Pattern 43 (Additional Resources)

FLASH animation of Additional Resources pattern

Description

The ability for a given resource to request additional resources to assist in the execution of a work item that it is currently undertaking.

Example

The Blast Furnace Operator has requested additional Propane Gas Supplies before continuing with the Alloy Preparation work item.

Motivation

In more complex scenarios, a given work item may require the services of multiple resources in order for it to be completed (e.g. a machine operator, machine and fuel). These resources may be durable in nature and capable of continual reuse or they may be consumable. By providing the ability to model scenarios such as these, PAIS provide a more accurate depiction of the way in which work is actually undertaken in a production environment.

Overview

This pattern recognizes more complex work distribution and resource management scenarios where simply unitary resource allocation is not sufficient to deal with the constraints that tasks may experience during execution.

Context

There are no specific context conditions associated with this pattern.

Implementation

Oracle BPEL provides the "adhoc" concept which allows a work item to be assigned to other (additional) users at runtime and also for "request more information" commands to be lodged with other users requiring that they submit the required information back to the requesting work item whilst it is executing. COSA offers limited simulation capabilities which allow the operation of a workflow to be evaluated. Included with the simulation environment is the ability to model the various operational resources required by a task - both durable and consumable - together with the associated rate of use on a task-by-task basis.

Issues

None identified.

Solutions

N/A.

Evaluation Criteria

An offering achieves full support if it provides a construct that satisfies the description for the pattern. It achieves a partial support rating if there are limitations on the situations in which multiple resources can be modelled or utilized.

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