Abstract:
A workflow management system and method that includes approval of workflow changes. A workflow management system is disclosed that includes: a mapping system for mapping tier types to workflows; a modification system for changing tier types, wherein a tier type change causes a new workflow to replace an original workflow; a workflow snapshot system for taking a snapshot of the original workflow when the tier type change occurs; and an approval system for approving tier type changes.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to workflow management, and more particularly to a workflow management system and method of approving workflow changes that includes taking a snapshot of an original workflow. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Workflow management systems are extremely useful tools in managing tasks for different projects. Such tools allow the user to plan, view, and track tasks that are required to complete a given project. In more complex business scenarios, such tools may be required to simultaneously manage hundreds or even thousands of projects. In such cases, there may be hundreds of users that need to interact with the tool. 
     An example of such a scenario may involve a financial institution having thousands of different sites, e.g., data centers, offices, branches, automatic teller machines (ATMs), etc., that is undergoing a technology migration. In order to complete the migration, each site must undergo some transformation that can be tracked as a unique project. Each project has an associated set of tasks that must be completed, e.g., installing hardware, configuring databases, testing, etc. In such a scenario, there would typically be a relatively small number of different workflows that would be shared among each of the different projects based on the configuration or “tier type” of the site. For example, some of the offices may have T1 data lines, while others have fiber optics. Based on the configuration, a workflow would be assigned to the site. 
     One of the challenges in managing such a migration project is that it may not always be evident to a user what the configuration or tier type of the site is. For instance, an office may use a mix of technologies, e.g., fiber and T1, so the user may simply take their best guess. In this case, the organization may later find it necessary to change the tier type, and thus the workflow, in mid-stream. However, such changes could have far reaching implications in terms of overall schedule and workflow. Moreover, if a user changes the tier type, all of the workflow information about the original workflow would be lost. Accordingly, controls are required to ensure that such changes are correct. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention addresses the above-mentioned problems, as well as others, by a workflow management system that includes an approval process for changing workflows. As part of the approval process, a snapshot of the original workflow is maintained in the event that a proposed workflow change is rejected. 
     In a first aspect, the invention provides workflow management system, comprising: a mapping system for mapping tier types to workflows; a modification system for changing tier types, wherein a tier type change causes a new workflow to replace an original workflow; a workflow snapshot system for taking a snapshot of the original workflow when the tier type change occurs; and an approval system for approving tier type changes. 
     In a second aspect, the invention provides a computer program product stored on a computer readable medium, which when executed provides a workflow management tool and includes: program code configured for mapping tier types to workflows; program code configured for allowing a user to change tier types, wherein a tier type change causes a new workflow to replace an original workflow; program code configured for taking a snapshot of the original workflow when the tier type change occurs; and program code configured for approving tier type changes. 
     In a third aspect, the invention provides a method of providing workflow management, comprising: assigning a tier type to a project; mapping the tier type to a workflow; changing the tier type, wherein a tier type change causes a new workflow to replace an original workflow; taking a snapshot of the original workflow when the tier type change occurs; and approving or rejecting the tier type change. 
     In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method for deploying a workflow management system, comprising: providing a computer infrastructure being operable to: map tier types to workflows; allow a user to change tier types, wherein a tier type change causes a new workflow to replace an original workflow; take a snapshot of the original workflow when the tier type change occurs; and approve tier type changes. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features of this invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a computer system having a workflow management system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  depicts an interface showing a mapping between tier types and workflows in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  depicts an interface showing a workflow in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  depicts an interface for changing a tier type of a project in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  depicts an interface showing a new workflow in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  depicts an interface showing a snapshot of an original workflow in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  depicts an interface for approving/rejecting a new tier type in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to drawings,  FIG. 1  depicts a computer system  10  having a workflow management system  18  for managing workflows for an organization using information stored in a workflow database  28 . Data in the workflow database  28  is organized as a hierarchy  25  by tier types, workflows, and tasks. Each tier type represents a particular class of items that is mapped to a workflow. In the example described above, tier types reflect technology configurations that need to be migrated (e.g., fiber optic office, T1 office, branch, ATM, etc.). One or more projects or sites (e.g., branch 1, branch 2, etc.) may share the same tier type. Each tier type is mapped to a workflow by mapping system  20 . Note that more than one tier type may share the same workflow. Thus, each project or site is assigned a tier type, which is then mapped to a workflow. Each workflow includes a set of tasks that need to be completed. As described in more detail below, workflow management system  18  allows the user  30  to create a new workflow  29  to replace an original workflow  27 . A snapshot of the original workflow  27  is temporarily stored in the workflow database  28  until the new workflow  29  is approved. 
       FIG. 2  depicts an illustrative interface  40  of a workflow management system  18 . In this example, “tier type rules”  42  is selected, which displays a set of mapping rules in window  44 . As can be seen, a set of tier types  46  are displayed, along with mappings to associated workflows  48 . For instance, tier types 1, 2, 3, 4 are mapped to a “Branch”, H0 Fibre is mapped to Fibre, etc. 
       FIG. 3  depicts the workflow  50  for a selected site  52  (i.e., project), which has an RATM (remote Automatic Teller Machine) tier type  54 . In this view, tasks that are completed are checked, tasks that are scheduled may include a calendar icon, and incomplete tasks include a reminder icon. Additional information, such as commence dates and planned completion dates can also be associated with each task. All of the information associated with the workflow is stored in workflow database  28  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     As noted above, there may be instances where a user  30  believes that a particular project may have been assigned the wrong tier type. To address this, workflow management system  18  includes a modification system  22  for changing tier types ( FIG. 1 ). An illustrative interface  60  for implementing such a change is shown in  FIG. 4 . Here, it can be seen that the user  30  can change the tier type designation  62  via a first dropdown box  78 . In this case, the tier type has been changed from RATM to 1. The interface  60  also may include a first input drop down box  80  for the user  30  to input a final transformation week commencing date. Interface  60  may include a second input drop down box  82  for the user  30  to input a final transformation date. As shown in  FIG. 5 , when this change is made, a new workflow  64  for the project is generated. Note that any data related to tasks that is common to both the original and new workflow is retained by the new workflow  64 . Thus, scheduling, status, etc., is transferred to the new workflow for common tasks. For example, it can be seen that task  66  is shown with a checkmark as complete since it was completed in accordance with the original workflow. 
     Note that while the user  30  is able to change the tier type to create a new workflow  29 , the tier type change must be approved via approval system  26 , e.g., by a manager  32 , before it is officially accepted ( FIG. 1 ). In the interim time between when a user  30  proposes a change and a manager  32  approves or rejects the change, the new workflow temporarily becomes the active workflow. 
     If the change it is not approved, the original workflow  27  must be reinstated. In order to allow for reinstatement, a snapshot of the original workflow  27  is saved by workflow snapshot system  24  in the workflow database  28 .  FIG. 6  depicts an interface showing a saved original workflow  70 , which is displayed by selecting the “Previous Site Tier Type Activities” link  68 . The interface may display the snapshot of the original workflow  27  in response to a user  30  selecting a previous site tier type activities link  68  from a menu. In the event that the new tier type is approved, the original workflow is removed/deleted from the workflow database  28 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts an interface for approval system  26  that allows a manager  32  to selected a site  72 , and either approve  74  or reject  76  the tier type change. The interface may include an approve tier type change button  84  and a reject tier type change button  86 . The interface also may include a pop up window  88  for verifying the user&#39;s  30  selection to approve the tier type change or reject the tier type change. As noted, if the change is approved, the snapshot of the original workflow is removed. If the change is rejected, the original workflow is reinstated. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , computer system  10  may comprise any type of computer, and could be implemented as part of a client and/or a server. Computer system  10  generally includes a processor  12 , input/output (I/O)  14 , memory  16 , and bus  17 . The processor  12  may comprise a single processing unit, or be distributed across one or more processing units in one or more locations, e.g., on a client and server. Memory  16  may comprise any known type of data storage and/or transmission media, including magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a data cache, a data object, etc. Moreover, memory  16  may reside at a single physical location, comprising one or more types of data storage, or be distributed across a plurality of physical systems in various forms. 
     I/O  14  may comprise any system for exchanging information to/from an external resource. External devices/resources may comprise any known type of external device, including a monitor/display, speakers, storage, another computer system, a hand-held device, keyboard, mouse, voice recognition system, speech output system, printer, facsimile, pager, etc. Bus  17  provides a communication link between each of the components in the computer system  10  and likewise may comprise any known type of transmission link, including electrical, optical, wireless, etc. Although not shown, additional components, such as cache memory, communication systems, system software, etc., may be incorporated into computer system  10 . 
     Access to computer system  10  may be provided over a network such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a virtual private network (VPN), etc. Communication could occur via a direct hardwired connection (e.g., serial port), or via an addressable connection that may utilize any combination of wireline and/or wireless transmission methods. Moreover, conventional network connectivity, such as Token Ring, Ethernet, WiFi or other conventional communications standards could be used. Still yet, connectivity could be provided by conventional TCP/IP sockets-based protocol. In this instance, an Internet service provider could be used to establish interconnectivity. Further, as indicated above, communication could occur in a client-server or server-server environment. 
     It should be appreciated that the teachings of the present invention could be offered as a business method on a subscription or fee basis. For example, a computer system  10  comprising a workflow management system  18  could be created, maintained and/or deployed by a service provider that offers the functions described herein for customers. That is, a service provider could offer to provide workflow management having a tier modification approval process as described above. 
     It is understood that the systems, functions, mechanisms, methods, engines and modules described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. They may be implemented by any type of computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein. A typical combination of hardware and software could be a general-purpose computer system with a computer program that, when loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein. Alternatively, a specific use computer, containing specialized hardware for carrying out one or more of the functional tasks of the invention could be utilized. In a further embodiment, part or all of the invention could be implemented in a distributed manner, e.g., over a network such as the Internet. 
     The present invention can also be embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods and functions described herein, and which—when loaded in a computer system—is able to carry out these methods and functions. Terms such as computer program, software program, program, program product, software, etc., in the present context mean any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following: (a) conversion to another language, code or notation; and/or (b) reproduction in a different material form. 
     The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to a person skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined by the accompanying claims.