BPM - Workflow Integration

Posted on May 14, 2010 at 12.18 PM - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

BPM is a system centric application whereas workflow or CE is a user centric application. What if we need to integrate BPM with workflow so that we can have some sort of user interaction. Yes it's possible for us now to add in user decision in BPM, but it's still not as flexible as workflow which step can be used to display certain document, etc. How can we achieve it?

There are several possible solutions:

1. Trigger the workflow directly in the server proxy using FM SAP_WAPI_START_WORKFLOW or SWWW_WI_START_SIMPLE
2. Trigger the workflow indirectly by:
   • Triggering the event using FM SAP_WAPI_CREATE_EVENT
   • Changing the status of the document which will trigger the workflow indirectly
3. Store data into database table, which later to be used in the form step of the workflow.

One typical example for approach number 2 would be creating or changing the material document using sap standard BAPI which will trigger certain event during the SAVE step. As long as we have done the proper type linkage for the change document, then it will trigger the workflow.

Other example would be creating or changing the infotype, which will also trigger certain event during the SAVE step. As long as we have done the proper HR type linkage, then it will trigger the workflow.

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