EasyRpl: A web-based tool for modelling and analysis of cross-organisational workflows

TL;DR

Cross-organisational workflows with shared resources present coordination and disruption risks. EasyRpl provides a web-based tool suite for modelling and analysis built around the RpL language and an ABS backend, offering a simulator, peak resource analysis, and time analysis. The simulator visualizes the impact of resource changes on deadlines and costs, the peak analysis bounds concurrent resource usage with UB expressions, and the time analysis yields closed-form execution-time bounds via a transformation to an alt program and the PUBS solver. With profile-driven configuration and a simple supply-chain-like example, EasyRpl enables planners to anticipate cross-organisational interactions and optimize resource allocation to reduce disruptions.

Abstract

Cross-organisational workflows involve multiple concurrent, collaborative workflows across different departments or organisations, necessitating effective coordination due to their interdependent nature and shared resource requirements. The complexity of designing and managing these workflows stems from the need for comprehensive domain knowledge and a unified understanding of task dependencies and resource allocation. Existing tools often fall short in facilitating effective cross-organisational collaboration and resource sharing. This paper introduces EasyRpl, a user-friendly web-based tool suite designed to manage cross-organisational workflows. EasyRpl consists of a simulator for visualising the impact of workflow changes, a peak resource analysis tool for identifying potential resource bottlenecks, and a time analysis tool for estimating execution time. These tools assist planners with detailed insights to optimise workflow efficiency and minimise disruptions, enhancing the management of complex, interdependent workflows.

Figures (15)

• Figure 1: Architecture of ${\normalfont\textsc{Easy}}\mathcal{R}{\normalfont\textsc{pl}}$.
• Figure 2: An example of resource map in $\mathcal{R}{\normalfont\textsc{pl}}$ shared between different departments.
• Figure 3: A simple example of collaborating workflows in $\mathcal{R}{\normalfont\textsc{pl}}$ -- part I.
• Figure 4: A simple example of collaborating workflows in $\mathcal{R}{\normalfont\textsc{pl}}$ -- part II.
• Figure 5: Web-interface of ${\normalfont\textsc{Easy}}\mathcal{R}{\normalfont\textsc{pl}}$.