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This article introduces the knowledge of "what is SAP workflow". In the operation of actual cases, many people will encounter such a dilemma. Then let the editor lead you to learn how to deal with these situations. I hope you can read it carefully and be able to achieve something!

What is Workflow?

Work Flow is the process of automated tasks, in which the participants, documents, information or tasks, and the transmission between the various elements operate in accordance with the procedures. For example, we can think of the whole business process as a river, in which a series of interconnected, automated business activities or tasks follow and interact like water, then we call this process workflow.

As the realization technology of business process, workflow can reflect several problems of business process:

What is the business process?

How do I do it?

Who will do it?

How's it going?

What is Workflow Management system

In order to realize the workflow management of the business process, we need the support of the corresponding software system  . This kind of software system   is workflow management system   (workflow management system wfms). According to the definition of wfmc, workflow management system   is "a kind of system   which completes the definition, management and execution of workflow through the execution of software under the drive of formal representation of workflow. Its main goal is to manage the sequence of activities in the business process and the call of corresponding human or information   resources related to activities, so as to realize the automation of business process."

Classification of workflows

Workflows are classified according to the business processes implemented:

@ managed workflow (Administrative Workflow, AW)

A stereotyped workflow (Ad Hoc Workflow, AHW)

A collaborative workflow (Collaborative Workflow, CW)

@ production workflow (Production Workflow, PW)

Workflow is classified according to layer implementation technology:

Take communication as the center. 14%

Document-centric. 32%

Take process as the center. 54%

SAP ABAP Busniess Workflow engine

SAP workflow is an independent technical module in SAP Netweaver ABAP platform, which integrates seamlessly with other business modules, such as SD, MM, FICO, PP and so on. Used to define business processes that do not match the standard process of the system. These processes can range from simple processes such as delivery or approval to complex processes such as the collaboration of different departments to create material data. Workflows are particularly suitable for business workflows that are executed repeatedly. Workflow can also be used to deal with errors and exceptions in business processes: define exception events in advance in the workflow, and when the system automatically checks and finds exceptions, some reactions or measures will be triggered, such as sending Mail to relevant personnel, or timely text message notification, and so on. Systematically preset a large number of workflow templates, such as notice, procurement, project management, contract management and so on.

The workflow module provides the following tools to define, analyze, and monitor workflow execution:

Workflow Builder (Workflow Builder). With a graphical interface to create, display and modify workflows, users can directly extend the standard workflow templates provided by the system, such as performing custom corporate agent (Agent) assignments or modifying due date monitoring.

L work flow guide (Workflow Wizard). The system provides wizard tools to support users to create some specific workflow links step by step in the workflow definition process. The work flow guide browser allows users to view various types of wizards that they already have.

L Business object Builder (Business Object Builder). Business objects are used to invoke the functions of business modules, and the business object builder is a tool for defining and analyzing business objects. The business object reflects the recurring tasks in the workflow, and the system provides an overview view of the current tasks that the browser can see.

L Business Workspace (Business Workplace). Here the end users can see all the relevant workflow information, have an overall understanding of the tasks they are going to perform, and begin to implement the activities they are responsible for.

L system management tools (System Administration). Workflow system administrators can use a variety of tools to control and analyze the current workflow, and the system will automatically notify the problems, such as any timeouts, reminders and so on. At the same time, through system management tools

As shown in the following figure, the definition and execution of workflows can be divided into four main parts: 1) Business Workspace. 2) Workflow. 3) Task (Task). 4) Business object repository (Business Object Repository).

Business Workspace and work Line items (Work Items)

Users can execute workflow-derived work line items on the business workspace that displays the tasks they need to perform. Work items is the task or action that the workflow performs when it is actually running. There are many types of work line items, only some of which appear in the business workspace.

Workflow and Workflow definition (Workflow Definition)

First of all, the workflow must be created in the workflow builder according to the business needs, and the work steps (Step) required to run are defined. These steps either directly control the workflow or refer to the reference task. Users can also add definitions of agents (Agent) and term monitoring (Deadline Monitoring) to the steps. The workflow is started manually or automatically by the system. For an automatically started workflow, a startup event (such as "New material created") must be included in the workflow definition. When this event occurs in the system, the relevant workflow automatically starts running.

When a user activates a workflow definition, the user can automatically generate a run-time version. When the workflow is started (manually or automatically), the corresponding runtime version can be used to execute the task. If you modify the workflow definition, a new version is generated, which does not affect the workflows that are already running.

Task

Work tasks depict basic business activities, usually referencing certain object type methods. The task references the method (Method) in the reference object type (Business Type) and can be executed automatically (background task) or run by the user (dialog task) during run time.

A possible Possible Agent is defined in a work task, which refers to those users who are authorized to perform a task and work line items. Possible agents are usually not a complete list of all users, but organizational structure, positions, and types of work. Possible agents are specified at the time of the task definition. If a task is not assigned a possible agent, it cannot be executed or start a conversation.

Business object types and business objects

Business object types are the data needed for workflow execution, and master data (materials, suppliers, customers, equipment, etc.) and vouchers (invoices, maintenance orders) are possible business object types.

Business object is a specific data record of a business object type, which is stored in the database of the system.

A business object has an attribute (Attribute), which is a description of the business object and is used to make up the business object row records, such as the item name and item number. These values can be data in the database, variables calculated by the system at run time, or the state of business objects. Properties can be used to define relevant conditions in the workflow. When the system is running, the value of the property is read or calculated, and can also be used to control the workflow.

There are methods (Method) in each business object type to describe activities that can be performed together based on relevant data (such as the creation of materials), Method can invoke transaction code functions in the business system, or functions of external systems. The methods include: input parameters (for synchronous or asynchronous mode), results (for synchronous mode only), output parameters (for synchronous mode only), and exceptions (for synchronous mode only).

The last important part of the business object type is the event. Events describe changes in certain states of the business object, such as the issuance of a purchase order or the delayed delivery of purchased materials, which can be used to trigger a workflow. The list of possible events depends on the type of business object in the business object builder. The list can be based on business needs. An event can start, abort, or continue to execute tasks and workflows.

The business object repository allows users to have an overview of all business object types in the system.

Preset workflow template

1. Notice processing

The workflow template supports the business process in the maintenance process. In this template, the workflow will assist in the effective processing, monitoring, and completion of newly submitted maintenance notifications, triggering and controlling the following standard tasks:

Notify the relevant responsible person (such as maintenance notification administrator) that a new maintenance notice has been established or is being processed.

Notify the relevant responsible person (such as the person in charge of the maintenance department) that the maintenance tasks to be carried out have been established in the maintenance notice.

L notify the relevant responsible person (such as the notified planner) that all the tasks in the maintenance notice have been completed, and the next step is to close the maintenance notice or add new work.

After setting up the system correctly, the workflow automatically sends the work line items to the relevant individuals or departments, informing them that they must perform certain actions. The workflow contains the tasks and trigger events listed in the following table:

Task

Start event

Handling of special maintenance notices that do not include specified maintenance work

When the maintenance notification is manually created in the system, the relevant person in charge receives the e-mail notification.

Processing of maintenance notices containing specified maintenance work

Once the maintenance task is established in the notification and the notification is saved, the relevant task holder receives an e-mail notification.

The completion of a maintenance notice containing completed tasks.

Once the task is marked in the maintenance notice and the notice is saved, the relevant responsible person will receive an e-mail notification.

Tasks in the table workflow

For each of the above tasks, the system notifies the following personnel or departments in order: 1) maintenance notification planner; 2) department head (if no planner is specified); and 3) all relevant personnel (if no planner and department are specifically designated).

This is the end of "what is SAP Workflow". Thank you for reading. If you want to know more about the industry, you can follow the website, the editor will output more high-quality practical articles for you!

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