An agent-based Web service workflow model for inter-enterprise collaboration

作者：Wang Shuying; Shen Weiming^*; Hao Qi

来源：Expert Systems with Applications, 2006, 31(4): 787-799.

DOI：10.1016/j.eswa.2006.01.011

• software agents
• web services
• workflow
• virtual enterprise
• enterprise collaboration

The service-orientated computing paradigm is transforming traditional workflow management from a close and centralized control system into a worldwide dynamic business process. A complete workflow serving inter-enterprise collaboration should include both internal processes and ad hoc external processes. This paper presents an agent-based workflow model to address this challenge. In the proposed model, agent-based technology provides the workflow coordination at both inter- and intra-enterprise levels while Web service-based technology provides infrastructures for messaging, service description and workflow enactment. A proof-of-concept prototype system simulating the order entry, partner search and selection, and contracting in a virtual enterprise creation scenario is implemented to demonstrate the dynamic workflow definition and execution for inter-enterprise collaboration.

• 出版日期2006-11