US 5,321,605 A · Process flow information management system

Abstract

A memory structure and related method for collecting and maintaining data descriptive of a multiplicity of interrelated process flows is disclosed. A complex memory structure includes job entities, operation entities, and process entities. Operation entities are subordinate to job entities, and process entities are subordinate to operation entities. These entities are represented by tables which are linked together to indicate their position in the hierarchy and their sequencing within a process flow. The process entities describe specific activities accomplished by an organization in achieving organizational goals. Typically, resources are either consumed or released, or both, during a process. Bill-of-resource tables are subordinate to process entities and populated with data which identify resources consumed by corresponding processes in the process flow. Attribute tables are subordinate to the resources listed in the bill-of-resources tables and populated with data which identify attribute limitations, durations for which resources are used, and quantities of resources consumed. Branch and condition entities are positioned between operation entities or process entities to initiate alternate process flows to be taken when specified conditions are met. In addition, condition entities may specify conditions to be met before including particular bill-of-resource and attribute tables within a process flow.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A method of associating information comprising the steps of:

translating data descriptive of demand for resources into a generic form comprising said first, second, and third process tables;
constructing a first table, to store data descriptive of a first processes which is to be performed in accomplishing both of said first and second tasks;
constructing a bill-of-resources memory structure which includes a bill-of-resources table;
linking said bill-of-resources memory structure to said first table;
listing, in said bill-of-resources table, a plurality of initially consumed resources which are consumed in said first process;
constructing a second table, to store data descriptive of a second process which is to be performed after said first process in accomplishing only said first task;
constructing a third table, to store data descriptive of a third process which is to be performed after said first task in accomplishing only said second task;
linking said first data to said second data through first condition data;
linking said first data to said third data through second condition data, said first and second condition data operating to distinguish said first and second tasks from one another;
controlling a commitment to use of resource capabilities based on said first data, said second data, said third data, said first condition data and said second condition data;
and
performing the preceding steps using a computer, according to a set of predetermined instructions stored in said computer.

9 more elements

A method for managing comprehensive information comprising the steps of:

providing a computer having a programmable memory;
constructing a first memory structure within said computer memory to store data descriptive of resources used in said plurality of interrelated tasks;
constructing a first table for storing data descriptive of a job to be performed by at least one of said tasks, said first table including a data element which describes resources released in accomplishing said plurality of interrelated tasks;
constructing a second table for storing data descriptive of a process to be performed by said at least one of said tasks, said process being a component of said job and representing an activity to be performed by said organization in accomplishing said at least one of said tasks;
linking said first and second tables together within said computer memory;
constructing a third table for storing data which identify at least one of said resources described by data included in said first memory structure, said at least one resource being consumed at said process;
linking said second and third tables together within said computer memory;
linking said third table to said first memory structure within said computer memory;
and
performing the preceding steps using said computer, according to a set of predetermined instructions stored in said computer.

7 more elements

An apparatus for associating information comprising:

a memory for storing a first, second, and third process table and a branch table;
said first process table storing a data element describing a first process utilized by both said first and second tasks and for storing a first out-flow pointer data element identifying said branch table, and wherein said first process table includes a data element describing a release list, said release list including a data element describing resources released at said first process;
said branch table storing first and second condition elements corresponding to second and third out flow pointers, said second out flow pointer identifying said second process table and said third out flow pointer identifying said third process table;
said second process table storing a data element describing a second process which is performed to accomplish said first task;
said third process table storing a data element describing a third process which is performed to accomplish said second task;
and
a computer which translates data descriptive of demand for resources into a generic form comprising said first, second, and third process tables and which further acts to control allocation of said resources in a manner determined by said first, second, and third process tables.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Process flow information management system

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Process flow information management system

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Abstract

Claims17