Patent ID: 6601035
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
A method of controlling a workflow process to maximize workflow efficiency, comprising the steps of:examining the current state of the workflow management system when the process is executed by measuring activities of an agent; computing by a processor a load factor for a first activity; multiplying the load factor by an average completion time for the first activity to produce a predicted completion time; determining a deadline for the first activity from the predicted completion time; executing the workflow process according to a first execution path wherein all the agents are data processing systems; if a completion time of the first activity is greater than the deadline of the first activity, then redirecting the workflow process along an alternate execution path which includes a workstation for performance of at least one manual operation; and controlling activities of the agent based on a calculated dynamic prediction of completion times to manage the workflow management system for responding to a commodity request.