The Workflow synchronizer

Abstract

Workflow Synchronizer was developed in order to support Workflow Management in openXdata which is an open source solution for surveys and studies. The Workflow Synchronizer takes an event log and matches it with the planned activities and sequences in a predefined workflow. It provides the user with what the next tasks are as well as possible errors in the event log. The Workflow Synchronizer is a custom-made workflow engine for YAWL workflow documents. The mechanism itself is generic enough to be used in any Workflow Management Systems. The Workflow Synchronizer makes it possible to automate the synchronization processes and better control the execution of activities. The Workflow Synchronizer was tested using a set of best practice workflow patterns. Black-box testing was used, and the results for each test run were checked to make sure the results were correct. The results showed the Workflow Synchronizer is capable of finding undone tasks and identifying errors in the event log.