24 bit image
A color image where each dot may have any one of 16.7 million color
values. The 24 bits are typically made up of three eight-bit
values, with each eight bit value representing a separate
color (usually red, green, and blue). Very high tonal resolution.
Action
An occurrence of a particular condition (which may be internal
or external to the workflow management system) which causes
the workflow management software to take one or more actions.
For example the arrival of a particular type of email message
may cause the workflow system to start an instance of a specific
process definition. An event has two elements: 1. A Trigger,
or cause, which is the recognition of some predefined set of
circumstances associated with the operation of the system,
which causes a particular action to be taken 2. The Action
(or response) - which is the pre-defined system response following
a trigger condition
Active Work Performer
A software component that manages the interaction between the
user (or group of users) and the work list maintained by a
workflow engine. It enables work items to be passed from the
workflow
management system to users and notifications of completion
or other work status conditions to be passed between the user
and the workflow management system.
Active X
A set of technologies that allows software components to interact
with one another in a networked environment, regardless of the
language in which the components were created.
Activity
1) A description of a piece of work that forms one logical step
within a process. An activity may be a manual activity, which
does not support computer automation, or a workflow (automated)
activity. A workflow activity requires human resource and/or
machine resources to support process execution; where human
resource is required an activity is allocated to a workflow
participant. 2) An activity which is capable of computer
automation using a workflow management system to manage the
activity during execution of the business process of which
it forms a part.
Activity Block
1) A set of activities within a process definition which share
one or more common properties which cause the workflow management
software to take certain actions with respect to the block
in total.. For example a group of activities may be classified
as a block if they require a common resource allocation policy.
2) A workflow activity cycle involving the repetitive execution
of one (or more) workflow activity(s) until a condition is
met.
Activity Completion Rules
A logical expression which may be evaluated by a workflow engine
to decide whether a process instance or activity within a
process instance is completed
Activity Group
A mechanism that associates participants to a collection of
workflow activity(s).
Activity Instance
The representation of an activity within a (single) enactment
of a process, i.e. within a process instance. (See also general
entry on Instance)
Activity Network
The time period when manual and/or automated (workflow) descriptions
of a process are defined and/or modified electronically.
Activity Set
A set of activities within a process definition which share
one or more common properties which cause the workflow management
software to take certain actions with respect to the block
in total.. For example a group of activities may be classified
as a block if they require a common resource allocation policy.
Activity Start Rules
A logical expression which may be evaluated by a workflow engine
to decide whether a process instance or activity within a
process instance may be started.
Activity State
A representation of the internal conditions defining the status
of an activity instance at a particular point in time. Most
workflow management systems maintain such status information
as part of their workflow control data.
Actor
A resource which performs the work represented by a workflow
activity instance. This work is normally manifested as one
or more work items assigned to the workflow participant via
the work list.
ADF
Automatic Document Feeder. This is the means by which a scanner
feeds the paper document.
Administrator
A workflow system user who has special privileges allowing
various system set-up, control and management functions to
be performed. In some systems these tasks may be shared between
several administrators, each taking responsibility for separate
areas of administration.
Agent
A resource which performs the work represented by a workflow
activity instance. This work is normally manifested as one
or more work items assigned to the workflow participant via
the work list.
AIF
Audio Interchange File Format (or AIFF) is a file format for
storing digital audio (waveform) data. It supports a variety
of bit resolutions, sample rates, and channels of audio.
This format is very popular upon Apple platforms, and is
widely used in professional programs that process digital
audio waveforms. This format uses the Electronic Arts Interchange
File Format method for storing data in "chunks".
AND-Join
A point in the workflow where two or more parallel executing
activities converge into a single common thread of control
(see Parallel Routing).
AND-Split
A point within the workflow where a single thread of control
splits into two or more threads which are executed in parallel
within the workflow, allowing multiple activities to be executed
simultaneously (see Parallel Routing).
Annotations
The changes or additions made to a document using sticky notes,
a high lighter, or other electronic tools. Document images
or text can be highlighted in different colors, redacted
(blacked-out or whited-out), stamped (e.g. “FAXED” or “CONFIDENTIAL”),
or have electronic sticky notes attached. Annotations should
be overlaid and not change the original document.
Application
An invoked application is a workflow application that
is invoked by the workflow management system to automate an
activity,
fully or in part, or to support a workflow participant
in processing a work item.
Application Case Data
Data that is cabinet specific and correlates to the index fields
used in a cabinet.
Application Data
Data that is cabinet specific and correlates to the index fields
used in a cabinet.
Archie
An application that allows you to search for information at
anonymous FTP sites on the Internet.
ASCII
American Standard Computer Information Interchange. Used to
define computer text that was built on a set of 255 alphanumeric
and control characters. ASCII has been a standard, non-proprietary
text format since 1963.
ASCII File
A file that contains data made up of ASCII characters. It is
essentially raw text just like the words you're reading now.
Each byte in the file contains one character that conforms
to the standard ASCII code. Program source code, batch files,
macros and scripts are straight text and stored as ASCII
files. The terms
ASCII file, ASCII text file, text file and TXT file are synonymous.
ASF
Windows uses the ASF (Active Streaming Format) for
delivering audio and video over the Web or private intranet's.
Microsoft's
Windows Media Player and RealNetworks' RealOne player are
client utilities that support this format. Three file extensions
are used for Windows streaming, and all use the same uncompressed
ASF file format. If an audio file is compressed by the
Windows Media Audio codec, it is given a .WMA extension.
If a video file is compressed with the Windows Media Video
codec, it is named a .WMV file. Any other compression method
produces an .ASF file. To accommodate earlier streaming
players, .WMA and .WMV files can be renamed .ASF files.
In addition to the content files, there are several playlist
metafile formats that are used to hold descriptions of
the content and the location of the files on remote servers.
The playlist metafiles also serve as playlists for locally
stored files.
ASP
Active Server Pages. A technology that simplifies customization
and integration of Web applications. ASP pages reside on
a Web server and contain a mixture of HTML code and server-side
scripts. An example of ASP usage includes having a server
accept a request from a client, perform a query on a database,
and then return the results of the query in HTML format for
viewing by a web browser.
ASX
See ASF.
Asynchronous Join
A point within the workflow where two or more alternative activity(s)
workflow branches re-converge to a single common activity
as the next step within the workflow. (As no parallel activity
execution has occurred at the join point, no synchronization
is required.)
Audit Data
A historical record of the progress of a process instance from
start to completion or termination. Such data normally incorporates
information on the state transitions of the process instance.
Automated Activity
An activity which is capable of computer automation using a
workflow management system to manage the activity during
execution of the business process of which it forms a part.
AVI
A Windows multimedia video format from Microsoft. It interleaves
standard waveform audio and digital video frames (bitmaps)
to provide reduced animation at 15 fps at 160x120x8 resolution.
Audio is 11,025Hz, 8-bit samples.
Bandwidth
The maximum volume of data that can be sent over a communications
network. The greater the bandwidth the more data that can
be transferred across.
Barcode
A small pattern of vertical lines that is read by a laser or
an optical scanner, and which corresponds to a record in
a database. An add-on component to imaging software, this
feature is designed to increase the speed with which documents
can be archived.
Batch
In the imaging process the grouping of objects into an organizational
unit for our reference only. Each collection has its own
distinct series of batch number assignments.
Batch Processing
The name of the technique used to input a large amount of information
in a single step, as opposed to individual processes.
Binary File
A file that uses all eight bits of the byte. Machine language
programs (executable programs), graphics files, databases,
spreadsheets and most word processing files fall into this
category. Almost all files except for simple ASCII text files
are binary files. The distinction is meaningful when transmitting
mail over the Internet. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
supports ASCII characters, which use only seven bits.
Binary Format
1) Numbers stored in pure binary form in contrast with BCD
form. See binary numbers. (2) Information stored in a binary
coded form, such as data, text, images, voice and video.
See binary file, binary field and LOB. (3) A file transfer
mode that transmits any type of file without loss of data.
Bitmap
A binary representation in which a bit or set of bits corresponds
to some part of an object such as an image or font. For example,
in monochrome systems, one bit represents one pixel on screen.
For gray scale or color, several bits in the bitmap represent
one pixel or group of pixels. The term may also refer to
the memory area that holds the bitmap. A bitmap is usually
associated with graphics objects, in which the bits are a
direct representation of the picture image. However, bitmaps
can be used to represent and keep track of anything, where
each bit location is assigned a different value or condition.
Bitmap File
A file that contains an image in one of various bitmap formats
such as TIFF, GIF, JPEG and BMP. See graphics formats.
Bitmap Format
Referring to any of various picture images such as TIFF, GIF
and JPEG. See bitmapped graphics and graphics formats.
Bitmapped Graphics
In computer graphics, a technique for representing a picture
image as a matrix of dots. Also known as "raster graphics," it
is the digital counterpart of analog TV. However, unlike
TV, which uses one standard format in the U.S. known as NTSC,
there are dozens of bitmapped graphics formats, including
GIF, TIF, BMP, JPG and PCX (see graphics formats). See graphics.
Contrast with vector graphics.
Boolean Logic
The use of the terms “AND,” “OR” and “NOT” in
conducting searches. Used to widen or narrow the scope of a
search.
Branch
A point within the workflow where a single thread of control
makes a decision upon which branch to take when encountered
with multiple alternative workflow branches.
Bridge
A device that connects one physical section of a network to
another. Often used to combine networks running different
types of networks or to subdivide a large network into smaller
sub-networks.
Browser
An application that allows you to look through collections
of things. For the most part, we are talking about Web browsers
that enable you to access the World Wide Web.
Business Process
A set of one or more linked procedures or activities which
collectively realize a business objective or policy goal,
normally, within the context of an organizational structure
defining functional roles and relationships.
Business Process Management
a.k.a. BPM Automation of business processes, in
whole or in part, where documents, information, or tasks are passed from one
participant to another for action, according to a set of rules. A business
process is a logically related set of workflows, work steps, and tasks that
provide a product or service to customers. BPM is a mix of Process Management/Workflow
with Application Integration technology.
Business Process Rule
A logical expression which may be evaluated by a workflow engine
to decide the sequence of activity execution within a process.
Cabinet
A cabinet is used to organize and permanently store a collection
of data. Every folder, document within a folder, and associated
objects are stored in the corresponding cabinet. For example,
Accounting Department, Health Information, Human Resources,
etc
Cache
For DNS and WINS, a local information store of resource records
for recently resolved names of remote hosts. Typically, the
cache is built dynamically as the computer queries and resolves
names. It also helps optimize the time required to resolve
queried names.
Caching
The temporary storage of image files on a hard disk for later
migration to permanent storage, like an optical or CD jukebox.
Case
The representation of a single enactment of a process. (See
also general entry on Instance).
Case Data
Data that is used by a Workflow Management System to determine
the state transitions of a workflow instance, for example
within pre- and post-conditions, transition conditions or
workflow participant assignment.
Case History
A historical record of the progress of a process instance from
start to completion or termination. Such data normally incorporates
information on the state transitions of the process instance.
Case Management
1) The automation of a business process, in a whole or part,
during which documents, information, or tasks are passed
from one participant to another for action, according to
a set of procedural rules. 2) A system that defines, creates,
and manages the execution of workflows through the use of
software, running on one or more workflow engines, which
is able to interpret the process definition, interact with
workflow
participants and, where required, invoke the use of IT tools
and applications.
Case Processor
A software service or "engine" that provides the
run time execution environment for a process instance.
Case Sensitive
Case sensitive means that the system recognizes differences
between upper (eg. A) and lower (eg. a) case.
Case Type
The representation of a business process in a form which supports
automated manipulation, such as modeling, or enactment by
a workflow management system. The process definition consists
of a network of activities and their relationships, criteria
to indicate the start and termination of the process, and
information about the individual activities, such as participants,
associated IT applications and data, etc.
CD-ROM
CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) is a circular disk used
to store large amounts of electronic data. CD-ROMs can hold
up to 680 MB of computer data. The media is low cost and
durable, and in large scale applications can be inexpensively
duplicated into thousands of copies. Unlike optical disks
which can be written to many times, a CD-ROM is read-only.
Check Box
Used within a form, check boxes allow the reader to select
one or more available options.
Check In/Out
Ensures that only one person can work on a document at any time.
Client
The user of a service. Usually refers to a piece of software
that gets information from a server.
Client Application
1) A general term for a software program that interacts with
a workflow enactment service, handling part of the processing
required to support a particular activity (or activities).
2) A client application is an application which interacts
with a workflow engine, requesting facilities and services
from the engine.
Client Program
A client application is an application which interacts with
a workflow engine, requesting facilities and services from
the engine.
Client Server Based System
A system that stores electronic documents on one computer—a
server, while making those documents available to other computers—clients,
via a network.
CMP
See jpg, jpeg.
COD
COD (Computer Originated Document) refers to any document that
was originally created on a computer, like a word processing
document or a spreadsheet.
Codec
Compression/decompression algorithms applied to media files.
COLD
Computer Output to Laser Disk. A computer programming process
that outputs electronic records and printed reports to laser
disk instead of a printer. Can be used to replace COM (Computer
Output to Microfilm) or printed reports such as green-bar.
Collaboration
Tools (collaborative authoring, video conferencing, shared whiteboards, etc.)
that allow multiple users to work on the same content in a common environment.
Completion Time
A time based scheduling constraint which requires that a certain
activity (or work item) be completed by a certain time (the "deadline").
Compression
A process that reduces the file size for processing, storage,
transmission, and display.
Compression Ratio
The ratio of the file sizes of a compressed file to an uncompressed
file, e.g., with a 20:1 compression ratio, an uncompressed
file of 1 MB is compressed to 50 KB.
Concurrent Processing
A segment of a process instance under enactment by a workflow
management system, where two or more activity instances are
executing in parallel within the workflow, giving rise to
multiple threads of control.
Conditional Branching
A point within the workflow where a single thread of control
makes a decision upon which branch to take when encountered
with multiple alternative workflow branches.
Conditional Routing
1) A point within the workflow where a single thread of control
makes a decision upon which branch to take when encountered
with multiple alternative workflow branches. 2) A logical
expression which may be evaluated by a workflow engine to
decide the sequence of activity execution within a process.
Constraint
A condition (typically pertaining to activity/work selection
and/or completion) which must be met during work processing;
failure to meet a constraint may causes an exception condition
or other defined procedure.
Controls
A condition (typically pertaining to activity/work selection
and/or completion) which must be met during work processing;
failure to meet a constraint may causes an exception condition
or other defined procedure.
Cookie
A cookie is a piece of information about a client process (eg.
your visit to a particular Web site) that CGi server programs
can store on the client's computer. Only the server that
creates the cookie and the client that stores it have access
to the information stored in the cookie. Such things as customized
preferences, date a site was last visited etc can be stored
in the cookie.
Database
Database is an organized collection of information stored on
a computer. The database is structured to facilitate the
search and retrieval of information contained in the database.
Database Field
Placeholders for discrete bits of information in a database.
For example, your last name would be typed in to a field
for that purpose. The grouped contents of several fields
together form a record.
De-skewing
The process of straightening skewed (off-center) images. De-skewing
is one of the image enhancements that can improve OCR accuracy.
Documents often become skewed when they are scanned or faxed.
De-speckling
Removing isolated speckles from an image file. Speckles often
develop when a document is scanned or faxed.
Default Button
In some dialog boxes, the command button that is selected or
highlighted when the dialog box is initially displayed. The
default button has a bold border, indicating that it will
be chosen automatically if you press ENTER. You can override
a default button by clicking Cancel or another command button.
Default Printer
The printer to which a computer sends documents if you select
the Print command without first specifying which printer
you want to use with a program. You can have only one default
printer; it should be the printer you use most often.
Default User
The profile that serves as a basis for all user profiles. Every
user profile begins as a copy of the default user profile.
Dial-up
A type of connection where you use a modem to connect to another
computer or an Internet Service Provider (ISP) via telephone
lines.
Digital Signature
A means for originators of a message, file, or other digitally
encoded information to bind their identity to the information.
The process of digitally signing information entails transforming
the information, as well as some secret information held
by the sender, into a tag called a signature. Digital signatures
are used in public key environments, and they provide nonrepudiation
and integrity services.
Digitizing
To convert an image into binary code. Visual images are digitized
by scanning them and assigning a binary code to the resulting
bit-mapped image data.
Directed Graph
The time period when manual and/or automated (workflow) descriptions
of a process are defined and/or modified electronically.
Directory Tree
The route to a file on a disk. In DOS, Windows and OS/2, the
path for file MYLIFE located in subfolder STORIES within
folder JOE on drive C: looks like:C:\mylife\stories\joe
Dithering
The process of converting grays to different densities of black
dots, usually for the purposes of printing or storing color
or grayscale images as black and white images.
DOC
A word processing file created in Word (Microsoft's word processor).
It uses a .DOC extension and differs from a text file (.TXT
file) because it contains Microsoft's proprietary headers
and codes and must be opened in Word or software that reads
the Word format. Since Word is used by so many Windows and
Mac users, the doc file has become a de facto standard for
e-mail attachments over the Internet. Although the page layout
is naturally contained in the doc file, if the target computer
does not have the same font selected in the original computer,
there may be a slight difference in appearance at the other
end when another font is substituted.
Document
Any self-contained piece of work created with an application
program and, if saved on disk, given a unique file name by
which it can be retrieved.
Document Imaging
The online storage, retrieval and management of electronic
images of documents. The main method of capturing images
is by scanning paper documents. Document imaging systems
replace large paper-intensive operations. Documents can be
shared by all users on a network and document routing can
be controlled by the computer (workflow). The systems are
often simpler to develop and implement than traditional data
processing systems, because users are already familiar with
the paper documents that appear on screen. Document images
are stored as bitmapped graphics, and although a small amount
of text (keywords) may be associated with the document in
order to index it, the meaning of the document content is
known only to the human viewer, not the computer. Like microfilm,
signatures and other original markings remain intact.
Document Management
The capture and management of documents within an organization.
The term used to imply the management of documents after
they were scanned into the computer. Today, the term has
become an umbrella under which document imaging, workflow,
text retrieval and multimedia fall. The trend toward designing
information systems as document centric, where the document
becomes the focus, not the application that created it, is
expected to bring document management to the forefront of
computing.
Document Management System
Document Management Systems enable you to store documents electronically.
This facilitates the process of retrieving, sharing, tracking,
revising, and distributing documents and the information
they contain. A complete Electronic Document Management System
(EDMS) provides you with all the software and hardware required
to insure that you maintain control over all your documents,
both scanned images, and files that were created on a computer—like
spreadsheets, word processing documents and graphics. A complete
EDMS includes document imaging, OCR, text retrieval, workflow,
and Computer Output to Laser Disk capabilities.
Document Retrieval
The process by which you can search and 'retrieve' an archived
document from a database. This is done by entering information
in a database query screen.
Download
To transfer a file from the server you are browsing to your
own computer. When you browse a page, essentially the page
is downloaded to your computer and the browser interprets
it. Downloading a file is more commonly thought of when you
specifically request a file to be copied to your computer.
DPI
Dots Per Inch. In graphics this almost always refers to the
measurement of the resolution of a printed image. It is also
used to refer to the screen resolution of graphics. In reality
web graphics are technically measure in Pixels Per Inch (PPI).
Drag
To move an item on the screen by selecting the item and then
pressing and holding down the mouse button while moving the
mouse. For example, you can move a window to another location
on the screen by dragging its title bar.
Drag and Drop
The movement of on-screen objects by dragging them across the
screen with the mouse.
Dummy Activity
An Activity which has no inherent processing related to the
business process, but which is used to represent and evaluate
complex routing or process control conditions which may be
too complicated to define efficiently using conventional
process definition notation.
Duplex Scanner
Duplex scanners automatically scan both sides of a double-sided
page.
Dynamic Page
A page that is built at the time that you access it. The basic
structure of the page has already been created but the page
may be updated with custom features just for you (eg. Search
results from a search engine).
ECM (Electronic Content Management)
ECM
is technologies, tools, and methods used to capture, manage,
store, preserve,
and deliver content across an enterprise. At the most basic
level, ECM tools and strategies allow the management of
an organization's unstructured information, wherever that
information
exists. Numerous terms are used, depending on whom you're
talking to, nearly interchangeably with ECM-integrated
document management, digital asset management, integrated
document
and content management, and total content management to
name a few. Regardless of the precise terminology, ECM capabilities
manage traditional content types (images, office documents,
graphics, drawings, and print streams) as well as the new
electronic objects (Web pages and content, email, video,
and rich media assets) throughout the lifecycle of that
content.
eforms
An electronic form helps teams and organizations efficiently
gather the information they need through rich, dynamic forms.
The information collected electronically can then easily
be reused throughout organizations and across business processes
using any customer-defined schema. Customers who share information
across their organizations and business processes can have
greater business impact and reduce cost by implementing electronic
forms. Eight Bit Image
An image where each dot may have any one of either 256 possible
gray values or 256 possible color values. The value is calculated
by raising 2 to the 8th power.
Electronic Form
An electronic form helps teams and organizations efficiently
gather the information they need through rich, dynamic forms.
The information collected electronically can then easily
be reused throughout organizations and across business processes
using any customer-defined schema. Customers who share information
across their organizations and business processes can have
greater business impact and reduce cost by implementing electronic
forms.
Electronic Signature
A means for originators of a message, file, or other digitally
encoded information to bind their identity to the information.
The process of digitally signing information entails transforming
the information, as well as some secret information held
by the sender, into a tag called a signature. Digital signatures
are used in public key environments, and they provide nonrepudiation
and integrity services.
Element
The representation of the work to be processed (by a workflow
participant) in the context of an activity within a process
instance.
Embedded Electronic Forms
An electronic form that has been integrated into software.
Embedded Object
Information created in another program that has been pasted
inside your document. When information is embedded, you can
edit the information in the new document using toolbars and
menus from the original program.
Enable
To make a device functional. For example, if a device in your
hardware configuration settings is enabled, the device is
available for use when your computer uses that hardware configuration.
Encoding
The process of converting an analog source (eg audio signal)
into digital format. The application that does the converting
is called and encoder.
Encryption
The process of disguising a message or data in such a way as
to hide its substance.
Entry Criteria
A logical expression which may be evaluated by a workflow engine
to decide whether a process instance or activity within a
process instance may be started.
Escalation
A procedure (automated or manual) which is invoked if a particular
constraint or condition is not met.
Event
An occurrence of a particular condition (which may be internal
or external to the workflow management system) which causes
the workflow management software to take one or more actions.
For example the arrival of a particular type of email message
may cause the workflow system to start an instance of a specific
process definition. An event has two elements: 1. A Trigger,
or cause, which is the recognition of some predefined set
of circumstances associated with the operation of the system,
which causes a particular action to be taken 2. The Action
(or response) - which is the pre-defined system response
following a trigger condition
Exit Criteria
A logical expression which may be evaluated by a workflow engine
to decide whether a process instance or activity within a
process instance is completed.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions. In other words, newbies start here.
It contains a list of commonly asked questions on a topic.
Most UseNet newsgroups have a FAQ to introduce new readers
to topics in the newsgroup. It also prevents to some extent,
repetition of the same questions over and over again.
File Object
Any document type is considered a file object for example Microsoft Office documents,
audio, video and graphic files are all file objects. File Type
In the Windows environment, a designation of the operational
or structural characteristics of a file. The file type identifies
the program, such as Microsoft Word, that is used to open
the file. File types are associated with a file name extension.
For example, files that have the .txt or .log extension are
of the Text Document type and can be opened using any text
editor.
Filter
A search method that extracts content and property values from
document or folder fields in order to narrow down a search.
Firewall
A device that is placed on a network to prevent unauthorized
traffic from entering the network. A firewall can be hardware,
software or a combination of both. It is most commonly used
to protect corporate networks from unauthorized users from
trying to penetrate the network from the outside (eg. from
the Internet).
Flatbed Scanner
A flat-surface scanner that allows users to input books and
other documents.
Flow Diagram
The representation of a business process in a form which supports
automated manipulation, such as modeling, or enactment by
a workflow management system. The process definition consists
of a network of activities and their relationships, criteria
to indicate the start and termination of the process, and
information about the individual activities, such as participants,
associated IT applications and data, etc.
Flow Schematic
The representation of a business process in a form which supports
automated manipulation, such as modeling, or enactment by
a workflow management system. The process definition consists
of a network of activities and their relationships, criteria
to indicate the start and termination of the process, and
information about the individual activities, such as participants,
associated IT applications and data, etc.
Folder fields
Folder fields contain data associated with a particular folder
and the documents filed within a folder. Folders are the
highest level of document storage. For example, first name,
last name, account number, date of birth, social security
number, etc.
Folders
Folders are used to organize data within a cabinet.
Forum
A HTML document that allows the viewer to respond to questions
or provide information (eg. surveys, guest books etc). You
can construct a form to obtain information from visitors
to a page, conduct online shopping and many sites use forms
in much the same way that a paper based form would be used.
Essentially, these are online data-entry sheets supported
by the majority of Web browsers.
Front-End Application
A client application is an application which interacts with
a workflow engine, requesting facilities and services from
the engine.
Full Text Indexing and Search
Enables the retrieval of documents by either their word or
phrase content. Every word in the document is indexed into
a master word list with pointers to the documents and pages
where each occurrence of the word appears.
Full Text Retrieval
A capability that enables you to search for documents stored
in a database based on the text contained in the documents.
It can be used in conjunction with index-based searching
which relies on a description of the document entered by
a scan operator.
GIF
A file format developed by Compuserv, it has gained widespread
use on the internet because most browsers can view GIF images
without a plug-in or associated viewer. GIF stands for Graphic
Information File format.
Graphics
The creation and manipulation of picture images in the computer.
In such cases, the subject is typically called "computer
graphics," but it is defined here under "graphics" to
keep the term next to other "graphics" entries
for users of our books and software. A fast desktop computer
is required for graphics work, and although a mouse can be
used for drawing, graphics tablets are widely used for CAD
(computer-aided design) applications. A scanner is also typically
used. Vector Graphics and Bitmapped Graphics Two methods
are used for storing and maintaining pictures in a computer.
The first method, called "vector graphics," maintains
the image as a series of points, lines, arcs and other geometric
shapes. The second method, called "bitmapped graphics" and
also known as "raster graphics," resembles television,
where the picture image is made up of dots. Understanding
these two methods and how they intertwine is essential.
Graphics Conversion
Changing one graphics format to another. There are two problems
associated with this. One is that the target format may not
have the inherent capabilities of the original. For example,
if the original supports 24-bit color, such as a TIFF, and
the target format only supports 8-bit color, such as GIF,
there will be a loss of color depth. Another example would
be a vector illustration that supports gradients, and the
target format does not. These are all limitations of the
file formats themselves. The second problem is that graphics
conversion requires tedious programming, and the graphics
filters (import and export functions) in an application do
not always work perfectly, witness the following example
below. The top one is the original, and the bottom was created
using the JPEG export filter in the application. They may
be similar, but are by no means identical.
Graphics File
A file that contains only graphics data. Contrast with text
file and binary file.
Graphics Format
There is a wide variety of graphics formats in use today. The
following list contains most of them. The formats are in
order by extension name under bitmapped or vector category.
Some formats appear in both categories because they can hold
both raster and vector images. See graphics conversion.
Grayscale
The range of shades of gray in an image. The grayscale of scanners
and terminals are determined by the number of shades between
black and white that they can recognize and reproduce.
Group
Users are assigned to groups and participate in a shared work
list within a workflow process. A Group can be as small as
a single
individual, or as large as the entire department. Members
of the group are able to perform tasks within an instance
on behalf of the entire group. Individual user rights are
based on role permissions.
Groups
Users are assigned to groups and participate in a shared work
list within a workflow process. A Group can be as small as
a single
individual, or as large as the entire department. Members
of the group are able to perform tasks within an instance
on behalf of the entire group. Individual user rights are
based on role permissions.
Halftone Image
An image in which combinations of dots are used to create an
impression of grays or colors by grouping and density. For
example, the eye will see shades of gray in black dots on
a white background. Where the dots are large, dense and possibly
overlapping, the eye sees dark gray or black; where the dots
are small and sparse, the eye sees light gray or white.
HCR
(Handprint Character Recognition)-OCR technology designed to turn images of handprint
characters into ASCII code.
HIPPA
HIPPA (The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act of 1996) The HIPPA was signed into law on August
21, 1996. This law includes important new protections
for millions
of working Americans and their families who have preexisting
medical conditions or might suffer discrimination in
health coverage based on a factor that relates to an
individual's
health. HIPAA's provisions amend Title I of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) as well
as the Internal Revenue Code and the Public Health Service
Act
and place requirements on employer-sponsored group health
plans, insurance companies and health maintenance organizations
(HMO's). HIPAA includes changes that: limit exclusions
for preexisting conditions; prohibit discrimination against
employees
and dependents based on their health status; guarantee
renewability and availability of health coverage to certain
employers
and individuals; and protect many workers who lose health
coverage by providing better access to individual health
insurance coverage. History Repository
A historical record of the progress of a process instance from
start to completion or termination. Such data normally incorporates
information on the state transitions of the process instance.
Host
An individual computer connected to the Internet.
Host Address
Also known as the IP address it is a unique number assigned
to identify a host on the Internet. This address is usually
represented as four number between 1 and 254 and separated
by periods (eg. ###.#.###.###).
Host Name
A unique name for a host that corresponds to the host address.
This makes it more user friendly than having to type in a
series of numbers all the time (it's much easier to remember
www.mxds.com than 192.0.253.232).
HTM
An alternate file extension for HTML files. HTML files originated
with Unix, where Web pages are commonly identified with an
.HTML extension. The .HTM is an alternate in the Windows
world, because three-byte extensions (.EXE, .DOC, etc.) are
so commonly used.
HTML
HyperText Markup Language is a variant of SGML (Standard Generalized
Markup Language). The formatting language that is used to
create Web documents.
HTTP
(HyperText Transfer Protocol) The Internet protocol that allows
WWW hypertext documents to be retrieved quickly. It is also
the reason why you usually type http: in your browser when
accessing a site (so it knows what protocol to use).
Human Task
An activity within a business process which is not capable
of automation and hence lies outside the scope of a workflow
management system. Such activities may be included within
a process definition, for example to support modeling of
process, but do not form part of a resulting workflow.
ICR
(Intelligent Character Recognition) ICR is usually
considered to be the extension of OCR which explicitly includes
handwritten characters.
Image
Any rasterized file.
Image Map
An image or part of an image that you click on to link to other
information. Sometimes referred to as a clickable image.
Image Processing
1) The analysis of a picture using techniques that can identify
shades, colors and relationships that cannot be perceived
by the human eye. Image processing is used to solve identification
problems, such as in forensic medicine or in creating weather
maps from satellite pictures. It deals with images in bitmapped
graphics format that have been scanned in or captured with
digital cameras.(2) Any image improvement, such as refining
a picture in a paint program that has been scanned or entered
from a video source.(3) Same as imaging.
Imaging
Creating a film or electronic image of any picture or paper
form. It is accomplished by scanning or photographing an
object and turning it into a matrix of dots (bitmap), the
meaning of which is unknown to the computer, only to the
human viewer. Scanned images of text may be encoded into
computer data (ASCII or EBCDIC) with page recognition software
(OCR).
Inbox
a.k.a In-tray A list of work items associated
with a given workflow participant (or in some cases with
a group of workflow participants who may share a common work
list). The work list forms part of the interface between
a workflow
engine and the work list handler.
In-tray
a.k.a InBox A list of work items associated
with a given workflow participant (or in some cases with
a group of workflow participants who
may share a common work list). The work list forms part
of the interface between a workflow engine and the work
list handler.
Index
In data management, the most common method for keeping track
of data on a disk. Indexes are directory listings maintained
by the OS, DBMS or the application. An index of files contains
an entry for each file name and the location of the file.
An index of records has an entry for each key field (account
no., name, etc.) and the location of the record.
Index Fields
Database fields that contain data associated with a particular
folder and document used to identify the object for storage
and retrieval purposes. Index fields are user defined. Documents
contain the lowest level of index fields. For example, document
type, document date, page number, etc. Folders contain the
highest level of index fields. For example, First Name,Last
Name, Social Security, etc.
Instance
The representation of a single enactment of a process, or activity
within a process, including its associated data. Each instance
represents a separate thread of execution of the process
or activity, which may be controlled independently and will
have its own internal state and externally visible identity,
which may be used as a handle, for example, to record or
retrieve audit data relating to the individual enactment.
Instruction
A description of a piece of work that forms one logical step
within a process. An activity may be a manual activity, which
does not support computer automation, or a workflow (automated)
activity. A workflow activity requires human resource and/or
machine resources to support process execution; where human
resource is required an activity is allocated to a workflow
participant.
Instruction Sheet
The time period when manual and/or automated (workflow) descriptions
of a process are defined and/or modified electronically.
Instruction Sheet Definition
The representation of a business process in a form which supports
automated manipulation, such as modeling, or enactment by
a workflow management system. The process definition consists
of a network of activities and their relationships, criteria
to indicate the start and termination of the process, and
information about the individual activities, such as participants,
associated IT applications and data, etc.
Instruction Sheet Instance
The representation of a single enactment of a process. (See
also general entry on Instance).
Internet
A large network made up of a number of smaller networks."The" Internet
is made up of computers in more than 100 countries covering
commercial, academic and government endeavors. Originally developed
for the U.S. military, the Internet became widely used for
academic and commercial research. Users had access to unpublished
data and journals on a huge variety of subjects. Today, the
Internet has become commercialized into a worldwide information
highway, providing information on every subject known to humankind.
Internet Address
An address for a resource on the Internet that is used by Web
browsers to locate Internet resources. An Internet address
typically starts with a protocol name, followed by the name
of the organization that maintains the site; the suffix identifies
the kind of organization it is. For example, the address
http://www.globaldatasolutions.com/ provides the following
information: http: This Web server uses the Hypertext Transfer
Protocol. www: This site is on the World Wide Web. com: This
is an organization. Internet address is also called Uniform
Resource Locator (URL).
Interoperability
The ability for two or more Workflow Engines to communicate
and work together to co-ordinate work.
Intranet
A network within an organization that uses Internet technologies
and protocols, but is available only to certain people, such
as employees of a company. An intranet is also called a private
network.
Invoked Application
A general term for a software program that interacts with a
workflow enactment service, handling part of the processing
required to support a particular activity (or activities).
IP Address
A 32-bit address used to identify a node on an IP inter-network.
Each node on the IP inter-network must be assigned a unique
IP address, which is made up of the network ID, plus a unique
host ID. This address is typically represented with the decimal
value of each octet separated by a period (for example, 192.168.7.27
ISIS Driver
Specialized application used for communication between scanners
and computers.
ISP
Internet Service Provider. Obviously, since you are browsing
this page you have Internet access. The provider of this
service is referred to as an Internet Service Provider. Your
place of work may have provided the access through their
connection to the Internet or they have a third party who
provides a connection to the Internet.
Iteration
A workflow activity cycle involving the repetitive execution
of one (or more) workflow activity(s) until a condition is
met.
JNT
File format for Windows XP Tablet PC Edition Journal.
Join
A point in the workflow where two or more parallel executing
activities converge into a single common thread of control
(see Parallel Routing).
JPEG
Joint Photographic Experts Group) Pronounced "jay-peg." An
ISO/ITU standard for compressing still images that became very
popular due to its high compression capability. Using discrete
cosine transform, it provides lossy compression (you lose some
data from the original image) with ratios up to 100:1 and higher.
It depends on the image, but ratios of 10:1 to 20:1 may provide
little noticeable loss. The more the loss can be tolerated,
the more the image can be compressed. Compression is achieved
by dividing the picture into tiny pixel blocks, which are halved
over and over until the ratio is achieved. JPEG is implemented
in software and hardware, with the latter providing sufficient
speed for realtime, on-the-fly compression. C-Cube Microsystems
introduced the first JPEG chip. JPEG++ is an extension to JPEG
from Storm Technology, Mountain View, CA, that allows picture
areas to be selectable for different ratios. For example, the
background could be compressed higher than the foreground image.
JPEG uses the JPEG File Interchange Format, or JFIF. File extensions
are .JPG or .JFF. M-JPEG and MPEG are variations of JPEG used
for full-motion digital video.
JPG
Joint Photographic Experts Group) Pronounced "jay-peg." An
ISO/ITU standard for compressing still images that became very
popular due to its high compression capability. Using discrete
cosine transform, it provides lossy compression (you lose some
data from the original image) with ratios up to 100:1 and higher.
It depends on the image, but ratios of 10:1 to 20:1 may provide
little noticeable loss. The more the loss can be tolerated,
the more the image can be compressed. Compression is achieved
by dividing the picture into tiny pixel blocks, which are halved
over and over until the ratio is achieved. JPEG is implemented
in software and hardware, with the latter providing sufficient
speed for realtime, on-the-fly compression. C-Cube Microsystems
introduced the first JPEG chip. JPEG++ is an extension to JPEG
from Storm Technology, Mountain View, CA, that allows picture
areas to be selectable for different ratios. For example, the
background could be compressed higher than the foreground image.
JPEG uses the JPEG File Interchange Format, or JFIF. File extensions
are .JPG or .JFF. M-JPEG and MPEG are variations of JPEG used
for full-motion digital video.
Jukebox
A mass storage device that holds optical disks and loads them
into a drive.
Life Cycle
Refers to the period of time between when a document is archived
and when it is destroyed.
Logon Right
A user right that is assigned to a user and that specifies
the ways in which a user can log on to a system. An example
of a logon right is the right to log on to a system remotely.
Manual Activity
An activity within a business process which is not capable
of automation and hence lies outside the scope of a workflow
management system. Such activities may be included within
a process definition, for example to support modeling of
the process, but do not form part of a resulting workflow.
Manual Step
An activity within a business process which is not capable
of automation and hence lies outside the scope of a workflow
management system. Such activities may be included within
a process definition, for example to support modeling of
process, but do not form part of a resulting workflow.
Manual Work
An activity within a business process which is not capable
of automation and hence lies outside the scope of a workflow
management system. Such activities may be included within
a process definition, for example to support modeling of
process, but do not form part of a resulting workflow.
MAPI
(Mail API) A programming interface from Microsoft that enables
a client application to send to and receive mail from Exchange
Server or a Microsoft Mail (MS Mail) messaging system.
Microsoft applications such as Outlook, the Exchange client
and Microsoft
Schedule use MAPI. Simple MAPI is an enhanced version of
the Common Messaging Calls (CMC) X.400 standard, while
Enhanced MAPI adds full calendaring and workgroup capabilities.
Collaborative
Data Objects (CDO) wraps the Enhanced MAPI library into
COM objects.
Metadata
Data about data. For example, the title, subject, author, and
size of a file constitute the file's metadata.
MDB
File format for Microsoft Access.
Metadata
Data about data. For example, the title, subject, author, and
size of a file constitute the file's metadata.
Model
The time period when manual and/or automated (workflow) descriptions
of a process are defined and/or modified electronically.
Model Definition
The representation of a business process in a form which supports
automated manipulation, such as modeling, or enactment by
a workflow management system. The process definition consists
of a network of activities and their relationships, criteria
to indicate the start and termination of the process, and
information about the individual activities, such as participants,
associated IT applications and data, etc.
Model State
A representation of the internal conditions defining the status
of a process instance at a particular point in time. Most
workflow management systems maintain such status information
as part of their workflow control data.
MOV
A file that contains full-motion, digital video, such as an
AVI file.
MP2
see MP3
MP3
(MPEG Audio Layer 3) An audio compression technology that is
part of the MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 specifications. Developed in
Germany in 1991 by the Fraunhofer Institute, MP3 uses perceptual
audio coding to compress CD-quality sound by a factor of
12, while providing almost the same fidelity. MP3 music files
are played via software or a physical player that cables
to the PC for transfer. MP3 has made it feasible to download
quality audio from the Web very quickly, causing it to become
a worldwide auditioning system for new musicians and labels.
Established bands post sample tracks from new albums to encourage
CD sales, and new bands post their music on MP3 sites in
order to develop an audience.
MPA
File format for MPEG Audio Stream, Layer I, II or III.
MPE
File format for MPEG Movie Clip.
MPEG
(Moving Pictures Experts Group) Pronounced "em-peg." An
ISO/ITU standard for compressing video. MPEG is a lossy compression
method, which means that some of the original image is lost
during the compression stage, which cannot be recreated.
MPG
see MPEG
Multi-Page Tiff
Single page TIFF files combined to create one multi-page TIFF
file. You may group images into one multi-page file or into
several multi-page files based on breaks in the file name
sequence within a directory
Multi-tif
Single page TIFF files combined to create one multi-page TIFF
file. You may group images into one multi-page file or into
several multi-page files based on breaks in the file name
sequence within a directory.
Multi-Tiff
Single page TIFF files combined to create one multi-page TIFF
file. You may group images into one multi-page file or into
several multi-page files based on breaks in the file name
sequence within a directory.
Navigation
A point during the execution of a process instance where one
activity completes and the thread of control passes to another,
which starts. See also State Transition and Transition Condition
Navigation Rule
A logical expression which may be evaluated by a workflow engine
to decide the sequence of activity execution within a process.
NETtrieve
A family of ECM software products developed by Matrix Document
Sciences.
Node
A description of a piece of work that forms one logical step
within a process. An activity may be a manual activity, which
does not support computer automation, or a workflow (automated)
activity. A workflow activity requires human resource and/or
machine resources to support process execution; where human
resource is required an activity is allocated to a workflow
participant.
Node Instance
The representation of an activity within a (single) enactment
of a process, i.e. within a process instance. (See also general
entry on Instance)
Non-Automated Activity
An activity within a business process which is not capable
of automation and hence lies outside the scope of a workflow
management system. Such activities may be included within
a process definition, for example to support modeling of
the process, but do not form part of a resulting workflow.
Notification
An occurrence of a particular condition (which may be internal
or external to the workflow management system) which causes
the workflow management software to take one or more actions.
For example the arrival of a particular type of email message
may cause the workflow system to start an instance of a specific
process definition. An event has two elements: 1. A Trigger,
or cause, which is the recognition of some predefined set
of circumstances associated with the operation of the system,
which causes a particular action to be taken 2. The Action
(or response) - which is the pre-defined system response
following a trigger condition
Object
An entity, such as a file, folder, document, or third party
application, described by a distinct, named set of attributes.
For example, the attributes of a File object include its
name, location, and size.
OCR
OCR Creates ASCII Text When text documents are scanned, they
are "photographed" and stored as pictures in the
computer. OCR software analyzes the symbols in the image
and converts each letter and digit into an ASCII character.
Operation
A description of a piece of work that forms one logical step
within a process. An activity may be a manual activity, which
does not support computer automation, or a workflow (automated)
activity. A workflow activity requires human resource and/or
machine resources to support process execution; where human
resource is required an activity is allocated to a workflow
participant.
Optical Disk
Generic term for any disk read by a laser, including all CD-ROMs.
OR-Join
A point within the workflow where two or more alternative activity(s)
workflow branches re-converge to a single common activity
as the next step within the workflow. (As no parallel activity
execution has occurred at the join point, no synchronization
is required.)
OR-Split
A point within the workflow where a single thread of control
makes a decision upon which branch to take when encountered
with multiple alternative workflow branches.
Organizational Directory
A model which represents organizational entities and their
relationships; it may also incorporate a variety of attributes
associated with the entities, such as skills or role. Such
a model may be realized in a directory or other form of database.
Organizational Groups
A group of participants exhibiting a specific set of attributes,
qualifications and/or skills.
Organizational Model
A model which represents organizational entities and their
relationships; it may also incorporate a variety of attributes
associated with the entities, such as skills or role. Such
a model may be realized in a directory or other form of database.
Organizational Role
A group of participants exhibiting a specific set of attributes,
qualifications and/or skills.
Packet
A unit of data transmission on the Internet. The packet consists
of the data being transferred as well as additional information
such as the transmitting and receiving destinations.
Parallel Routing
A segment of a process instance under enactment by a workflow
management system, where two or more activity instances are
executing in parallel within the workflow, giving rise to
multiple threads of control.
Parallel Workflow Processing
A segment of a process instance under enactment by a workflow
management system, where two or more activity instances are
executing in parallel within the workflow, giving rise to
multiple threads of control.
Password
A security measure used to restrict logon names to user accounts
and access to computer systems and resources. A password
is a string of characters that must be provided before a
logon name or an access is authorized. A password can be
made up of letters, numbers, and symbols, and it is case
sensitive.
Path
The route to a file on a disk. In DOS, Windows and OS/2, the
path for file MYLIFE located in subfolder STORIES within
folder JOE on drive C: looks like:
PCX
A bitmapped graphics file format that handles monochrome, 2-bit,
4-bit, 8-bit and 24-bit color and uses RLE to achieve compression
ratios of approximately 1.1:1 to 1.5:1. Images with large
blocks of solid colors compress best under the RLE method.
PDF
Document exchange software from Adobe that allows documents
created on one platform to be displayed and printed exactly
the same on another no matter which fonts are installed in
the computer. The fonts are embedded within the Acrobat document,
which is known as a PDF (Portable Document Format) file or
Acrobat file, thus eliminating the requirement that the target
machine contain the same fonts. The PDF Writer in Acrobat
turns DOS, Windows, Unix and Mac documents into the PDF format
by taking the print stream and converting it. The Distiller
function takes more complicated PostScript files and creates
PDF files. Acrobat Reader is used to display and print PDF
files. It is built into Acrobat, but is also available as
a stand-alone, free download at www.adobe.com, and millions
of users have downloaded it. Acrobat Reader lets you view
any PDF file, but you cannot edit it or create new ones.
There are countless PDF files on the Web, and the format
has become the de facto standard for many commercial print
houses. Tech support manuals are also published in PDF format.
As of Acrobat 3.0, you can make minor text corrections, but
you cannot cause the text to reflow. In 4.0, you can edit
text, tables and graphics, once again as "touch-up," not
to make extensive corrections requiring repagination. Version
4.0 also supports digital signatures, HTML to PDF conversion,
and the ability to open an Office document and have it be
converted to PDF automatically. Acrobat was first launched
in 1993. The PDF Writer was originally marketed as Acrobat
Exchange, and Acrobat Pro included PDF Writer and Distiller.
Starting with Acrobat 3.0, all functions were packaged together.
Per Server Licensing
A licensing mode that requires a separate Client Access License
for each concurrent connection to the server, regardless
of whether there are other client computers on the network
that do not happen to connect concurrently.
Peripheral
A device, such as a disk drive, printer, modem, or joystick,
that is connected to a computer and is controlled by the
computer's microprocessor.
Petri Net
The time period when manual and/or automated (workflow) descriptions
of a process are defined and/or modified electronically.
PFF
(Random Access Memory) A group of memory chips, typically of
the dynamic RAM (DRAM) type, which function as the computer's
primary workspace. When personal computers first came on
the market in the late 1970s, 64KB (64 kilobytes) of RAM
was the upper limit. Today, 64MB (64 megabytes) of RAM is
entry level for a desktop computer, a thousand times as much.
The "random" in RAM means that the contents of
each byte of storage in the chip can be directly accessed
without regard to the bytes before or after it. This is also
true of other types of memory chips, including ROMs and PROMs.
However, unlike ROMs and PROMs, RAM chips require power to
maintain their content, which is why you must save your data
onto disk before you turn the computer off.
Pixel
The picture elements that make up an image, similar to grains
in a photograph or dots in a halftone. Each pixel can represent
a number of different shades or colors, depending upon how
much storage space is allocated for it.
Player
A resource which performs the work represented by a workflow
activity instance. This work is normally manifested as one
or more work items assigned to the workflow participant via
the work list.
Post-Condition
A logical expression which may be evaluated by a workflow engine
to decide whether a process instance or activity within a
process instance is completed.
PPI
Pixels Per Inch
PPT
File format for Microsoft Office Powerpoint program.
Pre-Condition
A logical expression which may be evaluated by a workflow engine
to decide whether a process instance or activity within a
process instance may be started.
Process
A set of one or more linked procedures or activities which
collectively realize a business objective or policy goal,
normally, within the context of an organizational structure
defining functional roles and relationships.
Process Definition
1) The representation of a business process in a form which
supports automated manipulation, such as modeling, or enactment
by a workflow management system. The process definition consists
of a network of activities and their relationships, criteria
to indicate the start and termination of the process, and
information about the individual activities, such as participants,
associated IT applications and data, etc. 2) That part of
the process definition which comprises the automatable activities.
Process Definition Instance
The representation of a single enactment of a process. (See
also general entry on Instance).
Process Definition Mode
The time period when manual and/or automated (workflow) descriptions
of a process are defined and/or modified electronically.
Process Element
A description of a piece of work that forms one logical step
within a process. An activity may be a manual activity, which
does not support computer automation, or a workflow (automated)
activity. A workflow activity requires human resource and/or
machine resources to support process execution; where human
resource is required an activity is allocated to a workflow
participant.
Process Enactment
The time period during which the process is operational, with
process instances being created and managed.
Process Execution
The time period during which the process is operational, with
process instances being created and managed.
Process Execution Environment
A software service that may consist of one or more workflow
engines in order to create, manage and execute particular
workflow instances. Applications may interface to this service
via the workflow application programming interface (part
of WAPI).
Process Flow Data
Data that is used by a Workflow Management System to determine
the state transitions of a workflow instance, for example
within pre- and post-conditions, transition conditions or
workflow participant assignment.
Process Instance
The representation of a single enactment of a process. (See
also general entry on Instance).
Process Role
A mechanism that associates participants to a collection of
workflow activity(s).
Process Rule
A logical expression which may be evaluated by a workflow engine
to decide the sequence of activity execution within a process.
Process State
A representation of the internal conditions defining the status
of a process instance at a particular point in time. Most
workflow management systems maintain such status information
as part of their workflow control data.
Protocol
A standard that defines how computers on a network communicate
with one another. If two computers were running different
protocols, they would not be able to communicate.
PUB
File format for Microsoft Office Publisher program.
Query
For Indexing Service, a structured statement that specifies
the documents you want to find. The simplest query is a single
word.
Queue
Pronounced "Q." A temporary holding place for data.
RAID
Redundant Array of Independent Disks. A collection of hard
disks that act as a single unit. Files on RAID drives can
be duplicated (“mirrored”) to preserve data.
RAID systems may vary in levels of redundancy, with no redundancy
being a single, non-mirrored disk as level 0, two disks that
mirror each other as level 1, on up to level 5, the most
common.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Memory that can be read from or written to by a computer or
other devices. Information stored in RAM is lost when the
computer is turned off.
Raster
A pattern of horizontal lines (scan lines) that are displayed
on a TV or computer CRT. This is the origin of the term "raster
graphics," which refers to bitmapped images, or images
comprised of a matrix of pixels. Technically, a raster refers
to rows, not columns and rows, and hardware engineers prefer
the term "bitmapped" graphics when referring to
the images.
Rasterize
The process of creating a bitmapped image. A pattern of horizontal
lines (scan lines) that are displayed on a TV or computer
CRT. This is the origin of the term "raster graphics," which
refers to bitmapped images, or images comprised of a matrix
of pixels. Technically, a raster refers to rows, not columns
and rows, and hardware engineers prefer the term "bitmapped" graphics
when referring to the images.
Read Only
Capable of being displayed, but not modified or deleted.
Records Management
The planning, controlling, directing, organizing, training,
and other managerial activities involved with respect to
records creation, records maintenance and use, and records
disposition in order to achieve adequate and proper documentation
of the policies and transactions of the Federal Government
and effective and economical management of agency operations.
Redaction
A type of document annotation that provides word-level security
by concealing from view specific portions of sensitive documents.
Like all annotations in a document imaging system, redactions
should be image overlays that protect information but do
not alter original document images.
Refresh
To update displayed information with current data.
Region (of an image)
An area of an image file that is selected for specialized processing.
Also called a “zone.”
Rendezvous
A point in the workflow where two or more parallel executing
activities converge into a single common thread of control
(see Parallel Routing).
Resolution
Refers to the 'image-sharpness' of a document, usually measured
In dots (or pixels) per inch (dpi). Documents can be scanned
at various resolutions depending on your particular needs.
The higher the resolution of a document, the greater the
image-sharpness, and the larger the file size will be. Resolution
also refers to the image-sharpness that printers and monitors
are capable of reproducing.
Resolution (spacial)
Images measured in terms of pixels dots per inch or other linear
measure. The higher the number of pixels, the higher the
resolution.
Resolution (tonal)
Another way of describing the number of bits of information
per pixel, used for grayscale or color images.
Retention Period
The length of time documents must be stored and maintained
to satisfy business or legal requirements.
RMI
Remote Method Invocation) A standard from Sun for distributed
objects written in Java. RMI is a remote procedure call (RPC),
which allows Java objects (software components) stored in
the network to be run remotely. Unlike CORBA and DCOM objects,
which can be developed in different languages, RMI is designed
for objects written only in Java.
Role
Different users may require different levels of access rights
depending on what tasks they perform within a workflow process.
Roles are used to define a specific set of attributes, qualifications
and/or skills for each user. Individual user rights are based
on role permissions. Users are then assigned to groups and
participate in a shared work list within a workflow process.
A Group can be as small as a single individual, or as large
as the entire department. Members of the group are able to
perform tasks within an instance on behalf of the entire
group.
Role Model
A model which represents organizational entities and their
relationships; it may also incorporate a variety of attributes
associated with the entities, such as skills or role. Such
a model may be realized in a directory or other form of database.
Role Player
A resource which performs the work represented by a workflow
activity instance. This work is normally manifested as one
or more work items assigned to the workflow participant via
the work list.
Router
Equipment that receives an Internet packet and ends it to the
next machine in the destination path.
Routing Condition
A logical expression which may be evaluated by a workflow engine
to decide the sequence of activity execution within a process.
Routing Definition
The representation of a business process in a form which supports
automated manipulation, such as modeling, or enactment by
a workflow management system. The process definition consists
of a network of activities and their relationships, criteria
to indicate the start and termination of the process, and
information about the individual activities, such as participants,
associated IT applications and data, etc.
RTF
Rich Text Format File
Run Time Operation
The time period during which the process is operational, with
process instances being created and managed.
Sarbanes-Oxley
Section 404 compliance enforcement says companies must establish
an internal control system for tracking and auditing financial processes.
Scalability
A measure of how well a computer, service, or application can
grow to meet increasing performance demands. The capacity
of a system to expand without requiring major reconfiguration
or re-entry of data. Multiple servers or additional storage
can be easily added.
Scanner
An input device commonly used to convert paper documents into
computer images. Scanner devices are also available to scan
microfilm and microfiche.
SCSI
Small Computer Systems Interface. Pronounced “skuzzy.” A
standard for attaching peripherals (notably mass storage devices
and scanners) to computers. SCSI allows for up to 7 devices
to be attached in a chain via cables. The current SCSI standard
is “SCSI II,” also known as “Fast SCSI.”
SCSI Scanner Interface
SCSI Scanner Interface The device used to connect a scanner
with a computer.
Select List
A list on a form from which you can select one or more items
by clicking on the item(s). The way you select a font in
a Word Processing application is an example of how a Select
List behaves.
Sequential Routing
A segment of a process instance under enactment by a workflow
management system, in which several activities are executed
in sequence under a single thread of execution. (No AND-Split
or AND-Join conditions
Server
Refers to the piece of hardware or software that provides access
to information requested from it. Large sites will often
have several servers to distribute the load.
Signal
An occurrence of a particular condition (which may be internal
or external to the workflow management system) which causes
the workflow management software to take one or more actions.
For example the arrival of a particular type of email message
may cause the workflow system to start an instance of a specific
process definition. An event has two elements: 1. A Trigger,
or cause, which is the recognition of some predefined set
of circumstances associated with the operation of the system,
which causes a particular action to be taken 2. The Action
(or response) - which is the pre-defined system response
following a trigger condition
Simplex Scanner
Simplex scanners scan only one side of a double-sided page.
Sound File
A sound file contains information that Windows uses to play
sounds on your computer. Sound files have the file name extension
.wav.
SOX
see Sarbanes-Oxley
SQL
Structured Query Language. The popular standard for running
database searches (queries) and reports.
State Transition Diagram
The representation of a business process in a form which supports
automated manipulation, such as modeling, or enactment by
a workflow management system. The process definition consists
of a network of activities and their relationships, criteria
to indicate the start and termination of the process, and
information about the individual activities, such as participants,
associated IT applications and data, etc.
Step
A description of a piece of work that forms one logical step
within a process. An activity may be a manual activity, which
does not support computer automation, or a workflow (automated)
activity. A workflow activity requires human resource and/or
machine resources to support process execution; where human
resource is required an activity is allocated to a workflow
participant.
Step Instance
The representation of an activity within a (single) enactment
of a process, i.e. within a process instance. (See also general
entry on Instance)
Step State
A representation of the internal conditions defining the status
of an activity instance at a particular point in time. Most
workflow management systems maintain such status information
as part of their workflow control data.
Sub Process
A process that is enacted or called from another (initiating)
process (or sub process), and which forms part of the overall
(initiating) process. Multiple levels of sub process may
be supported.
Supervisor
A workflow system user who has special privileges allowing
various system set-up, control and management functions to
be performed. In some systems these tasks may be shared between
several administrators, each taking responsibility for separate
areas of administration.
Switch
A point within the workflow where a single thread of control
makes a decision upon which branch to take when encountered
with multiple alternative workflow branches.
Synchronization join
A point in the workflow where two or more parallel executing
activities converge into a single common thread of control
(see Parallel Routing).
Task
The representation of the work to be processed (by a workflow
participant) in the context of an activity within a process
instance.
Task Instance
The representation of an activity within a (single) enactment
of a process, i.e. within a process instance. (See also general
entry on Instance)
Task Manager
A software component that manages the interaction between the
user (or group of users) and the work list maintained by
a workflow engine. It enables work items to be passed from
the workflow management system to users and notifications
of completion or other work status conditions to be passed
between the user and the workflow management system.
TCP/IP
Network communications protocol. This is the protocol used
by the Internet.
Template
A template is used to temporarily store objects while they
are identified and processed in preparation of permanent
storage in the corresponding cabinet. For example, Accounting
Data, Patient Records, Personnel Files, etc
Text File
A file that contains only text characters. See ASCII file.
Contrast with graphics file and binary file.
Thumbnails
Small versions of an image used for quick overviews or to get
a general idea of what an image looks like.
Tif
see TIFF
Tiff
(Tagged Image File Format) A widely used bitmapped graphics
file format developed by Aldus and Microsoft that handles
monochrome, gray scale, 8-and 24-bit color. TIFF allows for
customization, and several versions have been created, which
does not guarantee compatibility between all programs. TIFF
files are compressed using several compression methods. LZW
provides ratios of about 1.5:1 to 2:1. Ratios of 10:1 to
20:1 are possible for documents with lots of white space
using ITU Group III and IV compression methods (fax).
TML
AIRO timeline file to manage on-air presentations.
To-Do-List
A list of work items associated with a given workflow participant
(or in some cases with a group of workflow participants who
may share a common work list). The work list forms part of
the interface between a workflow engine and the work list
handler.
Tool
1) A general term for a software program that interacts with
a workflow enactment service, handling part of the processing
required to support a particular activity (or activities).
2) An invoked application is a workflow application that
is invoked by the workflow management system to automate
an activity, fully or in part, or to support a workflow participant
in processing a work item.
Total Work Queue
The representation of all work items accessible from a particular
workflow engine
Transition
A point during the execution of a process instance where one
activity completes and the thread of control passes to another,
which starts. See also State Transition and Transition Condition
Transition Condition
A point during the execution of a process instance where one
activity completes and the thread of control passes to another,
which starts. See also State Transition and Transition Condition
Transition Conditions
A logical expression which may be evaluated by a workflow engine
to decide the sequence of activity execution within a process.
Transition Rule
A logical expression which may be evaluated by a workflow engine
to decide the sequence of activity execution within a process.
Tree View
A hierarchical representation of the folders, files, disk drives,
and other resources connected to a computer or network. For
example, Windows Explorer uses a tree view to display the
resources that are attached to a computer or a network.
Trigger
An occurrence of a particular condition (which may be internal
or external to the workflow management system) which causes
the workflow management software to take one or more actions.
For example the arrival of a particular type of email message
may cause the workflow system to start an instance of a specific
process definition. An event has two elements: 1. A Trigger,
or cause, which is the recognition of some predefined set
of circumstances associated with the operation of the system,
which causes a particular action to be taken 2. The Action
(or response) - which is the pre-defined system response
following a trigger condition
Twain
A scanning interface standard developed to address the need
for consistent, easy integration of scanners with document
imaging programs. Software programs that are written to support
the TWAIN standard are capable of controlling any TWAIN compliant
scanner.
Twain Device
Any device that uses a Twain driver. NETtrieve uses Twain devices
(scanners) to input information.
TWAIN Driver
Specialized application used for communication between scanners
and computers. NETtrieve fully supports TWAIN.
TXT
A file that contains data made up of ASCII characters. It is
essentially raw text just like the words you're reading now.
Each byte in the file contains one character that conforms
to the standard ASCII code. Program source code, batch files,
macros and scripts are straight text and stored as ASCII
files. Text editors (Notepad, DOS Editor, Brief, etc.) and
a few word processors, such as XyWrite, create ASCII files
as their native file format.
TXT File
See ASCII File
User
A person who uses a computer. If the computer is connected
to a network, a user can access the programs and files on
the computer, as well as programs and files located on
the network.(depending
on account restrictions)
User Groups
A group of participants exhibiting a specific set of attributes,
qualifications and/or skills.
Vector
In computer graphics, a line designated by its end points (X-Y
or X-Y-Z coordinates). When a circle is drawn, it is made
up of many small vectors. See vector graphics and graphics.
Vector Graphics
In computer graphics, a technique for representing a picture
as points, lines and other geometric entities. Vector graphics
typically take up considerably less file space, because they
are a mathematical representation of the elements of the
image, rather than a matrix of pixels. All computer-aided
design (CAD), drawing and diagramming programs create vector
graphics formats. For more details about this technique,
see graphics. Contrast with bitmapped graphics. See graphics
formats.
Version Control
Procedures to identify the authorship and the sequence of different versions
of a document.
Video Clip
A short video sequence such as avi, or mpg. Voice Annotation
A comment stored within a folder as a different document type
of attachment to a document. Voice annotation is another
method of performing document markup. If the computer is
equipped with a microphone, the reviewer can voice his comments
orally instead of writing them. These voice annotations are
digitized and stored with the document. When a reader of
the document chooses to hear the voice annotation, the spoken
message is played back through the computer's speakers.
WAV
The native digital audio format in Windows. Using the .WAV
file extension, 8-bit or 16-bit samples can be taken at rates
of 11,025 Hz, 22,050 Hz and 44,100 Hz. The highest quality
(16-bit at 44,100 Hz) uses 88KB of storage per second. Windows
uses WAV files for general system sounds, and new WAV files
can be placed in the Windows Media folder (\windows\media
or \winnt\media) and assigned in the Sounds control panel.
WAX
Audio Advanced Streaming Format
WFM Application
A software component that manages the interaction between the
user (or group of users) and the work list maintained by
a workflow engine. It enables work items to be passed from
the workflow management system to users and notifications
of completion or other work status conditions to be passed
between the user and the workflow management system.
WFM Front End
A software component that manages the interaction between the
user (or group of users) and the work list maintained by
a workflow engine. It enables work items to be passed from
the workflow management system to users and notifications
of completion or other work status conditions to be passed
between the user and the workflow management system.
While Loop
A workflow activity cycle involving the repetitive execution
of one (or more) workflow activity(s) until a condition is
met.
WKS
Lotus Spreadsheet File. Microsoft's Excel will open and save
to this format as well.
WMA
Windows uses the ASF (Active Streaming Format) for delivering
audio and video over the Web or private intranets. Microsoft's
Windows Media Player and RealNetworks' RealOne player are
popular client programs that play this format. Three file
extensions are used for Windows streaming, and all use the
same uncompressed ASF file format. If an audio file is compressed
by the Windows Media Audio codec, it is given a .WMA extension.
If a video file is compressed with the Windows Media Video
codec, it is named a .WMV file. Any other compression method
produces an .ASF file. To accommodate earlier streaming players,
.WMA and .WMV files can be renamed .ASF files. In addition
to the content files, there are several playlist metafile
formats that are used to hold descriptions of the content
and the location of the files on remote servers. The playlist
metafiles also serve as playlists for locally stored files.
Work
The representation of the work to be processed (by a workflow
participant) in the context of an activity within a process
instance.
Work Element
A description of a piece of work that forms one logical step
within a process. An activity may be a manual activity, which
does not support computer automation, or a workflow (automated)
activity. A workflow activity requires human resource and/or
machine resources to support process execution; where human
resource is required an activity is allocated to a workflow
participant.
Work Element Instance
The representation of an activity within a (single) enactment
of a process, i.e. within a process instance. (See also general
entry on Instance)
Work Item
The representation of the work to be processed (by a workflow
participant) in the context of an activity within a process
instance.
Work Item Pool
The representation of all work items accessible from a particular
workflow engine.
Work Object
The representation of the work to be processed (by a workflow
participant) in the context of an activity within a process
instance.
Work Perform
An invoked application is a workflow application that is invoked
by the workflow management system to automate an activity,
fully or in part, or to support a workflow participant in
processing a work item.
Work Performer
A resource which performs the work represented by a workflow
activity instance. This work is normally manifested as one
or more work items assigned to the workflow participant via
the work list
Work Pool Item
The representation of the work to be processed (by a workflow
participant) in the context of an activity within a process
instance.
Work Queue
A list of work items associated with a given workflow participant
(or in some cases with a group of workflow participants who
may share a common work list). The work list forms part of
the interface between a workflow engine and the work list
handler.
Work Queue Item
The representation of the work to be processed (by a workflow
participant) in the context of an activity within a process
instance.
Workflow
(Ad-Hoc) A simple manual process by which documents can be
moved around a multi-user imaging system on an “as-needed” basis.(Rule
Based) A programmed series of automated steps that route
documents to various users on a multi-user imaging system.
Workflow Activity
An activity which is capable of computer automation using a
workflow management system to manage the activity during
execution of the business process of which it forms a part.
Workflow Application
A general term for a software program that interacts with a
workflow enactment service, handling part of the processing
required to support a particular activity (or activities).
Workflow Automation
A system that defines, creates, and manages the execution of
workflows through the use of software, running on one or
more workflow engines, which is able to interpret the process
definition, interact with workflow participants and, where
required, invoke the use of IT tools and applications.
Workflow Computing
The automation of a business process, in a whole or part, during
which documents, information, or tasks are passed from one
participant to another for action, according to a set of
procedural rules.
Workflow Computing System
A system that defines, creates, and manages the execution of
workflows through the use of software, running on one or
more workflow engines, which is able to interpret the process
definition, interact with workflow participants and, where
required, invoke the use of IT tools and applications.
Workflow Control Data
Data that is managed by the Workflow Management System and/or
a Workflow Engine. Such data is internal to the workflow
management system and is not normally accessible to applications.
Workflow Definition
That part of the process definition which comprises the automatable
activities.
Workflow Definition Instance
The representation of a single enactment of a process. (See
also general entry on Instance).
Workflow Domain
A workflow management service that consists of one or more
workflow engines which are managed as a homogeneous unit,
operating to a common administrative model.
Workflow Enactment Service
A software service that may consist of one or more workflow
engines in order to create, manage and execute particular
workflow instances. Applications may interface to this service
via the workflow application programming interface (part
of WAPI).
Workflow Enactment Service State Data
Data that is managed by the Workflow Management System and/or
a Workflow Engine. Such data is internal to the workflow
management system and is not normally accessible to applications.
Workflow Engine
A software service or "engine" that provides the
run time execution environment for a process instance.
Workflow Engine State Data
Data that is managed by the Workflow Management System and/or
a Workflow Engine. Such data is internal to the workflow
management system and is not normally accessible to applications
Workflow Execution
(strictly this refers only to the automated parts of process
execution) The time period during which the process is operational,
with process instances being created and managed.
Workflow History
A historical record of the progress of a process instance from
start to completion or termination. Such data normally incorporates
information on the state transitions of the process instance.
Workflow Interoperability
The ability for two or more Workflow Engines to communicate
and work together to co-ordinate work.
Workflow Interoperability Contract
A pre-established contract between organizations which defines
the scope, business and technical framework of workflow interoperability.
Workflow Loop
A workflow activity cycle involving the repetitive execution
of one (or more) workflow activity(s) until a condition is
met.
Workflow Management
The automation of a business process, in a whole or part, during
which documents, information, or tasks are passed from one
participant to another for action, according to a set of
procedural rules.
Workflow Management Engine
A software service or "engine" that provides the
run time execution environment for a process instance.
Workflow Management System
A system that defines, creates, and manages the execution of
workflows through the use of software, running on one or
more workflow engines, which is able to interpret the process
definition, interact with workflow participants and, where
required, invoke the use of IT tools and applications.
Workflow Manager
A system that defines, creates, and manages the execution of
workflows through the use of software, running on one or
more workflow engines, which is able to interpret the process
definition, interact with workflow participants and, where
required, invoke the use of IT tools and applications.
Workflow Monitoring
The ability to track and report on workflow events during workflow
execution.
Workflow Participant
A resource which performs the work represented by a workflow
activity instance. This work is normally manifested as one
or more work items assigned to the workflow participant via
the work list
Workflow Performer Definition
A mechanism that associates participants to a collection of
workflow activity(s).
Workflow Relevant Data
Data that is used by a Workflow Management System to determine
the state transitions of a workflow instance, for example
within pre- and post-conditions, transition conditions or
workflow participant assignment.
Workflow Script
The representation of a business process in a form which supports
automated manipulation, such as modeling, or enactment by
a workflow management system. The process definition consists
of a network of activities and their relationships, criteria
to indicate the start and termination of the process, and
information about the individual activities, such as participants,
associated IT applications and data, etc.
Workflow Service
A workflow management service that consists of one or more
workflow engines which are managed as a homogeneous unit,
operating to a common administrative model.
Workflow Software
Software that allows businesses to move electronic documents
along a user-defined 'routing' path, from one workstation
to the next, around a local or wide-area network. Once the
document arrives at any given workstation, the receiver can
add notations to, or modify, the document as they see fit.
An insurance company might use workflow software to route
claim forms through their organization. A user at one step
might wish to review the forms and add a new document to
the electronic 'package' before sending it to the next workstation.
The next user might wish to add several notations to the
forms before sending it on to the final workstation for approval.
The route can be as simple or as complex as a business process
requires.
Workflow State
A representation of the internal conditions defining the status
of a process instance at a particular point in time. Most
workflow management systems maintain such status information
as part of their workflow control data.
Workflow System Data
Data that is managed by the Workflow Management System and/or
a Workflow Engine. Such data is internal to the workflow
management system and is not normally accessible to applications
Workflow To-Do List Application
A software component that manages the interaction between the
user (or group of users) and the work list maintained by
a workflow engine. It enables work items to be passed from
the workflow management system to users and notifications
of completion or other work status conditions to be passed
between the user and the workflow management system.
Workflow Tracking
The ability to track and report on workflow events during workflow
execution.
Work list
A list of work items associated with a given workflow participant
(or in some cases with a group of workflow participants who
may share a common work list). The work list forms part of
the interface between a workflow engine and the work list
handler.
Work list Handler
A software component that manages the interaction between the
user (or group of users) and the work list maintained by
a workflow engine. It enables work items to be passed from
the workflow management system to users and notifications
of completion or other work status conditions to be passed
between the user and the workflow management system.
WORM
Write Once Read Many Disks. A popular archival storage media
during the 1980s. Acknowledged as the first optical disks,
they are primarily used to store archives of data that cannot
be altered. WORM disks are created by standalone PCs and
cannot be used on the network, unlike CD-Rs.
WYSIWYG
What You See Is What You Get. Essentially, it means that what
you see on the screen is the result you get. Some HTML editing
programs have this facility so that you essentially draw
and type on the screen what you want and the program takes
care of the coding for you.
XLS
Microsoft Office Excel worksheet file format.
Zone OCR
An add-on feature of the imaging software that populates document
templates by reading certain regions or zones of a document,
and then placing the text into a document index field. |
