SIGNAL -- The SAP Signavio Analytics Query Language

TL;DR

SIGNAL is a specialized query language and engine designed for efficient process data retrieval in large-scale cloud systems, featuring an SQL-like syntax and temporal operators for enhanced usability.

Contribution

The paper introduces SIGNAL, a novel process data query language optimized for speed and usability in cloud environments, with unique temporal and pattern matching features.

Findings

SIGNAL achieves fast read access with in-memory columnar storage.

The language's syntax supports domain-specific temporal queries.

Implementation reveals key research challenges in process data querying.

Abstract

This paper provides an introduction to and discussion of SIGNAL, an industry-scale process data querying language and engine for large-scale cloud-based systems that is developed by SAP Signavio. SIGNAL is optimized for fast read access to process data in event log format and utilizes an in-memory columnar store to this end. To facilitate usability, SIGNAL uses an SQL-like syntax with additional domain-specific querying features and in particular row-pattern matching-based temporal operators. Also, the paper highlights research challenges related to process querying that are informed by the implementation and application of SIGNAL.