Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 10: Evaluation of the prototype system
fl ow simulators proceed simultaneously as independent software processes while interacting
with each other. Whenever a workfl ow simulator's state is changed, the workfl ow simulator
sends an event to a publish agent and then the change notifi cation procedure is performed
according to the change. Figure 10(b) shows the JAVA applet-based user view that provides
real-time process status on the online store's customized process model.
All the system components of the prototype system were tested for accuracy and
completeness by changing the sharing policy for the amount of shared process information
(i.e., changing the external and integrated process models in the process model repositories).
Furthermore, by performing scenario experiments for the change of an internal process
model or a sharing policy, the prototype system was evaluated in terms of the adaptability.
Consequently, the prototype system shows that it is both possible and feasible to develop
the federated process framework while solving the autonomy and agility problems.
DISCUSSION
Most supporting business processes (e.g., delivery process of an online store) rarely
contribute to the improvement of core competencies even though they are indispensable
for steady enterprise business operations. In some cases, they even burden companies with
excessive cost for human resource and system maintenance, and consequently make it dif-
fi cult for the companies to focus on their core business. Then, outsourcing the supporting
business processes to external partners often helps the companies accommodate cost ef-
fi ciency and core business focusing.
However, an outsourcing company still needs to monitor and control the outsourced
business processes, while an insourcing company wants to keep the autonomy and agility as
an independent business unit. The main contribution of the chapter is to suggest a conceptual
design that satisfi es these two confl icting needs of insourcing and outsourcing companies
by providing the federated process framework and its system architecture.
