Augmenting a workflow management system with planning facilitites using colored petri nets

Traditional workflow management systems distribute work items to users via a worklist and leave the actual timing of work item execution to the individual resource(s) performing the task. In work environments in which resources are scarce, expensive and multiple resources are necessary to undertake the work item, often an appointment-based approach is utilized in order to maximize resource utilization. To this end, we propose the extension of a workflow management system with planning and monitoring facilities in order to guarantee effective resource utilization and minimize dead-time for resources as a result of canceled appointments. This paper describes the approach taken in which first a conceptual model for these extensions has been developed which is based on Colored Petri Nets. Second, based on the conceptual model, a prototype has been developed using YAWL and the collaborative software product Microsoft Exchange Server 2007. The applicability of the approach for the development of large scale systems will be demonstrated by elaborating on the conceptual model and the experiences that have been gained. Finally, the operation of the system is demonstrated in the context of a real-life healthcare scenario.