A computer program enables generation, in the form of graphical representations of process flows with embedded natural-language policy statements, input to a suite of policy-, process-, and performance-based management (P3BM) software developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Like the program described in the immediately preceding article, this program (1) serves as an interface between users and the Hunter software, which translates the input into machine-readable form; and (2) enables users to initialize and monitor the policy-implementation process.
This program provides an intuitive graphical interface for incorporating natural-language policy statements into business-process flow diagrams. Thus, the program enables users who dictate policies to intuitively embed their intended process flows as they state the policies, reducing the likelihood of errors and reducing the time between declaration and execution of policy.
This program was written by Mark James, Hsin-Ping Chang, Edward T. Chow, and Gerald A. Crichton of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For more information, download the Technical Support Package (free white paper) at www.techbriefs.com /tsp under the Software category.
In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to:
Innovative Technology Assets Management
JPL
Mail Stop 202-233
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena, CA 91109-8099
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Refer to NPO-45821, volume and number of this NASA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Policy Process Editor for P3BM Software
(reference NPO-45821) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) detailing the Policy Process Editor for the P³BM (Policy, Process, and Performance Based Management) software. This software aims to automate the execution of natural language enterprise policies, providing a user-friendly interface for management, engineers, and operators.
The core functionality of the software is to allow users to graphically generate process flows that incorporate natural language policy statements. This is achieved through a front-end interface that organizes and stores data in external Business Process Execution Language (BPEL) files, which can optionally be housed in a predefined database structure. The software also features a built-in communications interface that connects to JPL’s HUNTER tool and SHINE knowledge base instances, facilitating the translation of natural language policies into computer-readable formats.
Traditionally, the process of translating high-level management policies into operational execution steps involves multiple layers of manual interpretation, which can lead to errors and inefficiencies. The Policy Process Editor addresses this challenge by streamlining the process, allowing policy creators to intuitively embed their intended process flows directly as they input policies. This significantly reduces the time required to move from policy declaration to execution—from days to mere minutes—while also minimizing the risk of confusion and errors.
The software is currently being integrated into a prototype and demonstration as part of a Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA)-funded P³BM effort in collaboration with the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) and Telcordia. Additionally, it is being utilized in a Northrop Grumman-funded P³BM initiative.
The document emphasizes the importance of this software in enhancing command and control over enterprise hardware and software systems, making it a valuable tool for improving operational efficiency within JPL and potentially beyond. It also highlights the broader implications of this technology for aerospace-related developments, suggesting its potential for wider technological, scientific, or commercial applications.
For further inquiries or assistance, the document provides contact information for the Innovative Technology Assets Management at JPL, ensuring that interested parties can access additional resources or support related to the software and its applications.
