Research on a workflow management system for dispersed network manufacturing

Along with the extensive application of network and information technologies in enterprises, Dispersed Network Manufacturing (DNM) is becoming one of the most important manufacturing modes. Because of the obvious dispersed characteristic of the network manufacturing, the workflow management system will be greatly applied in the enterprise business and will become one of the most necessary supporting tools. However, the traditional workflow management systems are far from satisfactory. Especially under the network and dispersed environment, the traditional systems cannot satisfy the special requirements of the DNM. As a result, a new workflow management system for networked manufacturing based on mobile and collaboration technologies (k-WMFS) is presented in the paper. The architecture, features and key technologies of the system are discussed in the paper. The system can help us to improve the working efficiency, track and manage the executing process of cooperative work effectively under the DNM.