JP5497285B2 - Workflow server, workflow control method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to control of a workflow having a conference activity for making a decision according to the result of voting by a plurality of voters.

  By introducing a workflow system that controls various business flows according to the routes and rules that define the flow of work involving multiple persons in charge, the business process is digitized, speeding decision-making, visualizing the business, and the personality of the business Business efficiency, such as elimination of

  In addition, the workflow process includes a process for performing approval, and a process in which the condition / operation after the condition is established is determined by a majority decision or the like.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151561 discloses a method for deliberation by a majority vote for deliberation of a workflow.
JP 2004-258954 A

  However, the system of Patent Document 1 can only produce a majority result. For example, due to the same number, there is a problem in that it is not possible to make a flexible deliberation, such as when it is not possible to determine the approval or disapproval, and in that case the result is determined based on the contents of the vote of a specific voter.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the object of the present invention is to determine the outcome of a discussion based on the result of a majority vote, etc., in a discussion activity in which decisions are made according to the results of voting by a plurality of people. In addition to providing a mechanism, it is possible to provide a flexible resolution such as determining the outcome of a discussion based on the contents of a vote of a specific voter.

The present invention is a workflow server for processing a workflow having a conference activity for making a decision according to the result of voting by a plurality of voters, a setting means for setting a decision-making condition, and any one of the voters Privileged voter determining means for setting as a privileged voter, receiving means for accepting a vote from the privileged voter by selecting whether to use the privilege or not to use the privilege, and the privileged voter uses the privilege If the voter voted, the decision of the conference activity is made according to the vote of the voter. On the other hand, if the voter voted without using a privilege, the intention of the conference activity is decided according to the decision-making condition. And control means for controlling to make a decision .

  According to the present invention, in a conference activity in which decision making is performed according to the result of voting by a plurality of people, not only the conference result is determined based on the result of majority decision, but also the conference result is determined based on the voting contents of a specific voter. It is possible to make a flexible resolution such as.

  Therefore, even if a vote is made by majority vote and no result of approval or disapproval is obtained, a decision can be made based on the result of voting by a specific voter, the vote of the chairman, or the like.

  In addition, a decision can be made based on only the result of voting by a specific voter by activating the decision right.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a workflow system showing an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the workflow system of this embodiment, at least one workflow server 101 and a workflow client 102 are connected via a network 100.

  Since the configuration of the network 100 is publicly known, detailed description thereof is omitted, but a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an intranet, the Internet, or the like can be used as the network 100.

  In such a workflow system, a user makes a workflow progress request or the like 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 in response to a request from the workflow client 102, and transmits a result or the like to the workflow client 102.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the workflow server 101 and the workflow client 102 illustrated in FIG.

  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.

  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 display.

  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, the external memory controller 207 stores various tables and parameters for realizing various functions of each server or each client.

  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 100.

  Note that 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 diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration realized in the workflow server 101 illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the workflow server 101 includes an input / output processing unit 301, a workflow processing unit 302, a form screen specifying unit 303, a conference processing unit 304, a form screen definition 311, and a form as its functional configuration. A screen / workflow process related definition 312, an organizational unit definition 313, and a conference activity condition setting 314 are included.

  The input / output processing unit 301 performs processing for receiving input information from the input controller 205 or the communication I / F controller 208 of the workflow server 101.

  Further, the input / output processing unit 301 converts the received input information into a request to the workflow processing unit 302 according to the content. Further, when a result corresponding to the request is returned, the input / output processing unit 301 outputs the result to the output controller 206 or the communication I / F controller 208.

  The workflow processing unit 302 controls the workflow based on the workflow process defined in the process definition 310 in response to a request from the input / output processing unit 301.

  The form screen specifying unit 303 specifies a form screen associated with the workflow process in response to an instruction from the workflow processing unit 302. Specifically, the form screen specifying unit 303 refers to the related information between the form screen and the workflow process stored in the form screen / workflow process related definition 312 (FIG. 5), and is associated with the instructed workflow process. Specify the form screen. Further, the form screen specifying unit 303 acquires the specified form screen information from the form screen definition 311 (FIG. 6).

  In response to an instruction from the workflow processing unit 302, the conference processing unit 304 performs processing related to a conference activity defined in the workflow process (an activity for making a decision based on the result of voting by a plurality of voters). Specifically, the conference processing unit 304 is based on an organizational unit definition 313 (FIG. 7) to be described later and a conference activity condition setting 314 (set from the screen shown in FIG. 9) set for the conference activity to be described later. And processing to deliver the application to a predetermined delivery destination.

  The form screen / workflow process related definition 312 is a storage unit that stores information related to the form screen and the workflow process. Details of the relation information between the form screen and the workflow process stored in the form screen / workflow process related definition 312 are shown in FIG.

  The form screen definition 311 is a storage unit that stores form screen information. Details of the form screen information stored in the form screen definition 311 are shown in FIG.

  The organizational unit definition 313 is a storage unit that stores the hierarchical structure of organizational units and role information. Details of the hierarchical structure and role information of the organizational units stored in the organizational unit definition 313 are shown in FIG.

  The conference activity condition setting 314 is a storage unit that stores the normal condition 314-1 and the special condition 314-2. The details of the normal condition 314-1 and the special condition 314-2 are set from a screen shown in FIG.

  The input / output processing unit 301, the workflow processing unit 302, the form screen specifying unit 303, and the conference processing unit 304 are executed by the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 loading the program 212 stored in the external memory 211 into the RAM 202 and executing it. Corresponds to the function to be realized.

  The form screen definition 311, form screen / workflow process related definition 312, organizational unit definition 313, and conference activity condition setting 314 are realized as storage areas in the external memory 211. Although not shown, workflow process definition information is also stored in the external memory 211.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, the workflow process, form screen definition 311, form screen / workflow process related definition 312, organizational department definition 313, and conference activity condition setting 314 realized by the functional configuration shown in FIG. 3. Will be described.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the relationship between the workflow process, the form screen definition 311, the form screen / workflow process related definition 312, the organizational unit definition 313, and the conference activity condition setting 314 realized by the functional configuration shown in FIG. 3. FIG.

  In FIG. 4, reference numerals 501 to 503 denote examples of workflow steps of business processes.

  The application 501 is an application process. When the application 501 is applied by the person in charge, the business starts and the process proceeds to the conference 502.

  The council 502 is a council process in which approval or rejection is determined by voting by a plurality of persons in charge. When the council 502 is voted by each person in charge and satisfies the council activity condition, the process transitions to final approval 503.

  The final approval 503 is a final approval process. When the final approval 503 is approved by the person in charge, the work is completed. The application 501, the council 502, and the final approval 503 correspond to the workflow steps defined in the process definition 310 shown in FIG.

  The application operation screen 511 is form screen information stored in the form screen definition 311 and indicates form screen information for updating the application 501. Information related to the application 501 and the application operation screen 511 is stored in the form screen / workflow process related definition 312.

  The meeting vote screen 513 is form screen information stored in the form screen definition 311 and indicates form screen information for updating the meeting 502. Information related to the conference 502 and the conference vote screen 513 is stored in the form screen / workflow process related definition 312.

  Further, the agreement determination condition used in the case of the agreement is determined by the organizational unit definition 313 and the agreement activity condition setting 314.

  The final approval operation screen 515 is form screen information stored in the form screen definition 311 and indicates form screen information for updating the final approval 503. Information related to the final approval 503 and the final approval operation screen 515 is stored in the form screen / workflow process related definition 312.

  The form screen / workflow process related definition 312, form screen definition 311, organizational department definition 313, and conference activity condition setting 314 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of related information between the form screen and the workflow process stored in the form screen / workflow process related definition 312 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the related information between the form screen and the workflow process includes a business ID 1201, a form screen ID 1202, and a process ID 1203.

  For example, identification information for identifying a business process is set in the business ID 1201. In the form screen ID 1202, identification information for identifying the form screen is set. In the process ID 1203, identification information for identifying the workflow process of the business process is set.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the form screen information stored in the form screen definition 311 shown in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the form screen information includes a business ID 901, a form screen ID 902, and form screen design information 903. For example, identification information for identifying a business process is set in the business ID 901. In the form screen ID 902, identification information for identifying the form screen is set.

  In the form screen design information 903, design information constituting the form screen is set. For example, items, item display positions, colors, sizes, function information, and access request issue commands are set.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of definition information stored in the organizational unit definition 313 shown in FIG.

  The organizational department definition 313 stores information in which departments are defined in a hierarchical structure, as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the organizational unit definition 313 stores information defining a role and a privileged role (601) described later.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a process editor capable of editing the process definition 310 shown in FIG.

  This process editor is displayed on the output unit 210 of the workflow client 102 under the control of the workflow server 101.

  The user can edit the process definition 310 from the workflow client 102 using this process editor.

  For example, the user defines a workflow process such as “start” → “application” → “discussion” → “final approval” → end, and then inputs “application” 801, “consultation” 802, and “final approval” 803 on the input unit 209. By clicking, it is possible to specify the applicant, conference participant, and final approver.

  Note that when a “link” 802 is clicked, under the control of the workflow server 101, the conference activity condition setting screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the output unit 210 of the workflow client 102. A conference participant and a conference activity condition setting 314 can be set.

  That is, in order to construct a conference, using this process editor, a conference activity is arranged as in the above-mentioned “conference” 802, the “conference” 802 is clicked, and the conference activity condition shown in FIG. From the setting screen, information regarding the conference participant (person in charge), the conference activity condition (normal condition, special condition), and the operation after the conference activity condition is established is set.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for the conference activity condition setting 314 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 9, reference numeral 701 denotes a person-in-charge setting radio button, which can select either “designate department / role” or “designate person-in-charge at execution”.

  When “specify department / role” is selected, the department and role can be set.

  A department is set by pressing a designation button 702. When the department designation button 702 is pressed, the department information is displayed in a hierarchical structure as shown in FIG. 6A based on the organizational department definition 313, the department can be selected, and the selected department is displayed in 702. Is done.

  The role is set by pressing a designation button 703. When the role designation button 703 is pressed, the role information is displayed in a list as shown in FIG. 6B based on the organizational unit definition 313, the role can be selected, and the selected role is displayed in 704. .

  Reference numeral 706 denotes an add button which is pressed when the department / role designated by the designation buttons 703 and 705 as described above is added to the department / role list 709. A user corresponding to a department / role displayed in the department / role list 709 is a conference participant.

  Reference numeral 707 denotes a change button. The department / role designated by the designation buttons 703 and 705 and displayed in 702 and 704 as described above is edited on 702 and 704, and the edited department / role information is Press to reflect in the organizational unit definition 313.

  A delete button 708 is pressed when the department / role specified by the specification buttons 703 and 705 as described above is deleted from the organizational department definition 313.

  Reference numerals 711 to 718 are conference activity condition setting fields for setting the conference activity condition setting 314. In particular, 711 to 716 are normal condition setting fields for setting the normal condition setting 314-1. Reference numerals 717 to 718 are special condition setting fields for setting special condition settings 314-2. The special condition is a setting when the result is not determined by the normal condition (when the normal condition is not satisfied) or when a person with special authority (privileged role) in the middle of voting votes. Details will be described later.

  First, the normal condition setting fields 711 to 718 will be described.

  Reference numeral 711 denotes an approval condition setting button which is selected when setting an approval condition. Reference numeral 714 denotes an opposite condition setting button which is selected when setting the opposite condition. Both the approval condition setting button 711 and the opposite condition setting button 714 can be selected, and at least one of them must be selected.

  When the approval condition setting button 711 is selected, as the approval condition, it is possible to set a percentage value 712 for the number of people who can participate in the discussion of the number of people in favor and “greater than” or “greater than” 713.

  When the opposite condition setting button 714 is selected, as the opposite condition, it is possible to set a percentage value 715 for the number of persons who can participate in the discussion of the opposite number of persons and “greater than” or “greater than” 716. Note that the percentage values 712 and 715 are not based on the actual number of participants in the conference, but are based on the number of qualified participants in the conference (the number of participants who can be displayed in the department / role list 709).

  As described above, the normal condition is a condition (decision condition) for making a decision based on at least one of the proportion of favor votes and the proportion of opposite votes.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, the approval condition is set when the approval is 75% or more, and the denial condition is set when the opposite is more than 50%. That is, the condition for satisfying the normal condition is when the number of people in favor is 75% or more, or when the opposite person is greater than 50%. Therefore, when the number of people in favor is less than 75% and the number of people in favor is 50% or less, it is determined that the normal condition is not satisfied. As in this example, it is possible to set a gray zone (not established) that cannot be determined in favor or opposite.

  In addition to the example described above, the normal condition can be set in various ways, such as being established when the number of votes reaches, and not established unless the time limit (preliminary voting deadline) is established.

  Next, the special condition setting fields 717 to 718 will be described.

  Reference numeral 717 denotes a special condition type setting field, and any one of types A, B, and C shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 described later can be selected as the special condition type.

  Reference numeral 718 denotes a privileged role setting field for setting a privileged role to be described later from the roles displayed in the department / role list 709. The privileged role may be set here, or may be specified as indicated by [privileged] 601 in the role information of FIG. In the example of FIG. 7B, “[JYOUMU] Managing Director” is designated as the privileged role. In this case, it is assumed that the privileged role set in the role information of FIG. 6B is displayed in the privileged role setting column 718.

  As for the action when the conference activity condition is satisfied, the action when the “opposite” is confirmed can be selected from the action setting 719 when the opposite is confirmed, “reject” or “send back”. This is an example, and various other operations can be set. In addition, when “return” is selected in the operation setting 719 at the time of opposite confirmation, as indicated by 720, it is possible to select which activity to return (the activity to be returned can be specified).

  When an OK button 721 is pressed, the conference activity condition setting screen is terminated, and information set on the conference activity condition setting screen is stored in the conference activity condition setting 314. In particular, the normal conditions set in 711 to 716 are stored in the normal condition setting 314-1, and the special conditions set in 717 to 718 are stored in the special condition setting 314-2.

  Reference numeral 722 denotes a cancel button. When this button is pressed, the conference activity condition setting screen is terminated, and information set on the conference activity condition setting screen is discarded.

  Reference numeral 723 denotes an apply button. By pressing this button, the information set on the conference activity condition setting screen is displayed in the same manner as when the OK button 721 is pressed while the conference activity condition setting screen is maintained. It is stored in the conference activity condition setting 314.

  Hereinafter, type A, type B, and type C as special condition types will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining each special condition type.

  As shown in FIG. 10, type A follows the contents of the voting already performed by a person with a privileged role when the result of the consultation is not obtained.

  Type B prompts a person with a privileged role to vote again if the result of the agreement is not obtained.

  Type C follows the contents of a person who has a privileged role, even during the voting.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for specifically explaining a discussion example for each special condition type. In types A and B, an example of a promotion related promotion is shown. Type C shows an example of a request for whether or not a new system can be introduced.

  FIG. 11A illustrates a specific example in the case of type A.

  In this example, in the setting of the person in charge 701 to 710 in FIG. 9, six council participants, managing director, managing director, director, president, chairman, and general manager, are set, and six council participants in the normal conditions 711 to 716. It is assumed that the approval is> 50%, the approval is> 50%, and the rejection is> 50%, and the special conditions 717 and 718 are that the type A, privileged role [JYOUMU] managing director is set. In other words, in this example, it is set so that the vote of the majority of the six council participants is approved, the decision of the opposite is rejected, and in the case of the same number, the voting of the privileged role (in this case, the managing director) is followed.

  Case 1 (case 1) indicates a case where the majority is approved in favor of 4 and the opposite of 2 (normal conditions).

  Case 2 (case 2) indicates a case where the vote was rejected with the opposite majority (normal condition) of favor 2 and opposite 4.

  Case 3 (case 3) is a case in which the number of approvals is 3 and the opposite is 3, and the majority vote (ordinary conditions) is not decided, but is approved according to the voting by the managing director who is a special role (under special conditions).

Case 4 (case 4) shows a case in which the number of approvals is 3 and the number of oppositions is 3 but the majority is not decided, but is rejected (in a special condition) according to the voting by the managing director who is a special role.
As described above, the type A special condition is a condition (decision determination condition) in which one of the participants in the conference is set as a privileged voter and a decision is made based on the vote result of the privileged voter.

  FIG. 11B illustrates a specific example in the case of type B.

  In this example, in the setting of persons in charge 701 to 710 in FIG. 9, six council participants, managing director, managing director, director, president, chairman, and general manager, are set (the human resources manager does not vote in advance, ”), Among the six council participants under normal conditions 711 to 716, the approval was set at> 50%, the rejection was set at> 50%, and under special conditions 717 and 718, type B, privileged role [ JINJIBUCHO] HR Director is assumed to be set. That is, in this example, among the six participants, the majority vote is approved, the opposite majority is rejected, and in the case of the same number, the privileged role (here, the personnel department manager) votes. The Director of the Human Resources Department does not vote in advance and is in a “chairman” position and can vote for the chairman.

  Case 1 (case 1) indicates a case where the majority is approved in favor of 4 and the opposite of 2 (normal conditions).

  Case 2 (case 2) indicates a case where the vote was rejected with the opposite majority (normal condition) of favor 2 and opposite 4.

  Case 3 (case 3) is a case in which the number of approvals is 3 and the number of oppositions is 3 and it is not determined by majority vote (normal conditions) but is voted (by special conditions) by the HR Director who is a special role.

Case 4 (case 4) shows a case where the number of approval is 3 and the same number of 3 is not decided by majority, but is rejected (by special conditions) by the HR manager who is a special role.
As described above, the type B special condition is that a user other than the conference participant is set as a privileged voter, the vote is requested from the privileged voter, and a decision is made by the vote from the privileged voter ( Decision-making conditions). The so-called “voting by the chairman” corresponds to this.

  FIG. 11C illustrates a specific example in the case of type C.

  In this example, in the setting of the person in charge 701 to 710 in FIG. 9, five council participants, managing director, senior managing director, director, president and chairman, are set, and among the six council participants in the normal conditions 711 to 716 It is assumed that the approval is> 50%, the rejection is> 50%, the rejection is set, and the special condition 717, 718 is the type C, privileged role [SHACHO] president. In other words, in this example, among the five participants, the majority vote is approved, the opposite majority is rejected, and a privileged role (in this case, the president) who has the decision-making power activates the decision-making vote and follows the vote. Participants with privileged roles can choose between normal voting and voting with the right to decide.

  Case 1 (case 1) is a majority in favor of 4 and 1 of disagreement, but shows a case where the privileged role (president) was rejected (by special conditions) by voting with the decision right.

  Case 2 (case 2) shows a case where the privileged role (president) voted normally, and was voted with the majority in favor of 3 and opposite 2 (normal conditions).

  Case 3 (case 3) is the same number of favors 2 and opposites 2 but shows a case where the privileged role (president) is voted (by special condition) by voting with the decision right.

Case 4 (case 4) indicates a case where the privileged role (president) voted normally, and was rejected by the majority (normal condition) of the favor 2 and the opposite 3.
As described above, the type C special condition is a condition (decision determination condition) in which one of the participants in the conference is set as a privileged voter and a decision is made based only on the vote result of the privileged voter. Corresponds to the so-called “crane voice”.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 12 to 14, processing in the conference activity that is executed and controlled by the conference processing unit 304 will be described.

  First, the case where the special condition types are types A and B will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the type A and type B conference activities controlled by the conference processing unit 304 shown in FIG. That is, it is realized by the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 loading the program 212 stored in the external memory 211 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

  When the workflow processing unit 302 makes a transition to the conference activity, the form screen specifying unit 303 specifies the form screen (for example, FIG. 13). When the conference participant accesses the workflow server 101 using the workflow client 102, the input / output processing unit 301 displays the form screen on the output unit 210 of the workflow client 102 of the conference participant.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a form screen in the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 13, reference numeral 1301 denotes an approval button, which is pressed when an approval vote is performed. Reference numeral 1302 denotes an opposite button, which is pressed when performing an opposite vote. Reference numeral 1303 denotes a privilege use selection field. In the case of Type C, it is possible to select whether to vote using a privilege or not using a privilege for a conference participant corresponding to a privileged role. It becomes.

  The conference processing unit 304 of the workflow server 101 receives a vote of the conference participant made from the form screen as shown in FIG. 13 via the input / output processing unit 301 (S101).

  When receiving a vote from the conference participant via the input / output processing unit 301, in step S102, the conference processing unit 304 determines whether or not the normal condition 314-1 is satisfied by the received vote.

  Then, when it is determined that the normal condition 314-1 is satisfied (Yes in S102), the conference processing unit 304 advances the process to step S105.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal condition 314-1 is not satisfied (No in S102), the conference processing unit 304 advances the process to step S103.

  In step S103, the conference processing unit 304 determines whether or not the normal condition 314-1 is not satisfied by the vote received in S101 (it is determined that the normal condition is not satisfied).

  Then, the conference processing unit 304 determines that the normal condition 314-1 is not yet established (ie, whether the normal condition is established / not established yet) (in the case of No in S103). Then, the process returns to step S101, and the vote is continuously received.

  Then, the negotiation processing unit 304 has confirmed that the normal condition 314-1 has not been established (it has been determined that neither the approval condition nor the opposite condition is satisfied (the gray zone described above), or the time limit has been reached). (Yes in S103), the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, the conference processing unit 304 determines whether or not the special condition 314-2 is established based on the vote received in S101.

  Then, when it is determined that the special condition 314-2 has not yet been established (No in S104), the conference processing unit 304 returns the process to step S101 and continuously receives votes. Although not shown, when the special condition type is type B, the conference processing unit 304 receives a vote via the input / output processing unit 301 to the person in charge corresponding to the privileged role.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the special condition 314-2 is satisfied (Yes in S104), the conference processing unit 304 advances the process to step S105. When the special condition type is type A, the conference processing unit 304 determines that the special condition 314-2 is established when there is a vote from a person in charge corresponding to the privileged role. When the special condition type is type B, the conference processing unit 304 determines that the special condition 314-2 is established when there is a vote from the person in charge corresponding to the privileged role.

  In step S <b> 105, the conference processing unit 304 performs control so as to execute an operation when the conference activity condition is established included in the conference activity condition setting 314 (operation set in 719 and 720 in FIG. 9). That is, if the agreement is “agree (approved)”, the control is performed so that the approval process is performed. On the other hand, when the agreement is “opposite (denial)”, control is performed to perform a denial process or a return process.

  As described above, when the special condition type is type A or B, the normal condition is not satisfied in the workflow system having a conference activity to be processed according to the result of voting by a plurality of persons such as a conference (agreement condition and objection condition) Even if none of the conditions is met, make a resolution based on special conditions (in accordance with the vote of the person in charge of the privileged role, or let the person in charge of the privileged role vote) There is an effect such as being able to.

  Therefore, even when voting is performed by majority vote and no result of approval or disapproval is obtained, it is possible to make a resolution based on the result of voting by a specific (privileged role) voter.

  Next, a case where the special condition type is type C will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in a type C conference activity that is controlled by the conference processing unit 304 illustrated in FIG. 3. That is, it is realized by the CPU 201 of the workflow server 101 loading the program 212 stored in the external memory 211 into the RAM 202 and executing it.

  Similarly to the types A and B described above, when the workflow processing unit 302 makes a transition to the conference activity, the form screen specifying unit 303 specifies the form screen (for example, FIG. 13). When the conference participant accesses the workflow server 101 using the workflow client 102, the input / output processing unit 301 displays the form screen on the output unit 210 of the workflow client 102 of the conference participant. Since it is the case of type C, the conference participant corresponding to the privileged role chooses whether to vote using the privilege or to vote without using the privilege in the privilege use selection column 1303 and vote. It will be.

  The conference processing unit 304 of the workflow server 101 receives a vote of the conference participant made from the form screen as shown in FIG. 13 via the input / output processing unit 301 (S201).

  Then, when receiving a vote from the conference participant via the input / output processing unit 301, in step S202, the conference processing unit 304 determines whether the special condition 314-2 is established by the received vote (that is, to the privileged role). Whether or not there was a vote using the privilege of the relevant conference participant).

  If the conference processing unit 304 determines that the special condition 314-2 is satisfied (there is a vote using the privilege by the conference participant corresponding to the privileged role) (Yes in S202), the process proceeds to step S205. Proceed with the process.

  On the other hand, the conference processing unit 304 determines that the special condition 314-2 is not satisfied (the conference participant corresponding to the privileged role has voted using the privilege) (Yes in S202), The process proceeds to step S203.

  In step S203, the conference processing unit 304 determines whether or not the special condition 314-2 is not established by the vote received in S201 (there is a vote that does not use the privilege by the conference participant corresponding to the privileged role). To do.

  Then, when it is determined that the special condition 314-2 is not yet established (there is no vote by the conference participant corresponding to the privileged role) (No in S203), the conference processing unit 304 determines that the special condition 314-2 has not yet been established. The process is returned to and the vote is continuously accepted.

  Then, the conference processing unit 304 determines that the special condition 314-2 has not been established (there is a vote that does not use the privilege by the conference participant corresponding to the privileged role or the time limit is reached) ( In the case of Yes in S203), the process proceeds to Step S204.

  In step S204, the conference processing unit 304 determines whether or not the normal condition 314-1 is satisfied by the vote received in S201.

  Then, when it is determined that the special condition 314-1 has not yet been established (No in S204), the conference processing unit 304 returns the process to step S201 and continuously receives votes.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal condition 314-1 is satisfied (Yes in S204), the conference processing unit 304 advances the process to step S205.

  In step S <b> 205, the conference processing unit 304 performs control so as to execute an operation when the conference activity condition is established included in the conference activity condition setting 314 (operation set in 719 and 720 in FIG. 9). That is, if the agreement is “agree (approved)”, the control is performed so that the approval process is performed. On the other hand, when the agreement is “opposite (denial)”, control is performed to perform a denial process or a return process.

  As described above, when the special condition type is type C, the person in charge in the privileged role uses the privilege in the workflow system having a conference activity for making an approval decision according to the result of voting by a plurality of people. In the case of voting in accordance with the voting, the person in charge of the privileged role votes without using the privilege (when the special condition is not established), the normal condition (agreement condition and / or objection) It is possible to make a resolution according to (Condition).

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the conference activity in which the approval decision is made according to the result of voting by a plurality of people, not only the conference result is determined based on the result of the majority vote, but also the conference result is determined based on the voting contents of a specific voter. There are effects such as being able to make a flexible resolution.

  Note that Type C and Type A may be combined. For example, if the person in charge in the privilege role in Type C voted without using the privilege, and it is determined that the normal condition is not satisfied (if the user has settled in the gray zone), the privilege role You may control to follow the vote of the person in charge who corresponds to.

  Type C and type B may be combined. For example, if the person in charge in the privilege role in Type C voted without using the privilege, and it is determined that the normal condition is not satisfied (if the user has settled in the gray zone), the privilege role You may control to ask the person in charge who corresponds to to vote.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

  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.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the memory map shown in FIG. 15, the configuration of a computer-readable recording medium recording a program for causing a computer to function as the workflow server 101 according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a computer-readable recording medium (storage medium) in which a program for causing a computer to function as the workflow server 101 according to the present invention is recorded.

  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. 12 and 14 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.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

It is a system configuration figure showing an example of a workflow system showing one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a workflow server 101 and a workflow client 102 illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows an example of the function structure implement | achieved in the workflow server 101 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between a workflow process, a form screen definition 311, a form screen / workflow process related definition 312, an organizational unit definition 313, and a conference activity condition setting 314 realized by the functional configuration illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of related information between a form screen and a workflow process stored in a form screen / workflow process related definition 312 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of form screen information stored in a form screen definition 311 shown in FIG. 3. It is a figure which shows an example of the definition information stored in the organizational unit definition 313 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the process editor which can edit the process definition 310 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for a conference activity condition setting 314 illustrated in FIG. 3. It is a figure explaining each special condition type. It is a figure explaining the example of a meeting concretely about each special condition type. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in type A and type B conference activities controlled by the conference processing unit 304 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the form screen in this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in a type C conference activity that is executed and controlled by the conference processing unit 304 illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the computer-readable recording medium (storage medium) which recorded the program for functioning a computer as the workflow server 101 concerning this invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 Network 101 Workflow Server 102 Workflow Client 201 CPU
202 RAM
211 External Memory 212 Program 301 Input / Output Processing Unit 302 Workflow Processing Unit 303 Form Screen Specifying Unit 304 Conference Processing Unit 310 Process Definition 311 Form Screen Definition 312 Form Screen / Workflow Process Related Definition 313 Organizational Department Definition 314 Consultation Activity Condition Setting 314-1 Normal conditions 314-2 Special conditions

Claims (8)

A workflow server for processing a workflow having a council activity for making a decision according to the result of voting by a plurality of voters,
Setting means for setting decision-making conditions;
Privileged voter determination means for setting any of the voters as a privileged voter;
Receiving means for accepting a vote from the privileged voter by selecting whether to use the privilege or not to use the privilege;
If the privileged voter has voted using the privilege, the decision of the conference activity is made according to the vote of the voter. On the other hand, if the voter has voted without using the privilege, the intention Control means for controlling to make a decision on the conference activity according to a decision condition;
A workflow server characterized by comprising: A determination means for determining whether the decision making condition is satisfied;
When the determination means determines that the decision-making condition is satisfied, the control means makes a decision on the conference activity according to the decision-making condition, and the determination means determines that the decision-making condition is not satisfied. 2. The workflow server according to claim 1, wherein control is performed so as to make a decision on the conference activity according to a vote content of the privileged voter who has voted without using the privilege. A determination means for determining whether the decision making condition is satisfied;
When the determination means determines that the decision-making condition is satisfied, the control means makes a decision on the conference activity according to the decision-making condition, and the determination means determines that the decision-making condition is not satisfied. 2. If the privileged voter who voted without using the privilege is prompted to vote again, the privileged voter is controlled to make a decision on the conference activity according to the content of the vote. The workflow server described. It said determining means, when the decision condition even after voting period set in advance is not satisfied, according to claim 2 or 3, wherein determining that the decision condition is established that not established Workflow server. The workflow server according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the decision-making condition is a condition for making a decision based on at least one of a vote of approval and a ratio of negative vote. A workflow control method in a workflow server that processes a workflow having a conference activity for making a decision according to the result of voting by a plurality of voters,
A setting step for setting decision-making conditions;
A privileged voter determination step of setting any of the voters as a privileged voter;
An acceptance step for accepting a vote from the privileged voter by selecting whether to use the privilege or not to use the privilege;
If the privileged voter has voted using the privilege, the decision of the conference activity is made according to the vote of the voter. On the other hand, if the voter has voted without using the privilege, the intention A control step for controlling to make a decision on the conference activity according to a decision condition;
A workflow control method for a workflow server, characterized by comprising: A workflow server for processing a workflow having a conference activity for making a decision according to the result of voting by a plurality of voters;
Setting means for setting decision-making conditions;
Privileged voter determination means for setting any of the voters as a privileged voter;
Receiving means for accepting a vote from the privileged voter by selecting whether to use the privilege or not to use the privilege;
If the privileged voter has voted using the privilege, the decision of the conference activity is made according to the vote of the voter. On the other hand, if the voter has voted without using the privilege, the intention Control means for controlling to make a decision on the conference activity according to a decision condition;
The program for functioning as a workflow server characterized by having.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 7 is recorded.