BPDMN: A Conservative Extension of BPMN with Enhanced Data Representation Capabilities

TL;DR

This paper introduces BPDMN, an extension of BPMN that enhances data representation capabilities by integrating data-specific constructs, improving modeling expressiveness for business processes.

Contribution

It presents a conservative extension of BPMN with new data constructs based on existing data modeling notations, aligned with workflow data patterns.

Findings

Enhanced data modeling in BPMN diagrams

Mappings to XML-based business process languages

Improved expressiveness for business process design

Abstract

The design of business processes involves the usage of modeling languages, tools and methodologies. In this paper we highlight and address a relevant limitation of the Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN): its weak data representation capabilities. In particular, we extend it with data-specific constructs derived from existing data modeling notations and adapted to blend gracefully into BPMN diagrams. The extension has been developed taking existing modeling languages and requirement analyses into account: we characterize our notation using the Workfl ow Data Patterns and provide mappings to the main XML-based business process languages.