Patent ID: 7171664

Claim:
A workflow system including a plurality of workflow entities each including a set of fixed and predefined workflow system attributes and enabling a user to define at least one additional attribute other than a predefined workflow system attribute for at least one workflow entity to store custom data and customize said workflow for various applications, said system comprising: a processor to perform said workflow in accordance with said workflow entities said predefined workflow system attributes and said at least one user-defined attribute, wherein said processor includes: an attribute module to enable said user to define said at least one additional attribute other than a predefined workflow system attribute for at least one workflow entity to store custom data and customize said workflow, said attribute module including: an attribute definition module to define said at least one additional attribute for said at least one workflow entity in accordance with a user specification; an attribute association module to associate each user-defined attribute with a corresponding workflow entity; an attribute value assignment module to assign a value indicated by said user to a corresponding user-defined attribute; and an attribute access module to access said value of said at least one user-defined attribute from said corresponding workflow entity for performance of said workflow.