Answer Set Programming for Flexible Payroll Management

TL;DR

An approach based on a flexible Answer Set Programming (ASP) model and an easy-to-read tabular representation based on the Decision Model and Notation (DMN) standard is suggested that allows HR consultants to represent complex rules without the need for a software engineer, and to ultimately design payroll systems for a variety of different scenarios.

Abstract

Payroll management is a critical business task that is subject to a large number of rules, which vary widely between companies, sectors, and countries. Moreover, the rules are often complex and change regularly. Therefore, payroll management systems must be flexible in design. In this paper, we suggest an approach based on a flexible Answer Set Programming (ASP) model and an easy-to-read tabular representation based on the Decision Model and Notation (DMN) standard. It allows HR consultants to represent complex rules without the need for a software engineer, and to ultimately design payroll systems for a variety of different scenarios. We show how the multi-shot solving capabilities of the clingo ASP system can be used to reach the performance that is necessary to handle real-world instances.

Figures (11)

• Figure 1: Example of DMN table determining eligibility for holiday bonus
• Figure 2: Axioms of the Discrete Functional Event Calculus
• Figure 3: Axioms of the Simplified Discrete Functional Event Calculus
• Figure 4: Case-specific representation of a basic scenario
• Figure 5: Case-specific representation of conditional effects and triggered actions