Business Process Model And Notation Research Articles

T ransforming A utomatically B PMN Models to S mart Contracts with Nested Trade Transactions (TABS+)

Development of blockchain smart contracts is more difficult than mainstream software development because the underlying blockchain infrastructure poses additional complexity. To ease the developer's task of writing smart contract, we use Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) modeling to describe application requirements for trade of goods and services and then transform automatically the BPMN model into the methods of a smart contract. In our previous research we described our approach and a tool to T ransform A utomatically B PMN models into S mart contracts ( TABS ). In this paper, we describe how the TABS approach is augmented with the support for a BPMN trade transaction that is a collaboration by several actors. Our approach analyzes the BPMN model to determine which patterns in the BPMN model are suitable for use as trade transactions and show those patterns to the developer who decides which ones should be deployed as trade transactions. We describe how our approach automatically transforms the BPMN model into a smart contract that provides a transaction mechanism to enforce the transactional properties of the nested transactions. Our approach greatly reduces the developer's task as synchronization of collaborative activities is provided by our approach, so that the developer needs to code only isolated tasks with well-defined inputs and outputs. We also overview the TABS+ tool we built as a proof of concept to show that our approach is feasible, and we provide estimates on the cost of supporting the nested trade transactions.

Not yet another BPM lifecycle: A synthesis of existing approaches using BPMN

ContextBusiness Process Management (BPM) is considered an important management approach that encompasses a set of methods for managing the business processes of an organization. To maximize the benefits of BPM, scholars have conceptualized its steps in schematic diagrams with interrelated phases called BPM lifecycles. As this approach has been established, the phenomenon of perpetual proposition of BPM lifecycles has been observed in relevant literature. This practice obscures what should be relatively straightforward: a consensus among researchers and practitioners regarding the steps that a business process should flow through during its lifecycle. ObjectiveThe aim of this work is to investigate the existing BPM lifecycle models proposed in literature, identify convergences and variations in these models, analyze their core components and locate common patterns that will enable the synthesis of a BPM lifecycle that is conceptualized with Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN), the community de-facto business process modeling notation. MethodTo formalize the research problem and develop the design of a solution, the Design Science Research Process (DSRP) model was adopted. To investigate the perpetual proposition of BPM lifecycles in literature, the authors conducted a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). On whether recurring patterns can emerge from the BPM lifecycles, a normalization process was introduced to homogenize the data and four metrics were used to evaluate the results. The emerging patterns were assembled into a graph that formed the basis for proposing a synthetic BPM lifecycle. ResultsThe outcome of the paper is three-fold: First, the identification of four major inefficiencies of existing BPM lifecycles, namely varying granularity, inconsistent nomenclature, subjective polysemy, and lack of formal conceptualization approaches. Also, a standardized definition of the inclusive steps that exist in the lifecycles by clustering the existing ones in a conceptually systematic manner. Finally, a synthetic BPM lifecycle is conceptualized that systematizes the existing concepts and their interrelations based on a formalized BPMN model in two levels of granularity: a basic version that illustrates the functional and control-flow aspects of the BPM lifecycle and an enhanced version incorporating additionally the resource and data perspectives. ConclusionThis paper proposes a BPMN-based conceptualization of the BPM lifecycle that can facilitate the management of business processes by providing enhanced clarity, improved resource management, and predefined error handling in a BPM initiative. By systematizing the control-flow, data, and resource perspective of the BPM lifecycle, stakeholders can gain a clear understanding of the sequence of steps, the interrelated data flows, and the distribution of work.

Assessment of Usability in Health Referral Queue Systems: A Business Process Model and Nielsen Heuristics Analysis

This paper presents a comprehensive assessment of the usability in health referral queue systems through the lens of a public health management problem. To tackle the challenges encountered in Ibia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, a pioneering solution named the “Fila de Encaminhamento de Especialidades Médicas de Ibiá” (FEEMI) was devised, translating to the “Referral Queue for Medical Specialties in Ibiá” in English. The study involved the modeling of the existing manual health management process using Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN). A comparative analysis between the manual and automated processes revealed a significant reduction in manual tasks, from all 16 to merely 5, including crucial aspects such as medical exams and patient treatment. The FEEMI system successfully automated 10 tasks, streamlining health processes and enhancing overall efficiency. The system underwent rigorous testing, including unit tests and usability assessments based on Nielsen heuristics. The results indicated the robust functionality of the FEEMI system, ensuring error-free execution of critical functionalities and showcasing its resilience in handling potential issues. For patients, the FEEMI system introduces a new paradigm, offering improved quality of life and heightened security in health management processes.

RegTech Solutions: Generic Business Process Analysis and Modeling

Regulatory Technology, often known as RegTech, is an innovative strategy developed in the finance industry to streamline the regulatory compliance process. RegTech takes advantage of various new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), big data analytics (BD), cloud computing (CC), robotic process automation (RPA), and various other new technologies. RegTech can be applied to other industries where compliance with and oversight by rules are necessary. To support this, one way to be done is to analyze and model business processes for RegTech solutions in a generic style so that they can be adopted by various other fields in executing these solutions. In this research, a generic business process analysis of RegTech solutions was carried out through a literature study related to the use of RegTech in the financial industry. Next, modeling the analysis results using Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) with the support of the Bizagi application. The modeling results are then tested for validity and applied to a logical scenario related to non-financial regulatory compliance. The test results show that the business process modeling results are valid and can be used as a reference in implementing RegTech solutions outside the financial sector.

Diseño de una planta para la producción de bolsas oxo biodegradables, en la ciudad de Ocaña, Norte de Santander

This article presents the design of a plant for the production of oxo-biodegradable bags in the city of Ocaña, Norte de Santander, with the aim of reducing the environmental impact generated by plastic bags in the municipality. A market study is conducted to characterize plastic bag consumers and establish demand. In this particular case, customers are focused on the marketplace, retail supermarkets, and plastic bag distribution establishments. Based on customer preferences, the product design (capacity and type of bag) is developed, along with technical specifications and a generic logo. The design of the production process is carried out using the BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) modeling technique, outlining each phase of production. Simultaneously, a systemic focus matrix is designed, showing the inputs, activities, and outputs of the process. The plant's layout design applies the SLP (System Layout Planning) method, illustrating the arrangement of workstations through the plant floor plan for production, thus observing the flow of materials. For the final design, 3D design software is used to visualize the area, layout, and dimensions of the plant.

Design of sustainable electronic waste management business process transformation towards circular economy transition in Jakarta, Indonesia

E-waste or electronic waste management in developing countries still needs to catch up with developed countries. One of the challenges of electronic waste management in developing countries is its sustainability. Electronic waste management’s sustainability is essential for developing countries’ regional development. One of the promising concepts for developing sustainability for e-waste is the circular economy (CE). However, this requires mapping of e-waste management business processes. There needs to be more research on the business processes of e-waste management in developing countries toward CE transition, for example, Indonesia. Therefore, this research aims to design a business process transformation for sustainable e-waste management in Jakarta, Indonesia. We conducted this research using Business Process Modeling and Notation (BPMN). Our results give a new proposed business process for e-waste management. The new e-waste management business process is expected to improve efficiency and quality. This study will help policymakers and professionals to implement a better e-waste management system, especially in developing countries.

Modeling software processes from different domains using SPEM and BPMN notations: An experience report of teaching software processes

In a current application development scenario in different environments, technologies and contexts, such as IoT, Blockchain, Machine Learning and Cloud Computing, there is a need for particular solutions for domain-specific software development processes. The proper definition of software processes requires the understanding for the involved teams and organization’s particularities and specialized technical knowledge in Software Engineering. Although it is an essential part of Software Engineering, many university curricula do not dedicate as much effort to teaching software processes, focusing more on the basic principles of Software Engineering, such as requirements, architecture and programming languages. Another important aspect of software processes is modeling. The modeling of a software process provides a basis for managing, automating and supporting the software process improvement. In this context, teaching software process modeling becomes challenging, mainly due to the great emphasis on theory and few practices. This work presents an experience report teaching the definition and modeling of software processes in different domains. In the discipline of software processes, we applied a practice for defining and modeling processes in various application domains, such as: IoT, cloud, mobile, critical systems, self-adaptive systems, machine learning, blockchain and games. The processes were modeled in the Software Systems Process Engineering Metamodel (SPEM) and Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) notations based on references from the literature for each domain. We evaluated the process modeling practice with the SPEM and BPMN in two classes of the software processes discipline, and we had discussions about the use of the two notations applied to the different domains. In general, students reported good experiences in defining processes, highlighting the importance of practical modeling applications for professional life. As the main results of the study in teaching process modeling, we have that: (i) students accepted HEFLO tool better than EPF Composer tool; (ii) most students are not aware of specific domains and that anticipating the study of these domains in the discipline is a good strategy; and, (iii) the students also highlighted the need for more support for the two notation tools.

Process Mining Organization (PMO) Modeling and Healthcare Processes

Process mining organizatioQn (PMO) is an innovative approach based on artificial intelligence (AI) decision making suitable for designing healthcare processes for human resource (HR) organizations. The proposed work suggests some examples of PMO-based Business Process Modeling and Notation (BPMN) workflows by highlighting the advances in HR management and in risk decrease according to healthcare scenarios. Specifically proposed are different examples of “TO BE” process pipelines related to an upgrade of the organizational healthcare framework, including digital technologies and telemedicine. Important elements are provided to formulate HR management guidelines supporting PMO design. The proposed BPMN workflows are the result of different consulting actions in healthcare institutions based on the preliminary mapping of “AS IS” processes highlighting bottlenecks and needs in HR organization. A pilot experimental dataset is used to show how it is possible to apply AI algorithms providing organization corrective actions. The paper is mainly focused on discussing some validated BPMN models managing HR in the healthcare sector. The methodology is based on the application of the BPMN approach to deploy human resource organizational processes. The results show AI data-driven workflows adopted in healthcare and examples of AI fuzzy c-means outputs addressing organizational actions.

BPMN-VSM-based knowledge-work process analysis and improvement in police services: a case study

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the integrated application of business process modeling and notation (BPMN) and value stream mapping (VSM) to improve knowledge work performance and productivity in police services. In order to explore the application of the hybrid BPMN-VSM approach in police services, this study uses the department of digital crime investigation (DCI) in one Norwegian police district as a case study.Design/methodology/approachService process identification was the next step after selecting an appropriate organizational unit for the case study. BPMN-VSM-based current state mapping, including time and waste analyses, was used to determine cycle and lead time and identify value-adding and nonvalue-adding activities. Subsequently, improvement opportunities were identified, and the current state process was re-designed and constructed through future state mapping.FindingsThe study results indicate a 44.4% and 83.0% reduction in process cycle and lead time, respectively. This promising result suggests that the hybrid BPMN-VSM approach can support the visualization of bottlenecks and possible causes of increased lead times, followed by the systematic identification and proposals of avenues for future improvement and innovation to remedy the discovered inefficiencies in a complex knowledge-work environment.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focused on one department in a Norwegian police district. However, the experience gained can support researchers and practitioners in understanding lean implementation through an integrated BPMN and VSM model, offering a unique insight into the ability to investigate complex systems.Originality/valueComplex knowledge work processes generally characterize police services due to a high number of activities, resources and stakeholder involvement. Implementing lean thinking in this context is significantly challenging, and the literature on this topic is limited. This study addresses the applicability of the hybrid BPMN-VSM approach in police services with an original public sector case study in Norway.

A Hybrid Architectural Model for Monitoring Production Performance in the Plastic Injection Molding Process

Monitoring production systems is a key element for identifying waste and production efficiency, and for this purpose, the calculation of the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) is validly recognized in the scientific literature. The collection and analysis of the cause of the interruption of the plants is particularly useful in this sense. The use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in order to automate data collection for the purpose of calculating the OEE and the causes of interruption is effective. Furthermore, the existing literature lacks research studies that aim to improve the data quality of important process data that cannot be collected automatically. This study proposes the use of IoT technologies to request targeted and intelligent information inputs from the operators directly involved in the process, improving the completeness and accuracy of the information through the real-time and smart combination of manual and automated data. The Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) methodology was used to analyze and redesign the collection data process and define the architectural model with a deep knowledge of the specific process. The proposed architecture, designed for application to a plastic injection molding production line, comprises several elements: the telemetry of the injection molding machine, an intervention request system, an intervention tracking system, and a human–system interface. Furthermore, a dashboard was developed using the Power BI software, 2.122.746.0 version, to analyze the information collected. Reducing the randomness of manual data makes it possible to direct production efficiency efforts more effectively, helping to reduce waste and production costs. Reducing production costs appears to be strongly linked to reducing environmental impacts, and future studies will be able to quantify the benefits obtained from the solution in terms of environmental impact.

Patterns for modeling process variability in a healthcare context

PurposeMedical diagnosis and treatment processes exhibit a high degree of variability, as during the process execution, healthcare professionals can decide on additional steps, change the execution order or skip a task. Process models can help to document and to discuss such processes. However, depicting variability in graphical process models using standardized languages, such as Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN), can lead to large and complicated diagrams that medical staff who do not have formal training in modeling languages have difficulty understanding. This study proposes a pattern-based process visualization that medical doctors can understand without extensive training. The process descriptions using this pattern-based visualization can later be transformed into formal business process models in languages such as BPMN.Design/methodology/approachThe authors derived patterns for expressing variability in healthcare processes from the literature and medical guidelines. Then, the authors evaluated and revised these patterns based on interviews with physicians in a Danish hospital.FindingsA set of business process variability patterns was proposed to express situations with variability in hospital treatment and diagnosis processes. The interviewed medical doctors could translate the patterns into their daily work practice, and the patterns were used to model a hospital process.Practical implicationsWhen communicating with medical personnel, the patterns can be used as building blocks for documenting and discussing variable processes.Originality/valueThe patterns can reduce complexity in process visualization. This study provides the first validation of these patterns in a hospital.

A case study towards assessing the impact of mixed reality-based inspection and resolution of MEP issues during construction

Despite advances in 3D clash detection during preconstruction, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) installations are still prone to the detection of unforeseen clashes during construction. These issues must be resolved as quickly as possible to prevent significant schedule delays. Through interviews and field observations, this case study investigates the impact of mixed reality (MR) on the inspection and resolution of field-detected MEP issues from product, organization, and process (POP) perspectives. For the product impact, preliminary findings from the field interviews show that MR-based inspection would increase the quality of MEP installation by identifying errors easily and resolving them faster. For the organizational impact, we modeled and compared the current (as-is) and MR-integrated (to-be) MEP field issue resolution workflows using Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) and determined that MR-based inspections can decrease the coordination overhead between MEP engineers and superintendents by up to 75%. This translates into at least a 50% faster resolution of an MEP issue for the process impact. The paper contributes to the practice of MR-based field inspection by providing a method to quantify potential time savings by integrating MR into the MEP field issue resolution workflow and field interview questions for MEP engineers and superintendents to further examine the use of MR during inspection activities in construction projects. Our observations of MEP superintendents and engineers during field inspection showed that not all building information visualized in MR is useful for their inspection tasks. We developed a classification for building information usefulness to help construction project managers who are deploying MR determine useful information for the task at hand that needs to be integrated into the 3D MR model for MR-based inspections.

Application of business process modelling and reengineering to law making process in Poland

Effectiveness of services provided by the governmental institutions is determined by the quality of established law. The number of the adopted regulations is increasing but their quality is going down. Improvement of existing legislation is a time-consuming and difficult task. We propose to apply techniques of business process modeling and reengineering to im-prove quality of law in the course of law-making. The main contribution of the article is a me-thod based on application of Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) to design processes introduced by the legal acts. Due to application of this method, processes regulated by legisla-tions could be failure-free and effective. This method permits to indicate how proposed amend-ments affect the regulated processes. The method was practically implemented and validated during process of law-making in Poland. This case empirically confirmed that application of our method could enhance the quality of public processes regulated by legislation.

Toward an interoperable, intraoperative situation recognition system via process modeling, execution, and control using the standards BPMN and CMMN

PurposeFor the modeling, execution, and control of complex, non-standardized intraoperative processes, a modeling language is needed that reflects the variability of interventions. As the established Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) reaches its limits in terms of flexibility, the Case Management Model and Notation (CMMN) was considered as it addresses weakly structured processes.MethodsTo analyze the suitability of the modeling languages, BPMN and CMMN models of a Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy and Cochlea Implantation were derived and integrated into a situation recognition workflow. Test cases were used to contrast the differences and compare the advantages and disadvantages of the models concerning modeling, execution, and control. Furthermore, the impact on transferability was investigated.ResultsCompared to BPMN, CMMN allows flexibility for modeling intraoperative processes while remaining understandable. Although more effort and process knowledge are needed for execution and control within a situation recognition system, CMMN enables better transferability of the models and therefore the system. Concluding, CMMN should be chosen as a supplement to BPMN for flexible process parts that can only be covered insufficiently by BPMN, or otherwise as a replacement for the entire process.ConclusionCMMN offers the flexibility for variable, weakly structured process parts, and is thus suitable for surgical interventions. A combination of both notations could allow optimal use of their advantages and support the transferability of the situation recognition system.

Design of “Chicken Move Tracking” Integrated System as an Innovation to Support a Sustainable Economy in Pitiek Racing Sidomulyo Distribution

Pitiek Balap Sidomulyo is a business engaged in the distribution of chickens. The scope of this business market is in the form of restaurants, markets, hotels, and chicken slaughterhouses in Yogyakarta and Jakarta. Based on the observed data, problems were found, namely in the shipping and distribution management sections that were not optimal. The purpose of this study is to analyze and design an information system to support a sustainable economy in the distribution of chicken from distributors to consumers. The methods used are observation, interviews and literature studies which are then made into an information system design using the Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN), and the Unified Modeling Language (UML). The design of this information system is expected to be able to increase the effectiveness of the Supply Chain Management of chicken distribution in the Pitiek Balap Sidomulyo business

PENYEMPURNAAN PROSES REKONSILIASI MELALUI SAKTI: PENERAPAN METODE BUSINESS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT PADA AKUNTANSI PEMERINTAH PUSAT REPUBLIK INDONESIA

REFINING RECONCILIATION PROCESS THROUGH SAKTI: AN APPLICATION OF BUSINESS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT ON GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTING IN REPUBLIC OF INDONESIASAKTI full module Implementation as an integrated government accounting system, bring significant changes on reconciliation business process for state financial transactions. MonSAKTI reconciliation business process requires an improvement to be able to maximize the reporting process and minimize reconciliation time process. This study uses Business Process Modelling and Notation (BPMN) diagram to analyze and evaluate business process as-is and business process to-be and Business Process Improvement (BPI) to reform and enhance the performance of to existing business processes. The result from analyzing and evaluating business process as-is and business process to-be is improvement on real value added process, lessen on business value added process and eliminate non value added process, so the processing time is down to 33,33% and system complexity score reduce to 19,30%.

Artificial Intelligence Applied to a First Screening of Naevoid Melanoma: A New Use of Fast Random Forest Algorithm in Dermatopathology.

Malignant melanoma (MM) is the "great mime" of dermatopathology, and it can present such rare variants that even the most experienced pathologist might miss or misdiagnose them. Naevoid melanoma (NM), which accounts for about 1% of all MM cases, is a constant challenge, and when it is not diagnosed in a timely manner, it can even lead to death. In recent years, artificial intelligence has revolutionised much of what has been achieved in the biomedical field, and what once seemed distant is now almost incorporated into the diagnostic therapeutic flow chart. In this paper, we present the results of a machine learning approach that applies a fast random forest (FRF) algorithm to a cohort of naevoid melanomas in an attempt to understand if and how this approach could be incorporated into the business process modelling and notation (BPMN) approach. The FRF algorithm provides an innovative approach to formulating a clinical protocol oriented toward reducing the risk of NM misdiagnosis. The work provides the methodology to integrate FRF into a mapped clinical process.

APPROACH TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMPETENCY-BASED APPROACH IN THE LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

This paper solves the urgent problem of improving the tracking of the process of acquiring competencies by students through the means of analyzing the learning management system data and visualizing the results of the learning process. The object of the study is to track the process of acquiring competencies by students. The subject of the study includes software components for the implementation of a competency-based approach in the learning management system. The purpose of the study is to improve the tracking of the process of acquiring competencies by students by analyzing the data of the Learning Management System (LMS) and visualizing the results of the learning process. Thus, to achieve this goal, we analyzed the technologies for processing learning data from LMS, analyzed the features of modeling the learning process based on Petri nets and BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation), determined a data structure, and proposed an algorithm for building a model and visualizing the learning process data. The developed software components allow processing of learning process data from LMS, building models and visualizations of learning process data, saving the results to data warehouses, depicting the learning process model, and visualizing learning process data for further analytical processing.

Business Process Management Analysis with Cost Information in Public Organizations: A Case Study at an Academic Library

Public organizations must provide high-quality services at a lower cost. In order to accomplish this goal, they need to apply well accepted cost methods and evaluate the efficiency of their processes using Business Process Management (BPM). However, only a few studies have evaluated the addition of cost information to a process model in a public organization. The aim of the research is to evaluate the combination of cost data to process modeling in an academic library. Our research suggests a new and easy to implement process analysis in three phases. We have combined qualitative (i.e., interviews with the library staff) and quantitative research methods (i.e., estimation of time and cost for each activity and process) to model two important processes of the academic library of the University of Macedonia (UoM). We have modeled the lending and return processes using Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) in an easy-to-understand format. We have evaluated the costs of each process and sub process with the use of Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC) method. The library’s managers found our methodology and results very helpful. Our analysis confirmed that the combination of workflow and cost analysis may significantly improve the decision-making procedure and the efficiency of an organization’s processes. However, we need to further research and evaluate the appropriateness of the combination of various cost and BPM methods in other public organizations.

Improving conformance checking in process modelling: a multiperspective algorithm

Business process model and notation (BPMN) is a popular notation used for process modelling mainly due to its high expressiveness. However, BPMN has shortcomings when dealing with specific domains (namely Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points systems), struggling to model activity duration, quality control points, activity effects and monitoring nature. To tackle these limitations, the business process model and notation extended expressiveness (BPMN-E2) was proposed. In this paper, a multiperspective conformance checking algorithm is developed focusing on detecting non-conformity between an event log and a process model, regarding the information provided by the new elements within BPMN-E2. The proposed algorithm follows a two-step approach that starts by converting the model into a directly follows model (annotated with conformance rules), which is then used in a second phase to perform conformance checking effectively. This modular approach allows to apply the proposed algorithm to other process model notations than BPMN-E2. An event log clustering technique was also developed to downsize large-event logs without compromising data relevance. In this way, both the multiperspective algorithm and the log-downsize clustering technique here proposed are a key contribution to improve conformance checking in process modelling, as evinced in the proof-of-concept provided.