The invented software system and method is an easy-to-use, browser-based
solution, providing casual business computer users the ability to create,
modify, and monitor business processes, much like spreadsheet software
allows users to quickly complete complex math calculations. It is built
on a "fill in the table" interface so any user can create a customized
process within minutes, without having to understand how to flow chart or
program a computer. Automatic alerts regarding work to be done, sent
through a normal email client, are included as part of the product's
feature set as well as a chronological history and a variety of default
reports. Processes are easy to set up, deploy, and control, and
participation in those processes is simple and fast. Any process can be
immediately launched and is saved as a template for later use or
modification. Templates can be shared or sold to other users, as well.
Briefly, the invented system and method includes software running on a
server accessible via a network, e.g. a local area network (LAN) or wide
area network (WAN) such as the world-wide web by subscribing and logged
on one or more proximate (centralized) or remote (distributed) users with
laptops, desktops or workstations. The software features a friendly user
interface with toolboxes, menus and buttons for patterned templating of
processes and tasks and for management and oversight of the same. Process
authors can construct templated processes in a table-drive manner that is
parse-able by a process compiler and executable by a process engine.
Process users can create task assignees chosen at will or from their own
address books. Task assignees can use the software to follow optionally
check-listed task steps and start/stop dates and times can be monitored
and logged. Finally, reports can be generated. E-mail is the preferred
conveyance of task-notification messages among various users of the
invented software.