Siebel Business Process Framework: Task UI Guide > Overview of the Business Process Framework >

About Siebel Task UI

Task UI extends business process automation to the level of user interaction. Tasks are multiple-step, interactive operations that can include branching and decision logic. Task UI's wizard-like user interface guides the end user through task execution, allows navigation both forward and backward within task execution, and allows task execution to be paused and resumed as needed. This combination of features helps tasks to increase the efficiency of users by guiding them through the execution of unfamiliar tasks. Task UI can also increase the efficiency of busy veteran users, especially those working in environments that are prone to interruption, because it allows for easy switching between multiple tasks throughout the working day.

Figure 1 shows an example of a task view in a Task UI application.

Figure 1. Example of a Task View in Task UI

A task comprises a distinct set of operations performed by a single end user, such as filling out an expense report. A task can also be incorporated as a step within one or more broader-based Siebel workflows. In this way, a task can be part of the defining of end-to-end business processes spanning multiple roles, such as the process for routing an expense report through multiple levels of review and approval. A task can also help define integration with external systems, such as for account setup and provisioning.

Task UI's features include:

• Directing forward and backward navigation through multiple pages.
• Providing extensive user guidance and supporting information to effect the accurate execution of complex processes, complemented by effective, on-point communication. For example, Task UI can guide the process of gathering all of the information and applying the logic to complete a financial needs analysis, the recommendations from which must then be sold back to the customer.
• Incorporating decision processes requiring complex business logic to determine the appropriate sequence of activities and content at each step. For example, Task UI can be configured to present appropriate upgrade or upsell products based on the customer's geography and current products.
• Applying sophisticated validation to enforce business rules in the execution of a business process, such as making sure that the customer provides a written statement of fact within 14 days of opening a credit card dispute (otherwise, the case will be closed automatically).
• Incorporating integration to external data or services into the processing of a task—such as invoking an external credit engine to determine an applicant's creditworthiness when taking an application, and then submitting identification information to the customer master database for validation.
• Coordinating multiple actions comprising a logical transaction that must either finish successfully or be completely rolled back, such as when executing a transfer of funds between financial accounts.
• Improving efficiency through next steps capabilities and tight integration with analytics.
• Allowing standardization of corporate business procecess.