DEVELOPING AN INTELLIGENT WORKFLOW MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO MANAGE PROJECT PROCESSES WITH DYNAMIC RESOURCE CONTROL

Amy J.C. Trappey, Tzu-An Chiang* and Sam Ke

Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management National Tsing Hua University 101, Sec. 2 Kuang Fu Road, Hsinchu, Taiwan 300, R.O.C.

ABSTRACT

This research develops an intelligent workflow management system (IWMS) to efficiently and effectively manage complex processes of projects, control project flows, and allocate available resources for project execution dynamically across organizational boundaries. Process logics are embedded in predicate (IF-THEN) rules that can be activated when condition is met to drive workflows. In this paper, an expert system inference engine is applied to intelligently reason and manage workflows as well as resource allocations in a virtual web-enabled environment. Hence, project results can be controlled precisely to achieve the project goal and to meet the required project deliverables. In this study, we go into details to describe the flow operational mechanisms for the IWMS. Finally, we use a system- on-a-chip (SOC) development project as a case to demonstrate IWMS’ comprehensive functions and capabilities for collaborative project management.

Keywords: workflow management, expert system, project management, system-on-a-chip

(*Contact: E-mail d917807@oz.nthu.edu.tw )

Cite this article as: Amy J.C. Trappey, Tzu-An Chiang and Sam Ke, "Developing an Intelligent Workflow Management System to Manage Project Processes with Dynamic Resource Control," Journal of the Chinese Institute of Industrial Engineers, 23, 484-493 (2006).