Workflow Pattern

A Workflow Pattern is a design pattern that structures process flows and task sequences (to optimize workflow execution and process efficiency).

• AKA: Process Pattern, Task Flow Pattern, Work Sequence Pattern, Flow Control Pattern.
• Context:
  • It can typically organize Process Flow through task arrangement and sequence optimization.
  • It can typically manage Control Flow through execution path and decision point.
  • It can typically ensure Process Consistency through pattern standardization and flow regulation.
  • It can typically support Resource Utilization through workflow allocation and task distribution.
  • It can typically enable Process Monitoring through progress tracking and performance measurement.
  • ...
  • It can often facilitate Process Integration through system connection and workflow coordination.
  • It can often improve Operation Efficiency through bottleneck elimination and delay reduction.
  • It can often enhance Process Flexibility through adaptation mechanism and change accommodation.
  • It can often maintain Quality Control through error detection and correction mechanism.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Simple Sequential Pattern to being a Complex Parallel Pattern, depending on its flow complexity.
  • It can range from being a Static Workflow Pattern to being an Adaptive Workflow Pattern, depending on its change capability.
  • It can range from being a Local Process Pattern to being a Distributed Process Pattern, depending on its execution scope.
  • It can range from being a Linear Flow Pattern to being a Network Flow Pattern, depending on its connection topology.
  • It can range from being a Manual Workflow Pattern to being an Automated Workflow Pattern, depending on its execution control.
  • ...
  • It can have Performance Metrics through efficiency measurement.
  • It can have Quality Indicators through output assessment.
  • It can have Resource Usages through allocation tracking.
  • ...
• Examples:
  • Control Flow Patterns, such as:
    • Sequential Flow Patterns, such as:
      • Linear Process Patterns (for step progression), such as:
        • Assembly Line Patterns for production sequence.
        • Document Processing Patterns for approval flow.
      • Conditional Flow Patterns (for decision routing), such as:
        • Branch Patterns for path selection.
        • Merge Patterns for path convergence.
  • Resource Patterns, such as:
    • Allocation Patterns, such as:
      • Distribution Patterns (for resource assignment), such as:
        • Load Balancing Patterns for workload optimization.
        • Resource Pooling Patterns for sharing mechanism.
      • Scheduling Patterns (for time management), such as:
        • Priority Queue Patterns for task ordering.
        • Time Window Patterns for execution timing.
  • Data Flow Patterns, such as:
    • Information Patterns, such as:
      • Transfer Patterns (for data movement), such as:
        • Pipeline Patterns for sequential processing.
        • Broadcast Patterns for parallel distribution.
      • Transformation Patterns (for data processing), such as:
        • Filter Patterns for content selection.
        • Aggregation Patterns for data combination.
  • Exception Patterns, such as:
    • Error Handling Patterns, such as:
      • Recovery Patterns (for failure management), such as:
        • Rollback Patterns for state restoration.
        • Compensation Patterns for error correction.
  • ...
• Counter-Examples:
  • Ad Hoc Process, which lacks pattern structure and flow consistency.
  • Random Sequence, which lacks process logic and control flow.
  • Unstructured Flow, which lacks pattern organization and sequence optimization.
  • Isolated Task, which lacks process integration and workflow coordination.
• See: Design Pattern, Workflow, Software Engineering, Process Engineering, Flow Control, Task Management, Resource Allocation, Process Optimization.

---