BPM: Responding to external stimuli

[andy.m.catherall@kraftfoods.com]

Hi guys

Final question (for today, I promise!)


We are developing a process that cuts across a number of ECC systems and also SAP MDM. We are using NW CE 7.2.

I note that the process designs (pools/swim lanes) describe the core processes well. But in my humble opinion, the ones I have seen are lacking a vital feature.

They do not model any responses to external stimuli. For example, what should the workflow do if the data [equivalent of Business Object] is changed or deleted by a non-workflow entity?

I have challenged my colleagues and some consultants on this, and was surprised to discover that

a)      This was a new concept to them. The idea of putting an event-handler in parallel with the main process flow was an entirely novel construct. (Does this indicate that it should be done at the header, as in ECC style workflows?)

b)      The technical practicality of preparing the workflow to respond to events appears to actually be quite complicated. In CE 7.2, we appear to be able to make use of "Intermediate Messages", but there are challenges... A colleague is adamant that we have to make development changes to PI to get some data back to BPM...

In my experience, having workflows that do not respond to the fluctuations in the systems in which they operate causes all sorts of problems. At best, we 'just' have orphaned work items or confused users; at worst, we might be causing subtle data-inaccuracy as we over-write details that were changed by someone else already.

So, my question is:

How have are BPM workflows supposed to be designed to ensure that they are responsive to the environments in which they operate?

Many thanks
Andy
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