The workflow reference model is a reference model recommended by the WFMC and implements the workflow management system. The following is a configuration diagram of the model:
Each component is explained below:
1) WORK FLOW ENACTMENT Service
This component is our usual workflow or workflow engine, the main function is to read the workflow definition, and the drive workflow is transferred according to the workflow. Generally commonly used open source Java workflow has Shark / Obe / OFBIZ, etc.
2) Process Definition Tool
Used to define a workflow in a graphical manner. Such as the famous JAWE. The interface between the Process Definition Tool and Work Flow Enactment Service is Interface 1. Interface is currently the XPDL standard.
3) WORK FLOW Client Application
Workflow client program. The program is developed by the user combines business needs and uses it to drive workflow. The client program interacts with the engine via Interface 2. The general workflow engine user does not need to understand the engine's implementation, just know how to implement the client program.
4) Invoked Applications
During the workflow operation, you may need to call the function other than the workflow, which can be done by defining INTERFACE 3.
5) Other Work Flow Enactment Service
Interface 4 is used in collaboration with workflow and other workflow.
6) Administration and Monitoring Tools
Used to manage and monitor workflows, this is the interface 5.
Most of the workflow engines do not implement all interfaces, and each engine is distributed on different interfaces. If the interface 2 of OBE is achieved, the interface 4 is not implemented; the implementation of Shark interface 5 is nothing to do with other workflow engines.
