The nature of the functional domain concerned is an important focus area if one is to know where to situate the workflow tool. Most of these standards are still young and will evolve, and it is not impossible that some may disappear, giving way to a more reduced number of formats. The choice of exchange standard is very closely linked to the functional domain into which the processes fall, and it is important for the workflow manager to integrate the chosen format. Workflows are managed by a process engine, which runs on the J2EE application server WebLogic server. WLPI is a tool capable of managing complex processes with varying durations.
Statistics are also available to highlight any bottlenecks.
The chief advantage of WLPI lies in its integration with WebLogic, and its openness. Sending and receiving of XML files or e-mails can be workflow tasks. WLPI operates with a database, which acts as a repository for process models, and as a persistence facility for process instances. Conclusion Internet standards are opening up some excellent opportunities for automating processes for B2B exchanges. It is still not easy to set up this type of solution, given the relative maturity of business exchange standards on the one hand, and the maturity of the products themselves on the other.