A Business Process Modeling and Simulation Method Using DEMO

This paper investigates two research questions that resulted in a method that allows building business process models based on formal semantics of Petri net, but using a non-conventional frame-work, theoretically based on the DEMO Transaction Concept.

Abstract

Traditionally, business processes models are constructed using graphical notations that do not lend to model checking or simulation, e.g., Flow Chart models or UML diagrams. To check whether business process models are syntactically correct, the models are either translated to other diagrams with formal semantics or the validation is carried out manually. This approach poses two issues: first, models not lending to automatic analysis will hardly allow thorough insight into the dynamic behavior of the system under consideration; second, when manual checking for small models may seem trivial, it is almost impossible for complex models. In this paper we investigate two research questions that resulted in a method that allows building business process models based on formal semantics of Petri net, but using a non-conventional frame-work. The proposed method is theoretically based on the DEMO Transaction Concept. The questions studied in this paper concern graphical extension of Petri nets for business process modeling, and developing a framework (guide-lines) applying the proposed method.