or approval by the proxy approver is performed (step S507), the state of “approved → registered” is entered.

  FIG. 34 is a sequence diagram showing a process of shifting to proxy examination / proxy approval based on the examiner / approver schedule and absence information. In FIG. 34, it is assumed that only a regular examiner / approver can perform examination / approval, and in this state, the substitute examiner / proxy approver displays the examination / approval list on the browser 11 of the client 1. When it is performed (step S511), the browser 11 requests the workflow engine 22 of the workflow system 2 to obtain the examination / approval list (step S512), and obtains the examination / approval list as a response (step S513). Is displayed to the person / proxy approver (step S514). In this state, only application documents in which the proxy examiner / substitute approver is a regular examiner / approver are displayed.

  On the other hand, the schedule of the regular examiner / approver going out is managed by the schedule management system 6. When the time of the examiner / approver going out is reached, the schedule management system 6 automatically changes the examination / approval flow change system 24. To that effect (step S515). The examination / approval flow automatic change system 24 inquires the location of the examiner / authorizer to the wireless communication device management system 7 (step S516), and the wireless communication device management system 7 communicates with the wireless communication device possessed by the examiner / authorizer. 8 is acquired (steps S517 and S518), and is transmitted to the examination / approval flow automatic change system 24 (step S519).

  Subsequently, the examination / approval flow automatic change system 24 inquires of the schedule management system 6 about the schedule of the substitute examiner / substitute approver (steps S520 and S521). Further, the examination / approval flow automatic change system 24 inquires the location of the substitute examiner / proxy approver to the wireless communication device management system 7 (step S522), and the wireless communication device management system 7 A place is acquired from the possessed wireless communication device 8 (steps S523 and S524), and is transmitted to the examination / approval flow automatic change system 24 (step S525).

  Then, the examination / approval flow automatic change system 24 determines whether or not to move the task to the agent (step S526). If the examiner / approver is absent due to going out as scheduled, the agent-examiner / agent approver is If the user is present, the workflow engine 22 is instructed to move the task (step S527). The workflow engine 22 moves the task so that only the proxy examiner / substitute approver can be examined.

  Thereafter, when the proxy examiner / proxy approver causes the browser 11 to display the review / approval list (step S528), the browser 11 requests the workflow engine 22 to acquire the review / approval list (step S529). As a response, an examination / approval list including a proxy is acquired (step S530) and displayed to the proxy examiner / proxy approver (step S531). In this state, in addition to the application document for which the proxy examiner / substitute approver is a regular examiner / approver, the application document is designated as a proxy examiner / substitute approver in the root frame, and the task What has moved is displayed.

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a process example of automatic examiner switching in the examination / approval flow automatic change system 24. In FIG. 35, when the examiner's schedule is notified, it is determined whether or not proxy screening is possible (step S541), and if it is possible, whether or not to go out (step S542), It is determined whether or not the movement is to the conference room (step S543), and whether or not the movement is to another floor (step S544). In either case, information from the wireless communication device 8 is also obtained. It is determined whether or not they are the same (step S545). If they are the same, the task is moved to the proxy examiner (step S546). Conditions such as going out, moving to a conference room, moving to another floor, etc. can be added or deleted as appropriate, and can be adapted to the actual situation of the organization. Further, the switching of the examiner has been described, but the same applies to the approver.

  FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of data communication of the schedule management system 6, the examination / approval flow automatic change system 24, and the wireless communication device management system 7, and is notified from the schedule management system 6 to the examination / approval flow automatic change system 24. Data D4 having contents such as name, place, start / end time, inquiry data D5 from the examination / approval flow automatic change system 24 to the wireless communication device management system 7, and wireless communication device for the inquiry An example of data by XML is shown for data D6 having contents such as from when to the examination / approval flow automatic change system 24 from the management system 7.

  FIG. 37 is a screen flow diagram in the case of shifting to proxy examination / proxy approval based on the examiner / approver schedule and absence information. In FIG. 37, when an examination / approval list is selected from the “initial menu screen” (step S541), the screen shifts to an “examination / approval list screen” that does not include a proxy. FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of an examination / approval list screen. In the screen of the operator “Mr. H”, an application document in which “Mr. H” is listed as a regular examiner / authorizer as “Person in charge”. In the screen of the operator “Mr. B”, only application documents in which “Mr. B” is listed as “Person in charge” as a regular examiner / approver are displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 37, when there is a schedule for going out of the examiner / approver and the screen display is updated or redisplayed after going out (step S542), the screen shifts to the “examination / approval list screen” including proxy. To do. FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an example of an examination / approval list screen. In the screen of the operator “Mr. H”, an application document in which “Mr. In addition, an application document in which “Mr. H” is designated as a proxy examiner / proxy approver is displayed. Further, there is no document displayed on the screen of the operator “Mr. B” due to the movement of the task to “Mr. H”.

  Returning to FIG. 37, when a document to be subjected to proxy review / proxy approval is selected from the “screen for review / approval list” including proxy (step S543), the screen shifts to the “screen for review / approval process”. When an instruction to return to the initial menu is given from the “examination / approval processing screen” (step S544), the screen shifts to the “initial menu screen”.

  In this way, when there is a schedule for going out of the reviewer / approver and the absence is confirmed, the proxy reviewer / proxy approver can perform the proxy review / approval approval. It is possible to automatically respond to the absence of examiners and approvers.

  The present invention has been described above by the preferred embodiments of the present invention. While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications and changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Obviously you can. In other words, the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the details of the specific examples and the accompanying drawings.

It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process of the examination and approval in the conventional approval workflow system. It is a figure which shows the example of the root frame in this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an approval workflow system. It is a state transition diagram of an application document when it is possible to shift to manual proxy examination / proxy approval. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process which transfers to manual proxy examination / proxy approval. It is a screen flow figure in the case of shifting to manual proxy examination / proxy approval. It is a figure which shows the example of an initial menu screen. It is FIG. (1) which shows the example of a screening / approval list screen. It is FIG. (2) which shows the example of a screening / approval list screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a screening / approval process screen. It is a state transition diagram of an application document when it is possible to shift to proxy examination / proxy approval after a certain period of time. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process which transfers to proxy examination / proxy approval by progress for a fixed time. FIG. 6 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of data communication between a workflow engine and a task scheduler. FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating an example of data communication between the workflow engine and the task scheduler. It is a screen flow figure in the case of shifting to proxy examination / proxy approval after a certain period of time. It is FIG. (1) which shows the example of a screening / approval list screen. It is FIG. (2) which shows the example of a screening / approval list screen. It is a state transition diagram of an application document when it is possible to shift to proxy examination / proxy approval based on the absence information of the examiner / approver. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process which transfers to the proxy examination / proxy approval by the examiner / approver away information. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of examiner automatic switching. It is a figure which shows the example of the data communication of a radio | wireless communication apparatus management system and a screening / approval flow automatic change system. It is a screen flow figure in the case of performing transition to proxy examination / substitute approval based on absence information of the examiner / approver. It is FIG. (1) which shows the example of a screening / approval list screen. It is FIG. (2) which shows the example of a screening / approval list screen. FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram of an application document when the absence information of the proxy examiner / proxy approver is further considered. It is a state transition diagram of an application document when it is possible to shift to proxy examination / proxy approval according to a schedule of the examiner / approver. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process which transfers to the proxy examination / proxy approval by the schedule of an examiner / approver. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of examiner automatic switching. It is a figure which shows the example of data communication of a schedule management system and a screening / approval flow automatic change system. It is a screen flow figure in the case of performing a transition to proxy examination / proxy approval based on the schedule of the reviewer / approver. It is FIG. (1) which shows the example of a screening / approval list screen. It is FIG. (2) which shows the example of a screening / approval list screen. It is a state transition diagram of an application document when it is possible to shift to proxy examination / substitute approval based on the examiner / approver schedule and absence information. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of performing a transition to a proxy examination / proxy approval based on an examiner / approver schedule and away information. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of examiner automatic switching. It is a figure which shows the example of the data communication of a schedule management system, a screening / approval flow automatic change system, and a radio | wireless communication apparatus management system. It is a screen flow figure in the case of performing transition to proxy examination / proxy approval based on the schedule of the examiner / approver and absence information. It is FIG. (1) which shows the example of a screening / approval list screen. It is FIG. (2) which shows the example of a screening / approval list screen.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Client 11 Browser 2 Workflow system 21 UI application 22 Workflow engine 23 Task scheduler 24 Automatic examination / approval flow change system 3 Database 4 User authentication system 5 Directory service system 6 Schedule management system 7 Wireless communication device management system 8 Wireless communication device

Claims (5)

A workflow system in which approval is made after review and approval tasks,
A means of maintaining root frame data in which a full reviewer and a proxy representative reviewer are set up for the review task and a full approver and a substitute proxy approver are set up for the approval task;
If you have confirmed that you are unable to review by obtaining regular reviewer schedule data for the review task, and you have verified that you are away by acquiring reviewer location data , A means for changing the control data from a state where the reviewer can review the above review task to a state where the proxy reviewer can review ,
If you confirm that you are getting away from the approver ’s schedule by retrieving data from the authorized approver ’s schedule for the approval task, and confirming that you ’re away from the approver ’s location , approval workflow system is characterized in that a means for changing the control data to the ready approval surrogate reviewer is the task of the approval from the approver acknowledgeable condition. Approval workflow system according to claim 1, characterized in that to obtain the data of the location by the examiner and the wireless communication equipment management system for managing the whereabouts Place by wireless communication with the wireless communication device that approver possession . 3. The approval workflow system according to claim 1, wherein the schedule data is acquired by a schedule management system that manages an action schedule of an examiner and an approver. 4. Approval workflow system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is configured as a Web system. A method of controlling a workflow in which a decision is made after a review and approval task,
Holds the root frame data where a regular reviewer and a substitute proxy reviewer are set for the review task, and a regular approver and a substitute substitute approver are set for the approval task,
If you have confirmed that you are unable to review by obtaining regular reviewer schedule data for the review task, and you have verified that you are away by acquiring reviewer location data , Change the control data from a state where the reviewer can review the above review tasks to a state where the proxy reviewer can review ,
If you confirm that you are getting away from the approver ’s schedule by retrieving data from the authorized approver ’s schedule for the approval task, and confirming that you ’re away from the approver ’s location , approval workflow control method characterized by changing the control data to the ready approval surrogate reviewer is the task of the approval from the approver acknowledgeable condition.

Images