Business Process Modeling Research Articles

Model-based approach to formalizing a production system architecture

An approach to developing a set of related system models that forms the boundaries of the subject area, a hierarchical decomposition of the target system itself and its formalized description, called Model-based System Engineering, is considered. This approach is one of the basic systems engineering tools in the system modeling practice of complex systems. The results associated with the application of a model-based approach in complex supply chain planning systems in the electronics industry are presented. A comparative analysis of modeling languages for systems (SysML), web ontology (OWL) and the visual language of the BPMN method was carried out from the perspective of tools and a model-oriented approach. Recommendations are given on the use of tools for developing visual system models when modeling the order management process within the framework of supply chain control in the electronic equipment production. Keywords visual modeling, model-based systems engineering, MBSE, business process modeling, BPMN, SysML, ontology development, OWL

Integration of Process Modeling and Six Sigma for defect reduction: A case study in a wind blade factory

The energetic and environmental crisis currently being experienced around the world has brought an exponential growth on the demand for wind energy, and, consequently, real challenges for companies in this sector. Since this industry is relatively new, its production processes require a significant amount of human intervention and have a high variability in the process and high lead times. Therefore, there is a need to focus on the quality of the processes and their improvement. This paper presents the use of the Six Sigma DMAIC approach integrated with Business Process Management, to reduce the number of defects and the repair time in a leading wind blade manufacturing company in Portugal. During the measurement and analysis phases, data was collected to understand the performance of the process and to identify the main problems and their causes. The data was analysed through several graphical and statistical techniques. In the analysis phase, process modeling was also utilized, using Business Process Model and Notation, to identify the critical steps that are responsible for producing the majority of defects. One month after beginning to use this approach, it was possible to notice a reduction in the number of defects by more than 30%, in the repair time by 14%, and an increase in the process sigma level by more than 100%. Thus, this hybrid approach has allowed the company to become more competitive and responsive to the constant growth in demand.

Methodology for forming an enterprise activity model with two-way verification based on private logics for performing professional activities

In the process of digital transformation of enterprises, it is necessary to comprehensively consider its activities. The traditional technology for documenting activities is business process models, but they do not answer the question of how an employee performs the tasks assigned to him. In addition, for business process models there are no tools for checking completeness and consistency at the stage of their construction. The article proposes a new methodology for forming a model of enterprise activity, which is based on the abstraction of the mechanism of action. The technique provides two-way verification of the model both from subject matter experts and from ordinary field employees.

Multi-dimensional Classification of Sensitive Business Process Modeling Aspects

This paper introduces the problematic of the sensitive business processes (SBP) modeling. First of all, we propose a characterization of SBP (which distinguishes it from classic, structured and conventional BPs). Secondly, we the different SBP modeling aspects and requirements to develop expressive, comprehensive and rigorous models. Besides, we present an in-depth study of the different modeling approaches and languages, in order to analyze their expressiveness and their ability to perfectly and explicitly represent the new specific requirements of SBP modeling. In this study, we choose the better one positioned nowadays, BPMN 2.0, as the best suited standard for SBP representation.

Resource Requirements in Business Process Modelling: An Implementation to the Vehicle Routing Problem

Resource Requirements in Business Process Modelling: An Implementation to the Vehicle Routing Problem

Performance measurement of reading teaching-learning Business Processes: case of whole-word and syllabic reading methods in primary schools

In the educational filed, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aim to provide an opportunity to evaluate the performance of em- ployees, teachers’ skills and pedagogy, students’ results, learning objects, educational institutions and teaching-learning methods. In this research work, we focus on studying the performance of reading teaching-learning methods, specifically whole-word and syllabic languages learning methods. More precisely, we propose a Business Process Management (BPM) based approach for per- formance measurement of the corresponding business processes of the both methods. We elaborated the reading teaching-learning business processes using Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN), which is a widely adopted standard for formalizing busi- ness process modeling. We prepared a set of KPI for the different activities and for the whole process. We used these KPIs to gauge the performance of each business process and make comparisons between them. To validate our approach, we launched a dedicated questionnaire to primary school teachers in the third grade. By using this questionnaire, we were able to evaluate the overall perfor- mance of each reading process. Our findings indicate that the whole-word method is the most effective teaching method compared to the other.

Automatic conceptual database design based on heterogeneous source artifacts

The article presents an approach to the automatic derivation of conceptual database models from heterogeneous source artifacts. The approach is based on the integration of conceptual database models that are derived from source artifacts of one single type by already existing tools, whereby those models possess limited certainty given their limited completeness and correctness. The uncertainty of the automatically derived models from specific source artifacts is expressed and managed through the effectiveness measure of the generation of specific concepts of the input conceptual database models. The approach is implemented by the DBomnia tool ? the first online web-based tool enabling automatic derivation of conceptual database models from heterogeneous source artifacts (business process models and textual specifications). DBomnia employs other pre-existing tools to derive conceptual models from sources of the same type and then integrates those models. The case study-based evaluation proves that the implemented approach enables effective automatic derivation of the conceptual database model from a set of heterogeneous source artifacts. Moreover, the automatic derivation of the conceptual database model from a set of heterogeneous source artifacts is more effective than each independent automatic derivation of the conceptual database model from sources of one single type only.

A Method for Extracting BPMN Models from Textual Descriptions Using Natural Language Processing

Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) is a standard for formally modeling complex business processes. Manual creation of BPMN models can be time-consuming and error-prone, prompting a need for automation. Existing approaches, such as rule-based methods, machine learning, and machine translation, have progressed but face accuracy and real-world applicability challenges. In this research paper, we propose a novel method for automated extraction of BPMN models from textual descriptions using natural language processing (NLP) tools and deep learning models, including the spaCy library for text processing, a fine-tuned BERT model, and state-of-the-art large language models like GPT-3.5-Turbo and GPT-4. We utilize Graphviz, an open-source graph visualization software, to visualize the extracted processes. Our method supports representing tasks, exclusive gateways, parallel gateways, and start and end events in the generated BPMN models. The evaluation of 31 textual descriptions shows that our method generates process models with 96% accuracy using GPT-4 and 80% accuracy using GPT-3.5-Turbo large language models. Although subject to certain limitations, such as occasional inaccuracies in model outputs and reliance on well-formed input text, our approach offers a valuable contribution to the growing body of research on automating BPMN model generation.

КЛЮЧОВІ АСПЕКТИ МОДЕЛЮВАННЯ БІЗНЕС-ПРОЦЕСІВ У СФЕРІ ГОТЕЛЬНО-РЕСТОРАННОЇ ІНДУСТРІЇ В УМОВАХ НЕВИЗНАЧЕНОСТІ

The article examines modern approaches to modeling business processes in the hotel and restaurant industry in Ukraine. It emphasizes that over the past three decades, strategy has been the primary building block of competitiveness, but in the future, the search for sustainable advantage may shift to the processes of business model formation. The article describes various authors' approaches to this concept and the sequential stages of building a business model under unstable economic conditions. It characterizes the differences between business processes in the hotel and restaurant sectors and proposes an author's approach to the key elements of business modeling. Based on analyzed data, the article concludes that the leading hotel chain, Marriott International Inc., views sustainability as a key aspect of all business processes. Consequently, it highlights major development directions such as investing in the latest technologies, particularly in improving user digital platforms, developing the mid-price segment, and digital transformation, which could be relevant for other hotel and restaurant chains, including those in Ukraine. Different business models in the hotel and restaurant industry are shaped by commercial decisions made by hotel investors and hotel management companies regarding: оwnership of hotel premises and buildings; brand independence or affiliation with a larger hotel network operating under a unified brand; establishing and ensuring compliance with brand standards; risk distribution and profit-taking from hotel business operations; managing the team that makes daily operational decisions in the hotel (including staff recruitment and training). Thus, the further successful development and operation of enterprises in the hotel and restaurant industry will depend on their ability to adapt to changing market conditions, implement innovative solutions, and maintain sustainable development. The key aspects of business process modeling proposed in the article will introduce an element of certainty into the enterprise management process and integrate the latest management approaches into specific business processes, considering their specificity. Depending on the set goals, the methodology for modeling business processes can be narrowed or expanded.

Context-aware early warning method for monitoring business flow anomalies in transmission grid construction based on context-awareness

Abstract Based on context-aware theory, this paper proposes an online anomaly detection and warning method for multi-angle transmission grid construction business processes. The business process model for transmission grid construction is constructed using a Petri net, and the data is preprocessed. The context in the business event log is initially refined, and the data in the model training is labeled using the supervised learning method. The sliding window Euclidean distance model is applied to build an anomaly detection model for the transmission grid construction business process, and the data is filtered by mean value aggregation to obtain the threshold value for anomaly monitoring and to realize anomaly detection and warning. This paper’s anomaly detection and early warning model is applied to carry out transmission grid construction business flow optimization practice in the G Power Supply Bureau of Yunnan Province, China. Since the optimization in June, the timeliness and accuracy of material matching of G Power Supply Bureau have been stable at more than 90%, and the execution rate of the operation plan and on-time completion rate of billing have also been maintained at a high level of about 95%. The number of cancellations and adjustments to transmission network construction operations has decreased from 20% to 30% to less than 7%, and the overall satisfaction score of transmission network construction business processes has reached 4.15.

Диджиталізація бізнес-процесів ТОВ «Епіцентр К» як інструмент їх удосконалення

The article is devoted to the relevant topic of development and improvement of the enterprise’s business processes. The aim of the article is to study the practical aspects of improving business processes using the example of «Epicenter K» LLC through the implementation of digital technologies. It is clarified that there is a significant improvement in the field of business process classification. The article offers the author’s view of their division into development processes, main business processes, management processes and auxiliary business processes. The directions of development of the «Epicenter K» LLC group of companies within each of the groups were considered. The main business processes, which were improved by the company «Epicenter K» LLC, have been considered. The main methods of improvement and optimization of business processes of «Epicenter K» LLC have been determined. Examples of the use of modeling and description of business processes are provided: benchmarking, process engineering, and business process reengineering. It is determined that the main instrument for improving the business processes of «Epicenter K» LLC is their digitalization and digitization. It is clarified that the company is actively using digitalization to improve its business processes and to meet the needs of customers in both food and non-food products and services to the maximum extent. Examples of digitalization of business processes of «Epicenter K» LLC are provided: communications, trade process, work of employees of trade departments, document flow and production process. It is concluded that «Epicenter K» LLC is a leading domestic company in the field of retail and production, which every year more and more applies the strategy of diversification and optimization of its business processes, allowing to maximally satisfy customer requests in quality goods and services. The main directions of the company’s development in the field of digitalization and digitization of business processes are outlined in order to ensure profitability, reduce costs and increase labor productivity.

Improving Comprehensibility of IoT-Driven Business Processes through BPMN 2.0 Extension: A User Study

Enhancing business processes with IoT capabilities enables the collection of data, which can be leveraged to optimize and automate business processes. As a prerequisite for exploiting these benefits in the context of BPM, IoT aspects needs to be explicitly captured in business models. Modeling IoT-driven business processes with BPMN 2.0, however, might be hindered by the ambiguous use of the modeling elements. To tackle this challenge, we have proposed a BPMN 2.0 extension for IoT (BPMNE4IoT) that incorporates specific IoT modeling elements. BPMNE4IoT enables the modeling, execution, monitoring, and recording of IoT-driven business processes. In general, the effectiveness of any BPMN 2.0 extensions depend on its comprehensibility by BPM practitioners. Consequently, user studies are required, which investigate the effects of IoT-specific elements on process model readers. This paper presents the results of such a user study (N=249), which aims to determine whether IoT involvement becomes visually better apparent in our language extension BPMNE4IoT compared to standard BPMN 2.0. In particular, the user study confirms that the involvement of IoT aspects in BPMNE4IoT is more discernible for both experts and non-experts compared to the BPMN 2.0 standard.

СУЧАСНІ ІНСТРУМЕНТИ РЕІНЖИНІРИНГУ БІЗНЕС МОДЕЛЕЙ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ

The activity of every enterprise is constantly accompanied by challenges and threats from both the internal and external environment of its functioning. That is why effectively established processes are often a guarantee of its success and sustainability. The reengineering of business processes itself is the tool that allows you to significantly improve your work, due to a radical reassessment and transformation of the main business processes. This tool aims to achieve improvements in key indicators such as costs, quality, service and speed. The article establishes the relevance of transformations in business processes using reengineering. A retrospective of the evolution of approaches to reengineering was conducted. The experience of using it to improve the performance of the business giant Ford is presented. It has been determined what advantages enterprises receive from the reengineering of business processes. The main stages of reengineering are grouped: mapping the current state of business processes, analyzing them and identifying gaps, finding opportunities to improve business processes and their verification, developing a process map of the future state and implementing future changes. It was determined that these stages may vary depending on the specifics of the enterprise's activities. The principles of effective reengineering are presented, according to Hammer M. and Champy J. Modern business process reengineering tools are specified: IT, change management, value chains, benchmarking, model change, monitoring, active accounting, GAP analysis, Lean and Six Sigma, Business Process Management, design thinking and modeling and stimulation. Systematized recommendations for increasing the efficiency of the reorganization process, in particular, using only proven methodology, documenting the reasons for introducing changes, analyzing business needs, taking any actions taking into account the priority of customers, as well as effective change management. Further prospects of research in the chosen direction are outlined, taking into account the achievements of artificial intelligence.

Towards digital readiness of evidence-based practice in a regional cancer center using role-based business process and data modeling.

Evidence-based practice is a problem-based solving approach to clinical practice that encourages nurses providing personalized patient care while utilizing the necessary scientific evidence for a better understanding of risks and benefits of diagnostic tests and treatments. Digital transformation of an organization begins with attaining an acceptable digital readiness level. One approach entails specifying and modeling their processes and the respective data models. In Jordan, at King Hussein Cancer Center-an international and regional accredited cancer care hospital-their nursing practice requires obtaining a standardized specification of evidence-based practice processes and their respective conceptual data model that is currently not specified for digital readiness. The design science research methodology was adopted to deliver two increments. The first was concerned with the design, development, and demonstration of eight evidence-based practice processes specified using BPMN. The second was related to the design and development, demonstration, and evaluation of a respective derived data model of the case study. Both increments involved interviews with domain experts for elicitation and validation. Eight evidence-based practice process models were identified and specified using BPMN along with their associated data models, where one representative process model was utilized in this research to demonstrate the effectiveness of process and data modeling towards digital readiness of evidence-based practice in regional cancer center. Both deliverables enabled the evidence-based practice management to attain common understanding to identify inefficiencies, redundancies, and areas for improvement that can be addressed through digital solutions. Evidence -based practice BPMN process models were considered as a road map to follow up a project implementation and a rich visualization to perform data analytics to identify evidence-based practice trends, patterns, and insights that can inform strategic data-driven decisions. Both deliverables were concluded necessary for developing respective information systems in the journey towards digital transformation.

СТРАТЕГИЯ И ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ ВНЕДРЕНИЯ ЦИФРОВЫХ ИНСТРУМЕНТОВ В ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТЬ СОВРЕМЕННОГО БИЗНЕСА (НА ПРИМЕРЕ СИСТЕМ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ БИЗНЕС-ПРОЦЕССАМИ)

The article is devoted to the study of the development and effectiveness of implementing a strategy for introducing digital tools into the activities of modern business using the example of a business process management system (BPM system). The existing views are characterized in understanding the stages of digital transformation of business through a process approach, which involves the gradual introduction of digital technologies and the transition from their situational, spontaneous or partial application to a comprehensive and at the same time gradual digitization of business. The features and nature of digitalization of business processes are described, classifications of business processes and the focus of the BPM system on them are highlighted. The elements, features, advantages and disadvantages of a business process management system are clarified, and the stages of introducing such a system into business as an applied tool for digital transformation are identified. Based on the results of the study, conclusions are drawn about the prospects for launching digital transformation from a BPM system, which makes it possible to collect comprehensive information about the business model and business processes of a business entity and make a subsequent transition to the targeted and coordinated implementation of digital technologies in their systemic representation. The effectiveness of such an introduction of digital tools into the activities of modern business comes down to a system of perspectives: optimization and improvement of the quality of management under the influence of digital technologies and new solutions; achieving the goals and objectives set at the strategic level to improve business efficiency; alignment with digital transformation, behind which lies the formation of an open business model and digital ecosystem.

Разработка инструментов поддержки системы управления проектами цифровой трансформации предприятия на основе больших данных

In the context of the digital economy development and the transition to the data economy, it is necessary to work out iteratively the strategy of digital transformation of the enterprise on an ongoing basis, as well as optimize the digital project portfolio to achieve strategic business goals and obtain new quality and value of the business model and business processes due to the digitalization advantages. The study identifies the directions for the formation of a management system model that correspond to modern trends in enterprise digitalization and intellectualization based on approaches, tools and standards of project management. The conducted theoretical research allowed developing a set of tools that includes a conceptual model of the digital transformation project management system, a methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of the analytical subsystem for managing digital transformation projects based on big data and a generalized model for forming a strategy for managing digital transformation projects of an enterprise. The proposed authors’ methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of the analytical subsystem for managing digital transformation projects based on big data can be used as one of the tools for assessing the digital maturity of an enterprise and the level of use of big data tools in management. This will allow identifying problem areas for the development of a management system based on big data, as well as reasonably forming an analytical infrastructure for digital transformation corresponding to the transition towards the data economy. The developed conceptual model of the digital transformation project management system is aimed at forming an effective portfolio taking into account risks, the external and internal context of the enterprise, and includes a mechanism for choosing an approach (flexible, classic, hybrid) to managing digital transformation projects.

ТЕОРЕТИЧНИЙ АНАЛІЗ ОПТИМІЗАЦІЇ УПРАВЛІННЯ БІЗНЕС-ПРОЦЕСАМИ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА В ПАРАДИГМІ ПРОЦЕСНОГО ПІДХОДУ

The article explores the vital subject of optimizing business process management, which is essential for enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of enterprises. The study evaluates various perspectives, including economic, engineering, and managerial aspects, and underscores the importance of mathematical models over descriptive models in achieving precise and effective optimization. Descriptive models, despite their widespread use, do not guarantee optimal outcomes. The article emphasizes the need for mathematical models to accurately optimize business processes, considering various criteria and constraints. This approach aims to address the limitations of current descriptive models and advocates for the development of specific mathematical models to manage business process optimization under uncertainty. Key findings reveal that optimization in business process management has a significant impact on enterprise efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. The process approach, which concentrates on enhancing individual business processes, is highlighted as a crucial paradigm in modern management. The research calls for further investigations to develop mathematical models that can deliver more reliable and precise optimization results, especially in uncertain conditions. In conclusion, the article supports the transition from descriptive to mathematical models in optimizing business process management to achieve maximum efficiency and competitiveness in enterprises. Future research will focus on developing mathematical optimization models for business processes, particularly those related to new product development under uncertain conditions. This shift is anticipated to offer more accurate and effective solutions for optimizing business processes in a dynamic and unpredictable business environment. Furthermore, the article highlights the need for continuous development and application of mathematical approaches to ensure that business processes are optimized effectively. It stresses the importance of incorporating various optimization criteria and constraints to achieve the best possible outcomes. By transitioning to mathematical models, businesses can better navigate the complexities and uncertainties inherent in today's competitive landscape, leading to improved performance and sustainable growth.

ИМИТАЦИОННОЕ МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЕ БИЗНЕС-ПРОЦЕССОВ В УСЛОВИЯХ ЦИФРОВОЙ ТРАНСФОРМАЦИИ ЭКОНОМИКИ

The article is devoted to the problem of teaching skills of simulation modeling of business processes of an enterprise in the conditions of its digital transformation. An example of a training case shows the possibilities of using simulation modeling tools to visualize and quantify the results of a university admissions campaign. The direction of further research on the development of methodological materials for the development of digital twins, taking into account simulation models of business processes of the enterprise, is outlined.

Increasing competitiveness of enterprises by optimizing business processes as a factor of sustainable development of industrial region

This paper presents the results of research of enterprise business processes using analysis and optimization methods. The paper applies matrices of pairwise comparisons of tasks and symbols, as well as the responsibility matrix to identify weaknesses and optimize the workloads of employees. Measures to improve business processes were developed and implemented, which allowed to equalize the workload between employees and improve the efficiency of the enterprise. In the end, ideal models of business processes were created and a set of diagrams was developed for them, reflecting the future state of the organization. The results of the research can be used to optimize the work of other enterprises in the food industry and improve their competitiveness in the market.

Modeling processes of digital transformation of organization and waste collection of farming households

The article justifies the necessity of using software tools to organize the processes of waste collection, sorting, temporary storage, and disposal for farms and large agro-industrial complexes. To create a specialized software product, formal models of the processes are developed which show all aspects of their implementation. The method of structural analysis is used to identify key objects and corresponding rules of their interaction. The use of Business Process Model and Notation enables the creation of models that depict the interaction of objects and the relationships between tasks, as well as the necessary resources for the developed software product. These models can be used to create a software product and technical documentation supporting the process of its operation, as well as to create job descriptions.