Visual Support for Work Assignment in Process-Aware Information Systems

Process-aware information systems ranging from generic workflow systems to dedicated enterprise information systems use work lists to offer so-called work items to users. The work list handlers typically show a sorted list of work items comparable to the way that e-mails are presented in most e-mail programs. Since the work list handler is the dominant interface between the system and its users, it is worthwhile to provide a more advanced graphical interface that uses context information about work items and users. This paper uses the "map metaphor" to visualise work items and resources (e.g., users) in a sophisticated manner. Moreover, based on "distance notions" work items are visualised differently. For example, urgent work items of a type that suits the user are highlighted. The underlying map and distance notions may be of a geographical nature (e.g., a map of a city of office building), but may also be based on the process design, organisational structures, social networks, due dates, calenders, etc. The approach presented in this paper is supported by a visualisation framework implemented in the context of YAWL. The framework is set up in such a way that it can easily be combined with other workflow systems.