ProcessWise: technology for developing systems for organisations

ProcessWise is the name used by ICL for a growing portfolio of products addressing the problem of providing computer-based support for the processes of a business or organisation. The elements of the Portfolio include methods and tools associated with the analysis and re-design of business processes. In addition the ProcessWise Portfolio includes a component called the ProcessWise Integrator (or PWI) whose role is to provide process support for the operation of the business itself (it can also be used for the simulation of business operation). PWI is a generic component which will, when appropriately specialised, form a component of the IT systems supporting a business or organisation. It provides the key co-ordinating functions for the various elements of the business, the people and other systems, which together make the business work. This paper gives a brief overview and history of PWI and presents a view of the technology in the context of developing systems to support the co-ordination requirements of a business