1 Design and Management of Flexible Process Variants using Templates and Rules Akhil Kumar 1 Smeal College of Business The Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA 16802 USA akhil@psu.edu Wen Yao College of Information Sciences and Technology The Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA 16802 USA wxy119@psu.edu Abstract. This paper makes four main contributions towards managing large collections of process models. First, we show how flexible process variants can be configured by combining generic process templates and business rules. We configure a customized process variant by applying rules according to specific case data, and running a configuration algorithm. This leads to a separation of control flow and business policy. Secondly, we develop a new succinct representation for process trees as strings by performing a post-order traversal and associating level numbers with each entry. This new structure can facilitate process variant configuration and retrieval. Third, we develop techniques for querying a repository of process variants. The search process is facilitated by means of a bit vectors that capture information about the tasks and control flow structures present in each variant. A variety of queries can be handled with this structure. In this way the management of variants even in a large repository is greatly enhanced. Finally, we present an architecture and describe a preliminary implementation of our approach with a case study for demonstration. Our focus is on capturing deeper process knowledge and achieving a holistic approach to robust process design that encompasses control flow, resources and data, as well as ease of accommodating changes to business policy. Keywords: flexible process variants, rules, templates, configuration, post-order tree traversal, querying 1. Introduction Among the many approaches and frameworks for designing business workflows, most are based on mapping a control flow that specifies the coordination of various activities (see, for instance, [1-5]). The control flow description of a process is also called a process schema. In general, there is a large number of process schemas in an organization. This occurs partly because many schemas are variants of one another with minor differences among them. Take for instance, an insurance company that writes policies for automobile, home and other kinds of insurance. When claim applications are made, the company has to initiate a different process schema for an automobile accident claim as compared to a home damage claim. Moreover, in the home damage claim scenario, a different process must be enacted for a home whose value is less than $100,000 versus a home whose value is more than $250,000. In the former case only one adjuster might be required to visit the home and appraise the damage, while in the second case two adjusters are required to submit independent reports of damage assessment. In general, if there are thousands of process variants it makes finding the correct process difficult and error prone. 1 Corresponding author. Tel: 814-863-0034, Fax: 814-863-7067