JP2000187695A - Workflow management system and task processing method and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve task efficiency at the time of processing task items coming to a reception box in a workflow management system. SOLUTION: In this workflow management system, a workflow server 1 is connected through a network 3 with a client 2, and the client 2 is provided with a reception box 11 for receiving task items coming from the workflow server 1 and a task processing part 15 for starting a task screen 12 for processing the task items, and for calling the desired task items from the reception box 11, and for allowing the task screen 12 to display the desired task items, and for allowing the task screen 12 to display a button 12a for calling a similar task item similar to the task item which is being processed on this screen or whose processing is ended, and for calling the similar item coming to the reception box 11 and allowing the started task screen 12 to display the similar item when this button 12a is pressed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a workflow management system, a business processing method, and a storage medium for processing a reception box for receiving, for example, an electronic mail.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a workflow management system includes:
Workflow server and client are connected via a network, and the process of sending business items such as slip processing that arrived at the workflow server to the reception box (client) of the business executor (worker) in the specified order Is what you do.

In the case of a conventional workflow management system,
In the client, when the worker completes the task processing in charge, the workflow server sends the task contents to the reception box of the next worker in a predetermined order.

[0004] From the point of view of the business execution side, that is, from the worker's point of view, various business items arrive at the reception box of the client who performs the business processing, and a processing screen is called for each business to take charge. Business process.

[0005] By the way, when a worker performs a business process on a client connected to a network, the next business case often arrives at a reception box while a certain business case is being processed.

In the case of the conventional system, as shown in FIG. 7, while a certain business case is being processed on the business screen A, whether or not the next business has arrived at the reception box 71 is determined by looking into the reception box 71. I do not know. Therefore, in the reception box 71,
Even if a business case that is the same as or similar to the business case currently being processed has arrived, the business process is temporarily terminated,
When the reception screen of the reception box 71 is opened after closing the business screen A, the operator can know that there is a business that is the same as or similar to the one that has been processed up to now.

At this point, the worker has to select the next task and open a new task screen B to start the task, which is not efficient.

Therefore, it is conceivable that a plurality of tasks are firstly taken out of the reception box 71 at once. In this case, it is not known when the same or similar task arrives at the reception box 71. Does not know whether the business case can be taken out of the reception box 71.

In order to take out the latest business case from the reception box 71 while a certain business case is being processed, it is necessary to temporarily interrupt the business being processed and open the reception screen of the reception box. If there is no similar case, it is wasteful to suspend the business once.

[0010]

As described above, in the conventional workflow management system, when performing a task arriving at the reception box, a plurality of similar tasks are firstly collectively taken out of the reception box for processing. However, after all, in order to retrieve the latest business, it is necessary to return to the reception box once, and at this time, it is necessary to repeatedly open and close the business screen, which is inefficient There was a problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a workflow management system, a business processing method, and a storage medium capable of efficiently processing a business case arriving at a reception box. The purpose is.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a workflow management system in which a workflow server and a client are connected via a network. Receiving means for receiving a business case arriving from the workflow server via a network, means for displaying a screen for processing the business case, and calling a desired business case from among those received by the receiving means and displaying the same on the screen. Means, means for displaying on the screen a button for calling a similar business case similar to the business case being processed or completed on the screen, and arriving at the receiving means when the button on the screen is pressed. Means for calling the similar business matter that is It is characterized by comprising.

A workflow management system according to a second aspect of the present invention is a workflow management system in which a workflow server and a client are connected via a network, wherein the client receives a business case arriving from the workflow server via a network. Means for displaying a screen for processing the business case, means for calling a desired business case from among those received by the receiving means and displaying the same on the screen, and processing the business case on the screen, or Means for inquiring whether or not a similar business case similar to the business case has arrived at the business case when the processing is completed;
Means for calling the similar business case arriving at the accepting means on the screen when the similar business case exists as a result of the inquiry.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a workflow management system in which a mail server, a workflow server, and a client are connected via a network, wherein the client is an electronic mail for each user arriving at the mail server. A receiving means for reading a mail and a business case for each user arriving at the workflow server and receiving the business case for each user; a specifying unit for specifying a business case or an e-mail which has been received by using user information as a key; When at least one of the accepted business case and the e-mail is specified, the means for reading out the corresponding business case and the e-mail on the same screen are provided.

A business processing method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a business processing method in a workflow management system in which a workflow server and a client are connected via a network, wherein a business item received from the workflow server via the network is received. Displaying a screen for processing the business case, calling a desired business case from among the received business cases and displaying the same on the screen, and similar to a business case being processed or completed on the screen. The method includes a step of displaying a button for calling a similar business case on the screen, and a step of calling the similar business case that has arrived on the screen when the button on the screen is pressed.

A business processing method according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a business processing method in a workflow management system in which a workflow server and a client are connected via a network, wherein a business item arrived from the workflow server via a network is received. A step of displaying a screen for processing the business case, a step of calling a desired business case from among the received business cases and displaying the same on the screen, and when the business case is being processed on the screen or when the processing is completed. A step of inquiring whether a similar business case similar to the business case has arrived at the business case; and, as a result of the inquiry, if the similar business case exists, the arriving similar business case is displayed on the screen. Calling step.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a business operation processing method in a workflow management system in which a mail server, a workflow server, and a client are connected via a network. A step of reading a mail and a business case for each user arriving at the workflow server and receiving the business case for each user; a step of designating a received business case or e-mail using user information as a key; a received business case Alternatively, when at least one of the e-mails is specified, the method includes a step of reading out the corresponding business case and the e-mail on the same screen.

A storage medium according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is a computer readable storage medium storing a program for operating a computer connected to a network, wherein the business arriving at a computer on the network via the network. A case is received, a screen for processing the business case is displayed, a desired business case is called from the received cases, and displayed on the screen, and is similar to a business case being processed or completed on the screen. A button for calling a similar business case is displayed on the screen, and when the button on the screen is pressed, a program for calling the similar business case that has arrived is stored.

A storage medium according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for operating a computer connected to a network, wherein the business arriving at the computer on the network via the network. When a business case is received, a screen for processing the business case is displayed, a desired business case is called from the received business case and displayed on the screen, and when the business case is being processed on the screen or when the processing is completed. Inquiring whether or not a similar business case similar to the business case has arrived at the business case, and as a result of the inquiry, if the similar business case exists,
A program for calling the similar business case that has arrived on the screen is stored.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for operating a computer connected to a network, wherein the computer on the network is provided with a mail server on the network. E-mail for each user arriving at the server and the business case for each user arriving at the workflow server on the network are accepted for each user, and the received business case or e-mail is received using the user information as a key. If at least one of is specified,
It is characterized by storing a program for reading the corresponding business case and e-mail on the same screen.

According to the first, fourth, and seventh aspects of the present invention, while a business case that was in the reception box as the receiving means is being executed on the business screen, when the next similar business case arrives in the reception box, the similar business case is received. Is specified by the button set in the current business screen, the next business matter can be called on the business screen that processed the first business matter. That is, it is possible to proceed to the processing of the next business matter while the processing program of the current business screen is being executed, so that it is possible to save the startup time of the business screen and the time for loading the data to be displayed on the business screen.

According to the second, fifth, and eighth aspects of the present invention, by providing an interface for dynamically inquiring the reception box, the latest status of the reception box can be taken out on the business screen. In other words, it is possible to automatically extract only the latest information as needed instead of extracting the information required for the business screen all at once, so that storage resources such as memory can be used effectively and operability is improved. Can be improved.

According to the third, sixth, and ninth aspects of the present invention, when the client performs processing as an integrated reception box for business cases based on a workflow including mail, the latest contents of received e-mail are displayed on the business screen. Can be reflected.

As described above, according to the present invention, another similar business case arriving at the executor can be called while the business screen is being activated, so that the business case arriving at the reception box can be processed. Work efficiency can be improved.

[0025]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a workflow management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, this workflow management system is configured by connecting a workflow server 1 and a client 2 via a network 3.

The client 2 is a workflow server 1
And a monitor 13 for displaying a business screen 12 for processing a business case, and an instruction means for selecting and instructing a desired business case from among the cases received in the reception box 11. A list of the reception data received in the reception box 11 in response to the instruction from the keyboard 14 and the keyboard 14 is displayed as a reception screen on the screen of the call monitor 13, and the business screen 12 is displayed on the monitor 13. And a business processing unit 15 that controls to display on the business screen 12 a button 12a for calling a similar business case similar to the business case in which the business case is being processed or has been completed.

The workflow server 1 manages the data of the workflow, determines the executor to be processed, and stores the information of the business case (work) according to the workflow displayed by the business processing unit 15 on the business screen 12 of the monitor 13. The program to be saved is stored. The business processing unit 15 performs processing of extracting information related to the executor used from the workflow server 1 and registering the information in the reception box 11, and displaying the information of the reception box 11 on the monitor 13 according to the instruction of the executor. And a control program for displaying the business screen 12 on the monitor 13. In the reception box 11, this business processing unit 15
As a result, the information of the related business matter and the information of the e-mail are registered using the information of the executor using the client 2 as a key.

Normally, there are a plurality of types of work to arrive, and there are several cases for one type of processing. If you limit your work to, for example, slip processing,
There are also types of slips, and there are several cases for one type of slip. In performing such a slip processing, the screen of the reception does not depend on the business, whereas the business screen such as the slip processing differs for each business.

In the conventional system shown in FIG.
Since the interface between the business screen A and the business screen A only activates the business screen A from the reception box 71, the processing of the business screen A cannot determine whether a similar case has arrived.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the reception box 1
Checking No. 1 and adding a business processing unit 15 which is an interface for extracting similar cases, the business screen 12 allows the reception box 11 to be inquired about similar cases.

Here, the operation of the workflow management system will be described with reference to FIGS. Business processing unit 15
Extracts the work arriving at the executor from the workflow server 1 (S101) and registers it in the reception box 11. This data consists of a list of jobs, and the reception data in the reception box 11 is displayed on the monitor 13 as a reception screen.

Here, when the executor operates the keyboard 14 to select a specific business case (work) from the list displayed on the reception screen, the business screen 12 assigned to the work is activated. (S102).

On this business screen 12, the executor finishes his work,
When the user wants to process the next similar matter, he or she presses a button 12a such as "menu" or "next matter" which exists on the business screen 12 (Yes in S103).
Give instructions to 5.

Then, the business processing unit 15 determines that the job of the same type as the job currently being processed is a different matter, and
1 and calls a list of arriving similar cases from the reception box 11 (S104). When some similar cases are retrieved, the business processing unit 15 reads the information of the next job from the reception box 11 as a return value, passes it to the monitor 13, and displays it on the running business screen 12 (S105).

That is, the business processing unit 15 is configured to display the business screen 12
When a similar case is inquired to the reception box 11 in accordance with the instruction from, the work having the same job type is extracted from the list of jobs arriving at the reception box 11 and the information is returned to the business screen 12 as a return value.

From the viewpoint of the work flow of the executor, when the work of one case is completed on the work screen 12, the contents (display data) of the work screen 12 is depressed by pressing the [next matter] button 12a. Can only be turned over to the next job,
Since the business screen 12 does not need to be closed, the business efficiency can be improved.

When a job is called from the reception box 11 to the job screen 12, the job itself is stored in the workflow server 1, and information necessary for the job is attached from the workflow server 1.

Here, a specific example will be described. As the job information, as shown in FIG. 4, in the reception box 11, for example, an internal ID (identifier for distinguishing an individual job),
It is assumed that a list of work names, arrival times, work types, and other information is registered.

In this case, when the business screen 12 is first called for the work of # 1234, if there is a request to extract a similar matter from the business screen 12, the business processing unit 15
Returns the information of # 5412 from the reception box.

As described above, according to the workflow management system of this embodiment, by providing the business processing unit 15 which is an interface between the reception box 11 and the business screen 12,
On the business screen 12 that has already been started and initial data has been set,
Since only the contents related to the next business case can be extracted, the time for starting the business screen 12 and obtaining initial data on the screen can be shortened, the waiting time of the operator can be reduced, and the business efficiency can be improved.

First, the business screen 12 from the reception box 11
Is called, the job type is not passed from the list information, but the job screen 12 is used to make an inquiry to the reception box 11 as necessary. Therefore, the latest status in the reception box 11 is reflected on the job screen 12. Can be done.

Normally, the next job often arrives in the middle of the processing time of the job, and if the system is to collectively retrieve a plurality of jobs first, it is necessary to retrieve the latest job.
According to this embodiment, the user has to return to the reception box once, but only while pressing the button 12a of the business screen 12 while the business screen 12 is being opened, the business screen 12 is displayed. In the state as is, the latest information can be extracted from the reception box 11 and the next business process can be advanced, and the business efficiency can be improved.

Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. For example, if the reception box has not only workflow processing but also an e-mail arrival box function (that is, the work server goes to the work server and the mail server goes to the mail server to check the arrival of work). By adding an e-mail to the type and adding an e-mail processing screen to the business screen to be started, workflow processing and e-mail processing can be performed on the same screen, and the function as an integrated reception box realizable.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the workflow server 1 and the client 2a, the mail server 4
Are arranged on the network 3. The client 2a takes out the business case arriving at the workflow server 1 and the e-mail arriving at the mail server 4 and retrieves the reception box 1
1a, a reception screen unit 52 for displaying a business case among cases received in the reception box 11a, and an e-mail for displaying an e-mail in the cases received in the reception box 11a. And a display module 53. The business screen display module 52 is a program module that displays the business screen 12 having the [next matter] button 12a. The e-mail display module 53 is a program module that displays an e-mail screen 54 having a [next matter] button 54a.

As shown in FIG. 6, the reception box 11a has, for example, an internal ID (identifier for distinguishing individual jobs),
It is assumed that a list of work names, arrival times, work types, and other information is registered.

In this case, information for specifying the item is written in the work type column. If the item is, for example, a workflow operation, “Ryohi” or the like is written.

On the other hand, if the item is, for example, an electronic mail, “ ^* Mail” or the like is written. " ^* Mail"
Indicates that there is an e-mail matter as one of the special tasks. In the column of other information, a mail server or the like to which the e-mail has arrived is specified. This information is needed when using multiple mail servers. The internal ID is data for identifying an individual mail.

The operation of the workflow management system according to the second embodiment will be described below. First, the reception processing unit 51 extracts the work to be processed next by the user operating the client 2a from the workflow server 1 and makes it a list data.

At the same time, the reception processing unit 51 extracts the information of the electronic mail arriving at the mail server 4 and
Similarly, the data is listed. The listed data is stored in the reception box 11a as shown in FIG.

Since the operation of the business screen display module 52 from here is almost the same as that of the above-described embodiment, the description will be focused on the movement of the electronic mail display module 53 in particular. When the user activates the client 2a and selects a desired item from the list of the reception box 11a by an operation such as double-clicking on a desired item, for example, # 1234, the reception processing unit 51 sets a column of the type of work. The e-mail is read out, it is determined that it is an e-mail, and the e-mail display module 53 is activated.
Deliver the item of the applicable Item in the data of the list. The e-mail display module 53 extracts necessary data from a mail server or a list, if necessary.

When the user finishes checking the e-mail and takes out a similar case, the user presses the button 54a on the mail screen 54 displayed on the monitor 13 and, as in the case of the workflow, the reception processing unit 51 11a is searched for a guide of the same job type, and the same data as at the time of activation is sent to the e-mail display module 53.

If the work item of the workflow and the destination of the e-mail are the same, the common item is monitored by the monitor 13.
May be displayed on one of the display screens.

As described above, according to the workflow management system of the second embodiment, the information of the workflow business case and the electronic mail are read into the same reception box 11a, and the business screen display module 52 is read in accordance with the type of work. Alternatively, at least one of the e-mail display modules 53 is activated to process the data in the reception box 11a, and when processing the next matter, processing the next similar e-mail while keeping the current screen as it is. So you can go to
It is possible to shorten the time for starting the processing screen and initializing the internal data, etc., thereby improving the operability for the user.

That is, work can be processed in the integrated reception box including e-mail, and the latest e-mail content of the mailbox is reflected on the e-mail screen that has been processed. Can be.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

Each of the program modules described in the above embodiments may be stored in a storage medium such as a floppy disk. In this case, the computer reads out the program stored in this storage medium, and Processing becomes possible.

As the storage medium, a magnetic disk, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk (CD
-ROM, CD-R, DVD, etc.), a magneto-optical disk (MO, etc.), a semiconductor memory, or any other storage medium that can store a program and can be read by a computer. Is also good.

An OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on instructions of a program installed in the computer from the storage medium.
Alternatively, MW (middleware) such as database management software and network software may execute a part of each process for realizing the present embodiment.

Further, the storage medium in the present invention is not limited to a medium independent of a computer such as a server or a client, but also includes a storage medium in which a program transmitted through a LAN or the Internet is downloaded and stored or temporarily stored.

Further, the number of storage media is not limited to one, and the case where the processing in the present embodiment is executed from a plurality of media is also included in the recording medium of the present invention, and any media configuration may be used.

The computer such as a server or a client according to the present invention executes each processing in the present embodiment based on a program stored in a storage medium. This device may have any configuration such as a system connected to a network.

In the present invention, the computer
It is not limited to a personal computer, but also includes an arithmetic processing unit, a microcomputer, and the like included in an information processing device, and collectively refers to devices and devices that can realize the functions of the present invention by a program.

[0064]

As described above, according to the first, fourth, and seventh aspects of the present invention, while a business case that has been in the reception box as the reception means is being executed on the business screen, the next similar business is displayed in the reception box. When the matter arrives, the next business matter can be called on the business screen that processed the first business matter by specifying the similar business matter with the button set on the current business screen. That is, it is possible to proceed to the processing of the next business matter while the processing program of the current business screen is being executed, so that it is possible to save the startup time of the business screen and the time for loading the data to be displayed on the business screen.

According to the second, fifth, and eighth aspects of the present invention, by providing an interface for dynamically inquiring the reception box, the latest status of the reception box can be taken out on the business screen. In other words, it is possible to automatically extract only the latest information as needed instead of extracting the information required for the business screen all at once, so that storage resources such as memory can be used effectively and operability is improved. Can be improved.

According to the third, sixth, and ninth aspects of the present invention, the client receives the latest e-mail on the business screen when the client performs processing as an integrated reception box based on the workflow including the mail. Content can be reflected.

As described above, according to the present invention, another similar business case arriving at the executor can be called while the business screen is being activated, so that the business case arriving at the reception box is processed. The above operational efficiency can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a workflow management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the workflow management system.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the operation of the workflow management system.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of a reception box of the workflow management system.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a workflow management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of a reception box of the workflow management system.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an operation of a conventional workflow management system.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Workflow server, 2, 2a ... Client, 3
... Network, 4 ... Mail server, 11, 11a ... Reception box, 12 ... Business screen, 12a, 54a ... Button, 13
... Monitor, 14 ... Keyboard, 15 ... Business processing unit, 51
... Reception processing unit, 52 ... Business screen processing module, 53 ...
Email display module.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. In a workflow management system in which a workflow server and a client are connected via a network, the client includes: a receiving unit for receiving a business case arriving from the workflow server via a network; and a screen for processing the business case. Means for displaying, means for calling a desired business matter from among those received by the receiving means, and means for displaying the same on the screen, and a button for calling a similar business case similar to the business case being processed or completed on the screen On the screen, and means for calling the similar business case arriving at the accepting means on the screen when the button on the screen is pressed. . 2. In a workflow management system in which a workflow server and a client are connected via a network, the client includes: a receiving unit for receiving a business case arriving from the workflow server via a network; and a screen for processing the business case. Means for displaying, a means for calling a desired business case from among those received by the receiving unit and displaying the same on the screen, when the business case is being processed on the screen or when the processing is completed, Means for inquiring whether or not a similar similar business case has arrived at the business case; and, as a result of the inquiry, if the similar business case exists, the similar business case that has arrived at the accepting means is called on the screen. Workflow management system characterized by comprising M 3. A workflow management system in which a mail server, a workflow server, and a client are connected via a network, wherein the client is an e-mail for each user arriving at the mail server and a user arriving at the workflow server. Receiving means for reading in each business case and accepting for each user; designating means for specifying a business case or e-mail that has been received using user information as a key; Means for reading out a corresponding business matter and an e-mail on the same screen when at least one of them is designated. 4. A business processing method in a workflow management system in which a workflow server and a client are connected via a network, wherein: a step of receiving a business case arriving from the workflow server via a network; and displaying a screen for processing the business case. A step of calling a desired business matter from the received and displaying the same on the screen; and a button for calling a similar business matter similar to the business matter being processed or completed on the screen. A business processing method comprising: displaying; and, when the button on the screen is pressed, calling the similar business case that has arrived on the screen. 5. A business processing method in a workflow management system in which a workflow server and a client are connected via a network, wherein: a step of receiving a business case arriving from the workflow server via a network; and displaying a screen for processing the business case. And calling a desired business matter from among the received business cases and displaying the business case on the screen. When the business case is being processed or completed on the screen, a similar business case similar to the business case A step of inquiring whether or not the similar business case has arrived; and, as a result of the inquiry, when the similar business case exists, calling the similar business case that has arrived on the screen. Business processing method. 6. A business processing method in a workflow management system in which a mail server, a workflow server, and a client are connected via a network, wherein an e-mail for each user arriving at the mail server and a user arriving at the workflow server At least one of the steps of reading the business case for each user and accepting it for each user, specifying the accepted business case or e-mail using the user information as a key, and specifying the accepted business case or e-mail Reading a corresponding business matter and an e-mail on the same screen. 7. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for operating a computer connected to a network, comprising: causing a computer on the network to receive a business case arriving through the network; A screen to be processed is displayed, a desired business matter is called out of the received, displayed on the screen, and a button for calling a similar business case similar to the business case being processed or completed on the screen is displayed on the screen. A storage medium storing a program for calling the arriving similar business case when the button on the screen is pressed. 8. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for operating a computer connected to a network, comprising: causing a computer on the network to accept a business case arriving through the network; Display a screen to be processed, call a desired business case from the received, display it on the screen, and when the business case is being processed or finished on the screen, similar business similar to the business case Inquiring whether or not the case has arrived at the business case, and storing a program for calling the arriving similar business case on the screen when the inquiry result shows that the similar business case exists. Storage media. 9. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for operating a computer connected to a network, comprising: an e-mail for each user arriving at a mail server on the network; And a business case for each user arriving at the workflow server on the network is received for each user, and if at least one of the received business case or e-mail is specified using the user information as a key, A storage medium storing a program for reading a corresponding business case and an e-mail on the same screen.