Combining Workflow and PDM: Enhancing the Workflow Module of axalantTM based on the WfMC and STEP Standards

Product Data Management (PDM) supports management of both data and the product development process during the total life cycle of the product. However, current technology has several pitfalls such as lack compliance of workflow modules to standards as well as lack interoperability between PDM systems. This paper illustrates the extension of the current workflow management system (WfMS) part of the PDM system axalantTM to support engineering processes management. The paper describes the interface improvements done specifically to comply the WfMS of axalantTM with the WfMC and STEP standards, and to exchange workflow data with existing WfMS on the market. In this paper the STEP and WfMC standards are analyzed, the required PDM workflow architecture is specified, and the resulting implementation is described. The necessary enhancements include the extension of the data model of axalantTM, the modification of the corresponding software, the modification of the user interface, and the link to the interface between ProView and axalantTM. ProView helps to generate graphical process definitions. Major achievements consist of the enhancement of process design through the creation of building block (splitand join-operations) as well as the enhancement of organizational structure through the usage of roles as a resource for process activities. Moreover, the paper adds flexibility for axalant to handle changes. As consequence, axalantTM is able to generate workflow templates and ad-hoc processes and to communicate with external WfMS. Paper describes this efforts and point out to perspectives.