JP5488454B2 - Workflow control device, workflow control system, workflow control method, program, and recording medium. - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a workflow system that cooperates with a plurality of databases and that does not stop the workflow system as much as possible during database maintenance.

  In the case of a general workflow system, there are few things that move only by a single system, and there are many that perform processing in cooperation with an external database while performing data input / output processing with an external database other than a plurality of workflow systems.

  In the case of a workflow linked to an external database, when the external database is stopped due to maintenance or the like, the workflow system linked to the external database usually has to be stopped to prevent inconsistency of the database.

  According to Patent Document 1, an additional database of Patent Document 1 proposes a database server that can reduce a maintenance downtime by making the database redundant to realize a low-cost non-stop system.

JP2009-282719

  However, in the database server of Patent Document 1, two servers are prepared and provided with redundancy. However, if there is an error in both master databases and you do not want to operate only one of them, In order to prevent inconsistencies in the database, the entire workflow system related to the master database must be stopped.

Although the workflow system does not necessarily use the corresponding master database for all operations and processes, it stops operations and processes that do not need to be stopped.
The present invention provides a workflow for each process in a business so that even if a part of a plurality of master databases related to a workflow is stopped, a business flow unrelated to the stopped master database is not stopped and can be continuously operated. The purpose is to stop.

The present invention is a workflow control apparatus that controls a workflow that cooperates with a plurality of databases, and the workflow includes a plurality of business flows each having a plurality of processes, and each process in the business flow and the plurality of processes Database related storage means for storing a reference relationship with database data, and steps in a business flow having a reference relationship with a database specified by a user among the plurality of databases are stored in the database related storage means. The business process related search means for searching from the reference relationship, and the access to the process of the process in the business flow searched by the business process related search means, within the business flow not searched by the business process related search means Workflow process access restriction means that does not restrict access to the process of Having.

  According to the present invention, even if a part of a plurality of master databases related to a workflow is stopped, workflow control not related to the stopped master database is not stopped and can be continuously operated for each process and business. Has the effect of stopping the workflow.

It is a system configuration figure showing the composition of the workflow system (information processing system) of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the various terminals of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the software structure of the workflow system (information processing system) of embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the flow of the workflow in the operation | work of embodiment of this invention. It is a data block diagram which shows an example of the database related table memorize | stored in the workflow control apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 1st control processing means in the workflow control apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the master database maintenance screen in the workflow control apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd control processing means in the workflow control apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 3rd control processing means in the workflow control apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the work list screen (application process 401) in the workflow control apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 4th control processing means in the workflow control apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the process waiting list screen (approval process) in the workflow control apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the recording medium (storage medium) which stores the various data processing program which can be read (read) by the workflow server which concerns on this invention.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a configuration of a workflow system (information processing system) according to the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, in the workflow system, at least one workflow server 101 and a plurality of workflow clients 102 are connected via a network.

  The user makes a workflow progress request to the workflow server 101 from the workflow client 102 using, for example, a web browser or client software.

  The workflow server 101 performs processing and management according to the request, and transmits a result to the workflow client 102 if necessary. The communication between the workflow server 101 and the workflow client 102 may be a normal HTTP request or a web service request using SOAP or the like.

  The workflow server 101 is connected to the database server 103 via a network, and each database server 103 holds a master database 104 such as a personnel master database or a product master database as a master database. Further, the database server 103 may hold transaction data such as a case processing status.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of various terminals according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 2, the CPU 201 comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 204.

  The ROM 203 or the external memory 211 stores an operating system (OS) that is a control program of the CPU 201 and programs for realizing various functions described later of each server or each client.

  The RAM 202 functions as a main memory, work area, temporary save area, and the like for the CPU 201.

  The input controller 205 controls input from the input unit 209. Examples of the input unit 209 include a pointing device such as a keyboard and a mouse in a terminal such as a server or a client. Moreover, in a printing apparatus etc., a touch panel, a button, a switch, etc. are mentioned.

  The output controller 206 controls the display of the output unit 210. Examples of the output unit 210 include a CRT and a liquid crystal.

  The external memory controller 207 controls access to the external memory 211 that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, printer drivers, and the like. In addition, various tables and parameters for realizing various functions of each server or each client are stored. Examples of the external memory 211 include a hard disk (HD), a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD), a compact flash (registered trademark) connected to a PCMCIA card slot via an adapter, and smart media.

  The communication I / F controller 208 executes communication control processing with an external device via the network 214.

  A program 212 for realizing the present invention is recorded in the external memory 211 and is executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 202 as necessary.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration of the workflow system (information processing system) according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The workflow server 101 transfers the electronic form to the workflow client 102, and the workflow program 301 for sending the electronic form that the user has issued or approved to the next approver, the workflow related search unit 303 and the workflow work access restriction. A unit 304, a master database access restriction period setting unit 305, a workflow process access restriction unit 306, and the like, and holds a master database related table 309 searched by the business flow related search unit 303, and process progress information 302. In the process progress information 302, progress information for each item of each electronic form is input. The master database related table 309 and the process progress information 302 may be held by the workflow server 101 or the database server 103.

  An example of the master database related table 309 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a data configuration diagram illustrating an example of a database-related table stored in the workflow control apparatus according to the embodiment of this invention.

  In this specification, “Purchase Order” and “Transportation Settlement” described in the “Business” column of 500 in FIG. 5 are the business flows on the electronic form of the workflow. “Application”, “Approval 1”, “Approval 2”, “Accounting Approval”, etc. described in the “Process” column indicate each process on the electronic form of the workflow of the purchase order. The application route in the case of a purchase order will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a workflow flow in the business flow according to the embodiment of this invention.

  In 401 of FIG. 4, the electronic form applicant issues an electronic form in the application process 401. An approver (for example, a section manager) approves the issued electronic form in an approval 1 step 402, and performs operations such as approving, rejecting, or sending back the electronic form. When approved in the first approval process, the next approver (eg, general manager) performs operations such as approving, rejecting, or returning the electronic form in the second approval process 403. If approved in the approval 2 step, the accounting staff then approves or sends back an operation as the accounting approval step 404 and ends the processing of the electronic form. Returning to the description of the data configuration diagram of FIG.

  In the “product master” column of FIG. 5, whether or not to refer to the product master database is registered. The 501 item registered as “reference” means that the product master database is referred to when applying for the purchase order, and the 502 item registered as “none” is used when the purchase order is approved 1. Means that the product master database is not referred to.

  In the case of the travel expense report, “None”, which means not referring to 503 and 504, is registered because the merchandise master database is not referred to. Returning to the description of the software block diagram of FIG.

  The business flow related search unit 303 in FIG. 3 searches the master database related table 309 for a business or process that refers to the master database to be maintained. Further, the workflow work access restriction unit 304 restricts access to a work flow referring to the master database to be maintained. The workflow process access restriction unit 306 restricts access to a process referring to a master database to be maintained. The master database access restriction period setting unit 305 is a restriction period setting part that sets an access restriction period for a database by input from the management client 105.

  The database server 103 includes various master tables 104. Examples of various master tables (master databases) include a product master database and a personnel master database.

  Hereinafter, the flow of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the first control processing unit in the workflow control apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to the database limit period setting process by the workflow program 212 of the workflow server 101 shown in FIG. . In addition, S601-S605 in a figure shows each step.

  When the CPU of the workflow server 101 that executes the workflow program 301 (hereinafter, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101) receives an administrator user login request from the management client 105, the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S601, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 receives a login request from an administrator user on a login screen (not shown).

  Next, in step S602, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 receives a selection as to whether or not to perform master database maintenance from the administrator user. If a master database maintenance operation is selected with a button or check box (not shown), the process proceeds to step S603, and if any other management operation is selected, the process proceeds to step S605. The details of step S605 are not relevant to the present invention, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  When the master database maintenance operation is selected in step S602, the process proceeds to step S603. In step S603, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 sets a master database limit period. When maintaining the master database, it is necessary to temporarily stop the master database to prevent data inconsistencies. A screen image for setting the master database limit period will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a master database maintenance screen in the workflow control apparatus according to the embodiment of this invention.

  Reference numeral 700 in FIG. 7 is a master database time limit setting screen, and the name of the master database to be maintained is entered in the entry field 701. In the input field 702, the date and time when the restriction of the master database name designated in 701 starts is input, and in the input field 703, the date and time when the master database to be maintained is restarted. After that, when the confirmation button 704 is pressed, a flow such as step S904 in FIG. 9 or step S1107 in FIG. 11 is executed for processing to access the master database after the time described in 702. Details will be described later.

  Reference numeral 705 in FIG. 7 denotes a master database restriction release screen for releasing the master database restriction once set. If you want to release the restriction within the time limit of the master database (for example, when the update operation of the master database is completed earlier than planned), pressing the confirmation button 706 on the screen 705 will explain the process of accessing the master database. A flow such as Step S905 of Step 9 and Step S1106 of FIG. 11 is executed. Details will be described later. Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  Subsequent to step S603, in step S604, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 stores a period for limiting the master database set in step S603. Specifically, the limited period of the master database is stored in the external memory 211 of the workflow server 101.

  Note that the limit period of the master database can be set to a different value for each type of master database, and the limit period can be stored for each type of master database.

  Next, a flow when a general user issues an electronic form in a workflow will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the second control processing means in the workflow control apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to the electronic form selection processing of the workflow by the workflow program 212 of the workflow server 101 shown in FIG. . In addition, S801-S805 in a figure shows each step.

  When the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 receives a user login request from the workflow client 102, the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S801, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 receives a login request from a general user on a login screen (not shown).

  Subsequently, in step S802, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 reads the master database limit period stored in step S604 from the external memory 211. In the example of 700 in FIG. 7, the information that the “product master” database is limited from “2010/8/10 10:00: 00” to “2010/8/10 15:00: 00” is read.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 803, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 accepts a selection of a menu for an application process or an approval process from the user. A selection screen for accepting menu selection from the user will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a task list screen (application process 401) in the workflow control apparatus according to the embodiment of this invention.

  In 1006 of FIG. 10, the user selects the application process 401 (business list item 1001) or the approval process (processing waiting list item 1002). Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the job list item 1001 is selected by the user in step S803 in FIG. 8, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 proceeds to step S806 to display the application process form selection (flowchart in FIG. 9) and select the user. Let Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When an electronic form is selected by the user in step S806, in step S807, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 accepts an electronic form drafting operation from the user on an electronic form screen (not shown), and ends this process.

  On the other hand, when the processing waiting list item 1002 is selected, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 proceeds to step S804, displays a plurality of approval process forms, and allows the user to select. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S804, when an electronic form is selected by the user, in step S805, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 accepts an electronic form approval, rejection, or return operation from the user on an unillustrated electronic form screen, and ends this processing. .

  The flow of electronic form selection by the workflow control apparatus in the application process 401 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the third control processing means in the workflow control apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to the workflow application process by the workflow program 212 of the workflow server 101 shown in FIG. In addition, S901-S907 in a figure shows each step.

  The flowchart in FIG. 9 is started when the job list (application process, 1001 in FIG. 10) is selected in the menu selection in FIG. 8 and the process proceeds to step S806.

  In step S901 in FIG. 9, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 reads the database related table 309 (FIG. 5) stored in the workflow server 101.

  Next, in step S902, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 specifies a task (1004 or 1005) to be displayed on the task list screen (FIG. 10), and repeats the process from step S903 to step S906 for each task.

  In step S903, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 determines whether there is no master database for the limited period among the master databases referred to by the business application process 401 specified in step S902.

  If the job application process 401 specified in step S902 refers to the master database during the limited period, the process advances to step S904, and the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 sets the “draft” button at the time of application to Disable ( It is stored so that it is invalidated and displayed (1005 in FIG. 10).

  On the other hand, if the master database during the limited period is not referenced, the process advances to step S905, and the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 enables and displays the “draft” button at the time of application (1004 in FIG. 10). ) To remember.

  After step S902 to step S906 are repeated for all tasks to be displayed, the process proceeds to step S907.

In step S907, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 displays a task list screen (FIG. 10) based on the display method stored in step S904 or step S905.
A specific display example will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 7, and 10.

  FIG. 10 is a job list screen image when an electronic form is issued during a period in which the product master database is restricted with the product master database restriction period set in FIG. 7.

  If all the master databases are not restricted, all the draft forms described in 1003 in FIG. 10 are displayed as “Enable” (1004). Since the access is restricted, the work of the application process 401 in which the “product master” column in FIG. 5 is “reference” is displayed as “Disable” (1005). When displayed in Disable, the master database stop period is displayed as 1007 to inform the user of the time when the draft can be issued.

On the other hand, in the case of the button 1004 displayed as “Enable”, the [draft] button is pressed, a travel expense report (not shown) is drafted, and the draft process ends.
In the case of FIG. 10, a travel expense report can be drafted and other tasks cannot be drafted.

  Previously, when a common workflow system was used, when the product master database was maintained, the entire system had to be stopped, including the work flow of the travel expense report that was not related to the product master database. .

  In the present invention, since the workflow can be limited for each business referring to the master database, the master database can be maintained without stopping the business flow as much as possible.

  Next, the flow of electronic form selection by the workflow control apparatus in the approval process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the fourth control processing means in the workflow control apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to the workflow application process by the workflow program 212 of the workflow server 101 shown in FIG. In addition, S1101-S1112 in a figure shows each step.

  The flowchart of FIG. 11 is started when the process waiting list (approval process, 1002 of FIG. 10) is selected in the menu selection of FIG. 8, and the process proceeds to step S804.

  In step S1101 of FIG. 11, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 reads the database related table 309 (FIG. 5) stored in the workflow server 101.

  Next, in step S1102, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 designates a business flow (1208 or 1209) to be displayed on the processing waiting list screen (FIG. 12), and performs the processing from step S1110 to step S1112 for each business flow. repeat.

  Next, in step S <b> 1110, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 acquires from the process progress information 302 a list of cases in progress of the business designated in step S <b> 1102.

  Next, in step S1111, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 designates a case (1204, 1205, 1207) to be displayed on the processing waiting list screen (FIG. 12), and performs the processing from step S1103 to step S1108 for each case. repeat.

  Subsequently, in step S1103, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 determines whether or not there is an approval authority for the matter designated in step S1111. When there is no approval authority, it transfers to step S1107 and memorize | stores so that the applicable case may be hidden.

  If it is determined in step S1103 that the authorization for the matter specified in step S1111 is authorized, in step S1104, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 sets the limit period in the master database referred to by the relevant matter approval process. Determine if there is a master database.

  If the workflow approval process specified in step S1111 refers to the master database during the limited period, the process advances to step S1105, and the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 sets the “Open” button at the time of application to Disable ( It is stored in such a manner that it is invalidated and displayed (1203 in FIG. 12).

  On the other hand, if the master database during the limited period is not referenced, the process advances to step S1106, and the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 enables and displays the “open” button at the time of application (1201 in FIG. 12). , 1202).

  After step S1111 to step S1108 are repeated for all projects that are currently in progress, the processing from step S1102 to step S1112 is repeated for all business flows.

In step S1109, the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 displays a process waiting list screen (FIG. 12) based on the display method stored in step S1105 or step S1106.
A specific display example will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 7, and 12.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a process waiting list screen (approval process) in the workflow control apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 12 is an image of a processing waiting list screen of a person in charge of one approval process such as a section manager, in particular, during a period in which the product master database is being maintained with the product master database limit period set in FIG. In this case, the electronic form is approved.

  The approval form described in 1206 of FIG. 12 is all displayed as “Enable” (1201, 1202) unless all the master databases are restricted, but in this case, the product master database is Due to the restriction, the work of the approval one process whose “Product Master” column in FIG. 5 is “Reference” is displayed as “Disable” (1203).

  That is, each of the purchase order form in which the line of the approval 1 process in the “product master” column of FIG. 5 is “none” and the transportation expense report form each display an “Open” button as Enable, and other “product” Projects for which the row of the approval 1 process in the “Master” column is “Reference” are displayed as Disable.

  The user (in this case, a section manager, etc.) presses the button 1201 or 1202 displayed as “Enable” to open the “Traffic_000001” 1205 item in the transportation expense report and the “Order_000001” item in the purchase order, and approve each item. , Reject, send back, etc. (not shown).

  In the case of FIG. 12, the travel expense report and purchase order can be approved, and the other items cannot be approved because the product master database is under maintenance.

  As described above, the workflow control apparatus according to the present invention not only restricts access for each job but also allows the workflow to be determined according to the progress of the matter so that the workflow can be operated without stopping the workflow as much as possible when maintaining the master database. This has the effect of restricting access to.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which processing is performed on the workflow server side by transmitting an event from the workflow client 102 to the workflow server 101 has been described. However, a workflow program for a client is installed in the workflow client 102, and the workflow client It may be configured to execute at 102.

  Further, the configuration and contents of the various types of data in FIG. 5 are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to applications and purposes.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each modification shown in this embodiment are also included in this invention.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in a workflow system, a drafter or an approver gives a viewing authority to a user who does not have the viewing authority, so that a user without the viewing authority confirms the electronic slip. In addition, it becomes possible to delete the viewing authority of the user or electronic slip for each time limit or activity.

  Therefore, a general user, not a system administrator, can add viewing authority for each electronic voucher (matter), and a user who is processing the electronic voucher can ask a user without viewing authority to check the contents of the electronic voucher. Thus, it is possible to easily obtain confirmation from a user without viewing authority.

  The configuration of the data processing program that can be read by the workflow server according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a recording medium (storage medium) that stores various data processing programs that can be read (read) by the workflow server according to the present invention.

  Although not specifically shown, information for managing a program group stored in the recording medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, when a program or data to be installed is compressed, a program to be decompressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIGS. 6, 8, 9, and 11 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD or from an external recording medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a recording medium in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, A silicon disk or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. It becomes.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Workflow server 102 Workflow client 103 Database server 104 Various master tables 105 Management client 301 Workflow program 302 Process progress information 303 Work flow related search part 304 Workflow work access restriction part 305 Master database access restriction period setting part 306 Workflow process access restriction part 309 Master database related table

Claims (8)

A workflow control device for controlling a workflow linked to a plurality of databases,
The workflow includes a plurality of business flows each having a plurality of processes .
A database-related storage means for storing a reference relationship between data of the plurality of databases each step in the business flow,
The plurality of databases, and business process related retrieval means for retrieving the steps in business flow there is a reference associated with the specified database from the stored reference relationships in the database associated storage means by the user,
The operational limits access to the process of being searched are located in the operation flow process by process related search means, wherein the business process related search unit workflow process that does not restrict access to the processing steps in the business flows that have not been retrieved by the Access restriction means;
A workflow control apparatus comprising: Receiving at least one specified among the plurality of databases, and database access restriction period setting means for accepting an setting period to restrict access,
The business process related search means searches for a process in the business flow having a reference relationship with the database designated by the database access restriction period setting means from the reference relation stored in the database related storage means,
The workflow process access restricting means restricts access to a process of a process in a business flow searched by the business process related search means during a period when the setting is received by the database access restriction period setting means. The workflow control apparatus according to claim 1. When said workflow process access to the access limitation unit processing steps in the work flow by is limited, characterized in that it has a notification unit that notifies to restrict access to processes in the business flow, The workflow control apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. A control method in a workflow control apparatus that controls a workflow linked to a plurality of databases,
The workflow includes a plurality of business flows each having a plurality of processes .
From a database associated storage means for storing the reference relation between each process and data of the plurality of databases in the business flow, among the plurality of databases, the process of the operation flow with reference related to the specified database by the user Business process related search step to search for,
The business process related search step by limiting the access to the processing steps in the work flow that will be retrieved, the operational process related searches do not restrict access to the processing steps in the business flows that have not been searched in step workflow step An access restriction step ;
Workflow control method characterized by having a. A database access restriction period setting step for accepting at least one designation of the plurality of databases and accepting setting of a period for restricting access;
The business process related search step searches for a process in the business flow having a reference relationship with the database designated by the database access restriction period setting step from the reference relationship stored in the database related storage means,
The workflow process access restriction step restricts access to the process of the process in the business flow searched by the business process related search step for a period of time when the setting is received by the database access restriction period setting step. The workflow control method according to claim 4. When the access to the process of the process in the workflow is restricted by the workflow process access restriction step, a notification step of notifying that the access to the process in the workflow is restricted is provided. Item 6. The workflow control method according to Item 4 or 5. The program for functioning a computer as a workflow control apparatus of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3 . A recording medium storing the program according to claim 7 in a computer-readable manner.

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