A workflow structure verification method based on Warshall algorithm

The workflow verification is an important aspect of Workflow Management System (WFMS). The verification of workflow before its application, on the one hand, can greatly reduce the loss brought by breakdowns, debugging and other treatments in its operation, and on the other hand, can ensure the proper and efficient operations. The workflow structure verification is the fundamental and also the most important aspect of workflow verification. Based on the Warshall algorithm, we come up with a verification method of workflow structure and provide five verification rules. This method, together with these five rules, can be used to verify six abnormal structures including isolated nodes, infinite loop, etc. With solid mathematic foundations, this method can pointed out precisely the structural problems existing in the workflow. This method has been tested as comprehensive and reliable in many cases.