Visual Languages and Methods for Business Process Modeling: Development Prospects and Training Issues

Barcelona, Spain, October 7-8, 2002: Graph-Based Tools (GraBaTs 2002)

Die Entwicklung von verschiedensten Technologien für verteilte Systeme ist rasant vorangegangen und hat zu einer stetig wachsenden Komplexität von Softwaresystemen dieser Art geführt. Deshalb ist ein präziser Entwurf von verteilten Systemen, der zumindest die wichtigsten Systemaspekte modelliert, sinnvoll. Die Verwendung von formalen Methoden ist üblicherweise auf wenige Aspekte, wie z.B. Performanz und Korrektheit von verteilten Algorithmen, beschränkt. Konsistenzeigenschaften, wie sie beispielsweise bei der gemeinsamen Datennutzung durch verschiedene Prozesse auftreten, sind noch nicht hinreichend untersucht worden. Diese Arbeit befasst sich mit Modellierungs- und Validationskonzepten für verteilte Systeme, wobei wir uns auf die Unified Modeling Language (UML) als visuelle Modellierungssprache sowie Graphtransformation als formalen Validationskalkül einschränken. Um die wichtigsten Anforderungen an das Modellieren von verteilten Systemen zu erfüllen, wurden eine Reihe von Spracherweiterungen an der UML durchgeführt. Zur visuellen Validation von verteilten Systemaspekten wurde der formale Kalkül der verteilten Graphtransformation entwickelt. Dieser Kalkül unterstützt im wesentlichen den Nachweis von Konsistenz- und Nebenläufigkeitsaussagen. Graphen spielen eine zentrale Rolle, wenn es um die präzise Definition der Syntax und Semantik von visuellen Modellierungssprachen geht, denn sie eignen sich hervorragend zum Speichern von mehrdimensionalen Strukturen, speziell visuellen Repräsentationsstrukturen. Folglich sind Graphgrammatiken eine vielversprechende Technik zur Definition von visuellen Sprachen. Theoretische Resultate für Graphtransformation können gewinnbringend eingesetzt werden, um den Parsierungsprozess von visuellen Darstellungen zu beschleunigen und um das funktionale Verhalten von Modeltransformationen zu zeigen. Im Vergleich zu anderen Ansätzen zur Definition von visuellen Sprachen erlauben Graphgrammatiken eine vollständig visuelle Definition, die alle strukturellen Aspekte visuell behandelt. Der in der Arbeit vorgestellte Ansatz stellt eine Grundlage für die präzise Syntax- und Semantikdefinition von visuellen Modellierungssprachen für verteilte Systeme dar.

This book covers the whole spectrum of modeling goals to achieve optimal quality in the process model developed. It focuses on how to balance quality considerations across all semiotic levels when models are used for different purposes, and is based on SEQUAL, a framework for understanding the quality of models and modeling languages, which can take into account all main aspects relating to the quality of models.Chapter 1 focuses on the theoretical foundations, introducing readers to the topics of business processes and business process modeling, as well as the most important concept underlying the modeling of business processes. In turn, Chapter 2 addresses the quality of models in general and business process models in particular. Chapter 3 contains a specialization of SEQUAL for quality of business process models. In Chapter 4, examples of the practical uses of business process models are provided, together with the results of detailed case studies on how to achieve and maintain quality in business process models. Chapter 5 presents a process modeling value framework that demonstrates how to achieve more long-term and higher return on investment with regard to (business) process and enterprise models. Lastly, Chapter 6 reviews the main points of the book and discusses the potential for business process modeling in the future through its combination with other types of modeling.The book has two intended audiences. It is primarily intended for computer science, software engineering and information system students at the postgraduate level who want to know more about business process modeling and the quality of models in preparation for professional practice. The second audience consists of professionals with extensive experience in and responsibilities related to the development and evolution of process-oriented information systems and information systems methodologies in general, who need to formalize and structure their practical experience or update their knowledge as a way to improve their professional activity. The book also includes a number of real-world case studies that make it easier to grasp the main theoretical concepts, helping readers apply the approaches described.

Process-Driven Approach within the Engineering Domain by Combining Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) with Process Engines

Visual suggestions for improvements in business process diagrams

Often the most effective diagrams are those which are very simple. However there is a strong tendency, particularly prevalent in visual formal modelling and specification languages, to take a diagrammatic language which at core is very simple, and then add many extensions and features to make it more expressive - often making it so expressive that the diagrams produced in the language are no longer readable; or at least, the diagrams are no longer obviously a more effective form of representation than a text-based one. Both the design of effective visual formal modelling and specification languages, and the effective formalisation of (the semantics of) such visual languages requires the unification of results from visual language theory, cognitive science, empirical psychology and graphic design. Integrating results from such diverse fields is a non-trivial task, which may be approached through a decomposition of the study of issues of effectiveness in diagrammatic languages according to analogous understandings of (written and spoken) natural languages.

Business process management has become increasingly important in the manufacturing sector, playing a vital role in fostering productivity and facilitating organizational adaptability to technological advancements. Although each company’s business process models vary in uniqueness and complexity, certain similarities can be identified from these differences. This study employs a systematic literature review to aggregate and summarize findings on business process models, modeling languages, clustering techniques, and foundational clustering principles. Results demonstrate the dearth of research on the grouping of business process models in the manufacturing industry. Several studies have focused on sectors such as services, trading, and insurance. Research specifically addressing clustering in the manufacturing sector is limited. Existing clustering efforts in manufacturing revolve around groupings related to product defects, industrial locations, business ecosystems, and similar factors. Analysis of the methods, scope, and criteria used in grouping business process models in the manufacturing industry indicates that most approaches rely on structural or graphic similarities. Follow-up research is lacking once these business process clusters are identified. This study proposes a novel approach to grouping, integrating business process modeling with the implementation of a management information system. Business process management relies on integrating departments within the company through an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The next step involves proposing a conceptual framework to categorize business processes and assess the comparability of models in the manufacturing sector. Future research directions are also delineated.

Defining the abstract syntax of visual languages with advanced graph grammars—A case study based on behavior trees

The most common way to model business processes is to use a graphical modeling language. The most widespread notation are business process diagrams modeled in the language BPMN. In this paper, we formalize structural patterns that can lead to control flow errors in such graphical models. For expressing such error patterns, we use the visual query language BPMN-Q . By using a query processor, a business process modeler is able to identify possible errors in business process diagrams. Moreover, the erroneous parts of the business process diagram can be highlighted when an instance of an error pattern is found. This way, the modeler gets an easyto-understand feedback in the visual modeling language he or she is familiar with.

BackgroundPatient pathways (PPs) are presented as a panacea solution to enhance health system functions. It is a complex concept that needs to be described and communicated well. Modeling plays a crucial role in promoting communication, fostering a shared understanding, and streamlining processes. Only a few existing systematic reviews have focused on modeling methods and standardized modeling languages. There remains a gap in consolidated knowledge regarding the use of diverse visual modeling languages.ObjectiveThis scoping review aimed to compile visual modeling languages used to represent PPs, including the justifications and the context in which a modeling language was adopted, adapted, combined, or developed.MethodsAfter initial experimentation with the keywords used to describe the concepts of PPs and visual modeling languages, we developed a search strategy that was further refined and customized to the major databases identified as topically relevant. In addition, we consulted gray literature and conducted hand searches of the referenced articles. Two reviewers independently screened the articles in 2 stages using preset inclusion criteria, and a third reviewer voted on the discordance. Data charting was done using an iteratively developed form in the Covidence software. Descriptive and thematic summaries were presented following rounds of discussion to produce the final report.ResultsOf 1838 articles retrieved after deduplication, 22 satisfied our inclusion criteria. Clinical pathway is the most used phrase to represent the PP concept, and most papers discussed the concept without providing their operational definition. We categorized the visual modeling languages into five categories: (1) general purpose–modeling language (GPML) adopted without major extension or modification, (2) GPML used with formal extension recommendations, (3) combination of 2 or more modeling languages, (4) a developed domain-specific modeling language (DSML), and (5) ontological modeling languages. The justifications for adopting, adapting, combining, and developing visual modeling languages varied accordingly and ranged from versatility, expressiveness, tool support, and extensibility of a language to domain needs, integration, and simplification.ConclusionsVarious visual modeling languages were used in PP modeling, each with varying levels of abstraction and granularity. The categorization we made could aid in a better understanding of the complex combination of PP and modeling languages. Standardized GPMLs were used with or without any modifications. The rationale to propose any modification to GPMLs evolved as more evidence was presented following requirement analyses to support domain constructs. DSMLs are infrequently used due to their resource-intensive development, often initiated at a project level. The justifications provided and the context where DSMLs were created are paramount. Future studies should assess the merits and demerits of using a visual modeling language to facilitate PP communications among stakeholders and use evaluation frameworks to identify, modify, or develop them, depending on the scope and goal of the modeling need.

PurposeThis paper aims to present how iterative round‐trip modelling between two different business process modelling tools can be enabled on a conceptual level. Iterative round‐trip modelling addresses model transformations between high‐level business and executable process models, and how to maintain these transformations in change time. Currently, the development of these process models is supported by different tools. To the authors' best knowledge, no coherent collaborative tool environment exists that supports iterative round‐trip modelling.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is primarily based on a literature review of state‐of‐the‐art business to IT transformations regarding business process modelling. The architecture of integrated information systems (ARIS) and Cordys tools are used as an example case in this research. ARIS is a business process analysis (BPA) tool suited for analyzing and designing business processes, while the execution and monitoring of these processes is allowed by Cordys, a business process management suite (BPMS). The theory is used for transforming between ARIS event‐driven process chains from the business perspective and business process modelling notation in Cordys from the IT perspective.FindingsA conceptual framework is proposed to couple a BPA and BPMS tool for round‐trip business process modelling. The framework utilizes concepts from the model‐driven architecture for structurally addressing interoperability and model transformations. Ensuring iterative development with two tools requires traceability of model transformations.Practical implicationsIn many organizations, BPA and BPMS tools are used for business process modelling. These are in practice often two different worlds, while they concern around the same business processes. Maintaining multiple versions of the same process models across two tools is a considerable task, as they often are subject to design changes. Interoperability between a BPA and BPMS tool will minimize redundant activities, and reduce business to IT deployment time.Originality/valueThis research provides a theoretical base for coupling a BPA and BPMS tool regarding iterative round‐trip modelling. It provides an overview of the current state‐of‐the‐art literature of business process modelling transformations, and what is necessary for maintaining interoperability between tools. The findings indicate what is expected in tool support for iterative development in business process modelling from analysis and design to execution.

The article is aimed to draw the attention to the essential features of the business processes and business systems in the context of their modeling. We follow the root ideas of cybernetics in order to explain the concept of intentionality and its consequences in business system modeling as well as its impact on the business process modeling methodology and language. Possible way of refl ecting these ideas in the business processes modeling methodology is outlined using the example of the process meta-model and business process patterns from the MMABP methodology. Then the concept of causality in business systems is explained and relevant informatics theories and techniques for modeling the real world causality are introduced in this context. Particular attention is paid to the topic of relationships between both basic types of the business system models: intentional business process and causal ontology model. General rules and principles of the consistency of models are discussed together with their methodological consequences. Basic types of the consistency of models – completeness and correctness – are identifi ed and also the specifi c topic of ‘structural consistency’ is introduced in this context. In the conclusions section the needed refl ection of these essential features in the modeling languages and methodology is analyzed and the basic insuffi ciencies of the contemporary approaches to the business process modeling are pointed out together with the outline of possible ways of their overcoming. As the main challenges in the fi eld of business process modeling methodology and languages we particularly identify the need for respecting all consequences of the fact that business process has to be always taken as a purposeful process as well as the need for implementing the self-perception of the process in order to allow it achieving the higher orders of prediction.

Business process modeling is one of the important steps in business process reengineering. An analysis of business processes usually starts with a description of the processes in natural language and ends with diagrams for professional communication or computerization. There has been little research into the development of a comprehensive method to provide full support to the analyst in the course of business process modeling. This article proposes an approach which is a synthesis of natural language, semantic networks, and objects. An example is used to demonstrate that the proposed approach is an effective method for transforming natural language descriptions into object‐oriented diagrams via the application of semantic networks.RésuméLe modelage des procédes d'affaires représente une des étapes importantes à la restructuration de ceux‐ci. Une analyse classique des formules en débute par une description en langage naturel et termine avec le développement de schémas destinés soit à la communication professionnelle, soit à l'informatisation. Les pos‐sibilités de pleinement soutenir l'analyste qui travaille dans ce domaine n'ont été que peu recherchées, d'où l'objet de cet article. Nous développerons ici l'idée que le modelage des procédés d'affaires équivaut à une syn‐thèse du langage naturel, d'un ensemble de formules sémantiques, et d'objets. Un exemple sera fourni par lequel l'efficacité de l'dée proposée pour transformer les descriptions traditionnelles en schémas objet‐centraux sous l'influence des principes sémantiques sera soulignée.

The design of a visual modeling language demands for a large number of decisions to be taken, depending on the intended purposes of the language, the domain context, and the goals and requirements of different stakeholders who are the prospective users of the language. Methodical support for the design and choice of visual modeling languages plays an important role in Enterprise Modeling (EM), because EM strongly relies on the use of visual modeling languages for expressing human-understandable abstractions of complex domain contexts. However, existing research primarily discusses individual design aspects of visual modeling languages. The results of these studies partially overlap or contradict each other. The work at hand introduces an approach for systematically identifying and managing trade-offs between competing design recommendations, as well as for gaining an integrated multi-perspective view on requirements towards visual modeling languages. We demonstrate the feasibility of the approach by reconsidering some design decisions taken for the widely used Business Process Modeling and Notation (BPMN) language.

A company must maintain the stability of its business processes. To ensure smooth business operations, one approach is to enhance competitive quality for consumers. Maintaining consumer trust can be achieved by ensuring the stability of quality products and fast service. This study was conducted at PT. Dwi Putra Manunggal, located in Malang Regency, East Java. The company faces inefficiencies in its distribution process, causing delays in getting products to consumers. To improve business processes, an analysis using the Business Process Improvement (BPI) method can be performed. BPI is used to find solutions to ongoing business process issues. To evaluate and implement improvements, modeling notation written in Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) can be used, providing stakeholders with an overview of the business process improvements made. By using BPMN notation, the actual (as-is) and recommended (to-be) business process simulations and models can be identified. As a result, PT. Dwi Putra Manunggal's business processes need improvement through BPI, with several parts of the business process requiring simplification. The simplification, simulated and modeled using BPMN, results in a minimum time of 7 hours, a maximum time of 13 hours, and an average time of 13 hours and 10 minutes.A company must maintain the stability of its business processes. To ensure smooth business operations, one approach is to enhance competitive quality for consumers. Maintaining consumer trust can be achieved by ensuring the stability of quality products and fast service. This study was conducted at PT. Dwi Putra Manunggal, located in Malang Regency, East Java. The company faces inefficiencies in its distribution process, causing delays in getting products to consumers. To improve business processes, an analysis using the Business Process Improvement (BPI) method can be performed. BPI is used to find solutions to ongoing business process issues. To evaluate and implement improvements, modeling notation written in Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) can be used, providing stakeholders with an overview of the business process improvements made. By using BPMN notation, the actual (as-is) and recommended (to-be) business process simulations and models can be identified. As a result, PT. Dwi Putra Manunggal's business processes need improvement through BPI, with several parts of the business process requiring simplification. The simplification, simulated and modeled using BPMN, results in a minimum time of 7 hours, a maximum time of 13 hours, and an average time of 13 hours and 10 minutes.Keywords: BPI, BPMN, Modeling and Simulation, Distribution