Global-workflow modeling methodology and system for workflow-driven e-commerce

In this paper, we propose a feasible methodology for deploying the workflow-driven e-Service models. The methodology is a formal and automatic approach to define a global-workflow´ model specifying a typical instance of the workflow-driven e-Service, which is called B2B e-Commerce. That is, it is based upon the global information control net that is extended from the original information control net widely used for modeling workflows. Then, from the global information control net, the methodology is able to automatically construct a collaborative global-workflow model by using the organization dependency analysis algorithm. The formal algorithm enables us to get the activity distribution information that means which activities are assigned into which organizations. The methodology is eventually aiming at cross-organizational workflow management systems that are the platforms of the workflow-driven e-Commerce. Therefore, the global-workflow model drawn by the methodology is transformed into a text form formatted in XML such as XPDL and WPDL standardized in WIMC, and its collaborative local workflow models are disseminated into the corresponding workflow engines cross over the associated organizations in collaboration, respectively. In conclusion, we strongly believe that the global-workflow modeling methodology is assured to he implemented as a global-workflow modeling system by using Java programming language and WB framework approach so as to he deployed on various platforms without any further technical consideration. And its major components might be EJB-based DB component, graphical global-workflow modeler, organizational dependency analysis algorithm, organizations, relevant data, invoked applications, and repositories management components.