Pattern 42 (Simultaneous Execution)

FLASH animation of Simultaneous Execution pattern

Description

The ability for a resource to execute more than one work item simultaneously.

Example

The Bank Teller can conduct multiple foreign exchange work items at the same time.

Motivation

In many situations, a resource does not undertake work items allocated to it on a sequential basis, but rather it commences work on a series of work items and multi-tasks between them.

Overview

The Simultaneous Execution pattern recognizes more flexible approaches to work item management where the decision as to which combination of work items will be executed and the sequence in which they will be interleaved is at the discretion of the resource rather than the system.

Context

There are no specific context conditions associated with this pattern.

Implementation

All of the offerings examined allow a resource to execute multiple work items simultaneously. In most tools, the resource can undertake any combination of work items although FLOWer (being a case handling tool) limits the group of simultaneous work items to those which comprise the activities in a dynamic plan.

Issues

None identified.

Solutions

N/A.

Evaluation Criteria

An offering achieves full support if it satisfies the description for the pattern. It achieves a partial support rating if there are any limitations on the range of work items that can be executed simultaneously.

Product Evaluation

To achieve a + rating (direct support) or a +/- rating (partial support) the product should satisfy the corresponding evaluation criterion of the pattern. Otherwise a - rating (no support) is assigned.

Summary of Evaluation