1. An apparatus implemented on a programmed computer for generating rules in a format acceptable to a rules engine for automating a business process, said business process having functions, variables and project properties, said apparatus comprising: a developer interface having plural dialog boxes for defining functions, variables and project properties of a business process to be automated, wherein said project properties have an activity class defined in the project properties which project properties include an executable, a path to said executable, a startup argument, a resource file, a resource file deployment path, a rules file, a rules file deployment path, and a list of excludable modules; an editing interface for designing a flow diagram using shapes and connectors selected from a pre-selected list of shapes and connectors, said flow diagram being based on said business process, said shapes and connectors being software objects carrying said functions and variables; and a rules generator that parses said flow diagram and, using said functions and variables carried by said shapes and connectors, generates rules in a form adapted for use by a rules engine for automatically implementing said business process.
1. An apparatus implemented on a programmed computer for generating rules in a format acceptable to a rules engine for automating a business process, said business process having functions, variables and project properties, said apparatus comprising: a developer interface having plural dialog boxes for defining functions, variables and project properties of a business process to be automated, wherein said project properties have an activity class defined in the project properties which project properties include an executable, a path to said executable, a startup argument, a resource file, a resource file deployment path, a rules file, a rules file deployment path, and a list of excludable modules; an editing interface for designing a flow diagram using shapes and connectors selected from a pre-selected list of shapes and connectors, said flow diagram being based on said business process, said shapes and connectors being software objects carrying said functions and variables; and a rules generator that parses said flow diagram and, using said functions and variables carried by said shapes and connectors, generates rules in a form adapted for use by a rules engine for automatically implementing said business process. 18. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 , wherein said rules include start rule shapes, intermediate rule shapes and end rule shapes.