Resource scheduling in workflow management systems

A computerized method for resource handling within a Workflow Management System (WFMS), said WFMS administrating execution of a process-model of a business-process wherein said process-model comprising at least a first activity and a second activity, said method comprising the steps of:

• determining said process-model of the business-process comprises a first resource-specification associated with said second activity, said first resource-specification comprising:
• at least one first resource-identification of a first resource required for execution of said second activity, and
• an assumed first waiting time period for said second-activity specifying a time required after a first allocation request until said first resource is actually available for said second activity,
• requesting allocation of said first resource on behalf of and at least said assumed first waiting time period in advance of starting execution of said second activity,
• monitoring within said requesting allocation step an actual waiting time period required after said allocation request until said first resource is available,
• updating said assumed waiting time period to a new assumed waiting time period in said process-model of the business-process based on said actual waiting time period;
• and
• starting execution of said first activity followed by said second activity.