Evaluating an Event-Based Approach to Workflow Services

Workflow management is crucial in monitoring and controlling business processes. Advancements have been made in computer-based workflow management, which allowed for the partial or complete automation of these processes. However, existing computer-based systems have not been successful in highly distributed domains. Hence, these domains have continued conducting their workflow management processes in an adhoc manner. Conducting workflow management in this way has three flaws: human dependency, confined knowledge, and inconsistency in tasks. Metis, an event-based workflow service, was developed to alleviate these flaws by bringing automation to workflow management in highly distributed domains, primarily digital libraries. This project conducted an evaluation of Metis using two data retrieval processes. Each workflow carried out via Metis soundness using a petri net analysis; in addition performance analysis was also conducted. Soundness tested Metis’ ability to handle exceptions and/or errors that may occur. The performance analysis is a qualitative measurement based on two major metrics: quality and efficiency. This evaluation found that while Metis’ approach is valid it needs further modification in areas requiring the automation of repetitive tasks such as multiple file transfers. Furthermore, the qualitative analysis showed an improvement in conducting workflow management using Metis versus in an adhoc manner. This work was done under the auspices of the Significant Opportunity in Atmospheric Research and Science program of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, with funding from the National Science Foundation the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental sciences, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. SOARS® 2003, Christina Webb, 1