Database management issues in workflow systems: a summary

Abstract

Currently most workflow systems use a database management system as supporting technology. But very little can be found about the actual database modeling issues in the context of workflow management. Also in the recent reference model of the Workflow Management Coalition (WFMC) nothing is mentioned about the position of a database management system, nor about modeling. This paper tries to indicate where databases come into action, and what specific problems are encountered. Discusses are : the complexity of database modeling in a workflow environment, complications as a consequence of the extreme flexibility requirements, the inherent distributed character of workflow management, the peculiarities of transaction processing, and reliability and scalability issues. As a consequence, also the suitability of existing database technology, and the relational approach in particular, can be criticized.status: publishe