Patent ID: 7448046
Filing Date: 2008-11-04
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. In a computer system having a processor and a memory, a method for providing automated workflow management for a series of workflow tasks, comprising the steps of: mapping the workflow tasks to a collaborative workflow process in a petroleum industry trade comprising: roles, users, business processes and computer executable activities; receiving a workflow object that supplies information in real-time used to set particular attributes of the roles, the users, the business processes and the computer executable activities of the collaborative workflow process, the workflow object enabling the collaborative workflow process to integrate with other internal and external systems, and the information supplied by the workflow object including at least one current event regarding the petroleum industry trade, wherein the computer executable activities include an arbitrage analyzer, wherein the arbitrage analyzer (i) adjusts at least two elements of an arbitrage relationship using functions that apply inputs, internal data, and external data to condition the at least two elements, (ii) computes a difference between the adjusted at least two elements, and (iii) compares the computed difference to a predefined spread to determine activation of a trigger or alarm, the arbitrage analyzer enabling alarms or triggers to be activated when price differentials of two elements in the arbitrage relationship reach, exceed or drop below a predefined limit; sharing the information and data objects including the workflow object electronically among the users performing certain of the roles; and automatically executing at least one of the computer executable activities, such that the series of workflow tasks is automatically managed.