Formalizing workflows using the event calculus

Abstract

The event calculus is a logic programming formalism for representing events and their effects especially in database applications. This paper presents the use of the event calculus for specifying and simulating workflows. The proposed framework maintains a representation of the dynamic world being modeled on the basis of user supplied axioms about preconditions and effects of events and the initial state of the world. The net effect is that a workflow specification can be made at a higher level of abstraction. Within this framework it is possible to model sequential and concurrent activities with synchronization when necessary. It is also possible to model agent assignment and concurrent workflow instances.