Modularization, Composition, and Hierarchization of Petri Nets with Heraklit

TL;DR

This paper introduces a universal composition operator for Petri nets, enabling modular design and hierarchical structuring, supported by algebraic representation and case studies demonstrating its practical application.

Contribution

It proposes a new composition operator and refinement concept for Petri nets, enhancing modularization and hierarchical modeling capabilities.

Findings

Case studies demonstrate effective composition of large systems from small net snippets.

The algebraic framework facilitates understanding and manipulating complex Petri nets.

Future field studies are needed to assess real-world impact.

Abstract

It is known for decades that computer-based systems cannot be understood without a concept of modularization and decomposition. We suggest a universal, expressive, intuitively attractive composition operator for Petri nets, combined with a refinement concept and an algebraic representation of nets and their composition. Case studies show exemplarily, how large systems can be composed from tiny net snippets. In the future, more field studies are needed to better understand the consequences of the proposed ideas in the real world.