Managing Multi-Task Systems Using Work ow

This paper presents a survey of current research in the areas of work ow and work ow management systems. We motivate this work by introducing the underlying problems and how they can be addressed by work ow systems. We review and examine the terminology, concepts, methodologies, and problems in the relevant areas. The general requirements of work ow management systems are also introduced and discussed. We present the modeling and speci cation of both tasks and work ows. We also discuss the dependencies that exist between tasks and how to best de ne, model and enforce them. An important part of this survey is an examination of important products, including their characteristics and applications. The article is concluded by introducing some research issues which we believe to be critical for the advancement of the theory of work ow as well as the design and usage of work ow management systems.