A service-based workflow model for virtual enterprise

Some modeling methods of virtual enterprise have been proposed such as workflow coordination modeling, supply chain modeling and agent-based modeling. But they all have some insufficient in some aspects to be improved. For example, they are difficult to be realized in process dynamic optimization. This paper proposes a service-based model for Virtual Enterprise workflows. Modeling the workflow execution as a cooperation of services allows different organizations to interact via well-defined interfaces. The paper primarily covers three models: the conceptual model of workflow for virtual enterprise, the service model and the execution model, it discusses the agile service choice and transfer mechanism of the virtual enterprise and shows how the execution can be optimized by selecting services depending on their contribution to quality criteria of the workflow. The model proposed in this paper has referenced and practical value for the thorough research and realization of the system.